DELIGHTED DALZELL OFF TO T20 WORLD CUP
There was some good news for Tyrone and the wider North West region over the weekend with the news that Bready all-rounder Alana Dalzell has been included in Ireland's 15-player squads for the Women's T20 World Cup being held in the UK next month.
The 25-year-old has been capped 28 times in the four years since her debut in Dublin against South Africa, acquitting herself well, taking 23 wickets at just over 29, while averaging 15 despite being used predominantly as a tail-ender.
Her best figures of 4-26 cane against Zimbabwe last year, while her most famous innings lasted just one ball - when she scored the winning boundary to beat England in an ODI in Belfast.
"It feels brilliant to be selected", said Dalzell, speaking on BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme.
"Especially having a World Cup so close to home. It's a huge honour to pull on the green jersey".
She credits her father Alan for playing a huge role in her cricketing journey, while her sister Alix also plays for Bready in the North West Women's League.
It is her dad Alan with whom she credits for first sparking her interest in the sport.
"Dad always has had a passion for cricket. I joined Bready Cricket Club when I was 11 and I played some boys cricket and then I started playing men's cricket when I was around 13."
She was part of the Bready team that won Intermediate Cups, while she also became the first women to play in a senior men's match for over 25 years, when David Scanlon gave her the opportunity.
Dalzell previously worked for the NWCU before being the recipient of a full-time contract with Cricket Ireland which has taken her game to another level.
She hopes that the attention the sport will garner over the coming weeks will help attract more young players to the game, which has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years thanks to the efforts and focus of the local Union.
"Growth of girls cricket in the north west for example has been massive and I think the improved coverage of the sport is helping drive the next generation of young female cricketers.
"If someone younger can see me and know that locally I have come through the pathway - hopefully it helps them know that they can do it too."
Ireland take on Pakistan and the West Indies in Dublin over the next week as a warm-up for the World Cup.
Their opening game is at Old Trafford on June 13th and given the proximity of the Manchester venue, a big home support is expected to cheer on the 'Girls in Green."
