What a summer it's been for Parkes cricketer Maddy Spence and it's only just the start.
As the 18-year-old gears up to represent the NSW Country Team at the Under 19s National Championships, her next major competition, the all-rounder has already completed three rep duties.
She was in Coffs Harbour from September 29 to October 1 for the Under 19s McDonald's Female Country Championships.
All up she scored 75 runs - becoming equal third highest run scorer, took one wicket and had one catch.
She was part of a combined Western/Riverina team that finished second overall.
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Just over two weeks later Maddy headed to Goulburn, on October 19 and 20 for the Plan B Regional Bash.
Individually she scored 26 runs, claimed two wickets and a catch; while for Western, they won their pool and will play Newcastle in a grand final at the SCG at 10am on December 17.
The Western men's team also won this tournament, making it the first time Western will have both their men's and women's teams in the grand final with both playing Newcastle.
And just last week Maddy returned home from the Australian Women's Indigenous training camp that was held in Melbourne from November 18 to 22.
For nationals, she will fly to Sydney on Friday for a training camp before the team flies to Perth where the championships hit-off on December 2.
It's certainly a busy schedule for someone who's also travelling to Sydney in between to play for the Bankstown Sports Women's Cricket Club - this her second season - and holding a job with Parkes Shire Council.
This season, Maddy decided to step down to play second grade for a bit more of an opportunity which paid off with her scoring 85 runs against a Campbelltown/Camden side a few weeks ago.
With all of her representative duties it has meant she's missed quite a few weeks playing in Sydney.
"Playing in Sydney and for a women’s team is amazing, because you get that challenge of playing with females who try and outsmart you," Maddy said.
"The travel is very hard on my family and I but it’s something I have to do to see how far I can really take my cricket."
A big highlight for Maddy this year has been winning the National Indigenous Cricket Championship against Queensland in the grand final in February.
NSW reclaimed the women’s division title in Alice Springs.
There's been so many highs for the teenager and learning curves of late that she's just taking it all in her stride.
"I actually don’t know what my most challenging moment is yet," Maddy admitted.
"Every little bump is a learning experience.
"With all my comps coming up I’m just looking to prove myself to everyone that I deserve to be here and I’m not going to let the pressure get to me."
Maddy said she's also looking forward to improving her game and getting into good form to go back to Bankstown, with the aim of "just hitting the ground running from the start".
"I think also with the comps coming up it’s an amazing way to make long-lasting friendships with girls from all over the state," she said.
"That is the big take-away from it all."
Maddy and her family are very grateful for council's support in allowing her the time-off from work and opportunity to represent her hometown and her state.
