Northerns name Owens female cricketer of the season

The Benoni Northerns Cricket Club’s (BNCC) woman player of the year, Tersia Owens, said being named the team’s MVP showed her improvement and that she was headed in the right direction.

Owens was recognised as the BNCC ladies’ team’s top player at the club’s awards ceremony at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club on May 16.

“The award means a lot to me. I always have a mindset to improve and learn from my mistakes. I also strive to be the best. Winning the player of the season award shows I’m improving and heading in the right direction,” said Owens.

The 20-year-old was a colossus for the women’s side last season. She contributed 293 runs from 257 balls in six innings, at a healthy average of 73.25, with an impressive strike rate of 114.01.

She scored two half-centuries, with a high score of 93 and also showed her all-round ability with two wickets.

“My season was pretty good. I have the best support, not just from the team but from the coaches and staff, too. We had a good season. We fell short of going to the club champs. It’s definitely something we want to achieve in the future.”

Owens joined the club last summer because she wanted to play more competitive cricket. She underlined her commitment to the BNCC with her weekly commute from Meyerton.

Despite a tough start against Avion Park, she found her footing as she, captain Tamzyn Hartman and bowler of the season, Tharsinii Sagathevan, became the backbones of the side.

The cricketer said her most memorable match was their rained-out encounter against Kempton Park, when she scored 93 runs.

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“We worked well together as a team. Megan Wilke took five wickets, and I scored 93, which was challenging but awesome. Our communication and teamwork were good. We had lots of fun,” she said.

The youngster started playing cricket at the end of 2019 with a friend at school. She instantly fell in love with the sport. From there, she put in the work to become one of Easterns’ most promising youngsters.

“I always want to be on a cricket pitch or in the nets,” Owens said.

She looks up to Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt, saying she’s in love with Wolvaardt’s powerful and graceful straight drive, part of her offensive arsenal, and her stellar cover drive.

“I love how she walks into her game knowing what is expected of her. She also tries her absolute best. I like her straight drive and good personality on and off the field.”

Owens’ long-term goal is to join the Eastern Storm first team and ultimately represent the country internationally.

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