Clarence teenagers hop into Kookaburra Cup debuts

SUPREMELY talented teenagers Maddison and Taylor Brooks continue to showcase their all-round sporting prowess after making their first grade CTPL debuts for Clarence

Twins Maddison and Taylor Brooks, 14, made their first grade cricket debuts for Clarence in the women's Kookaburra Cup. Picture: PATRICK GEE

SUPREMELY talented teenagers Maddison and Taylor Brooks continue to showcase their all-round sporting prowess after making their first grade CTPL debuts for Clarence.

The 14-year-old twins, who are already state under-15 and 16 hockey stars, earned their baggy maroon yesterday in the side’s big victory against University at Kangaroo Bay.

On a day state squad member Emma Thompson carved out a superb century, Maddison scored 12 before snaring a catch after taking the gloves from Belinda Grant halfway through the Lions innings, while Taylor finished with the economical figures of 0-9 from three overs.

Maddison Brooks defends during her first grade cricket debut for Clarence in the women's Kookaburra Cup. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Roos coach Leesa Walker said a patient approach with the duo has paid off, with the Hurricanes under-14 squad members earning their stripes.

“Last year I was hesitant to play them, they were only 12, 13-year-old girls,” Walker said.

“The extra experience of 12 months of cricket under their belt, now they have shown they are ready.

“They bring a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to our training, they have well and truly earned their spots.”

Earlier this year Maddison was crowned both the Player of the Tournament and the Tournament Leading Goal Scorer awards at the national under-15 hockey championships, having taken home Player of the Tournament honours 12 months earlier.

Mum Susan, herself a former state senior hockey representative, said her daughters’ cricketing talents were unearthed at a school clinic at Mt Carmel and the pair hasn’t looked back.

“Cricket Tasmania had a junior female development officer Mia Blignaut and she encouraged them to get involved after seeing them play in a school competition,” Susan said.

“They have a lot to learn but it is a good opportunity for them to have a go in the senior ranks.”