Young cricketer has Australia in her sights

Uplands pupil, Katy Prior, has been playing cricket since she was only eight years old, and dreams of one day playing alongside her role model, current captain of the Protea women’s side, Mignon du Preez.

“I got a letter in September last year congratulating me on my selection for the provincial week.

“It was quite a surprise as most girls are between 17 and 18 and I was only 12 when I got selected.”

It was hosted by Mbombela at the end of December when 16 teams played against each other.

Katy has been involved in action cricket for the last four years and is currently in the u/17 women’s squad that will represent South Africa later this year at the Junior Series.

The final trials take place this weekend in Centurion, Pretoria. “We are hopeful and it will possibly be my first time overseas.”

As indoor cricket aren’t very popular under girls, Katy has been playing for the boys during the interprovincial tournament (IPT) since being an u/9.

“The boys treat me well and we are actually very good friends. Thus far we have won three silver medals at the IPT.” The cricket world cup kicks off in 22 days and Katy has high expectations for AB de Villiers and the team. “They just need to play their best players and then for sure they’ll do it.”

Katy’s dad, Hugh is very proud and happy. “I never expected my girl to be where she is with her cricket, but she loves it and I will always support her.

As long as she enjoys it, I will back her 100 per cent.”

The Uplands learner also likes playing golf, netball, tennis and golf and has represented Ehlanzeni hockey for a few years now. Her brother, Matthew John Prior sadly passed away while opening the batting for the school’s 1st XI in Lydenburg on September 16, 2010 and it is all thanks to him that she has came to love the sport as much as she does.