All three of the 40-over matches went the way of the U19 side, but the Police team, spearheaded by top domestic players Erin Bermingham, Katie Perkins, Sarah Wynands and Georgia Guy, provided stiff competition.

The first match got off to a rocky start for Police, losing four for 28 early in their innings. However, a gritty knock of 33 from Wynands, and contributions from Georgia Guy (24) and Olivia Gregory (38), helped the side reach a respectable 150-7 off their 40 overs.

That total appeared defendable on the tricky pitch, with the U19s facing a small batting collapse of their own. However, big hitting from Natasha Codyre (daughter of serving Police member Clinton Codyre) helped salvage the win with two wickets in hand.

Police lost the toss in the second match and the U19s put away any bad ball that came their way, finishing their innings on 255-7. Otago’s Olivia Gain top scored for the side with a half-century. There was a bright spot for Police, when Bermingham showed her class by taking four wickets.

The cards were stacked against Police, but a quality touches from Bermingham and Gregory, as well as a swashbuckling 22 from Wheturangi Campbell, helped the side reach 136.

Buoyed by the re-inclusion of Katie Perkins, who missed the first two matches to represent the NZ Women XI against England, Police were determined to end the series in style. However, another toss loss handed the U19s the advantage and they piled on another huge total of 273.

Bermingham and Perkins started Police’s innings with strong intent, showcasing their batting prowess. Bermingham brought up a half-century and Perkins 38. When Bermingham departed, an audible sigh could be heard from the U19s.

Unable to build on the opening partnership’s momentum, Police’s batting order lost wickets at regular intervals, stymieing any chance of a comeback. Northern Districts’ Georgina Harris and Otago’s Molly Loe helped themselves to three wickets each for the U19s.

Special thanks to event organisers Constable Glenn Dawson of Christchurch and Police Sport cricket coordinator Stephen Cross, New Zealand Cricket and former international umpire and ex-Canterbury detective sergeant Dave Quested for officiating.

NZP Women’s Cricket Team 2021: Erin Bermingham (captain), Katie Perkins, Olivia Gregory, Georgia Guy, Georgia Moore, Charne Nel, Sarah Wynands, Megan Tuapawa, Georgia Clarke, Gran Clark, Sophie Gurnsey, Alan Cameron,
Wheturangi Campbell and Pamela Yates. Team manager: Inspector Matt Scoles.