They spent the winter playing for Northern Suburbs Cricket Club in Mackay, Queensland. Payne started with Norths’ B grade team (or second XI) but was soon given his chance in the higher level A grade game. He wasted no time in showing his qualities with a match-winning innings of 47 on his debut, and has been a regular first team player since. Payne has also played in representative matches for Mackay Cricket Association. Sussex Ladies player Pym quickly became a firm favourite in Norths’ third XI team by regularly taking wickets. Norths president Wayne Carvolth said: “The opposition batsmen were so scared at getting out to a Pom Sheila that they forgot how to score, and she cleaned them up anyway.” Both the young stars were given the full media treatment with local radio and television appearances. See Friday’s Observers for the full article.
