Cailyn Fountain - today's struggle, tomorrow's strength

St George-Sutherland Women's Cricket Club | May 31, 2023

Cailyn Fountain is the current first grade captain of the St George Sutherland Women’s Cricket Club that plays in the NSW Women’s Premier Cricket competition.

Cailyn made her first grade debut for the club in 2009/10 and at the time of publication has scored in excess of 3,000 runs for the club.

Let’s meet Cailyn Fountain

 

What year you were born?

1993

When did you first take an interest in cricket?

When I was 8 or 9. Dad and I would watch every ball of the Test cricket and ever since then I haven’t missed a season of cricket

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

Batter, but not afraid to roll the arm over when needed

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

Winning the T20 Grand Final for First Grade against Universities. We already had a great rivalry with them, so it was good to get one up on them. It was an enjoyable season with having the experience of Leah Poulton and Sally Moylan in the team.

At what age did you make your first grade debut?

15

Who is the best fastest bowler you’ve played against?

I was about 15 going out to bat at Ryde Oval against Sydney. Already very nervous and excited about playing in the First Grade side, to then look up at who was bowling to me; Ellyse Perry. Luckily for me, she bowled it wide outside off and that was the end of the over. Pretty relieved.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Lisa Sthalekar. I can remember a game at Hurstville Oval and being in awe of her tenacity with every aspect of the game.

Lisa Sthalekar

Who’s the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

At St George-Sutherland we are lucky enough to have one of the best wicket keepers in the game with Tahlia Wilson. Her calming demeanour behind the stumps really sets her apart from the competition.

It’s always exciting versing Sydney when you see Alyssa Healy’s name on the team sheet. The amount of passion and enthusiasm that she has on the field is infectious to not only her teammates but also the opposition.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Without a doubt, Georgia Redmayne’s 141 not out for Universities in the 2017/18 Grand Final It was a pure batting masterclass the way she manipulated the field with her shot selections. I don’t think we were even close to getting her out that day. Amazing batting.

Who are the two players in NSW Women’s Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Heidi Cheadle – Gordon. Top order batter, wicket keeper and captain

Joanne Kelly – St George-Sutherland. Top order batter

They have shown over a long period of time now just how consistent they are in First Grade and that they have the skill set, determination and commitment that the Women’s Premier Cricket requires.

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

Jack Johnson or Pete Murray.

Pete Murray

What does it mean to you personally to be the captain of St George Sutherland Women’s First Grade cricket team?

St George-Sutherland is such a great cricket club with a lot of history. Debuting for First Grade at 16 and playing with the likes of Leah Poulton, Erin Osbourne and Rene Farrell, it was a pretty surreal time and I have some great memories being in their team. Since becoming the captain in 2018/19 I could only hope that the girls coming through the grades have that same sense of enjoyment and aspirations that I had at their age.

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

Winning the clubs first, First Grade Limited Overs Premiership has been my motivation for a long time now. We have a good squad of players within the club that are determined to achieve this goal together.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?

Ash Barty, Jerry Rice and Conor McGregor

Ash Barty

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

Going down to the beach with my family and going to the movies.

What’s your occupation?

I’ve been working at Elite Physiotherapy, Exercise & Rehabilitation in Menai since 2012 and I am now the Practice Manager.

Do you have a favourite quote?

The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to be selected to play for NSW?

The NSW team has always been the pinnacle for me.

I can remember when I was around 12 being asked to be in and around the team for the day and to experience the gameday atmosphere. Since this day, it has given me the determination and resilience to one day be selected for NSW. The countless hours down at the local nets with my parents or the coaching sessions at Kingsgrove Sports would be a reward for not just myself but for my family and coaches involved.