Cricket history as Tiegan Kavanagh cracks first grade men’s team
Not many people get to make history in their sport but that’s exactly what this young cricketer has done with a dream debut despite hating the sport when she first tried it.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It was a historic weekend to remember for cricketer Tiegan Kavanagh in a sport she hated and found boring when she first played it as a kid.
The 23-year-old from the Central Coast not only made her debut for the Wyong club in the Central Coast first grade cricket 50 overs competition on Saturday - the first woman to do so - she also took four wickets and was named Man of the Match.
TOP AWARD: Beach sprinter races into Hall of Fame
PREMIER CRICKET: Players of the Week, Rd 5 wrap
“I got 4/26 off eight overs against Northern Power, we got the win and I got Man of the Match. I couldnt have imaged a better debut,’’ said Kavanagh on Sunday.
“It was very special. A bit of a relief to prove the point I deserved my spot.
“I was a littl enervous but all the boys were really supportive and got around me. It was pretty good for a debut.’’
“When I got the first wicket I was stoked. When I got the others it was hard to believe. I was pretty pumped, probably more pumped than nervous.’’
I used to sit on the ground picking the grass out. I didn't have any interest, I thought it was boring
Kavanagh, a sale assistant from Buff Point whose mother Vicki is treasurer at the club and father Gary a life member, was awarded cap 254 from the club she has played with since a junior by teammate and club president, Chris Becker.
But it now being a family affair she admitted her love of the sport wasn't instant.
“I love my cricket now but I hated it when I first started,’’ she said.
“I used to sit on the ground picking the grass out. I didn't have any interest, I thought it was boring.’’
MORE SPORT
Olympic hopeful up-super sporting goals
Teen rising star swimming to her own tune
Gen Next racing during surf iron series
Netball’s next stars and their rugby connections
The medium pace bowler, who represented the NSW Country Cricket team at the Australian Country championships, has been threatening to make the grade for a number of seasons after strong performances in the clubs 2nd Grade team.
Kavanagh also plays for the Sydney Cricket Club in the NSW Women’s Premier Competition each Sunday and was also a member of their premiership winning side last season.
In her spare time she is also captain of the Central Coast Rush Women’s Representative team.
“I’m pretty proud to have been playing NSW Country for the past four season’’ she said,
“Country cricket is a good thing to be playing and I see it as a high achievement.’’