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Caitlin earns S.A cricket call-up

Posted on December 30, 2011

By VINNIE RODI

FOR Coomealla resident Caitlin Hancock, 17, cricket is a sport that runs firmly in her blood.

Following in the footsteps of numerous family members who have taken up the sport over the years – including her father David – Caitlin has proved a rare all-round talent on the field, producing fantastic results for her local cricket club Coomealla-Wentworth with both bat and ball.

This includes topping the list of leading wicket-takers and run-scorers in various age groups, while also being asked to compete in the senior men’s competition, regularly lining up with the club’s Third Division side.

This success has culminated in the youngster being selected for this year’s Under 18 National Cricket Championships – which will take place at the end of next month – where she will play with the South Australian representative team.

Named in South Australia’s initial squad of 13, Caitlin has experience playing at the top junior level, having represented Victoria at the same event last year.

Opting to make the switch to South Australia this season – mainly due to closer proximity – the youngster said she was looking forward to the challenge of once again competing against Australia’s best.

“I’m excited to once again have the opportunity to compete at this level,” she said. “It’s going to be my first time playing for South Australia, and it’s certainly going to feel a little weird playing against Victoria during the tournament, as I know a lot of the girls in the team.

“At the same time I’m focused on doing my best, and will be looking to take as many wickets and make as many runs as possible during the event.”

Selection for Caitlin has come off the back of standout performances in Adelaide’s A-Grade Women’s competition, where she has been playing for Port Adelaide.

Played strictly in the 50-over format, all participants are considered some of the best female players in not just the State, but the country, with several international players involved in the competition.

Lining up each weekend with the Port Adelaide Cricket Club, Caitlin’s performance with both bat and ball was enough to catch the eye of State selectors, who invited the youngster to attend initial training sessions.

It wasn’t long before she was officially named in the squad, with her next goal to be named in the side’s first game of the tournament.

“I’m in the squad of 13 at the moment, and there’s still a few training sessions left before the first 11 is named,” she said.

“I want to be named in that first game, and then play in most of the games in the tournament.”

Caitlin’s cricketing story starts at age 11, with her interest in the sport leading to her putting her hand up to play in a women’s match.

Held as a lead-up to a men’s match held on the same night, Caitlin proved a stand-out in the game, with her desire to play cricket growing immensely as a result.

It wasn’t long before she was playing in Sunraysia Cricket Association’s junior boys and women’s competition, excelling in both grades.

She has managed to win four women’s premierships since taking up the sport, with her all-round ability proving a deciding factor at times.

A left-arm bowler with plenty of pace, Caitlin is well-known for her knack of taking vital wickets at vital times, while her skill with the bat is also impressive.

This skill has seen her win numerous awards and accolades along the way, including a junior bowling award, while also winning a batting award with an average of 240.

“I lost my wicket only once that season, so my average was pretty healthy the whole way through,” Caitlin said.

“I just love playing cricket, it’s one of my favourite things to do, and I want to keep doing it for a long time.”

Caitlin will head to the Cricket Championships at the end of January, saying that in the meantime she will continue to play cricket for both Coomealla-Wentworth and Port Adelaide.

“I’m learning a lot about my game playing in Adelaide, and it’s something that’s been a major help,” she said.

“At the same time I’m also enjoying playing cricket here in Sunraysia.

“While I’m capable of playing in both competitions I’ll continue to do so, but at the same time I’m always looking for ways to continue to improve.”

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