The Women’s Super Smash 2025-26 rolls into Hamilton for the 13th Match on January 8, 2026, pitting Northern Brave Women against a hungry Canterbury Magicians side. With playoff spots in sight, Northern Brave will lean on their dynamic core. Leading the charge are three players whose form, versatility, and sheer grit could define this encounter.
1. Jessica Watkin
Jess Watkin, skipper of Northern Brave, the 27-year-old batting all-rounder, is Northern Brave’s heartbeat. A right-hand batter with nagging right-arm off-breaks, she made a mark last season, with 208 runs in 10 matches, underlining her consistency. Her standout moment was an unbeaten 51, paired with 2 wickets and a screamer of a catch, dismantling Central Hinds in a thriller. This season, Watkin hit the ground running with 3 wickets in 3 outings, her economical spells stifling openers. Against Canterbury’s power-hitters her spin could be gold dust on a potentially gripping pitch. Watkin’s game, switching seamlessly from anchor to aggressor, makes her a crucial factor. If she fires, the Brave could post a daunting total or defend a low one under the floodlights.
2. Caitlin Gurrey
No team thrives without a rock-solid keeper batter, and 30-year-old Caitlin Gurrey fits the bill perfectly. Right-handed and unflappable, she smashed 215 runs at 30.7 average in last year’s Super Smash in 10 matches. Career wise, across 36 Super Smash appearances, she’s piled up 756 runs at 29.07, a testament to her longevity. This season’s modest 36 runs in 3 games belie her potential; early rust often gives way to mid tournament purple patches. Gurrey’s glovework is elite, snaring edges and stumpings that turn games. Facing Canterbury’s bowling attack, her ability to rotate strike and build partnerships will be crucial. She’s the silent assassin who keeps the scoreboard ticking while her teammates hunt wickets.
3. Marina Lamplough
Injecting exotic flair is 26-year-old Marina Lamplough, the right-hand batter and medium pace all-rounder from Hong Kong. In 26 Super Smash games (2023-2026) for the Brave, she snared 9 wickets at an average of 13.77, best bowling spell in the league till date is 2/17 and she also scored 254 runs at the average of 13.36. Lamplough’s seam swing and clever variations troubled left-handers, perfect against Canterbury’s lineup. Her lower order hitting adds depth that tilts momentum. A probing spell or counter-attacking cameo could mark her as this match’s X-factor.
Northern District’s strength lies in this blend, Watkin’s explosiveness, Gurrey’s reliability, and Lamplough’s wildcard edge.
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