The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Exciting times lie in store as talented youngsters blossom
Cricket: Ex-international Campbell predicts several teens will emulate her
A former Scotland women’s international cricketer from the north-east is predicting a bright future for the women’s game in the area.
Fiona Campbell is making her own contribution as a coach since last playing for Scotland eight years ago.
The 38-year-old, who plays for Ellon Gordon, believes women’s and in particular the girl’s game is in a good place thanks to the drive and energy of Caledonian Highlanders head coach Neil Nicol, who is based at Huntly where he is also head coach of the aspiring local team.
The other coaching team members are Calum Howard and Iain McDonald, supported by a number of parents.
Campbell said: “We have a number of girls in our under-17 and under-15 squads who will go on to play for Scotland.
“I would predict there will be at least four players from the under-18s and possibly the same from the under-15s.
“The women’s game in the area has come on in leaps and bounds since I retired from international duty eight years ago, mainly thanks to Neil who is the driving force of the Gordon Schools, Huntly-based setup which straddles the north and the north-east of the region.
“I am delighted to be part of the coaching team, while still being available to play for Ellon Gordon.”
In recent times the squad training has been attended by former Scotland captain Gordon Drummond, who was hugely impressed by the application of the girls.
Campbell said: “It was good for the girls to see a player of his stature taking an interest in them.”
Among the girls who attend the sessions is 16-year-old Ailsa Lister of Stoneywood-Dyce, who has already kept wicket in her club’s senior team in the Eastern Premier, the top men’s league in Scotland.
Fraserburgh’s Leanne Broadley, 17, was also named in the Scotland under-17 squad last season.
The squad members are all aiming to follow in the footsteps of Kirstie Gordon, who started her playing career at Huntly before going on the represent both Scotland and England, winning the man of the match award in her first game for the latter in the recent World Cup.
Fiona Urquhart from Stoneywood-Dyce is also making her way in the English club game.
Campbell said: “Kirstie and Fiona have set the standard for the girls, but I believe there are a number of them who are well up to the challenge.
“It’s certainly a pleasure to see them develop. I just hope we get to see some action soon and certainly before the end of this season.”