FORMER Upper Hunter cricketer Kirsten Smith is set to have a "blast" in the upcoming Women's Regional Bash Finals.
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Some of the best female players in country NSW will take part in the inaugural event at the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday, January 21.
The ACT Aces are playing the Illawarra Flames in the Thunder Conference decider, with the successful team meeting the winner of the Sixers Conference showdown between the Newcastle Blasters - skippered by Smith - and the Coffs Coast Chargers under the SCG lights to play-off for the Women's Regional Bash Trophy.
All four teams are captained by quality youngsters who have regularly received higher honours.
The Aces are led by 20-year-old Kelly Rowlings, who has played for the NSW Country team, the Bush Breakers, as a batter.
Like many of the players, having the chance to compete at the SCG is a dream come true for her.
"I'd probably be thinking about all the people who have batted and bowled on that field in the past and who are currently playing there," Rowlings said.
"All the things that have happened on that ground, there are so many big games and big names you can think of, I'd imagine it would get the blood pumping."
Flames coach Craig Howsan said the lure of playing at the SCG was great motivation.
"Everyone is stoked to be able to play on the SCG," he added.
"It's going to be an unbelievable opportunity for all involved."
Flames captain Emma Coughlan-Ryan is a former NSW under-aged pathways player and big-hitting teammate Joanne Kelly has represented the NSW Bush Breakers for the past two years.
Chargers skipper all-rounder Kate Jackson is also the leader of the NSW Bush Breakers and teammate Naomi McDonald is one of the most promising regional players in the country.
Smith, meanwhile, opens the batting for the Breakers.
Her dad used to drive the 650km round trip from Scone to Sydney each Sunday in summer, just so she could play cricket.
The now 20-year-old continues to line up in the state capital with Northern Districts, has twice donned the NSW Country cap at national championships and even reached World Cup level with the Australian under-17 indoor side.
Finals schedule
10am: Sixers Conference Final
Newcastle Blasters v Coffs Coast Chargers
2pm: Thunder Conference Final
ACT Aces v Illawarra Flames
6pm: Women's Regional Bash Final
Winner Sixers and Thunder Conference Finals
Women's Regional Bash Squads
ACT Aces
Kelly Rowlings (c)
Julia Bassett
Georgia Bye
Elizabeth Coper-Jones
Monica Gair
Caitlin Galeano
Jess Galeano
Amy Jason-Jones
Janet King
Victoria King
Jamie Kneebone
Jessie Mudaliar
Cherie Taylor
Illawarra Flames
Emma Coughlan-Ryan (c)
Kaelah Austin
Chantelle Downey
Madison Greenhalgh
Samantha Henness
Sophie Heath
Joanne Kelly
Kate Lee
Issabella Savelli
Louise Tonge
Lauren Woods
Naomi Woods
Ashleigh Yeaman
Coffs Coast Chargers
Kate Jackson (c)
Jo Borger
Ellynie Cameron
Keisha Dowsett
Hannah Faux
Georgie Martin
Sophie Mavros
Naomi McDonald
Rilee O'Loughlan
Alisha Phoonie
Emma Ross
Kate Rowlands
Grace Wilson
Newcastle Blasters
Kirsten Smith (c)
Sarah Burns
Alethea Graham
Kate Hanley
Emma Jane Howe
Skye Lovett
Megan McDonald
Maddie McGuigan
Cassie McLaren
Milah Riley
Clare Webber
Millie Kohl