North West Premiers Make Hot Start
Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club | November 28, 2025
The North West Premiers have opened the 2025/26 summer in stunning fashion, winning all seven of their fixtures to date. The squad has steadily built over the past four seasons since entering the Premier competition, and their rise is now fuelled by elite work ethic, strong team culture, and a willingness to adapt to the modern game.
These efforts were highlighted by Izzy Sharp earning her WHITE FERNS debut — becoming the club’s first women’s international. With increasing domestic experience across the group, the side is now asserting genuine dominance on the competition.
The campaign began with three 50-over matches before shifting into a run of four T20s, with a couple of byes sprinkled around the domestic calendar. The opening one-day fixture produced a clinical chase over Lancaster Park, hauling in 225 with four wickets and five overs in hand. On debut, Kate Irwin crafted a classy 61*, while Libby Stead impressed with the ball, taking 3/49.
Round Two delivered a tense finish. After holding OBC to 187 all out, NWWC snuck home by a single wicket thanks to Jodie Deans’ valuable 45 and Kate Chandler’s composed unbeaten 32. Again, Libby Stead starred with 4/35, supported by Sammy Borcoski with 3/21.
Round Three against Sydenham was another tight contest, with a chase of 189 completed with two wickets to spare. The Borcoski sisters, Eloise and Sammy, combined for seven wickets before WF Izzy Sharp struck a silky 53 and Gail Hotton anchored the finish with a vital 32*.
The T20 campaign has lacked the late-game drama of the 50-over format — mostly because the Premiers have been simply too dominant. Four large wins followed, all while chasing.
The opener, affected by DWL regulations, saw the side restrict Lancaster Park to 89/8, led by Gail Hotton with 2/13 off four. A revised target of 51 was chased with ease for the loss of just two wickets.
Round Two featured another suffocating bowling display, keeping OBC to 86/7. Gabby Sullivan was superb with 3/6 from her four overs, underlining why she’s considered one of the finest young seamers in the domestic game. The chase was completed one down, with Kate Irwin top scoring on 40.
Round Three against Sydenham followed a similar script — Sullivan delivering two maidens and 2/8, while Hotton bagged 3/12. The chase was again completed one down, Eloise Borcoski finishing 24*.
The fourth T20 saw Lancaster Park dismissed for 74, spearheaded by Lexie Boon’s outstanding 4/17. Izzy Sharp then led the reply with 28 as the Premiers cruised home with seven wickets and seven overs to spare.
It has been a superb start to the summer for the group. With a heavy Magicians programme ahead, squad depth will be tested — but all signs point toward the Premiers pushing hard for multiple trophies this season.
Figure 1 Gail Hotton counterattacking
Figure 2 Gabby Sullivan in action
Clip from the Captains Circle Beacon with former Australian Cricket Captain Belinda Clark - What leadership means to me
