Trish the Cricketer

Not very long ago Trish Langsford was described by cricket writer Amanda Weaver as one of the most gifted players in Australia.  

That is, until she was struck down by multiple sclerosis.

From a very young age Trish set lofty goals for herself and worked very hard to achieve her ultimate goal, Australian representation.  She relished playing her chosen sport and represented New South Wales from the age of fifteen.  She was named Sydney Women’s Cricket Association Player of the Year during the 1990/1991 season.

Interviewed on 2UE, she was asked about her maiden century. Trish replied:

This season I got my first century, 109 not out versus Campbelltown and in the National Championships I got 6 for 38 versus Queensland. I was very pleased with my season this year. 

It was the best I’ve ever had.

Following that Trish made her debut in the New South Wales Open Team at the 1991 Australian Championships held in Orange.  She won the aggregate and average bowling awards and also made a handy contribution with the bat.  Trish was then named Player of the Series, quite an achievement on debut, and especially for one so young.

Again interviewed on 2UE she was asked, The National Squad was chosen to play New Zealand.  No Tricia Langsford, Player of the Series but didn’t make the Squad, bit disappointing?  Trish replied:

Yeah I was a little bit disappointed, but it’s understandable. I’m still only 20, only young and there’s a youth team to go away to India which hopefully I might get into.

The following year in Adelaide Trish top scored with 59 runs and was also New South Wales’ best bowler in the final against South Australia.

In 1994, just before being struck down by multiple sclerosis, Trish captained the Australian Youth Team against New Zealand in Toowoomba. The team won the one day series and the rain affected Test finished in a draw.

Trish completed a degree in Human Movement and became Development Officer for Women’s Cricket NSW, continuing her involvement in the sport she loved.

Later that same year, Trish became afflicted with severe multiple sclerosis.  

Within a few short months, the job she loved was gone, the brightest of sporting careers cut down.

After Trish was admitted to the nursing home, Women’s Cricket NSW bestowed the honour on her of presenting her with the prestigious True Blue Award. Australian captain Belinda Clark (seen below with Trish and her father), presented Trish with the award, a copy of which is provided below:

NEW SOUTH WALES WOMEN’S CRICKET ASSOCIATION INC.

TRUE BLUE AWARD

TRISH LANGSFORD

Represented NSW U/18’s 1986 to 1987

Represented NSW U/21’s 1988 to 1990

Named Vice Captain of NSW U/21’s from 1989 and 1990

Represented NSW in the open team from 1991 to 1993

Named "Player of the Series" on debut season for the NSW Open team at the 1991 Australian Championships

Named Sydney Women’s Cricket Association "Player of the Year" during 1990/91

Selected in the Australian Development Squad from 1990 - 1993

Named Captain of the Australian U/23 team for Australia V New Zealand Series (Dive-Lamason Youth Challenge Cup) in 1993/94

Appointed as the NSWWCA part-time Development Officer in 1993

Resigned from the Development Officer’s position and withdrew from the NSW Open team due to illness in 1994

Trish will always be remembered for her sportsmanship, dedication

and commitment to the sport and her willingness to encourage

and assist young players

(Adopted – March 1999)

Awarded to a past player who has:

Represented NSW at the Senior level:

While representing NSWWCA:

Played with dedication, excellence and courage;

Acted selflessly and in the best interest of the team at all times;

Willingly carried out Team leadership requests and directives;

Conscientiously met playing, practice and training requirements;

Demonstrated self-discipline and honest, ethical behaviour at all times;

Off the field:

In a voluntary capacity contributed in a substantial way to the development of NSWWCA and/or an

Affiliated Association or Women’s Cricket Australia, for example, coaching, administration, etc.

And:

Not brought the Team, NSWWCA, its affiliates or the game into disrepute, nor have been found guilty under any of the sport’s disciplinary procedures, including Codes of Conduct or Drug Policy