The Central District's Under 15 squad has set out on their task to regain the Cricket Express National title which went to Auckland last year as the Festival of Cricket continued at Victoria Park on Monday.
Central Districts were the 2016 champions, but were beaten in the final last year by Auckland.
This year's Under 15 tournament has seen the return of a full Canterbury squad, meaning all six districts are represented in the 30-over tournament.
Under coach Esther Lanser, a former Whanganui women's captain, Central Districts were able to call on a core of around 4-5 players from last year's team.
Joining the 14-player squad is local player Charlotte Stent, who plays for Whanganui Intermediate and the Wanganui Under 11 boys representative team.