The 2018 U23 Women’s representative team has a very large influence from the WBC Champion Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats
A huge pool of players expressing interest in being considered for representing the region, and made life very hard for the selection committee in terms of naming the final team roster.
Head Coach Joshua Thompson said “I’m very excited to have women come back from America and wanting to play in the tournament this year. This is important for the growth of the female game, as now players who don’t go overseas, or may not be competing at the WBC level, have a chance to show their talents.
“This year, it was very tough to leave a players out, but having the likes of Tessa Morrison, Tessa Boagni and Laken Wairau added – they bring a US experience with them that you just can’t teach. I’m very much looking forward to this year’s tournament, and trying to bring home the trophy for the Canterbury region.”
There was no formal for the 2018 team, instead interested players were invited to put their names forward, and have their performance over a number of weeks evaluated. Thompson will be starting practices with the team following the conclusion of the WBC’s Final Tournament (5-7 July), with the U23 Tournament taking place in Porirua on 8-11 August.
Under 23 2018 Waitaha Women’s Team:
Tessa Boagni – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Minties
Lucy Brown – Lincoln University (Scholarship)
Caitlin Grice – North Canterbury WBC/Lincoln University (Scholarship)
Kendal Hastie – Wolverines
Tessa Morrison – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Wolverines
Ajiah Pepe – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Lincoln University (Scholarship)
Connie Poletti – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Lincoln University (Scholarship)
Sophie Schrader – Lincoln University (Scholarship)
Laken Wairau – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Halswell
Sapphire Wairau – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Halswell
Head Coach – Joshua Thompson – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Lincoln University
Assistant Coach – Shea Crotty – Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats/Lincoln University
Manager – Mindy Morrison
Photos courtesy BBNZ
