SCORING two half centuries against quality opposition and remaining unbeaten whilst batting against the state's best cricket side has laid the foundation for Delungra's Rachael Kent to win selection in the NSW Primary School Girls team.

To complement her state selection Rachael has also been awarded a NSW PSSA Sporting Blue for her achievements this year.

The talented all-rounder played a consistent week of cricket representing North West at the State Championships in Singleton last week.

Drawn in Pool A, North West played the stronger teams with mixed results.

The team lost to Sydney North, Hunter, Sydney West and Western but surprisingly defeated reigning champions Sydney South West.

It was in this match Rachael excelled top-scoring with 26 not out and batting out the entire innings.

North West also beat Sydney East and Combined Independent School (CIS).

As the only North West girl selected Rachael is proud of her achievement and is looking forward to contesting the Australian Primary Schools Cricket Exchange at Barooga, Victoria in January.

"I really enjoyed the week although it was very hot playing,'' Rachael said.

Rachael top scored with 53 in the team's win against CIS and 50 not out in the loss to Western.

North West finished 11th at the carnival against 14 teams and fifth in its pool.

"The competition was very good especially playing against the city teams and beating Sydney South West was a real highlight along with my two 50s,'' Rachael said.

Rachael scored a total of 197 runs at the championships and claimed three wickets.

She will now prepare for the national exchange from January 11-19.

Prior to that Rachael will attend training at The Kings School in Sydney.

The team will then be officially presented during the one-day international between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Rachael will now start her fundraising for the event.

© 2002 Inverell Times

<< Back