Ella Tilburg - Penrith Cricket Club First Grade Cap 82

Penrith Cricket Club | January 19, 2025

What year were you born?

2005

Tell us about your cricket journey.

I first started playing cricket in 2014 for Blayney Public School and joined my first junior cricket team that same year for Blayney. I played with Blayney throughout my junior years until I was 15, when I moved to Bathurst Rugby Union. I played my last few years of juniors with them as well as seniors. I have since joined Penrith Women’s Cricket club in the 2023/2024 season and have most recently been selected in the Country squad set to compete at the U19 Female National Championships.

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

As a cricketer I would describe myself as a batter/keeper.  

 

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

I enjoy just being out in the middle, especially when I’m batting. I really like the challenge of facing good bowlers and trying to score runs. I also find keeping exciting, especially when games get close and every moment counts. I think another part of cricket that makes me love the game is the time I get to spend with my teammates both on and off the field.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

I have a lot of good memories in cricket so far. One of them would be winning the Opens Boys Bathurst district competition after coming runners up two years in a row.

Who’s your favorite all-time cricketer?

I feel like it’s too hard to chose just one, but it would have to be between Ellyse Perry, Usman Khawaja or Micheal Clarke. 

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

The fastest bowler I have ever played against would have to be one of my old Rugby Union teammates, Flynn Taylor. 

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

I think Frankie Nicklin is a really quality bowler to play against.

Who is the best spinner you’ve kept wicket to?

Keeping to Hugh Taylor in my old Rugby Union team certainly kept me on my toes, but most recently it would have to be Amiee Ravot, who always keeps me in the game for either a stumping or a catch.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Since I’ve joined Penrith, I have really enjoyed watching our openers Sam Arnold and Elise Noble score some good runs quickly against quality sides. 

Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?

I think two players would have to be Callee Black, who always performs whether it’s with the bat or ball. Another player would be Gunisha Garg, who is a really talented young bowler and amazing fielder who is always in the competition.

What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?

Two attributes that I like to see in a captain and leader are inspiration and communication.

Favorite location, city or country as a holiday destination?

Anywhere that has a beach. But I would also love to travel Europe and see places like Italy and Paris. 

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

I have had such great support and coaching over the years from so many people it is too hard to single anyone out. 

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

I think what helps me get through challenging times is remembering why I started and focusing on where I want to go. This motivates me to push through tough patches.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?

Probably Gabby Thomas, Renee Noe and Marnus Labuschagne

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

I like to play other sports, especially league tag and netball.

What do you do outside of cricket?

Currently I am studying a Bachelor of Education at Charles Sturt University and I am also working at Bathurst Public School as a Student Learning Support Officer.  

Do you have a favorite quote?

Nothing changes if nothing changes. 

What are your goals for the next season?

My goal for the next season is to score as many runs as possible, take plenty of dismissals as a wicketkeeper, and hopefully win a competition with Penrith!  

 

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?

To play first-class cricket would mean a lot to me and would be an incredible opportunity.