‘A formidable force’: South Coast girls cricket batting for gold at Queensland School Sport champs

Twelve avid cricketers will don South Coast colours this November at the 13-15 years girls Queensland School Sport Championships, hosted by Metropolitan West. Meet the squad hunting another QRSS title:

Twelve avid cricketers will don South Coast colours this November at the 13-15 years girls Queensland School Sport Championships, hosted by Metropolitan West.

The squad is comprised of athletes from eight schools stretching from Miami to Logan including a trio from Coomera Anglican and duos from both Helensvale SHS and Benowa SHS.

“(This) team is a formidable force, having built a strong foundation two years ago when a large component of the squad joined forces to claim the under-12 State Championship,” team manager Sam Taylor said.

“While still considered a young team, many players have already made their mark in representative and premier cricket, demonstrating their skills and determination on a regular basis.”

Scott Abercrombie steps into the shoes of team coach for the first time in 2024, bringing high levels enthusiasm and commitment to bringing home a trophy.

“Scott is genuinely excited to guide this group of promising players as they continue to develop their game and pursue their cricketing aspirations,” Taylor said.

Without further ado, meet your South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket squad:

Athlete profiles

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Catey Brookes

Catey Brookes

AB Paterson

Left Arm Bowler

Her second year in the under-15 South Coast team, Brookes is looking to develop her performances in the tournament. She has worked hard on her consistency in bowling over the year and her technique in batting. Her athleticism in the field and positive encouragement to her peers makes her a valuable team player.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Lily Markou

Lily Markou

All Saints Anglican School

Batter

Markou is a passionate cricketer ready to play in her fourth South Coast cricket team. She has had a massive year working on her batting and building on her shot repertoire. Markou is a strong top order batsman always on the lookout for runs and ready to have fun with her team doing it.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Lucy Logan

Lucy Logan

Coomera Anglican College

Wicket Keeper/Top Order Batter

At 13, Lucy ‘Loges’ Logan is stepping up to the 13-15 age group after an impressive run in the 10-12 years division. She excelled as an opening batter and wicketkeeper for South Coast, earning gold and bronze medals with Queensland at nationals in 2022 and 2023. Now, with her solid skills behind the stumps and at the crease, she’s eager to make her mark in the new age group.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Uditi Ratnala

Uditi Ratnala

Benowa State High

Spin bowler

At just 13, Ratnala is a rising leg-spinner who has been selected for the South Coast team for the fourth consecutive year across various age groups. She was also part of the Queensland School Sport team last year and is eager to secure her spot again this season. Ratnala has consistently represented her region at the highest levels, including the U16 Taverners Girls team, and dreams of one day playing for Australia.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Amy Evison

Amy Evison

Coomera Anglican College

Fast bowler

Evison is a dedicated fast bowler who has worked hard on her technique and increased her bowling speed over the past couple of years. She proudly represents the Gold Coast at rep level and made her senior Premier Cricket debut this season. Not only does she enjoy bowling, she also loves to contribute with the bat and in the field, and she enjoys the mateship of cricket.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Riley Dealy

Riley Dealy

Pacific Pines Secondary College

Batter

Dealy, Gold Coast’s Junior Player of the Year 2023/24, made her First Grade debut for the Dolphins in 2024 and recently scored an unbeaten 108 off 66 balls in the Paul Pink Shield while representing the region. She is now aiming to make her first Queensland schools team, representing South Coast.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Chloe Taylor

Chloe Taylor

Coomera Anglican College

Fast Bowler

Taylor is in her fifth year with the South Coast cricket team, where she contributes as a fast bowler. She is also known for her quick running between wickets and when chasing the ball in the field. Taylor’s love for her teammates and her enthusiasm in general make her an invaluable asset both on and off the field.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Chanel Geldenhuys

Chanel Geldenhuys

Pacific Pines State High School

Bowler

Geldenhuys is a strong all-rounder - quick in the field and a solid middle order batter. With her main contribution to the team as a swing bowler, she hopes to have a strong performance in this year’s Queensland School Sport carnival. Geldenhuys represented South Coast for two years in the 10-12 year age group which has given her the experience to confidently take on her role in the team for her first year in the 13-15 age group and continue to perfect her craft.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Tarnia Elvy

Tarnia Elvy

Helensvale State High

Fast Bowler

Elvy loves to bowl and take wickets. Her bowling is backed up by some excellent fielding and she is also very handy with the bat, making her a strong all-rounder. She loves the game and this will be her fifth year representing South Coast, following on from Queensland representation earlier this year.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Jiaya Meudell

Jiaya Meudell

Helensvale State High

All-rounder

Meudell is a keen young cricketer playing in her third campaign for a South Coast Girls cricket team. She is a confident all rounder known to have safe hands in the field , a solid high order batsmen and consistent medium pace bowler. She picked up a hat trick and skipper role in the Queensland White Girls under-12 school squad last year and hopes to match that in 2024.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Elliana Buxton

Elliana Buxton

Miami State High School

Left Arm Fast Bowler

Buxton is an emerging left-arm pace bowler who has quickly made an impact at both club level and as a representative player for the Gold Coast Dolphins under-15s. Known for her consistency with the ball, she compliments her bowling with solid contributions as a left-handed middle order batter, excelling on the offside with sharp stroke play and a dependable defense. Buxton’s ability to perform under pressure reflects her growing potential and versatility as a young cricketer on the rise.

South Coast 13-15 years girls cricket team. Pictured: Paige Simpson

Paige Simpson

Canterbury College

Batter

Simpson demonstrates an impressive background as a South Coast player. Hoping to repeat success this year with another state title, she possesses a balance of skills in batting, bowling and fielding. She also demonstrates excellent catching abilities and quick reflexes during keeping.

Originally published as ‘A formidable force’: South Coast girls cricket batting for gold at Queensland School Sport champs