Star Downs teens Fire up with senior contracts

DOWNS prodigies Ellie Johnston and Georgia Voll have earned Queensland Fire contracts for the 2020/21 cricket seasons.

Ellie Johnston (left) and Georgia Voll will line up for the Queensland Fire. Photo: Cordell Richardson/Cricket Australia

CRICKET: Teenage sensations Ellie Johnston and Georgia Voll have taken the next step in their cricketing journeys.

The pair were announced as part of the 14-player Queensland Fire squad for the 2020/21 season.

They join with three Cricket Australia-contracted players, including Warwick’s Delissa Kimmince.

After making her Fire debut last year, Toowoomba’s Georgia Voll has been upgraded to the contract list.

Her first outing was one to remember, taking 2-11 against South Australia at Allan Border Field.

The 16-year-old is joined by Dalby’s Ellie Johnston, who will make the step up to the first-class level.

Just 17 years old, Johnston has enjoyed a glittering junior representative career to date.

Dalby State High School PE teacher Cameron Meir was a part of Johnston’s development as a cricketer over the last few years, and said the community couldn’t be prouder of her latest achievement.

“I had a lot to do with her when she was at Dalby, and you could tell at a young age she would be something special,” Meir said.

“From her first session, she was in the nets with all the boys, and that didn’t bother her.

“When we started doing some specialist sessions, she was head and shoulder above most kids.

“Beyond that, her work ethic was second to none. Even when she was 13 years old, the way she attacked training sessions was extraordinary.”

Fire coach and former Australian representative Ashley Noffke said the contracts were a fantastic opportunity for the girls to further develop their games.

“It’s a great opportunity for them and a lot of those girls in regions that have access to join a Premier Cricket club,” Noffke said.

“I’m only just starting to spend some time with Ellie, but there are good wraps on her coming out of the U18s.

“She’s mature for her age and has impressed with her attitude. This is a great chance for her to work on her game without the stress of having to do just one thing.

“School will take up time, and Georgia will also find her feet with school. We’re able to provide some flexibility where they can achieve what they want in school.

“Georgia will be keen to make an impact. She’s been really impressive and working incredibly hard at growing as a player.

“That go-getter attitude is something that is contagious in our squad.”

Kimmince said having the pair in the squad has helped to rejuvenate the playing group.

“Georgia has been at quite a few of our training sessions, while Ellie has been coming down once a week,” Kimmince said.

“It’s nice to have a few of the younger girls fitting in well. Having them around the group really sparks competitiveness, and they want to learn as much as they can which is refreshing.

“I’ve enjoyed the little break. It’s been nice to switch off from cricket and I have enjoyed the extra time at home.

“It’s given me the chance for some downtime, which we don’t often get to have at home. In saying that it is nice to get back to training and see everybody.”

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