It all began as a little Year 3 student at Camden South Public School. I was asked by my teacher to come and try cricket for PSSA sport. My pop played cricket for NSW but I was unsure as I had never played cricket before (except for backyard cricket with my cousins) and I definitely knew that I had no idea how to bowl the ball but my teacher encouraged me to have a go anyway and fast forward 7 years and here I am … preparing to go to Dubai so I can represent Australia in Indoor Cricket!!

From that start many years ago I then played Milo cricket, club cricket for Camden and St Christopher’s and also played representative cricket from age 9 in the Mollie Dive, then Margaret Peden and now Brewer’s competitions where I was named player of the year. Each year I spend both of the days of the weekend in summer and Saturday’s in winter, as well as many days during the week either training or playing cricket. Summer season it’s outdoor cricket and winter season it is indoor.

A few years ago came a bad injury, a fractured ankle and torn ligaments and tendons which ruled me out of almost a full season of outdoor cricket. I was so devastated and just couldn’t wait to play again so I thought I would give indoor a try and this is where my love for Indoor began. I started playing for the Macarthur Raptors and realised not only was indoor fast, exciting and helped all my cricket skills but I made lots of great friends through indoor cricket as well.

Last year I was lucky enough to be selected to play for NSW at nationals and captain the u/14’s girls team where we finished third and this year I was chosen again to captain my NSW team at nationals in the u/16’s girls competition where we finished second. Both my sister and I represented the state and captained our teams when we travelled to Ipswich last month to compete. I reconnected with many of the friends I made from the year before and enjoyed a great week of cricket. The competition was great and my team made the grand final where unfortunately we narrowly lost to WA. After the competition, an Australian team was to be selected to go to Dubai. All week I really tried my best to not think about it but focus and give 100%. I had hoped not only my cricket but my captaincy and sportsmanship had shown the selectors the player and person I am. When the announcement was made on presentation night I was absolutely thrilled to hear my name read out along with many of the friends I had made at nationals the year before… I made Australia and get to go to Dubai!

As you can imagine this is an absolute dream come true. I still can’t believe I will play for Australia!!! With such an opportunity also comes a large cost as flights, accomodation, equipment, competition fees, uniforms and training costs all add up especially with the competition only just a few months away. I would like to ask that if anyone could help support me to carry out my dream of playing for Australia by giving a tax deductible donation, I would be so thankful (and so will my parents!)

Thank you

Bella 🏏🏏🏏