Young cricketers having a crack

By Lachlan Ellis

Two Moorabool cricketers touched down in Tasmania last week, after being named in a state cricket squad competing in the National Championships.

Ballan’s Sarah Burton and Bacchus Marsh’s Shameka Grero are teaming up to take part in the Under 16 Female National Championships in Hobart, which began last Thursday and will conclude this Thursday.

And funnily enough, Ms Burton’s first ever game of cricket was with Ms Grero.

“It’s also great to be playing with Shameka, we’ve been playing with and against each other for a few years and I actually played my first game of cricket with her. I even captained her little sister Tanae in our Vic Country Cup U15 tournament win. We’re all great mates,” Ms Burton told the Moorabool News.

“I was surprised and very excited [when the squad was announced], I had worked hard and was happy to get the opportunity. It’s pretty cool to be playing against the best under 16s in Australia. I can’t wait to compete with and against high quality players. Our team is great, it will be challenging and a lot of fun too.”

Ms Grero said she was really happy, and it was a big achievement for her.

“I was really wanting to get in the team…it’s a massive boost to my confidence. I’m a bit nervous for what’s coming up for Nationals, but I’m really proud of myself to be playing at that level,” she added.

“I love the experience [of cricket], and the amount of challenges you come up to. You’re with your mates, having fun together…if it’s a hot day on the field, you’re all out there trying to cheer each other up. I think cricket builds your confidence.”

With both the young guns boasting some impressive accolades, they’re aiming high when it comes to their future in the sport.

“I go with small aims at the moment – my first goal is to play more Premier firsts games, then go into the Victorian WNCL [Women’s National Cricket League] team, and then build up from there to the Aussie team. But step by step will get me there I reckon,” Ms Grero said.

Ms Burton said her coach at Geelong want her to have a goal to play for Victoria.

“I would love that opportunity and who wouldn’t want to play for Australia,” she said.

Vic Country began their National Championships campaign with a thrashing of the hosts Tasmania, with figures of 0/54 after 9.3 overs, after Tasmania finished their 20 overs on 6/52.