Caitlin jets out to Spain in search of Euro glory
Bridgnorth's Caitlin Belcher has her sights set on helping England National Counties Cricket Association reign again in Spain.
The 20-year-old pace bowler is jetting off to Malaga this weekend to take part in the European T10 Women’s Championship.
A first England call continues the former Thomas Telford School student's rise through the cricketing ranks.
Dad Rob and sister Hannah will be flying out to lend their sport and provide mom Louise, who, unfortunately, has to stay home due to work commitments, with regular updates.
"We are so proud of her," said Louise. "She has had some adversity in recent years, but has overcome it. She suffered a serious knee injury at one point, but overcame that and then she broke her wrist playing for Central Sparks.
"She battled on and is very focused and determined. This is a reward for all her hard work and dedication.
"There was a wait to see if she had been selected, but when she found out she was over the moon."
Caitlin's cricket journey started at Castlefields Primary School in Bridgnorth and her talent soon became obvious.
She worked her way into the Shropshire set-up, where she still plays and coaches, and turned out for Central Sparks before joining Gloucestershire, who play in tier two of the ECB's Women's County Championship. And when commitments allow, Caitlin still turns out for Quatt Ladies.
"When she was in Year 5 her teacher ran an after school cricket club for his class," added Louise. "That was the first time she had picked a bat up, but she had a natural talent for the game.
"She then played in a softball competition for the school and was talent spotted by Shropshire.
"She got into the county set-up and things have progressed from there."
Currently in her last year at the University of Birmingham, where she is studying sport exercise and science, Caitlin has designs on becoming a physiotherapist, although the chance to play cricket professionally could also be an option.
But her immediate aim will be to help England regain the trophy they won at the same Cartama Oval venue 12 months ago.
England are competing in the Premier Division alongside Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Italy from December 15-20.
They face Netherlands in a rematch of last year’s final on Sunday in their opening game. The final takes place on December 20.