Life about to get even busier for sporty Cara

13 July 2016

A YOUNG Ballynahinch teenager intends hitting the world of cricket for six.

That’s the whirlwind that is Ballynahinch’s Cara Murray who plays cricket for a host of different teams and who has just been named as vice-captain of the Ireland U-15 squad to play in the Malvern Festival, in England, next month.

The Irish will play three matches in the competition, with Surrey, The Netherlands and Gloucestershire their opponents. The side will play all the matches at the magnificent setting of the Mardyke, with the series getting under way on Sunday, August 7, with a two-day encounter.

There are two 50 over games on August 10 and 11 before the series concludes with a 20 over contest on Friday, August 12.

Cara, whose dad is Saintfield Cricket Club’s Philip Murray, turns out for her school, Wellington College, all three Saintfield teams — she made her first team debut against Academy last week — Ireland U-15s and U-17s, NCU U-15s, Waringstown Ladies as well as the Scorchers in the elite Super 3 series.

If that wasn’t enough, Cara also plays hockey for Saintfield and football for Ballynahinch Youth Ladies.

She first picked up a cricket bat and ball when she was eight years old and hasn’t put either down since. Her progress through the ranks has been nothing short of phenomenal and along with dad Philip and brother Ross created a unique piece of sporting history when father, son and daughter all played in the same Saintfield team.

“That was a bit special,” said proud dad Philip. “Of course I was worried about her facing the pace bowlers in that game against Laurelvale seconds, but she has a great batting technique and temperament. Nothing phases her, absolutely nothing.

“She works extremely hard at her game and deserves the recognition she is now getting”

as the third best female leg spinner in the country.

A regular on the Waringstown ladies team, Cara is rated as one of the best young leg spinners in the country and has recently been asked to join The Hills, in Skerries, one of the leading teams in Leinster to play in their ladies’ side.

Dad Philip is getting used to the weekly trips down to Dublin and is more than happy to put the miles in as Cara pursues her aim of making it all the way to the top.

“Cara is part of the emerging performance programme which takes place at YMCA every Friday evening,” explained Philip. I am getting used to the trip and if it helps Cara achieve her goal then I am more than happy to do the driving.

“I might be a different case next season as Cara sits her GCSE exams, but I’m sure she has all that factored in,” he added.

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