TWO City of Kalamunda boys recently flew to Adelaide to represent the U15 WA cricket team at the School Sport Australia cricket championships.

Lesmurdie’s Chayse Moir and Kalamunda’s Wynand Basson competed in the tournament which was held from March 30 to April 4.

The WA cricket team of 13 is coached by Scott Ogilvie, managed by Ian Bycroft with the tour led by Luke Green.

The boys were in Pool A where they played against New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

Since he was a baby Chayse said he spent a lot of time in the backyard, bat in hand, thanks to his dad.

He started playing competitively when he turned seven-years-old.

Chayse said he felt a combination of nerves and excitement for the competition.

“Nervous because there’s always pressure playing in these tournaments and excited about representing WA and wearing the baggy black and gold.”

In the lead up to the tournament, Chayse said he did a lot of work at the nets with his dad, focusing on both batting and keeping.

“On game day, I make sure I’m well organised and do enough drills to get my hands and feet working so I’m ready to go.”

Chayse said he dreams of playing cricket for Australia and competing at the highest level all around the world.

At two-and-a-half years old, Wynand said he was given his first helmet and bat.

“From then on, backyard cricket with my dad became a regular part of my life whenever we had free time.”

Wynand said he started playing competitively at six-years-old and when he turned 13, he took the next step by playing district cricket.

He said a massive part of his development was playing cricket during the winter season.

Although this is Wynand’s first year being selected for the WA School Sport team, he had participated in similar events.

“I’ve already represented WA in three national championships with my fourth coming up this July,” Wynand said.

“And had the honour of representing Australia in Dubai for the World Junior Series in 2023.

“Last year in Melbourne, I was also named in the All-Stars Team.”

Wynand said these experiences have helped him to become a better player.

“Game day nerves are always there but I calm myself by listening to my favourite music and reminding myself that I’ve done everything I can to prepare.”

He said he plans to take a gap year after high school to play cricket in the United Kingdom before pursuing his dream of playing professional cricket.

“I want to follow in the footsteps of power hitters like AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell.”