New South Wales aims to build new dynasty as Australian Female Under-17 Championships begin in Geelong

New South Wales begins its quest for back-to-back under-17 titles this weekend as the Australian Female Under-17 Championships commence in Geelong on Sunday (18 January).

As winners of the 2002-03 Betty Butcher Shield, this year's New South Wales squad is looking to match the efforts of their state counterparts of the late 1990s, who won four consecutive under-17 titles from 1996-2000.

The six-day tournament (18-23 January) is being staged in Geelong for the first time and features all state and territory sides (excluding the Northern Territory and Tasmania) in four rounds of 40-over per side matches.

A final will be contested on Friday 23 January in the play off for the Betty Butcher Shield, with two additional matches to determine the minor placings.

In line with Cricket Australia's Spirit of Cricket initiative, a `Spirit of Cricket' award will be presented to the team that best personifies the true spirit, traditions and values associated with cricket. It is the first time the award has been presented at the under-17 championships.