The 2026 NSW Primary School Sports Association Girls Cricket Championships concluded in Armidale on 19 February, with MacKillop delivering a commanding performance to secure the state title after four outstanding days of competition.
Held from 16 to 19 February, the championship carnival brought together the most talented primary school cricketers from across New South Wales.
Representing dioceses from Sydney, Parramatta, Wollongong, Canberra-Goulburn and Wagga Wagga, MacKillop entered the tournament in strong form and departed as deserving champions.
The team set the tone early. In the opening round, MacKillop comfortably chased down Sydney North’s 9/68, finishing 1/69 in a confident start to the campaign. Round 2 saw an even stronger display, with MacKillop compiling 9/115 before dismissing North Coast for just 50.
One of the most emphatic performances of the carnival came in Round 3. MacKillop amassed an imposing 4/179 before bowling Hunter Gold out for only 17, underlining both their batting depth and bowling precision.
Momentum continued in Round 4, when South Coast was restricted to 10/61 and MacKillop replied with a composed 6/127.
Further victories over North West and Riverina completed an unbeaten pool stage campaign. Finishing top of Pool A secured MacKillop a place in the grand final and confirmed their status as the team to beat.
The decider, played at Harris Park in Armidale, pitted MacKillop against Sydney West in a fitting contest between the tournament’s two strongest sides. Sydney West posted a competitive 8/112 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
In response, MacKillop displayed maturity and poise beyond their years. The chase was paced expertly, with disciplined shot selection and strong running between the wickets. Reaching 5/113, MacKillop sealed the NSW PSSA Girls Cricket Championship and capped off a flawless tournament.
Beyond the scoreboard, the squad’s success reflected more than individual excellence. Throughout the week-long carnival, coaches and supporters praised the team’s discipline, unity and sportsmanship. Their resilience under pressure and willingness to support one another were hallmarks of the campaign.
The tournament also provided a pathway to further representative honours. Five MacKillop players were selected in the NSW PSSA State Team and will represent New South Wales at the School Sport Australia Championships in Newcastle this October.
The selected MacKillop players are Manvitha Chappati of Santa Sophia, Box Hill; Anna Gleeson of St Joseph’s, Lockhart; Emma Harris of McAuley, Rose Bay; Zara Head of Good Samaritan, Fairy Meadow; and Aiyonce Sapamanage of Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill.
Their selection highlights the depth of talent within the MacKillop side and underscores the strength of girls cricket across Catholic primary schools in the state.
MacKillop’s triumph firmly establishes the team as a leading force in primary school girls cricket in New South Wales. It also serves as a testament to the continued growth of the women’s game, with increasing participation and high standards of competition at junior levels.
With a state title secured and five players advancing to national representation, the future looks bright for this talented group.
Congratulations to the 2026 MacKillop PSSA Girls Cricket team, NSW state champions.
