The Otago Sparks are winding up just as everyone else is winding down for Christmas.
The next three weeks will be a lot busier than the last.
The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield went into a hiatus which meant none of the teams have played since late November.
Otago used some of the time to prepare for the Super Smash. The Sparks’ opening match in that campaign is in Wellington on Christmas Eve.
But this week was devoted to preparing for a rematch of last season’s one-day final against Wellington.
The teams will play back-to-back games.
The Sparks thrashed Wellington by 138 runs in a stunning reversal of the result in the T20 final which Wellington won comfortably.
White Ferns spinner Eden Carson played a major role in the one-day final with five for 17. But she is in camp with the White Ferns and is not available.
But top-order batter Bella James returns after missing the Sparks’ last outing against Central Districts due to a leg complaint.
Olivia Gain and Paige Loggenberg, who recently represented New Zealand against the West Indies and India for the New Zealand women’s developmental team, have been named in the 13.
Coach Craig Cumming said the break in play had given his side a chance to ease a "few niggles, bumps and bruises" but was probably "one week too long in some ways".
He was looking forward to what should be a strong challenge against a quality side.
"They are a good side and they have plenty of experience, and plenty of players who have played for the White Ferns who are trying to get back into the side."
Cumming is talking about the likes of Leigh Kasperek and Thamsyn Newton, who missed out on a White Ferns contract this season, and new White Fern Rebecca Burns.
"They’ve got proven performers ... so they’ve got plenty of quality but we are going to go up there and enjoy playing some good cricket."
Cumming said the Sparks were "really clear" in their game plan.
He wants his batting line-up to be proactive and look for ways to put the bowlers under pressure.
The Sparks have a win and a loss from three games. The other match was rained off and they sit in fifth place.
It is early in the competition, but a couple of wins against Wellington would boost their prospects.
"We had some time to get our detail done in our preparation. That’s done, so now it is just [a matter of] going out and executing. But I want us to be ultra positive and ultra aggressive this weekend."
Hallyburton Johnstone Shield
Wellington, today and tomorrow
Otago: Kate Ebrahim, Bella James, Caitlin Blakely, Felicity Leydon-Davis (captain), Polly Inglis, Olivia Gain, Emma Black, Gemma Adams, Sophie Oldershaw, Molly Loe, Chloe Deerness, Saffron Wilson, Paige Loggenberg.
Wellington: Nicole Baird, Olivia Boivim, Rebecca Burns, Kate Chandler, Natasha Codyre, Dee Doughty, Antonia Hamilton, Kara Jetly, Leight Kasperek, Caitlin King, Thamsyn Newton, Maneke Singh.
