Two cricketers from the region are one step closer to living their dream of playing high-level cricket.
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Ruby Evans, 12, and Sarah Ralph, 13, were both selected to play for the Central Highlands’ under-14 squad, in the Youth Premier League at Essendon last weekend.
The side missed out on finals by three games.
Evans, of Willaura, tried out for the team for the second time after her first effort was unsuccessful.
“When I did get selected it was a big thrill and I was happy as it takes you to the next level,” she said.
For Evans this is one step closer to fulfilling her dream of being a professional cricketer – whether that be playing with the national team or representing both Melbourne teams in the Big Bash League.
“You can start to pursue your dream of either going to the Big Bash or the Australian team,” she said.
“I would like to start playing for one of the Big Bash teams to start out with, and then if I do enjoy that I would love to play for Australia and represent my country.”
Evans’ highlight came when she was playing against Country Mallee Murray, where she took outstanding figures with the ball.
She took three wickets for seven runs off three overs.
Ralph, of Ararat, said getting into the Central Highlands squad helped boost her confidence.
“I am not really confident so I was bit surprised,” she said.
“I always wanted to pursue my career in cricket and Mum told me about Central Highlands, and I thought I would give it a go.”
Ralph also put on a good performance with the ball as the medium pacer took three wickets for 15 runs off three overs.
Ralph said she enjoyed the whole week – particularly playing in a different environment and meeting new people.
“I really enjoyed the bus rides because we got to know the girls and it was fun,” she said.
“You don’t know them until you go away with them and then you start to know them a bit more.
“The girls are a really good bunch and just having talks with them after the game was great and they were encouraging as well.”
