NSW make their mark on Australian Country Championships

The NSW Women’s Team were in formidable form throughout the competition in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, dropping just one game before reaching the final. In a thrilling decider, NSW went down to Victoria by eight runs, with Emma-Jayne Howe taking a four-wicket haul and Alisa Bates claiming three wickets. Kate McTaggart impressed in her debut tournament, scoring an unbeaten 65 in the finals campaign. 

NSW players dominated the individual accolades.  

Kira Churchland was named Player of the Tournament, while Bates, Howe, McTaggart, and Churchland earned spots in the Team of the Tournament. Howe finished as the competition’s leading wicket-taker, with Bates second, and Churchland and McTaggart ranked second and third in runs scored.  

The Bush Breakers were also recognised for their outstanding sportsmanship, taking home the Spirit of Cricket Award. 

The Bush Blues had a mixed campaign in Busselton, Western Australia, finishing with five wins and four losses. Jack Cooper and Patrick Moore were standout contributors with the bat, finishing third and fifth among the tournament’s leading run-scorers and both named in the Team of the Tournament.  

NSW statistics leaders | 2025/26 Australian Country Cricket Championships: 
 
NSW Country Women’s leading run scorers 
Kira Churchland – 208 runs | 34.67 average 
Kate McTaggart – 197 runs | 39.4 average 
Kelly Rowlings – 140 runs | 20 average  
 
NSW Country Women’s leading wicket takers 
Emma Jayne-Howe – 14 wickets | 8 average 
Alisha Bates – 11 wickets | 8.91 average 
Kira Churchland – 8 wickets | 14.5 average  

NSW Country Men’s leading run scorers   
Jack Cooper – 298 runs | 33.11 average 
Patrick Moore – 292 runs | 41.71 average 
Ryan Fenning – 165 runs | 20.63 average 

NSW Country Men's leading wicket takers 
Rhys Cattle – 10 wickets | 21.8 average 
Jake O’Connell - 10 wickets | 24.9 average 
Patrick Moore – 9 wickets | 25.56 

See all the results from the tournament here.