Toowoomba duo ready to shine for Queensland side

Queensland Cricket female talent & pathways manager Andy Richards has high hopes for young Hornets stars Georgia Voll and Ruth Johnston.

The Toowoomba students who line up for Ipswich/Logan have been in fine form for the Hornets in the Jodie Fields Shield this season - so much so captain Leanne Bichel will be without their services for the foreseeable future.

Voll and Johnston are currently in Canberra for the Under-18 national championships which started on Monday.

At just 14, the Hornets pair are the youngest to represent Queensland at U18 level since Holly Ferling and Beth Mooney - both of whom have gone on to forge successful international careers.

Voll has led all-comers in run-scoring in the Jodie Fields Shield including an unbeaten 151.

The only player to come close to Voll’s 144-run average through four innings is Johnston, who sits 10th in total runs scored and second for average with 79.

Despite the illustrious company and impressive club form, Richards said there would be no pressure placed upon the young Hornets stars to burst out of the gate in Canberra.

“Both Johnston and Voll are in our best 13, they wouldn’t be here otherwise,” the coach said. “But from our perspective we see this tour being as much about their development (as winning matches).

“They will get an opportunity to back up again in a little over a month’s time at the U15 nationals as well.

“I’ve spoken to them about taking good learnings from the 18s carnival and using those to be leaders in the U15 system.