TWO teenagers are preparing to etch their names into Port Fairy cricket folklore after earning division one debuts.
Maddie Green, 16, will become the first female to play in the Pirates' top grade while Sam Allen, 14, is considered "quite possibly the youngest (debutant) in the club's history".
The call-up came as a surprise to Green, a budding all-rounder who has represented Victoria and plays for Victrorian Premier Cricket club Geelong's new women's side.
"It's an honour but I am so nervous," she told The Standard ahead of the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association match against Dennington on Saturday.
"It was a surprise. Brian (Medew) the coach rang mum and asked what she would think and if it was OK, just because I am an underage player, and she said 'I'm happy with that'.
"Then he rang me. Mum told me he was going to ring me but I was so excited and it was so surreal.
It was a surprise. Brian (Medew) the coach rang mum and asked what she would think and if it was OK, just because I am an underage player, and she said 'I'm happy with that'.
- Maddie Green
"A lot of hard work went into it so it's very exciting.
"It was announced at dinner last night and I was so embarrassed. It was one of those things where everyone was clapping and you don't know what to do."
Green, who turns 17 next month, said she was happy to play her role against the Dogs.
"It is going to be a really good experience and it's a good group of men who I'll be playing with," she said.
"I think it's more fielding, just because we're low on numbers. He (Medew) said I might have a bat or bowl, depending on the circumstances of the game.
"(It's about) getting around each other and backing up and hopefully I can take a catch or get a run out and help the team win."
Adding to Green's excitement is the chance to play with older brother Max, the Pirates' wicket-keeper.
"Mum (Brooke) and dad (Stuart) were very keen to go to the one game and not go separate ways," she said.
Green said Allen, an up-and-coming top-order bat and leg spinner, deserved to play at such a young age.
"He has really gone to a whole new level this season and excelled with bat and ball," she said.
"I have played with him (in juniors) as well. When we both found out we were going to be playing (division one) together it just felt more natural I suppose."
Pirates skipper Alex Jennings said the club was delighted to see Green and Allen clinch division one positions.
"I think the whole club is pretty excited," he said.
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"She's still only young but she absolutely dominates the (female game) and has gone really well in division two when she's played.
"She's no worries with men's cricket, she'll fit in well."
Jennings said Allen was a leg-spin option who could also contribute with the bat.
"Since he's been at Port Fairy he's always looked like a kid who could go on to play division one," he said.
"He's just really come on this year, I think. He's a good little spinner."
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