Abby, from Taree High, was named in the team just before the country went into lockdown in 2020.

No matter, Abby thought, she was still eligible for 16s this year, so at least she had another opportunity. She'd also made the NSW All Schools side in 2019 when aged just 13.

Abby was named in the Hunter team for the State championships this year. From there she was named in the State team.

Abby is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.

She was looking forward to playing at the State All Schools against Combined Catholic Colleges and Combined Independent Schools where the NSW All Schools team would have been named. However, the continued lockdown of Greater Sydney and environs due to the COVID surge means that for the second year, the championship has been cancelled.

"We were supposed to play next week,'' Abby explained.

"I don't think it will be held now.''

Abby said it's 'pretty disappointing' to miss out for a second year. She'll be too old for the age division in 2022.

Under normal circumstances making a State final with the Hunter side would be acclaimed. While acknowledging that it is an achievement, Abby said there was a tinge of disappointment.

"Hunter won the championship the previous five years,'' she explained.

"So losing the final... well, that wasn't so great.''

RELATED:

Earlier this year Abby was a member of the Manning side that contested the State under 18 championships, the team managing to win the relegation game so ensuring they'd be in division two in 2022.

Abby is a member of Taree High School's girls' side which is defending the State CHS championship. Taree High won three successive titles from 2017-19. The event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

"We're the Hunter region champions this year, so we were going to the State finals at Orange,'' Abby explained.

The State playoffs have been delayed for the obvious reason and must be played before year 12 students leave school. So that's looking doubtful as well.

Abby plays for Tigers in the newly-formed Mid North Coast League.

Tigers are well placed to grab a finals berth going into the final round this weekend. Abby's sister, Lara, is also in the team. Abby admits it's 'pretty good' playing in the same team as her elder sister, who has also represented NSW at indoor and field hockey.

Abby also plays league tag with Taree City and hopes to play in the State Junior Cup with Taree Touch Football's under 18 representative side next season.