Greater Northern Raiders have finalised their women's inaugural squad on the way towards a much-anticipated debut against Lindisfarne.
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The latest addition to the expanding Cricket Tasmania Premier League competition had hoped to sign at least one of two interstate stars before the historic fixture on October 22 in Launceston.
Sam Bates and Belinda Vakarewa were club targets for the Raiders since joining Tasmania in the offseason.
Raiders co-coach Darren Simmonds said the side full of talented rookies will move on from the missed chance.
"We pitched it to the two interstate players that were moving over, but we were one of a number of clubs that were interested," he said.
"Those two players have decided to play their club games in Hobart, that is when they will be available. That's all fine, but they would have added some great first-class experience to our side.
"The way I look at it now is that we will have a truly Greater Northern side."
But the Raiders was able to secure two other key players.
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The club was given special dispensation to invite Zoe Lowry to play four division one Kookaburra Cup games.
Lowry moved to Hobart for both studies and work, and has joined University for the club's 13 Twenty20 matches.
But the star Latrobe batter can return in a switch from the division two side just for the 40-over competition.
Sophie Parkin has departed University after one season in favour of coming back home to play for the Raiders.
"The selectors are going to have a very difficult task picking a first side, which is what you want," Simmonds said.
"It's not going to be easy, but hopefully that continues right throughout the season."
The 25 players have been training either in Launceston or on the North-West coast over the past month. The side will hold a intra-club match in Westbury on October 13.
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The selectors are going to have a very difficult task picking a first side, which is what you want
- Co-coach Darren Simmonds