Sturt all-rounder Emma de Broughe to vice-captain SA under-18 cricket side at national championships

Emma de Broughe was once a nervous 13-year-old cricketer heading to an under-18 championships. Now she is about to make her fifth appearance at the tournament and the roles have reversed.

Sturt cricketer Emma de Broughe will vice-captain SA's under-18 team competition at the national cricket championships in January. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

Emma de Broughe was once a nervous 13-year-old cricketer heading to an under-18 championships.

Now she is about to make her fifth appearance at the tournament and the roles have reversed.

The Sturt all-rounder will take on the role of vice-captain for the 14-strong SA squad of girls set for the competition next month in Victoria.

De Broughe says learning from senior members in the squad left a lasting effect when she was first selected and she now hopes to do the same.

De Broughe is also a talented hockey player .Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

“It’s my fifth year going to the championships and of all five I think my first year was the best,” de Broughe, who also has also represented Australia in under-18 hockey, says.

“It was the one I most enjoyed because I was able to learn so much from all the older girls.

“We have a few young ones this year – Amelia Rault is one who I’ve played club cricket with – so it will be nice to be a leader.”

De Broughe has spent years juggling her cricket and hockey commitments but says she is looking forward to having more time on her hands after finishing Year 12 at Sacred Heart College.

As for choosing between the two sports, she hopes to play both for as long as possible and has a ready-made answer when questioned on her favourite.

“It’s whatever I’m playing at the time,” de Broughe, of Park Holme, says.

De Broughe feels the side has a good chance to make an impact at the championships in January thanks to its strong bowling attack.

On a personal note, runs are on the agenda as she strengthens her game as a top-order batter.

Kensington’s Rachel Church will captain the under-18 side. Picture Sarah Reed.

Kensington’s Rachel Church, who in October became the first girl ever picked in Adelaide High’s first XI side, will captain SA.

Northern Districts’ Katie Rowe be a co-vice captain alongside de Broughe.

Rowe is joined by five Jets clubmates – Stephanie Beazleigh, Darcie Brown, Taylah Gregory, Tarlee Meaney and Sophie Roberts.

Amelia Rault (Sturt), Bella Smith (Kensington), Laura Niejalke (West Torrens), Caitlin Edmunds (West Torrens), Sarah Ferris (Port Adelaide) and Ella Wilson (Southern Districts) round out the squad.

Emily Hinze, of West Torrens, will play for the Cricket Australia XI.

The championships run from January 14 to 24 in Bendigo and Ballarat.

[e-mail]

Follow @patkeam