Tarlinton, a year 12 student at Bega High School, is currently representing the NSW Combined High School Sports Association in the Trans Tasman Squash Championships in New Zealand.

She was selected to the NSW team came after she represented the South Coast at the state championships in Coffs Harbour, where the South Coast team finished in second place.

The Trans Tasman Squash Championships sees Tarlinton taking on a team from New Zealand, as well as interstate matches against the top players from Queensland.

“The competition over here is amazing,” Tarlinton said after the first few days of play. 

“New Zealand's team is incredible and Queensland gave our team a good run as well.

“Watching everyone play and being able to play myself has been the best experience and hopefully it will have improved my game for when I get back.”

Not that she needs a huge amount of improvement after taking out Bega’s junior competition in 2015.

Nikki reports that she has had two games so far against Queensland opponents, winning one and losing one, which was a five game loss to the number four player in Queensland.

She has also had two losses against New Zealand opponents, one of which was a credible four game loss to the number four from New Zealand.

A final Australian team was selected to take on the Kiwis on the last day of the competition today.

Tarlinton said she has had a fabulous time and is very grateful for the sponsorship she received from the Bega Valley Shire Council and the Bega Junion Squash Club, without which she man not have been able to participate.