With his safe hands and sharp reflexes talented 10-year-old Keanu Botha has proven himself to be a valuable member of the U12’s Hunter Valley Representative side.

Despite being the youngest member of the team, Botha’s efforts helped score a spot in the grand final, a major milestone for the regional cricket club. 

In fact, it may just be the first time a Hunter squad has ever made it through to the final round. 

After winning five consecutive games, Botha’s team took on the defending champions, North Shore, and while they went down 48/158, their spirit and comradery was impeccable. 

Botha was particularly impressive in the field; taking six catches and instigating a run out during the competition held last week.  During one game he took three catches, including a match-winner, and for his efforts the selected man-of-the-match, Thomas Forbes awarded his own medallion to Botha. 

His proud mum, Lena, said they are “super proud” of his performance and pleasantly surprised. 

Though it wasn’t just Keanu who saw success on the cricket field.

Young Alex Stafa is the first Singleton junior to be picked for the U12’s NSW PSSA cricket side since 1990, and he has certainly proved why.

Throughout  the 2017/18 School Sports Association (SSA) Boys Under 12 Cricket Championships at Barooga, the opening pace bowler has “kept it tight and applied the pressure” during his eight over spells.

During the first match they played on Saturday, January 6, he took a wicket (1/20) in their tie with South Australia (116).

And, although his side was beaten by Queensland on Sunday in round 2, Stafa was is fine form – taking 2/18. An impressive spell that included three maiden overs.

Then, after a rest day on Monday, in round 3 against Victoria they notched up a comprehensive win with Stafa again taking a wicket (1/11).

On Thursday January 11, New South Wales faced Tasmania for round 4, defeating the team in an all star performance. 

Stafa put on a phenomenal show, bowling eight overs, including three maidens, and claiming three wickets for nine runs. 

In their final round, the NSW was able to claim another defeat, winning against the Northern Territory side to finish of the week.

Congratulations to Botha and Stafa on their sporting successes.