Beth Lane, Cap #55 - Penrith Cricket Club

Penrith Cricket Club | October 27, 2025

What year were you born?

2004

Tell us about your cricket journey. Where did you start junior cricket and the clubs you’ve played for in senior cricket

My cricket journey began the same as most – in the backyard with my brothers. I played for Springwood as a junior and Penrith women’s as soon as I could, moving to First Grade. I also played in the NSW Academy as a junior and then got contracted with the Tassie Tigers, moving to Hobart and playing for the New Town Bucks. I have moved back to Sydney this year, and I’m looking forward to another season at Penrith Cricket Club!

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

I’m a leg spin bowler and specialist ‘everywhere-but-the-drives’ fielder (I hate the drives).

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

I love the battle between batter and bowler – when you’re really ripping them through and there’s just an unspoken tension between you and the batter about who feels on top.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

In the Spring Challenge of 2024, I played for the Hurricanes. Running out there in the kit, around all those players I admire, was a surreal moment for me and one I will never forget.

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

My favourite cricketer is Molly Strano, with whom I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time down in Tasmania. Not only is she a very talented cricketer, but she’s also someone who brings the party to every single day. I think she’s the most fun person I know, and she brings that on and off the field.

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

I think the fastest bowler I’ve faced is Callie Wilson, who (luckily) played on the same team as me in Hobart. She is rapid.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Molly Strano again – she’s so tricky to face with her pace and control. She’s also an absolute unit in the field and sets a standard I love to keep.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

In the National Championships of 2023, I played with Amy Smith for the Tasmania U19s team. After a collapse in our batting order (and Amy going off with an asthma attack), Amy returned to the crease and played one of the best innings I’ve ever seen. We didn’t quite get over the mark in the end, but I still get goosebumps thinking about it.

Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?

Emma Manix-Geeves – she’s got a great set of hands and brings lots of energy.

Brought to you by Panthers Penrith

Is there a young player in your club you’d like to nominate as a player to watch?

I might be biased towards the leggies, but I think Aleena Syed has some great potential and puts lots of revs on the ball.

Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?

First, Annabel Batty has a bit of grit about her which I love, and she’s always right there in the competition with bat or gloves. Second, Jane Maguire, who I haven’t known for long, but her skills speak for themselves, and she’s just so hungry on the field, wants the ball at all times.

What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?

I love to see a captain who’s willing to keep learning and who has great communication skills.

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

I would love to see a Taylor Swift concert.

Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?

I fell in love with Peru earlier this year, in particular the Inca Trail. The scenery and mountains (I’m very much a mountains girl) took my breath away.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My Dad and my Pop have had the biggest impact on my career. I don’t think anyone will ever surpass the effort and work they have put in for me to train and play at my best. I also don’t think it’s possible for me to hit somebody as many times as I have got my dad with a ball in the knee over the years, so respect to him for not spitting the dummy.

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

My family gets me through the hard times, especially in Tassie. When I’d have a bad day, someone would always be ready to chat and show me more photos of my nephew and dogs.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?

Bill Bryson, Kerry O’Keeffe and The Queen of England (Lizzie)

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

Winding down with an audiobook, walking, particularly with my family, being with my puppies, and having a clean space to reset. Also painting or drawing, when I have time.

If working, what do you do and name of business?

Case Manager in workers compensation at EML, and studying Interior Design.

Do you have a favourite quote?

A quote from a book that broke my heart (but still my fave book ever): ‘Perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone’. (Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles)

What are your goals for the season?

Goals are to dominate with ball and continue to evolve with the bat.

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?

Having had a contract and then losing it, I’m even hungrier for it now than I ever was, and I know what the standard is. I’m really keen to get back up there.

Former Australian Cricket captain Belinda Clark - What leadership means to me - click to unlock the full conversation