By JARROD POTTER
WHATEVER the sport, whatever the season, it’s safe to say you’ll find Berwick’s Jessica Matin getting amongst the game.
Eleven-year-old Matin, had two summers ago played for Berwick Springs Cricket Club’s under-11 team and her talents have paid dividends with the young all-rounder now off to Darwin to represent the School Sport Victoria under-12 schoolgirls’ cricket team.
As one of the final 13 girls in the squad, Matin said it was thrilling to know she was one of the best in the state.
“It’s good to know that you’ve past like 150 girls to get that spot,” Matin said.
“I hope to win every game and get a couple of wickets and not get out for batting.”
“My favourite thing about cricket is probably getting someone out – I like batting, but I’m better at bowling.”
Matin is also an accomplished footballer – a hard-edged midfielder that won’t shirk a contest, she was awarded Most Courageous for her Narre Warren Junior Football Club team last season and has been allowed to play for Haileybury’s boys football team.
She even once played through a match on a broken ankle – ensuring Matin did not fluke her Most Courageous award.
“Fourth year playing footy – started playing under 9s,” Matin said.
“I like that you can run and tackle and stuff and I like to play in the middle.
“It’s good to play for the school boys’ team as you get to play with all your friends.”
Matin will represent School Sport Victoria at the School Sport Australia 12-years-and-under cricket championships being held in Darwin from 15-23 June.
