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Talent takes teen abroad

Busselton Freight ServiceBusselton Dunsborough Times

What started as a few games of cricket in the backyard for teenager Fraser Oates has morphed into a passion for the sport which will send him abroad next year.

The 17-year-old began playing cricket aged about five and has since shown dedication to the sport, landing him the Busselton Freight rising sports star award for March.

Oates said he spent much of his teenage years playing cricket for Vasse, and highlighted his experiences playing in the 2015 junior premiership team.

“But I enjoy it every time I step onto the field,” he said.

“It’s the game as a whole — it just has that vibe.”

As his skills developed, the St Mary MacKillop student began to play men’s A-grade, which saw him move to Cowaramup cricket club last year.

“Vasse didn’t have an A- grade men’s team so they suggested Cowaramup,” he said.

Oates said his proudest achievements in cricket so far included winning the A-grade premiership with Cowaramup this year. “Also the 92 I made in A-grade last year — that was my first good innings,” he said.

Oates said he admired cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Mike Hussey, but his inspiration came from his dad.

“He’s always been the driving force,” he said.

The teenager will continue to play for Cowaramup next season before setting off to play in England for six months.

Oates thanked his parents and Vasse 16s coach Alex Eades for their support.

Chloe Fraser

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