Western Fury fast bowler Holly Hyder is preparing to roll a wrecking ball through her opposition teams in this year's WNCL which starts on Saturday November 29 at Aquinas College Oval.

The ancient art of fast bowling first captivated Holly when playing cricket with the boys in Bunbury as a youngster.

What is the best way to stick up for yourself when out numbered on the field by boys?

Run in hard and bowl some heat, and that is exactly what Hyder learned to do and before long the boys took notice.

It was this starting point that first introduced Hyder to competitive cricket, and the taste she got was just the beginning of something special.

“I started playing when I was around 10 years old in Bunbury and had to play against the boys which hardened me up considerably. It was this preparation that held me in good stead when it came time to play in Perth against other girls,” Hyder said.

“I love the contest that occurs on a cricket field and my friends tell me I suffer from white line fever. I think it's a mixture of putting up with the boys flack over the years and a genuine thirst to succeed that makes me go out on the field and play hard at all costs.

“I know I can bowl faster and thanks to the expert coaching the Fury have provided me this off-season, I am confident I can really step up this season.”

The unassuming, smiling Hyder has a real presence about her as we sit and chat about how it all started for her.

Selection in the National Southern Stars Squad is a carrot looming in the distance for Hyder who potentially has an exciting international career ahead.

“It is something I am not really thinking about right now, I just want to deliver for our Fury coach Steve Philippe and the rest of the girls in the squad after the faith they have shown in me.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play at the highest level and would jump at the chance if it comes along but for now winning a maiden National Championship with the Fury is my main goal.”

The battle for women's cricket has always been in lifting the profile of the sport where so many talented female athletes go unnoticed.

I asked Hyder what she thinks about the state of women's cricket and the potential for growth in the future.

“It is frustrating for all the players and administrators involved that women's cricket doesn't get the coverage it deserves. It is a real growth area for female participation in sport and it will continue to grow,” said Hyder.

“I think the more people who come and watch the sport the more interest it will generate as there are some exciting athletes involved in the WNCL. There are generations of stereotypes to break down but we will get there as it's a matter of time before the WNCL's profile grows.

“Aussies love their cricket and when they see the cricket we can turn on I know people will want to be involved.”

Holly Hyder plays for Melville in the SunSmart Women's A Grade Competition.

If you would like to get involved in women's cricket whether playing, coaching or administrating please contact Female Cricket Coordinator Jenny Wallace on 9265 7208.