THREE of the state’s top cricketers have visited Coffs Harbour as part of a Sydney Sixers junior super clinic.

Former Corindi Beach resident and NSW Breakers player Anika Learoyd, and Sydney Sixers players Kurtis Patterson and Maitlan Brown, were in town to conduct skills sessions with the region’s juniors while teaching them the basics of the game.

Learoyd plays for the NSW Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League one day competition, and the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League.

Having grown up in Corindi Beach, she highlighted the importance of top-line players visiting regional areas.

“It’s really important, because I know when I was a junior, I lapped up any opportunity to meet the big dogs,” she said.

“I think post-COVID it’s important to visit regional areas, as you can’t be what you can’t see.”

Returning to the Coffs Coast to be a part of the junior clinic brought back fond memories.

“Just looking back at the old grounds, it brings back good memories,” she said.

“I played for Diggers as a junior, and one of my best memories at the time was seeing the Coffs Colts have an all-girls team.”

Learoyd said the upcoming domestic seasons were about consolidating her place in her current one day and T20 sides.

“NSW Breakers wise, I’m finding myself in the team consistently, so it’s just about putting runs on the board and keeping my place in the team,” she said.

“With the Big Bash it’s a bit of a hit and miss in terms of making the team, as the BBL can get a little hectic.”

By Aiden BURGESS