The 15-year-old has just returned from helping her ACT/NSW Country team finish second at the under 15s national championships in Canberra - a tournament Rudd had been preparing for for months.

"Preparation for the national tournament started after the Country Champs in Raymond Terrace in October," she said.

A team of 13 girls were selected across NSW, with Rudd attending three camps in Blacktown along with training hubs.

"Playing club cricket on a Saturday with Ulladulla United and playing Brewers Cup for the under 18 girls at Campbelltown Ghosts on a Sunday all helped me prepare and get stronger with the bat and ball," she said.

"I also did strength training, 2km runs and watched my diet."

Rudd's side, coached by Steve Davies and Luke Knight, opened the tournament, which ran from February 20 to 26 with a match against Victopria Country at Kippax District Playing Fields.

"Against Victoria Country, I started slow due to nerves but I soon got my confidence up when I got my first wicket," Rudd said.

That changed the game and along with a run-out assist and a catch, as the side were on fire, to cruise to a win in their first game

Rudd's team then backed up that win with an easy victory over Western Australia, in which she finished with 1/25 from her eight overs.

Country's undefeated start ended their, with the side losing a tough Twenty20 affair, despite the Ulladulla High student top scoring with 14.

Country then went down to Victoria Metro later that day, with Rudd contributing 38 with the bat.

The losing streak of ACT/NSW Country ended their, as they recorded back-to-back T20 wins against Tasmania and South Australia, before clinching their spot in the decider with a two-wicket win against Queensland in a 40-over match.

"Captain Clare Webber lead our team admirably and with a never give up attitude by the entire team, we managed to reach the grand final," Rudd said.

"Our two terrific coaches, with a sound knowledge of the game, gave us guidance and direction."

In the final, Rudd's side took on NSW counterparts Metro at Phillip Oval.

"We were lucky to make the grand final, our game against Queensland was a nail-biter, which we won by five runs," she said.

"NSW Metro were undefeated and a very strong team.

"Just to make the grand final was an exciting moment."

Unfortunately, Rudd's side lost the final 25 runs, despite her good allround return of 2/14 with the ball and 38 with the bat.

"Everyone likes to come first and we all performed at our best in very hot conditions," she said.

"ACT/NSW Country won the tournament last year, so it was disappointing not to take out the title again.

"NSW Metro was the best team on the day and I congratulate them - they are all great players."

Rudd has taken plenty of positives from what she has described as 'the biggest tournament of her career'.

"Since being selected for this national tournament, my cricket has become stronger and I have developed many new skills," she said.

"I played well at my first national tournament, batting at number four for batting and improving my spin bowling in each game.   

"For 10 days I was part of a great team of girls. There are many talented girls across Australia and I learnt I needed to be fit and have a good team spirit."

Rudd finished the tournament with 139 runs, seven wickets, one run-out assist and one catch.

It wasn't all disappointment though with the he ACT/NSW Country side taking out the Spirit of Cricket Award.

She now has her eyes set on more future successes.

"Playing for your state was a wonderful experience and one I will never forget," she said.

"I have made many new friends all across NSW which I hope to see again.  

"My goal this year is to attend state challenge for the under 18s girls, as well as try out for the under 18 girls academy for Illawarra and train with them in the off-season.

"I'd also love to be a part of the Country Champs in October."

For now she'll continue with club and school cricket, as well as the Brewers Cup in Campbelltown.

She thanked fellow Ulladulla United member Rob Gilkes for his support.