Sydney Thunder all-rounder Hannah Darlington named Young Gun of WBBL|05

Sydney Thunder all-rounder Hannah Darlington has claimed a big reward for her hot form in the WBBL.

Hannah Darlington has had a season to remember in the WBBL.

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She’s excelled with both bat and ball this season and Sydney Thunder all-rounder Hannah Darlington has been rewarded for her fine form by being named the Young Gun of WBBL|05

The Westfield Sports High School students, who made her debut just hours after sitting a HSC exam, had a breakout season for Thunder, claiming 16 wickets with her medium pace bowling, including best figures of 3-29 against the Adelaide Strikers.

“It’s a bit daunting that my first season in the WBBL has been so successful but I can’t wait to step up for next season because there’s been some big names - Alex Blackwell and Rene Farrell - retiring from Sydney Thunder,” she said.

As the overall winner, Darlington receives $5,000 cash, access to the rebel Mentoring Program and will become a member of the rebel Women Program.

Hannah Darlington is congratulated by teammates after getting a wicket during the WBBL game against the Melbourne Renegades.

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Darlington was nominated alongside teammates Phoebe Litchfield and Tahlia Wilson, Tayla Vlaeminck (Hobart Hurricanes), Courtney Webb (Melbourne Renegades), Annabel Sutherland (Melbourne Stars) and Sydney Sixers’ fast-bowler Stella Campbell.

“We were really impressed with the way Hannah handled some really difficult situations she found herself in on the field, often bowling to batters who were attacking hard and closing out the innings with good composure,’’ said Female High Performance Manager Shawn Flegler.

“She also has a great temperament which we saw when she took a match-winning catch on the boundary at Blacktown.

Hannah Darlington fielding against the Adelaide Strikers.

“While she didn’t get much of an opportunity with the bat, she showed on several occasions that she’s a good talent.

“Hannah is also a strong leader which is impressive at such a young age, having captained NSW at an underage level as well as the Sydney Thunder’s first female Indigenous team.

“Overall as a cricketer and person she’s a terrific package and we feel like she’ll really benefit from being involved in rebel’s Mentoring Program.”