THAT feeling when she bowled her dad out during some fun holiday cricket matches was what motivated a young Lana von Hagen to take the sport seriously.
The Woodridge College Grade 11 learner represented South Africa last month at the Indoor U/21 World Cup in Australia and the next big mission is already not far away.
Von Hagen has been included in the Eastern Province team for Cricket South Africa’s U/19 Girls’ Tournament. This tournament will be played in Bloemfontein from December 13 to 16.
“My love for cricket started in Boesmans.
“Our family used to spend some time there every December and played a lot of cricket.
“A dustbin was used as the wickets and the street was the pitch. At times things got really competitive and the feeling when I got my dad out was something that made me want to play more. That was when I developed a love for the sport,” Lana explained.
In Australia, the South African girls faced some strong opposition and valuable lessons were learnt.
“It was an unforgettable experience. I learned a lot on and off the field. It was great to play in a professional environment.”
Von Hagen enjoys indoor and traditional outdoor cricket and struggles to pick a favourite.
“I enjoy both. There is a great spirit with indoor cricket but outdoor cricket will carry more weight going forward.”
There are some differences in the two formats and Von Hagen said initially she struggled to adjust when switching between the two.
“You bat and bowl totally differently in the two formats. As I played more, it became easier to switch between the two.”
Von Hagen is an all-rounder, always eager to contribute with bat and ball.
“I want to play as much as possible and grab the opportunities coming my way. I hope to always enjoy playing the game.”
Both her parents, Konrad and Ansa, are medical doctors and one can assume that her studies are also important to Lana.
Cricket does take up a lot of Lana’s time and she also plays hockey for the Woodridge first team. This means she must play catch up when it comes to her school work.
“Yes, I am regularly behind with my studies and have to find time to catch up. When I was in Australia I missed two weeks of school, so it was time to catch up on my return.”
The EP u/19 girls’ squad is: Caiden Adams (Alexander Road), Asanda Mbodla (Sakhisizwe), Jordan Cole (Pearson), Gaby Johannes (Pearson), Leila Nel (Framesby), Megan Fourie (DF Malherbe), Erin Hambridge (Westering), Luna Gana (Molly Blackburn), Namhla Ngxande (Molly Blackburn), Alison Kroon (Woodridge), Lana von Hagen (Woodridge), Iman Bannasse (Woodridge), Reece Foreman (Woodridge).
