Dongara-based Meg Spalding excited for national championships as only regional player selected in the squad

Dongara cricketer Meg Spalding is ready to take on the next level after being selected in the under-19 State squad for next week’s national championships. Spalding, a Wanderers product, has been hopping between the Geraldton League and Midland Guildford in the West Australian Cricket Association with her hard work being rewarded, becoming the only regional cricketer to be selected in the side this year. Spalding said it was “unreal” to be selected. “I’ve taken such a long journey and to get this outcome I’ve surprised myself, I didn’t believe it,” she said. Spalding, like most elite Mid West products, is excited to fly the flag for regional cricket. “When I first made that transition to the metro league I was completely scared because it’s such a different environment but that transition definitely gave me a lot of confidence that I could really go somewhere with my cricket,” she said. “It’s honestly awesome to represent regional cricket, the sport for females is still so young and to be at this position is pretty incredible. “I’m not completely set but I think this will be my last year in regional cricket before moving to the metro league full-time.” Like most regional athletes, Spalding has had to manage her own training often away from the eyes of selectors. “My family has been a huge help in keeping me up with metro girls along with a lot of self determination,” she said. “100 per cent I felt worried about not being selected, because I couldn’t train with the rest of the squad it was in the back of my mind and I think it’s in the back of every regional player’s mind. “For my personal preseason we made up a Whatsapp group with a bunch of coaches in there where I could updates of my development and that little bit of evidence gives you confidence you won’t be forgotten.” When it comes to the tournament itself, Spalding is bullish of the side’s chances. “We’ve got a really strong squad and it’s definitely going to be an amazing experience,” she said. “A lot of us have grown up playing together and that bond will be the standout of the tournament. “It would be a dream if I did incredibly at this tournament.” WA will play its first game against Tasmania on December 5 with play scheduled for 9.30am. Western Australia under-19 women’s squad Charis Bekker (c) (Subiaco-Floreat), Chloe Ainsworth (Melville), Josie Beckett (Wanneroo), Tene Crafford (Wanneroo), Ella Dodgson (South Perth), Shayna Jesani (Wanneroo), Natasha Kelsey (Melville), Shay Manolini (Midland-Guilford), Rebecca McGrath (Melville), Ines McKeon (Midland-Guilford), Morgan Pires (Midland-Guilford), Meg Spalding (Midland-Guilford), Poppy Stockwell (South Perth).