Watkin returns home with focus on White Ferns world cup team

Whanganui cricketing allrounder Jess Watkin returns home from her southern sojourn today to prepare for the coming summer season that includes a serious attempt to return to the White Ferns.

Pre-Covid-19 lockdown Watkin moved to Geraldine to support her partner who had secured a job in the South Island.

Lockdown and all the restrictions that imposed meant the job did not work out as planned, so Watkin and her partner decided a move back north to regroup would be the best option.

The former White Fern and two-time Central Hinds player of the season has already found work with a short term contract as coach of a school holiday clinic for the Manawatu Cricket Association.

"My partner got a job down here, so I moved too, but due to Covid it hasn't worked out the way we planned, so we are coming home tomorrow," Watkin said.

"I haven't got a job at the moment although I will be coaching a clinic in Palmerston North during the school holidays, so that will put a few dollars in the pocket."

Watkin, who is contracted to the NZC Development squad, has again been named as co-captain of the CD Hinds' T20 side alongside White Fern Hannah Rowe.

But her intention is to seriously work toward a return to the country's top side.

"I definitely have aspirations to make the White Ferns again. I have been contracted to the NZ development squad, but with the World Cup coming to New Zealand in February I hope to be playing for the White Ferns by then."

Iain Hyndman
Whanganui Chronicle 24/6/20