WHEN Lisa Griffith began pre-season training with the New South Wales Breakers, her aim was to work on securing an all-rounder spot in the Women's National Cricket League team.
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"Just still looking to pursue that all-rounder spot, I'm going to keep working on a few things and hopefully we'll be on our way," she said.
Well what she has been working on looks to be paying off.
Though it remains to be seen if the Bathurst talent will become a regular in the Breakers' starting XI, she's certainly given new coach Dom Thornley something to think about.
When the Breakers played two intra-squad matches at Coffs Harbour, Griffith was a standout.
In the 40-overs limited over match she cracked an unbeaten 103 before retiring, then backed up that effort with a 42 not out batting in the middle order in a Twenty20 trial.
She was also solid with the ball, with her spell in the opening T20 match particularly impressive.
Then on Sunday in a 50-over trial match against the ACT Meteors at Joe McAleer Oval, Griffith hit 78 runs in an opening wicket stand of 129 with Lauren Cheatle (54).
"Griffith continued her great form, hitting the ball cleanly," Thornley said after the latest effort.
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That sort of early form is a good sign not just for Griffith as she looks to add to the three WNCL games she played last season, but the Breakers as a whole.
From the team which claimed the WNCL crown last season, there have been six departures including all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Nicola Carey, spinner Maisy Gibson and quick Belinda Vakarewa.
It means others in the 17-player squad will need to shoulder extra responsibilities while emerging talents such as Orange teenager Phoebe Litchfield could be presented opportunities by Thornley.
"I think we've got the depth in our team to step up and kind of fulfil that role. It's obviously left a bit of gap, but I've no doubt we can kick on and play some really good cricket," Griffith said.
Griffith and her fellow Breakers begin their bid for a 21st WNCL championships on September 22.