November 23, 2018
Murgon cricketer Courtney Sippel’s career has taken off with her selection this week in the Brisbane Heat squad for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League competition.
Courtney, 17, is currently playing with the Heat development squad in Sydney.
She is the second Murgon player to have made her mark with the Heat since the WBBL kicked off four seasons ago.
Renee Irvine set a record as the youngest player to debut with the club when she was selected in the 2016-17 season.
Heat coach Pete McGiffin said the club was pleased to have such exciting home-grown talents to choose from.
“Courtney has been knocking on the door for a while now to take the next step, so this is a great opportunity for her to demonstrate her skills,’’ he said.
He said Courtney had worked hard and made the most of the chances that have come her way.
Also signed up by the Heat for this season was 15-year-old rising star Charli Knott, from Mackay.
“It’s an important investment in the Heat’s future and also for Queensland Cricket to have the girls part of this squad,” McGiffin said.
“I’m sure the experience of playing and training alongside the likes of Beth Mooney, Delissa Kimmince and Jess Jonassen will benefit them no end.’’
The Heat will play the Adelaide Strikers on Sunday, December 2, in their opening match at Junction Oval before travelling to Sydney the following weekend for matches against the Perth Scorchers (December 8) and the Sydney Thunder (December 9).
Their first home match will be the double-header at the ‘Gabba on December 19 that coincides with the opening match of the KFC Big Bash League between the Heat and the Adelaide Strikers.
Kingaroy product Holly Ferling will be joining the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL this season after being with the Heat for the past three seasons.
