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Snow slowing down – girls cricket training camps underway

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The future looks bright for women’s cricket in Ireland as the ‘next generation’ gathers for weekly pre-season training camps. After finishing with the senior women’s team duties on their recent tour of Zimbabwe, Cricket Ireland Women’s Head Coach Aaron Hamilton was now turning his attention to the ‘pipeline of talent’ that is coming through the system.
“There’s a great deal of talent in these junior training squads – it is great working with them and the coaching staff over the pre-season,” said Hamilton.

“Training camps are no picnic. It’ll be hard work for the youngsters, but we always aim to make them enjoyable. Hopefully we’ll see some great improvements from this young group of cricketers ahead of the summer.”

Under-19s squad

Andrew Poynter, recently appointed Head Coach of the Under-19 Ireland Women’s squad said:

“I am delighted to be taking over as head coach and am really looking forward to carrying on the good work that Ciara Metcalfe and Sandi Harrison did last year. I’m equally delighted Sandi will be continuing as Assistant Coach this year.”

“The squad had a national training weekend at the end of January, as part of a 10-week indoor programme, and then we’ll finish with a second such weekend at the end of April at North County.”

“These training camps offer plenty of time for the players to enjoy skills training, improve their game and hopefully set them up for a big summer on the pitch. It will be great to see girls from this training camp as they progress over coming seasons, from club cricket to Super 3’s squads, and then hopefully on to the national squad.”

While most of the squad are based in Leinster, there are two players from the North included, with Bready pace bowler Alana Dalzell and Donaghcloney Mill slow left-armer Jennifer Hanna linking into the programme.

Under-19s Girls Training Squad is:

• Sadhbh Breslin (Merrion / LCU)
• Aisling Byrne (The Hills / LCU)
• Sara Condron (Malahide / LCU)
• Alana Dalzell (Bready / NWCU)
• Jennifer Hanna (Donaghcloney Mill / NCU)
• Ali Keenan (Phoenix / LCU)
• Anna Kirk (Clontarf / LCU)
• Hannah Little (Pembroke / LCU)
• Tess Maritz (Malahide / LCU)
• Eimear Mullen (Pembroke / LCU)
• Emma Paul (Merrion / LCU).

Image: Yoga and stretching is a key part of the programme

Under-15s squad

Rob O’Connor, Head Coach of the Under-15s squad, said:

“I am delighted this year we will have two national weekends, and 10 weeks of skill sessions, to work with these talented youngsters pre-season. This increase to the programme lets us add elements such as nutritional talks, video analysis and testing – additions to the programme that will benefit the girls greatly.”

“This year’s pre-season squad includes three players from last year’s squad, and 15 new players. We hope to balance the sessions with skills, fun and tactical awareness.”

“It was great to have Julie Logue involved last season with the squad and delighted that she has committed again this season. Her experience playing at the top level is very beneficial to the girls.”

Under-15s Girls Training Squad is:

• Anna Beale (Pembroke / LCU)
• Sarah Brownlee (YMCA / LCU)
• Ava Canning (Leinster / LCU)
• Alice Clinton (The Hills / LCU)
• Christina Coulter Reilly (Clontarf / LCU)
• Zara Craig (Bready / NWCU)
• Georgina Dempsey (Phoenix / LCU)
• Zoe Hoffman (YMCA / LCU)
• Amy Hunter (Instonians / NCU)
• Louise Little (Pembroke / LCU)
• Joanna Loughran (Leinster / LCU)
• Jane Maguire (The Hills / LCU)
• Aoife Mitchell (Malahide / LCU)
• Mya Naughton (Merrion / LCU)
• Ella Pasley (Phoenix / LCU)
• Vanshika Shukla (YMCA / LCU)
• Roisin Staunton (YMCA / LCU)
• Sarah White (Phoenix / LCU)