NSW under 19's team selected

David Gilbert, CEO, Cricket NSW is pleased to announce the following selections for NSW Under 19's team to compete in the Australian Female Under 19's Championships, the Betty Wilson Shield, being held in Hobart, Tasmania from 7-14th January 2004.

NSW Under 19's coach Matthew Betsey, an ex-NSW Blues player, says that the squad has great depth and talent. "The side that has been picked is young but comprises quality in all areas of the game. These players have huge potential to go on and represent NSW at a senior level and this Championship is the best preparation for their future in the game."

Wellington batting talent Samantha Hinton who has only just turned 15 years old has been included in the squad - last year Sam was named NSW Under 15 Player of the Year and finished with an average of 55 in the Under 15 Championships. At last weekend's City v Country, Sam was playing for the Country Emerging (Under 23's) team and again proved herself an promising talent averaging 50 after two innings.

Convenor of Selectors, Lisa Keightley, said that the three NSW Youth Selectors had the hardest task selecting from a pool of over 30 potential squad players. "Every year selection at this level becomes a tougher job with so much talent throughout the state, particularly this year in the bowling area" said Keightley. "Country players make up over half the squad with Western region particularly strong with 4 selections - this proves that our regional coaching and talent identification programmes are working".

NSW have won the Betty Butcher Shield 13 times over the past 14 years, narrowly missing out in the Final in 2002-03 Championship held in Canberra.

Nicole Goodwin (Captain), Denman, Hunter
Kate Owen (Vice-Captain), Gymea Bay, Sydney
Alex Burke, Parkes, Western
Samantha Coote, Werrington, Sydney
Tegan Clarke, Parkes, Western
Renee Farrell, Oatley, Sydney
Corinne Hall, Gateshead, Hunter
Samantha Hinton, Wellington, Western
Sara Hungerford, Turramurra, Sydney
Kirsty Riley, Eschol Park, Sydney
Megan Shanahan, Yamba, North Coast
Katie Shanks, Dubbo, Western
Laura Wright, Warrimoo, Sydney