Lilli Hamilton stars for Queensland at U19 national championships

Young Toowoomba superstar Lilli Hamilton took the nation by storm when she took a stunning five-wicket haul against New South Wales in the U19 National Championships and at just 16 years of age, she is determined to wreak more havoc for years to come.

A Toowoomba spin bowler has put the nation on notice after a stellar performance in the Cricket Australia under-19 Female National Championships.

Lilli Hamilton had a carnival to remember as she put on a show for Queensland with her exceptional bowling.

The 16-year-old had no fear in facing older opposition as she put rivals New South Wales Metro to the sword, taking 5-25 off 10 overs in a stunning display of bowling.

“That was very good, especially for it to be against New South Wales,” Hamilton said.

“I didn’t expect to bowl in many games so it was pretty shocking really.

“It is great knowing that all your plans work out … this is what you train for and then when it comes off, it is great.”

Hamilton was a late call up to the team but wasted no time in making her impact felt as she took 13 wickets at a stellar average of just 12.08.

Lilli Hamilton after receiving her Queensland cricket caps for under-16s and under-19s.

She has previously played for Queensland at under-12 schoolgirl level and at last season’s under-16 national carnival – where she will be competing once again this January.

The crafty spinner has spent the last four seasons playing premier cricket with Western Suburbs in Brisbane, where she has gone from strength to strength.

“I am playing with older girls and they all pretty mature so it has been a good opportunity to show my skills,” she said.

One of the highlights of her time with Wests was the opportunity to play alongside stars like Grace Harris and Holly Ferling.

“Holly Ferling and Grace Harris played for Wests and I played alongside them, so I look up to those players,” Hamilton said.

“It was epic because I was only 13 or 14 years old.”

Currently, Wests are in a strong position in this season’s competition and Hamilton is eager to continue the strong form into the new year.

“We made the T20 semi-finals, so hopefully we make the one-day semi-finals as well,” she said.

“We are on top of the table at the moment, so hopefully we just keep winning more games.”

In terms of long-term goals, Hamilton would love to earn a professional contract one day, but is mainly focused on improving as a player.

“I just want to become a better cricketer all-round,” she said.”