Cricket: Claire Lennon selected in NSW Country women's side

At just 19-years-old, the young Inverell bowler already has a string of accolades to her name.

She is now preparing to take on the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Shepparton as part of the NSW Country women's cricket side.

“I was very surprised actually, I didn’t expect that,” Lennon said.

Playing with Bankstown in the Sydney women’s competition, she wasn’t aware of the possibility. 

Although Lennon’s played at national championships as a junior, she’s excited about the prospect of taking on the women’s level.

“There’s so many experienced girls in the team who are a bit older than me, and obviously playing against some of the best, from other states as well, there’s just so much to learn and you gain so much experience from it,” she said.

Lennon loves all formats of the game, from the challenge of a T20 to the longer strategies of a 50 over game.

She said she would embrace the chance to play professionally, but wants to keep an open mind about her future.

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Mum Libby Lennon is thrilled to see her daughter live out her dreams.

“It’s just great to see her doing well in something that she absolutely loves doing. Getting to play cricket and a lot of cricket is wonderful and she’s really enjoying it, and that’s the main thing,” she said.

As she trains in Inverell over the next month, Lennon is keen to work on maintaining her bowling consistency and improving her batting and all round skills, as well as general fitness and strength.

She’s off to a strong start, having built up her skills as a net bowler for the NSW Breakers team.

She was also selected in the Sydney Sixers Academy, which has already led to some exciting opportunities.

“I’ve been able to train with the Sixers and (attend) some of their training sessions and play practice matches with them,” she said.