For Katie Letcher, a career in cricket isn't on the mind just yet. But that won't stop her carving up opposing bowling attacks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Orange City wicket keeper was recently selected for the under 19s ACT/Country NSW cricket female pathways squad which will eventually be widdled down to a team that will compete at the national championships next summer.
"I'm looking forward to learning off some of the older, more experienced players," the year 12 student said.
"The under 19s is very competitive at nationals and NSW has usually dominated for many years."
Letcher moved from Broken Hill to Yeoval in October last year.
She joined Orange City and rose from third grade to the eventual premiership-winning second grade side by season's end.
She said the difference in quality is notable.
"There were four clubs in Broken Hill and it was a great competition, but things like grounds weren't as good and there just weren't as many people," she said.
"The competition is a lot stronger here and from all accounts Orange cricket has been very good and I'm really fortunate to be part of Orange City."
But plying her trade in the Orange competition wasn't all Letcher got up to last season.
Every other weekend she was travelling 3.5 hours to play for Paramatta's second grade women's team where she averaged 27 with the bat.
"I tried to make the most of the opportunity of being closer to Sydney," she added.
"Mum and dad were also really supportive."
But it's the work with the gloves which have proved critical in her development as a player.
"I was fortunate enough to make the state PSSA team in year six and I went away to nationals and after that dad was like 'if you want to make another team, maybe try wicket keeping and add another feather in your bow'," Letcher said.
"So I gave that a crack and really enjoyed it and from then it's progressed as my more dominant skill, but I still love batting."
With the first training session for the ACT/Country side cancelled, she is just focusing on short term goals for now.
"My first goal is to make nationals for this coming season and I really enjoy just being able to play with girls and playing at a high level competition," she said.
"At the moment I don't have any aspirations to make it a career, but I'm sure if those opportunities came down the track I'd be more than happy to take them."
Joining Letcher in the squad is fellow Western Districts player and Dubbo girl Aimee Longhurst.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Catch up on our news headlines at Google News