Thunder Indigenous XI to take on Sixers Indigenous XI in Rushcutters Bay this week
Naomi Woods said having the opportunity to play in some representative T20 cricket matches with her sister Lauren will be made even more special because it doubles as an opportunity to express the pride she feels for her Indigenous heritage.
The Woods sisters have been selected to this week represent Thunder’s Indigenous XI – presented by Homestar Finance – against the Sixers’ Indigenous XI at Reg Bartley Oval in Rushcutters Bay.
Both teams, which consist of players from across NSW, will contest the Indigenous T20 Cup with the winner being decided after a three-match series that will be played over this Wednesday and Thursday.
According to Naomi, who is the youngest of the Woods sisters, the Indigenous T20 Cup’s focus on community and culture means every player is involved in something that is much more than “just cricket”.
“I have immense pride and satisfaction in representing my people and community,” she said. “To be able to represent not only Kamilaroi and my family but all Indigenous people is something I’m very proud of.
“I hope to achieve a greater insight into my people and community and create long lasting relationships and memories to pass onto my family.”
Naomi, who plays for St George-Sutherland, admitted she was excited about the prospect of playing alongside her sister.
“It’s not often we get to play together, so to do so playing for the Thunder Indigenous XI is a great achievement for the both of us,” Naomi said. “It’s a memory I’m sure we’ll cherish.
“To both be out there representing our people and community is awesome.”
Players from the Indigenous T20 Cup will also attend the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli, to visit the rehearsal room of Black Cockatoo, which is a new stage play about legendary First Nations cricketer Johnny Mullagh and Australia’s first ever international sporting team.
Indigenous T20 Cup Fixtures
Day 1 – Wednesday 4th December
Game 1: 10:30am
Game 2: 2:00pm
Day 2 – Thursday 5th December
Game 3: 8:45am
All fixtures will take place at Reg Bartley Oval, Rushcutters Bay. Entry to the Indigenous T20 Cup is free.
Thunder Indigenous XI, presented by Homestar Finance
Julie Muir (c) | Wiradjuri
Dharmini Chauhan | Wiradjuri
Dimity Parton | Wiradjuri and Gamillaraay
Naomi Woods | Kamilaroi
Veronica Gordon | Wiradjuri
Hannah Darlington | Kamilaroi
Sara Darney | Wiradjuri
Katarina McEwen | Whailan
Lauren Woods | Kamilaroi
Amali McNeill | Wiradjuri
Final position to be announced
For more information, please contact Sydney Thunder
