BOOLITE cricketer Anna Laursen Habel has returned home after representing Cricket Without Borders at the 2014 ICC East Asia-Pacific Women's Trophy in Japan.
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Habel, 15, was the youngest member of the team, which played against the Cook Islands, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
The Wimmera teenager was one of three players from the region in the squad, playing alongside Patchewollock's Lauren McLean and Balmoral's Alice Johnston.
Habel said it was an amazing experience both on and off the field.
"Cricket Without Borders is an all-girls team trying to promote cricket to girls, focusing on being bold, showing leadership and having fun," she said.
"It was a great experience, playing against international-level cricketers - it was very different and exciting.
"We were very close with the Japanese team - we stayed in the same hotel during the eight days, so we went out for dinner with them a few times and definitely made some friends along the way."
The team won one of its five games, against the Cook Islands.
"It's back to reality now, but the trip will stay with me throughout my life and I'd love to go back."
- Anna Laursen Habel
Habel was on a hat-trick with back-to-back wickets against Vanuatu.
She also top-scored with 21 not out in the side's match against eventual champion Papua New Guinea.
Habel - who plays junior cricket for Warracknabeal-Brim - said she would pursue future opportunities within cricket.
"I'm definitely going to continue cricket - I'm going to keep training and try out for the Western Waves and see what opportunities open up," she said.
"It's back to reality now, but the trip will stay with me throughout my life and I'd love to go back."
