Modesty is the best policy for U15's finest girl

Three seems to be the lucky number for Saskia Horley, two three-wicket hauls, three under 15 championships and three tournament wins. 

The 14-year-old NSW all-rounder has just finished her third Cricket Australia under 15 Championship and claimed her first “Player of the Tournament” award.

Part of the NSW Academy, Horley has built her years around the game of cricket.

As a 12-year-old, Horley began playing for the Gordon Womens team in the Sydney Cricket Association Women’s Competition and has already surpassed 50 games.

She impressed the locals with flare and determination, committed to making her mark in whatever competition she played.

It was that determination that warranted selection in the under 15 NSW Squad in 2012 as a fresh-faced teenager.

“I was really excited about selection in that first [tournament], I got to experience seeing quality,” said Horley.

And her excitement was justified, claiming the most wickets of the tournament with 15, four more than the next best.

It would’ve been accepted if Horley thought the competition was child’s play, claiming 5/1 (7/12 in the whole innings) in her first ever match of the tournament, a match she rates as the best she’s played.

The off-spinner sees herself more as a bowler at senior level but is happy to contribute runs when needed, showed by her gritty knock of 69 against Western Australia as an opener this year.

Although Horley is definitely not one to dote on success, attributing much of her triumphs to the help of her teammates. 

“When I made 69 in the Twenty20, Hannah Darlington and Yardley Polsen really supported me at the other end.

“The first priority was winning; the second priority was my own performance.”

Image Id: ~/media/8A77F867BD02402E8F15D1C609553A92?h=944&w=665

Saskia Horley's career best figures of 7-12 against Western Australia in 2012/13

NSW Metropolitan Head Coach Mark McInnes was impressed with Horley’s commitment and influence on the people around her.

“Her overall professionalism was a stark reminder to the team of what is required at this level. Her behaviour encouraged the other girls to lift their commitment and attitude which filtered through the entire squad,” McInnes said.

“Saskia is very independent and driven and as such is very easy to coach.”

Horley entered the competition two wickets behind all-time leader Jemma Barsby (25 wickets) with South Australia’s Shae Daly hot on her heels – but wouldn’t have known if not for an enthusiastic family member.

“My dad is a stats guy and he let me know before the competition started about the record,” Horley said.

“I just wanted to be positive and consistent.”

The Roseville College student has the support of her family, friends and teachers to follow her goals of making a career of cricket.

About to enter Year 10, Horley looks up to former Australian batsmen Michael Hussey and current Southern Star Ellyse Perry.

“Everybody loves Ellyse but I play soccer as well as cricket just like her.”

In her spare time, Horley spends time hanging out with her friends who are supportive and amazed about her cricketing accomplishments to date.

The next step for Horley is to play for the NSW Metropolitan squad in the Under 18’s Championship in Ballarat this January.

Her advice for budding pathway girls is simple – “play it how it is, don’t be stunned or surprised to face good players, and be modest.”

Above all else, Saskia’s greatest skill is her modesty.