Cricket
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GRIFFITH cricketer Claire Murray is primed to test herself against the best emerging female players in Australia after years of honing her skills against boys.
Claire, 14, has been selected in the NSW-ACT Country under 15 team for the national championships in Sydney from November 26 to December 2.
The Marian Catholic College student rarely plays against other females and is eager to see how she measures up.
"It'll be good to be part of an all-girls' team for a change," Claire said.
"It'll just be nice from the social side of it. You have a lot more to talk about when you're around other girls.
"It's a good opportunity to make a lot of new friends."
But Claire won't be making life easy for opponents on the pitch.
The budding quick loves taking wickets and has been involved in NSW Cricket Academy programs since 2012.
Claire plays for Coro in the Griffith District Cricket Association third grade competition and is the only girl in her side.
Not that she minds. Claire competes as fiercely as the boys, as some of her male rivals have discovered the hard way.
"I do enjoy playing against the boys, and it's good when they underestimate my ability," Claire said.
"I get them out occasionally, which is a good feeling.
"They don't like getting out to a girl."
A talented athlete who also plays netball and soccer, Claire first experimented with cricket when she was 11.
"I've always liked giving different sports a go, and I wasn't too bad at it when I started," Claire said.
"I always wanted to bowl. I like the idea of bowling at someone.
"I don't mind batting. It's nice hitting the ball, but bowling is what I like most.
"It's always a really good feeling when you take a wicket."