Story A Queenslander's Journey

[blake]

My name is Blake, and I have a dream.

I was born in Brisbane, Queensland and ever since I was young, I have always wanted to play for Queensland. I never really considered international selection - playing for Australia seemed miles away, however watching the Queensland team as I grew up was a huge inspiration for me.

I have always wanted to play for the Queensland Bulls. If that was my one goal in life, that was it. I didn't have any other career plans lined up and I wasn't finding school easy so I was setting myself up for a big cricketing career. However, was I good enough to actually make it? As I grew older, that question began to nag me more and more.

Already I am playing for the Western Suburbs 2nd Grade team, despite being just 16 years old. Taking the step up to second grade, has been a big ask. In the pre-season we won one match and lost another - however, I struggled, scoring just 62 runs across 4 innings at an average of 15.5 - facing some red-hot opening bowlers. The season is just about to commence - and yet I am still wondering whether I will be able to keep my spot in the team after some poor performances. This is my one big chance to prove myself - am I good enough to take the step to first grade? It will be very interesting to see.

Here are the fixtures for my upcoming matches.

Round 1
2 Day Match: Wests vs Beenleigh/Logan at Graceville

Round 2
1 Day Match: Beenleigh/Logan vs Wests at Dauth Park

Round 3
2 Day Match: Wynnum Manly vs Wests at Bill Albury Oval

Round 4
1 Day Match: Wests vs University of Queensland at Graceville

Round 5
2 Day Match: Wests vs Redlands at Graceville

Just reading this fixtures alone gives me a tingle of excitement yet nervousness - this is the real deal. I am playing in the second grade Wests team. Our matches are littered with two day matches and one day matches, although we have a string of two day matches further ahead. The one day matches are scheduled for the standard 50 overs, whilst the two day games are standard two innings matches.

Alongside these fixtures, we have a Twenty20 competition later up. I'm just hoping that I'll still be in the team by that time.

It should be a fun season.

 

[mattfb]

Good start there mate, this looks promising. I like the idea. Good luck!

 

[Jakester1288]

Yeah, I'm also keen. Good start, looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

 

[drainpipe32]

Can't wait. Good luck. Carn Dees.

 

[MaD]

Why don't you continue the Planetcricket Domination, I really loved that one, good job anyways

 

[blake]

I've decided not to make anymore user-based stories, because I always fail them. I am always more motivated by the ones I create myself.

Anyway, I'm playing the first match now, so I can't post. There will be more writing in this story and less pictures.. hope you all don't mind.

 

[hedger_14]

That's fine Blake.

 

[OffCutters]

Good start Blake- unique idea for a story. Looking forward to this, and i prefer writing so thats totally fine dude. KIU

 

[blake]

Match 1:
2 Day Match: Wests vs Beenleigh/Logan at Graceville

Our first fixture is a 2 day game against a competent Beenleigh/Logan squad, who will be looking for a strong finish this season. The pitch at Graceville isn't in the best shape - I learned from my pre-match examination a few days ago and it looks like a batsman's nightmare. Just my luck.

Thankfully, despite my shaky pre-season form, I've been selected in the squad. I was delighted when I saw my name at the top of the list - or second on the list, anyway. It looks like it won't be an easy match, though, and the nerves are really kicking in.

Wests Lineup
1. Shelton Hoppes
2. Blake
3. Richard Maine
4. Alistair Christen
5. Tyler Lewis
6. Jesse Fish
7. Joshua Zimmermann
8. Ken Rymer (+)
9. Craig Brannan
10. Derek Jarvis
11. Warren Meyer

Beenleigh/Logan Lineup
1. A Walker
2. S Page
3. JJ Little
4. L Kelly
5. M Rasmussen
6. K Wilson
7. M Barbosa
8. M Grbcic
9. S Kelly
10. D Spiers
11. A Ramsden