Stephen Taylor committed himself seven years ago to change this.

Wagin Under 16 Junior Cricket Club started raising money to take the team to this year’s Cricket State Championships late last year.

The support from the community was simply outstanding, in particular Care and Share who donated $500 to the team.

The club especially thanked Rhonda Carbone who engraved the children’s shirts at minimal cost and the people who donated the prizes for the raffle.

Coach Kim Davidson, assistant coach Mark Haverkort, team manager Stephen Taylor, the boys and one girl travelled to Perth on the Wagin community bus, supplied by the Wagin Shire, with excitement and anticipation.

The first game Twenty20 overs, was against Bunbury who made 7/111.

Wagin were feeling their way and made a creditable 5/108, just falling short.

Of note, Dylan Kirk made 47 and Lane Taylor made 21 and Conan Holder took three for 12 from four overs.

The next game Twenty20 overs was against Eastern Goldfields who made 4/106.

Wagin was all out for 77.

On Wednesday in 50/50 overs Wagin played a strong central Midlands team who made 6/159.

Wagin were all out for 87 with Dylan Kirk making 52 not out and Jackson Davidson taking 3/28.

Even though the results were not going Wagin’s way the team spirit, enthusiasm and commitment was there on show.

They were playing as a team and learning the fundamentals of cricket.

On Thursday they played Avon where they batted first and made 6/225.

Dylan Kirk made 91, Terry Anthony made 56 and Lane Taylor a quick 34.

Best for the bowling were Conan Holder 2/24 and Jackson Davidson 4/23.

Avon made 8/179.

One of the highlights of this game was the fielding efforts of Bryce Stephens who saved runs with his speed and enthusiasm in the field.

On Friday they played Mount Barker in a 50/50 over where they batted first and made 84.

Best bowling was Jackson Davidson who took his five wickets in a match with figures of 5/8 off 9.2 overs.

Other bowling figures were Fraser Lydiate who took 0/4 from five overs, Kayla Vanspall 1/10 off four overs, Jordan Fracaro 1/10 off four overs, Zane Watt 0/1 off two overs and Reece Andrews 1/7 off four overs.

Best batting came from Peter Kirby who made nine runs and Dylan Kirk who made 38.

Wagin lost the game but a valuable lesson was learnt by some of the team about “never taking anything for granted.”

After the game Kim Davidson thanked all the team and supporters.