NORTH West yesterday began its preparations at Farrer for next year’s home State CHS Girls’ Carnival.
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The championships will be held in Armidale from February 16-19 and, on the turnout yesterday, the host zone should field a strong side.
Former NSW Breakers and ACT Meteors allrounder Charlotte Anneveld was certainly impressed.
Anneveld was on hand to assist North West manager Wendy Blaker with the trial.
She is up in Tamworth for a couple of days as part of the Cricket Australia ACA past player support program, which was established last year to help support grassroots cricket and sends past elite players out to help with development programs.
“Its an opportunity to come out to the country and show there is a clear pathway,” Anneveld said.
“Obviously there’s a bit less opportunity in the country than the city.”
She’s been a part of the program since its inception, and loves it.
“I love coming out into the community and helping out the young boys and girls,” she said.
“Cricket has given me a lot over the years.”
Not the least the opportunity to travel not only around Australia but around the world.
Anneveld admitted she wasn’t quite sure what to expect yesterday but was impressed by the numbers that turned up and the talent.
“I’ve been pretty blown away,” she said.
“Some of the girls could definitely hold their own in any state team.”
“There’s definitely some talent that can go on.”
Several of the girls trialling have played at national level in various junior sides.
“A number of the players are present or past Central North reps and some have gone onto higher honours,” Blaker said.
She was very pleased with the turnout.
“It was really good,” she said.
“I was a bit worried to start with when I only had 13 apply but we’ve ended up with 18.”
They came from all over the region – Armidale, Warialda, Inverell, Ashford, Wee Waa, Narrabri, Gunnedah and Tamworth – and encompassed all ages.
“We’ve got some girls who are moving from Year 6 up to Year 7, up to Year 12s,” she said.
After the trials, Anneveld headed to South Tamworth Public School to help out with a development clinic there.
A handful of hardy young enthusiasts braved the heat to participate, the conditions no doubt turning a few away.
One who didn’t was Peel’s Lauren McGill, who had been out at the CHS trials all day.
Today it’s the boys’ turn, with the North West boys’ side hopefuls being put through their paces.