SCHOOLS SPORT: The Dubbo District Primary School Sports Association yesterday proudly presented their sportsperson of the year 2007 to Tayla Braithwaite of Dubbo Public School.

Tayla’s achievements in cricket, soccer and cross-country has been outstanding this year. She was also part of the 2006 Western athletics team that competed at the NSWPSSA State carnival.

She was selected in three Western sports teams that competed at State carnivals this year.

The Girls Western Cricket Team performed well to be runners-up at State and as an opening batsman Tayla made some good scores and as a bowler, she was rewarded for her consistency.

From this carnival, Tayla was selected in the NSWPSSA Girls Cricket Team that will play at the interstate exchange carnival in January next year at Cobram on the Murray River.

“Tayla has outstanding skills and her abilities creates good team spirit,”her Western cricket manager said.

According to Tayla’s school sport co-ordinator: “Tayla excels in all areas of sport. She plays in a friendly but competitive manner. She displays good sportsmanship, a good attitude and works with a team. She shows enthusiasm for all sports where she participates.”

Dubbo Public School principal, Greg Shortis, also praised the school captain.

“She is an exceptional citizen and leader as well as an outstanding sportsperson. Tayla is involved in junior cricket and plays for CYMS with the boys during summer.”

In winter she plays soccer for Westside Panthers and has recently been selected in the under 14s Bathurst West Panthers squad.

Tayla’s future goal is to keep playing cricket and soccer and she has a dream to one day play for the Australian women’s soccer side, the Matildas.

Out of a select number of nominations received this year Tayla has been named the DDPSSA Sportsperson for 2007.

Mr Shortis presented Tayla with her trophy and prize yesterday at the school’s awards function held at the Dubbo Civic Centre.

Thanks is also expressed to Lisa Johnson of Athletes Foot for donating the prize.