Barrier Daily Truth

Sam’s on the rise

Wednesday, 15th February, 2012

TALENT REWARDED: Sam Betts’ performances in Adelaide and at the national Under 18 championships have caught the eye of national selectors.

By Peter Argent

Samantha Betts has continued her cricketing progression with solid performances in the national under 18s championships late last month. 

Played in Ballarat, the South Australians collected a pair of victories to finish fifth. 

Leading the attack, Betts bowled 39 overs to be among the Scorpions’ most used bowlers. She took seven wickets at 21.57 runs per victim and had a best yield of 3/11 against the ACT. 

In the Scorpions’ 10-wicket win over Tasmania, Betts also played a big role, snaring two top order wickets for eight runs from her alloted four overs. 

“Statics can lie a little, as Sam bowled quite consistency over the carnival,” said SA Coach and former test cricketer Andrea McCauley. 

“Sam also batted at number six this year, with her effort at the batting crease having improved considerably. 

“She was given more responsibility and there was more pressure on her in the leadership role as vice captain. Having a young team, I was happy with our performances. 

“Players including Sam have another two years at this level.”

Like fellow Silver City cricket export, Tom Derham, Betts has also been selected in Cricket Australia’s 2011-12 Under 18 Talent Camp squad. 

All players selected will go under the watchful eye of specialist coaches as the search for Australia’s next batch of international players continues. 

Women’s Youth Selection Panel member Richard McInnes said the squad was finalised with input from the Women’s Youth Selection Panel and the State Female Talent Managers following the domestic season and the National Under 18 Championships. 

The group will assemble in Sydney on April 12 and undertake three days of training at the SCG. 

“They will receive coaching and assistance from the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, support staff and also from a number of Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars players,” McInnes said..

“After the camp each player will have an Individual Player Plan finalised in conjunction with their state support staff which will assist them on their path to higher selection. 

“This will be the fourth Under 18 Female Talent Camp conducted and from the recent camps Sarah Coyte, Meg Lanning and Jessica Jonassen have now gone on to represent the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars.” 

Playing for Port Adelaide in the SACA A grade women’s, Betts has had a good year with the ball. 

She is among the top 10 wicket takers in the competition, having so far collected 10 scalps at an average of 14.80 and a best of 4/18 in the victory against Kensington just after her return from the nationals. 

In the outright victory, achieved in a single day, she took 7/27.