Crampton becomes #164
October 11, 2016
At the three quarter time break on Sunday afternoon, Gina Crampton got handed the WA bib and was injected into the action at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney.
With her first touch of the ball she became the 164th player to play a Test Match for the Silver Ferns.
"It means a lot to be Silver Fern #164,” Crampton said.
“It is super exciting to join this group of amazing women who have gone before me; it’s a real privilege.”
With over 15,000 fans packed into Qudos Bank Arena, Crampton admits she had a few nerves when she stepped out on court.
“It’s by far the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of. It all happened so fast which I think worked in my favour because I didn’t have time to stress or think about it,” she said.
“The 15 minutes went so fast – it was super hard – the hardest 15 minutes of my life so far.”
Crampton’s parents have been in Japan, but made it home in time to switch on the TV to watch the match and their daughter’s debit.
“I talked to my parents after the game – they were stoked as you would expect. They’ll be at the Auckland and Invercargill Test Matches which will be cool.”
While pleased with her performance, Crampton says there’s always room for improvement, but hopes to “stay around this group for a wee while longer”.
NZ-based SilverFans can catch Gina and her Silver Ferns teammates in action in the Second Test of the Constellation Cup in Launceston, Tasmania, on Wednesday night from 10pm on SKY Sport NZ or on delay on Prime (check local guides).
With her first touch of the ball she became the 164th player to play a Test Match for the Silver Ferns.
"It means a lot to be Silver Fern #164,” Crampton said.
“It is super exciting to join this group of amazing women who have gone before me; it’s a real privilege.”
With over 15,000 fans packed into Qudos Bank Arena, Crampton admits she had a few nerves when she stepped out on court.
“It’s by far the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of. It all happened so fast which I think worked in my favour because I didn’t have time to stress or think about it,” she said.
“The 15 minutes went so fast – it was super hard – the hardest 15 minutes of my life so far.”
Crampton’s parents have been in Japan, but made it home in time to switch on the TV to watch the match and their daughter’s debit.
“I talked to my parents after the game – they were stoked as you would expect. They’ll be at the Auckland and Invercargill Test Matches which will be cool.”
While pleased with her performance, Crampton says there’s always room for improvement, but hopes to “stay around this group for a wee while longer”.
NZ-based SilverFans can catch Gina and her Silver Ferns teammates in action in the Second Test of the Constellation Cup in Launceston, Tasmania, on Wednesday night from 10pm on SKY Sport NZ or on delay on Prime (check local guides).