Teacher Graham Jones with Wanneroo Cricket Club president Jimmy Skouros and Years 5 and 6 girls.|
Camera IconTeacher Graham Jones with Wanneroo Cricket Club president Jimmy Skouros and Years 5 and 6 girls.| Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey www.communitypix.com.au d445827

Hocking Primary girls pitch for greatness

Lauren PedenWanneroo Times

HOCKING Primary School has made a big entrance into the cricket world with its Year 5-6 girls team to represent WA at the MCG next month.

Physical education teacher Graham Jones said the team’s journey began with a win at the Northern Districts T20 Blast competition at the start of 2015.

“The girls had plenty of natural ability but very little, if any, previous cricket experience so we decided that some training would be worthwhile before the (T20 Blast School Cup) regional finals in Term 4,” Jones said.

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“Fortunately, one of the girl’s dads Jimmy Skouros came on board to train the girls every fortnight after school.”

They defeated Kapinara, Deanmore and Connolly primary schools at last month’s regional final to cement their spot in the State finals.

“Having already far surpassed expectations in making it to the State finals, the girls arrived at the WACA (on October 23) full of hope and nerves,” Jones said.

They won their first two games against Lockridge and Gidgegannup primary schools.

“Our batting was superb, with a couple of deliveries dispatched to the stands,” Jones said.

A loss to Kapinara in the third game didn’t spell the end for Hocking, with each team in their pool suffering a defeat, bringing the grand final down to percentage.

“Personally, I did not think we had enough points to go through to the final,” Jones said.

“I was called in for the announcement of the successful teams and had to ask the official to repeat himself when he said Hocking was through.”

He said they took on Caralee for top spot, batting first and each player scored plenty of runs.

“When it was our turn to bowl, we really restricted Caralee with very accurate bowling and magnificent fielding,” he said.

“In this game, there was a second innings, our girls continued with what was there best performance of the carnival, full of focus and determination.”

He said his ears were “still ringing” from the team’s screams of joy when Hocking was announced winner.

“Like all the parents who were there at the game, I was extremely proud of their effort and saw it as a reward for the training they put in,” he said.

“The girls have really gelled as a team… backing each other up and encouraging each other.

“So the journey now continues to the MCG in December to represent WA. They will definitely give it their best shot.”