Lynne Mowbray | Taquayla Dawson of Ilarwill has just taken out the ‘John McMahon Scholarship – Junior Cricketer of the Year 2017-18’ award. The scholarship is awarded by the North Coastal Cricket Zone to young cricketers who excel in sportsmanship and fairness consistent within the ‘spirit of the game’; commitment to improving their personal skills; and their contribution to the community outside of cricket. The Lower Clarence Cricket Association who nominated Taquayla for the award, made the following statement regarding the talented young cricketer: ‘It is with great pleasure to receive the news that Taquayla Dawson has been awarded the John McMahon Scholarship for the Junior Cricketer of the Year 2017/18 presented by the North Coast Cricket Council. Taquayla is going from strength to strength and has been selected in numerous representative teams including the Under 15s female state challenge (country selection) country sixers, the U15 female country championships North Coast team, the Ballina LJ Hooker Carnival for Mid North Coast XI, and the NSW Girls Academy. Not only has she shown cricket potential, but it is her encouragement and willingness to help others and her positive attitude towards cricket and life in general that demonstrates her characteristics of being a positive role model. The Lower Clarence Cricket Association wishes her all the best for the upcoming season and future endeavours.’ Taquayla was awarded $500, which is to go towards cricket equipment or educational resources.