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Teenage all-rounder Reuna Richardson can't wait to take on the boys at their own game.

The 15-year-old, a self confessed tomboy, is the rising young star of Bermuda Women's Cricket team.

And after the announcement yesterday that the team will play in the national under-16 league to aid their preparations for the World Cup, she had this warning for her male opponents.

"They better watch out because I think we can show them up. I think they will be surprised."

Richardson scored an unbeaten 61, her first half-century, against Canada last year as Bermuda progressed to the final World Cup qualifiers in Pakistan later this year.

They will face off against the likes of South Africa, hosts Pakistan, Scotland, Ireland and Holland for one of two remaining spots in the Women's World Cup.

To aid their preparations the Bermuda Cricket Board has entered them into the men's evening league and the boys' under-16 league.

Coach Alan Douglas has them in training twice-a-week and at the gym once a week, meaning it's all about cricket for Reuna.

"I don't mind that, I love to play," added the Berkeley student who is looking forward, with some trepidation, to the tournament in Pakistan.

"I think about it a lot. I'm a bit nervous. I think it's going to be hard. We are going to have to do a lot of work between now and then to get better."

Richardson, who cites Lionel Cann as her favourite Bermuda player and Sachin Tendulkar and Lasith Malinga as her favourite internationals, has always played backyard cricket, among other sports.

But she has had a hard time convincing her girlfriends to get involved.

"They are either into football, boys or netball and hockey - girls sports.

"Cricket is a sport I've always loved. I've been considered a bit of a tomboy in everything."

ICC expert, Ann Browne-John, who is currently on the island to aid the women's team's preparations for the World Cup qualifier in Pakistan said she had been impressed with the youngsters talent

"From what I have seen of Reuna, she is one of the better batters on the Bermuda team.

"If you have a player who can show such skill at that age it augurs well for the future."

Reuna is currently the only youngster on the Women's Team but the board is attempting to the change that and has an under-13 team from the Bermuda High School for girls competing in the under-10 boys league.

Ms Browne-John said it was important to try and grow the sport from the youth level.

The ICC expert, a former West Indies skipper, said her main role at the moment was to work with the national women's team. She said exposure to regular competition in the under-16 league was crucial for them.

Women's coach Allan Douglas agreed.

"What has been highlighted by Ann, and has been a concern of ours for some time, is that the women's team does not have regular competitive fixtures, which as we all know is imperative in order to make any form of improvement. The inclusion of the Women's team (in the U16 league and 20/20 Evening League) is just what we have been looking for.

"I know that cricket for women is very new to Bermuda and so this will give us the opportunity to show the public that we are serious and play serious cricket.

"It is exciting for us that we are also beginning to see girls come up the ranks with an all girls side being fielded in the Hiscox U10 League.

"Everything begins with small steps and this is just another example of how we are definitely heading in the right direction."

Mr. Reginald Pearman, BCB President, added: "I cannot stress enough how important it is that our youth are engaged in healthy extra curricular activities that keep them safe and focused on goals in life."

He added thanks to BF&M for their sponsorship of the U16 league.

"BF&M have been continual supporters of the BCB and our development programmes and their support of the U16s is another example of how they give back to the community."[[In-content Ad]]

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