A Spirited conversation with Kerryanne Tomlinson

Name: Kerryanne Tomlinson
Age: 22
Nickname: Kerry, Kez, Kezza
Club: Melville
Reside: Hamilton
Other teams: Netherlands, Wellington Women’s, Central District Women’s
Occupation: Student
Playing role: All rounder
Batting style: RH opener
Bowling style: RH fast-medium, leg spin, off spin

What was you first cricket experience?
Playing with the yellow cricket sets in primary school with the boys.

Batter, batsman or batswoman?
Batter

Who was your cricket idol/hero growing up?
Shane Bond, he is just awesome.

What advice would you have for a young girl wanting to give cricket a go?
Smash the ball!

How difficult is it to find a balance between cricket commitments and holding down a “real” job?
Very difficult - I would love to dedicate a lot more time to cricket to improve as a player, but unfortunately it doesn't pay the rent.

Which provincial ground/association has the best catering? Any specialities?
Cornwall Cricket Park, Napier - lots of amazing local fresh fruit!

Who is your playing equivalent in the men’s domestic game (past or present)?
Joey Yovich, just because he is my fav.

Which opponent would you consider your most difficult to play against?  
Wellington - I loved playing for them and have some good mates in the team.

Did you play in boy’s teams as a youngster? When did you move into girl’s/women’s sides?
Yes, grew up playing cricket in the boy’s teams in Poverty Bay, made the move at secondary level.

What’s your best/funniest cricketing story?  
Playing for the Dutch team in Bangladesh, a friend (Esther Lanser) and I were batting against Sri Lanka - we were under the pump and couldn’t buy a run. I said, "right, I’m gonna try smash it this over…" - yeah, nah - it was a maiden over.


For a full set of Northern Spirit profiles and my views on the women’s domestic game, have a read of A Spirited conversation with the Northern Spirit.