Ella Marsh is not so much stepping out of her famous surname’s shadow but leaping into her own spotlight.
The North Hobart captain, granddaughter of Australian legend Rodney and daughter of Tasmania’s first Sheffield Shield winning captain Dan, is having a stellar season.
Last week, she took career best figures of 6-12 with her right-arm off-spin against Clarence in the T20 victory.
She now leads all CTPL wicket takers with 13 dismissals at just 8.7 runs each – eight more wickets than anyone else in the league.
But she’s not just destroying the opposition with the ball, having also scored the fourth most runs this season with 113 at 28.
Marsh believes it is simply more games to her name that has seen this surge in form.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve done a whole lot differently this season compared to last, I just think it would be having a bit more experience,” Marsh said.
“I played a more senior role last season than previous seasons and took on the captaincy, so I guess this season I have felt a bit more prepared and comfortable in the role.”
With strong performances in both disciplines, it is no surprise she’s keen to continue on in the all-rounder role rather than specialising in one or the other.
“I just enjoy being able to contribute for the team in all facets of the game,” she said.
“I love having the opportunity to impact the game in both innings, especially if I don’t do as well as I would have liked in the first innings.”
At just 20, higher honours could beckon for Marsh if she continues this hot form.
“I love playing for North Hobart and contributing to the team as best I can,” Marsh said.
“If that leads to being considered for higher honours I would love to have the opportunity.”
Marsh’s Demons will host New Town in round seven at the TCA Ground on Sunday, with the two teams having shared victories in their two previous games this season.
“I think it will be crucial for us to take early wickets to break through their top order, on the other hand it will be important for us to get off to a good start with the bat,” Marsh said.
Clarence is still chasing its first win of the season, but it won’t come easy against the reigning T20 champions, the Greater Northern Raiders at Kangaroo Bay.
In the men’s it is the second day of the first two-day matches, but not all teams will be in action.
Glenorchy has been forced to forfeit its game against Kingborough due to a team sheet error on day one, where the Knights were in a dominant position at 4-370.
North Hobart will be looking to finish the Raiders innings off at the TCA Ground after Demons’ paceman Alex Pyecroft (4-24 from 15 overs) left the visitors 5-51 in pursuit of North’s first innings of 202.
University is 1-15 chasing Clarence’s 289 at University Oval while New Town has the chance to register its first win of the 2023-24 season after posting 9-299 against Lindisfarne at New Town Oval last Saturday.