The SA Boomerangs and SA Desert Peas have returned from Yuwibara Country in Mackay, where the teams represented South Australia at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) from April 14 to 18.
The Championships marked the return of the SA Desert Peas, following the state’s inaugural women’s team in 2018 and a combined South Australia–Northern Territory side that competed in 2023.
This season, a collaboration between SACA, NT Cricket and Cricket PNG gave young, talented women the chance to develop in a highly competitive Championships environment against teams featuring WBBL and WNCL‑experienced players.
In their first game against host state Queensland, the SA Desert Peas fell just 11 runs short in their pursuit of 167.
Ella Gustard (Port Adelaide Cricket Club / Palawa) led the run chase, finishing with an unbeaten 67 from 52 balls.
The return fixture against Queensland later in the week also produced a highlight for the SA Desert Peas, with Henao Thomas (Cricket PNG) finishing with figures of 4/20 from her allotted overs, including a stunning hattrick.
Both Gustard and Thomas were recognised for their individual performances at the presentation event, with Gustard acknowledged as Runner Up in the Player of the Championships Award for her 85 runs at 28.33. Thomas was named in the NICC 2026 Women’s Team of the Championships.
In the Men’s Division, Ayden McGregor-Baptista (Yawuru) struck 57 from 56 deliveries as the SA Boomerangs fell to Northern Territory in a final-ball thriller.
First selected for the SA Boomerangs in 2012/13, McGregor-Baptista was the standout performer with the bat, amassing 140 runs at 23.33 throughout the Championships.
Jacob Langdon (Yahl Cricket Club / Wongatha/Ngadju) was the pick of the SA Boomerangs bowlers, with seven wickets at 15.
McGregor‑Baptista said the National Indigenous Cricket Championships offer a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with culture while giving back to Aboriginal cricket.
“I like to give back to the younger players with my experience and value reconnecting with old mates that I’ve always played against from other states along the journey. I have seen cricket develop and had the opportunity to learn about cultures.”
Both SA Boomerangs and SA Desert Peas teams participated in a cultural gift exchange with opponents throughout the week, with the South Australian teams offering stumps featuring artwork by Pat Caruso, Arrernte Man and Owner/Director of We Create Print Deliver.
The artwork is based on narration by Steven Warrior - a Kaurna, Narungga and Kokatha man - and reflects the diverse journeys that bring the players together and the distance travelled, hard work and commitment required to reach the Championships.
All teams also participated in a cultural immersion hosted by local Yuwibara mob at the picturesque Cape Hillsborough, featuring dance performances, a guided trail walk, cooking demonstrations and weaving.
Open trials for the SA Boomerangs and SA Desert Peas will be held in late 2026 ahead of the 2027 National Indigenous Cricket Championships.
Expressions of interest are now open, with further details to be provided when details are confirmed – SA Boomerangs & SA Desert Peas - Expression of Interest 2026/27