Twelve years is a long wait, but the Wide Bay under 12 girls cricket team made it worth it. Against all odds, the group of girls who had never trained together, and in some cases had never even played club cricket, stormed into the Queensland State Championships grand final and came home with silver.
For Emerald’s Ava Saunders, it was the experience of a lifetime.
“The best part was playing against strong city teams and meeting new friends from all over Queensland. I loved wearing the Wide Bay uniform, but the biggest highlight was coming second out of 10 teams and winning a silver medal. That felt amazing.”
The road was not without its bumps. Early in the week, Ava was dismissed for just a couple of runs.
“I felt really upset because I just wanted to do my best for the team. I even cried. Dad reminded me that I could still help with my bowling, so I focused on that instead.”
It was a lesson that stuck. Ava discovered she could stay calm under pressure, even when the nerves crept in. That calmness showed when she took two wickets in five balls to clinch a finals win, one of her favourite memories from the championships. Off the field, the laughter, dancing and friendships were just as important.
Representing Emerald filled her with pride.
“I was so proud to tell people I was from Emerald, even if not many knew where it was. I wanted to play my best for both Wide Bay and my town.”
The trip would not have been possible without support from the community. Locals dug deep, buying raffle tickets and donating prizes, while businesses chipped in with money and sponsorships.
“Because of their help, we could actually go. I just want to thank everyone who supported us.”
She also pointed to her parents as the backbone of her cricket journey.
“Dad coaches me and gives tips during and after games. We train every day. I have taken a hat trick and he hasn’t yet, so I have that on him. Mum does all the organising so I can play.”
The silver medal is just the beginning. Ava is already setting her sights on what comes next.
“One day I would love to play for Queensland. For now I want to keep improving my batting and bowling and get ready for the Northern Hub Championship in December.”
Her advice to other kids dreaming of reaching the state level is simple.
“Have fun. Keep practicing even when it is hard. Believe in yourself. Do not give up if you don’t get picked the first time. And, don’t let anyone tell you that you are not good enough.”
