NORMALLY kids would be stoked to just earn a single season within an age-based academy program but Callee Black is preparing for her third straight season as part of the Cricket NSW Under 16s Pathway Squad.
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![BACK FOR MORE: Callee Black has once again earned a place in the Under 16s Pathway Squad. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK BACK FOR MORE: Callee Black has once again earned a place in the Under 16s Pathway Squad. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/YpbCWLfGAstDHC22gJwdbm/ad3f0ceb-0293-41a4-99de-cab911aa6976.jpg/r0_263_3700_2351_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Bathurst all-rounder earned her return to the NSW-ACT Country squad thanks to her recent performance at the NSW Under 16s Country Championships in Raymond Terrace prior to Christmas.
Black played a crucial role in the Western side's performance at the tournament, where they won three of their four games and lost their only game to eventual champions ACT Southern Districts.
The Centennials Bulls and Penrith club player notched up an unbeaten half century in the victory over Central Northern and hit 25 against North Coastal.
Black ended her tournament with figures of 1-9 from her four overs against Greater Illawarra.
Her final haul of 97 runs, at an average of 32.3, put her at the top of the run-scorers list across all teams.
The NSW-ACT country team - along with their metropolitan counterpart - will travel to Albury to play matches against Victoria Metro and Victoria Country across January 24 to 27.
Black was one of two Western players selected for the 13-strong NSW squad, along with Maddy Spence.
And the most impressive thing? As Black turns 15 in January she will have the opportunity next season to make a fourth straight return to the squad.
Black said Western could hold their heads high after their efforts at the Raymond Terrace tournament.
"It just goes to show that hard work pays off. I've been getting some consistency with my game, so it feels really good," she said.
"The carnival was really good, playing with the younger Western girls. We had a really good run through the comp. It was really hot so we deal well to deal with the weather.
"We only lost one game at the carnival, which was our first one, and I think we were a bit nervous before that one, so it was a pretty good effort from us. We should all be proud."
The NSW metropolitan side is somewhat of a known quantity for Black, so she's looking forward to what Victoria will bring to the table during their upcoming games.
"I've played with most of the girls in this team before, from different representative teams, and it's a pretty good squad," Black said.
"Against Victoria we're not sure what they're going to bring. We've played the NSW metro team before so we know that's going to be a good challenge."
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