By JARROD POTTER
PERSISTENCE has finally paid off for Berwick Braves’ Hamish Bonser.
The Hillcrest Christian College star softballer will line up for the School Sport Victoria (SSV) under-17 side to take on the rest of Australia… and even a few international sides at the upcoming Pacific School Games.
He had to toil to make it through a gruelling try-out phase – working out his potential for velocity throwing, in-fielding and power hitting.
Despite the obstacles put in his way Bonser kept pushing through every challenge to earn his first state selection.
After the hard yards put in at the trials, Bonser’s destiny was confirmed in an email from SSV and he could not believe he had finally earned his place in the Victorian set-up.
“I was nervous before I clicked on it – wasn’t sure if I had made it or not – but it was mostly shock once I saw,” Bonser said.
“I’ve tried over the last two years and I haven’t got in, so I was pretty happy.”
He puts his selection down to added time in the field – honing his softball skills and developing that additional experience needed to match it with the best of them at the national level.
“I think I have more experience this time and more game time and know all my plays a bit better now,” Bonser said.
“Developing my skills and finding where I play in the regional rep team with Casey.”
The Berwick Braves under-17 boys third baseman will head to Adelaide later this year for the championships and hopes to turn his Victorian cap into an Australian one the only way he knows how – through hard work.
“I really just wanted to tick off playing for Victoria – I’m a little nervous for it – but it will be a great experience,” Bonser said.
“Hopefully I can keep going and maybe even play for Australia.”
Bonser reckons his Braves are up for a fifth premiership in a row – a superb, sustained effort in the Casey Softball Association.
Bonser’s Pacific School Games challenge gets into full swing from 21-28 November in Adelaide.
