Otago Cricket Association has completed its Sparks squad for the 2026/27 domestic season, with emerging all-round talent Gemma Burleigh and batter Georgie McEwan earning their maiden domestic contracts. 

Both players are products of the Otago Cricket Association pathway, having progressed through the province's age-group programmes before establishing themselves in the Otago A Women's environment. Their contracts represent the next step in the development of two promising young cricketers who have impressed throughout their progression through the Otago system. 

A product of Dunedin's Bayfield College, McEwan has been a consistent performer across the Otago pathway, impressing at age-group level before progressing into A cricket with the Otago Women's side. She has also been part of the wider Sparks training environment for several seasons, giving her valuable exposure to the domestic setup ahead of earning her first contract. 

McEwan's performances at national age-group level have been a particular highlight, with her power hitting and ability to score around the ground making her an exciting prospect for the future. 

Otago Women's Pathway Manager Sarah Tsukigawa has followed McEwan's progression through the age-group system and believes her ability with both bat and ball gives her the tools to develop into a valuable contributor for the Sparks. 

"Georgie has progressed through Otago age group teams where her power hitting has stood out at National tournaments. Her ability to hit to all areas of the ground plus her ability with the ball as a pace bowler makes her one to watch in the future." 

McEwan was delighted to receive the opportunity, although the news came as a surprise while she was on her way home from football training. 

"I was walking home from football practice when I got the call from Steve (Martin), so the first thing I did was call my parents to tell them which was pretty cool." 

Having spent several years around the wider Sparks environment, McEwan is now looking forward to taking the next step and learning from some of the most experienced players in the squad. 

"I'm really looking forward to getting amongst it, being a part of the group and learning from everyone around me." 

With experienced campaigners including Suzie Bates, Bella James and Polly Inglis around the group, McEwan will have plenty of opportunities to learn from players who have represented New Zealand at the highest level as she begins her domestic career. 

Burleigh has followed a similar path through the Otago system. A product of the association's age-group programme, she has represented Otago at every level before progressing through local club cricket with University Grange Women's Cricket Club and into the Otago A Women's side. 

The left-arm pace bowler has impressed throughout her progression, with her ability to swing the ball and challenge batters making her a difficult opponent. Her wicket-taking ability has also stood out, particularly at the National Under-19 Women's Tournament last season. 

Tsukigawa believes those qualities make Burleigh a bowler capable of making an impact as she steps into the Sparks environment. 

"Gemma - left arm pace bowler who always impresses with her swing and ability to make the batter uncomfortable. Gemma's ability to take wickets sets her apart and this was shown at last year's U19 National tournament." 

Her performances throughout that progression have now been rewarded with her first domestic contract, providing the young fast bowler with an opportunity to continue her development within the Sparks environment. 

Burleigh is looking forward to working with the experienced players and coaches around her as she takes the next step in her career. 

"I'm looking forward to working with some great coaches and playing with some amazing, experienced teammates and just learning a lot more about the game to advance my cricket." 

Receiving the news from Otago Cricket GM – Performance Steve Martin came as a surprise for both players. McEwan was walking home from football practice when Martin called, prompting her to immediately ring her parents. 

"They were really proud and excited, and said it was awesome to see after all the work, I've put in." 

Burleigh received her news from Martin while cooking dinner, before sharing the announcement with her parents and brother via a group FaceTime call. She described their reaction as "super shocked, excited and very proud"—a sentiment that echoed McEwan's family's pride at seeing the hard work of both players rewarded. 

Burleigh's father has followed her development throughout her cricketing journey and was quick to acknowledge just how far she has come. 

"He's watched me grow throughout the years, said how proud he is of the woman and the player I've become, as well as how excited he is for me to start this new chapter." 

The addition of Burleigh and McEwan further strengthens the Sparks' focus on developing homegrown talent, with both players now joining a squad that combines emerging players with significant international and domestic experience. 

Head Coach Gareth Davies believes the pair have earned their opportunity after making significant strides over the past 18 months. 

"It is really exciting to have both Gemma and Georgie contracted to the Sparks this season. They have shown great potential over the past 18 months, and it is fantastic to see that recognised and rewarded with contracts for the upcoming season. It will be a great opportunity for them to learn from some of the world's best players within the squad, while also competing for a spot in the starting lineup when the season gets underway." 

With the Sparks squad now complete, Davies is also excited by the balance of youth and experience available to him heading into the new campaign. 

"I am really happy with the balance and potential of the squad this year. The combination of youth and experience will be a huge benefit to the team. Having key players who missed last season returning will only strengthen the group, both on and off the field." 

The Otago Sparks will begin their 2026/27 campaign on 14 November, travelling to Hagley Oval to face Canterbury in their opening HallyBurton Johnstone Shield fixture. 

The Sparks will also be able to call upon White Ferns Eden Carson, Bella James and Polly Inglis, who will be available for selection when national commitments permit. 

With Burleigh and McEwan completing the contracted squad, the Sparks head into the new season with a blend of established international experience and emerging Otago talent, continuing the association's commitment to developing players through its pathway and into the domestic game. 

Otago Sparks Contracted Players – 2026/27 

• Suzie Bates 

• Emma Black 

• Anna Browning 

• Gemma Burleigh* 

• Harriett Cuttance 

• Chloe Deerness 

• Abby Fookes* 

• Louisa Kotkamp 

• Georgie McEwan* 

• Hannah O'Connor 

• Anika Todd 

• PJ Watkins 

• Saffron Wilson 

Denotes maiden domestic contract. 

Article added: Tuesday 25 August 2026