A SEAFOOD factory in Port Fairy is almost a second home for Stephanie Townsend — but so is the MCG.
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The Warrnambool cricketing export has the unglamorous part-time job of washing and packing abalone.
But “it’s good money” and it’s all going towards the one cause: cricket.
Away from the factory, Townsend is paving a promising path to the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL).
She is one of five rookies with WNCL outfit Victoria Spirit and was selected in the state under 18s side this week.
Her prowess with the bat and ball has earned her an all-access pass to the MCG, where she trains on a weekly basis.
Townsend said the five Spirit rookies were guaranteed a place in the state team.
“But we still needed to work for it,” Townsend said.
“I’m really proud (to have made the side). I still get the same thrill as I did when I was 13.”
As most country dwellers know, sporting talent goes hand-in-hand with long trips to competitions and training sessions. Townsend is no different.
The 18-year-old has been travelling to Melbourne every Wednesday since July.
Coupled with her year 12 studies and other sporting interests in Warrnambool, Townsend said the monotonous journey was getting old.
“It’s very, very tiring,” she said. “I’ve been getting pretty sick of it lately.”
Townsend’s bursting diary of commitments has restricted her time to practise for her probationary driver’s licence.
So for now, she will have to sit out her frequent train rides to Melbourne.
“I’m too busy to get my licence,” she said.
“It’s a little bit frustrating. Hopefully I can get in the Christmas holidays.”
Despite her demanding schedule, Townsend manages to find motivation.
“I just love it,” she said.
“It’s something I’m passionate about and hopefully one day I will play for Vic Spirit.
“Playing for Australia would be awesome but at the moment, Vic Spirit is more realistic.”
Townsend said January’s national under 18 female championship will be a break from Spirit training.
“I would really like to make the finals,” she said.
“But New South Wales is always strong. They’ve got some very good young players in their team.”
Victoria will confront Western Australia in the first round of the week-long championships on January 5, followed by NSW the day after.
