By Justin Schwarze
Young gun Lang Lang cricketer Blake Easton enjoyed the highlight of his career on Friday night, blasting 130 not out for the Tigers in the under 12s competition.
Easton, at just nine years old, is playing up an age group due to his impressive skill for his age.
In the innings, he was forced to retire after scoring 39 runs off his first 20 balls, as per rules in the age bracket.
After wickets fell, he was allowed to return to the crease, where he reached 130 after just 52 deliveries, scoring his last 91 from just 32 balls.
“It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt,” Easton said.
“I did get a bit emotional.
“It meant a lot to me to stay in and do well for my team.”
He hit 24 balls to or over the boundary in his time in the middle, including 16 fours and eight majors.
His family has been a massive part of his cricketing journey, with his dad Glen serving as his team’s coach, and his older brother Chaise playing alongside him in the under 12s.
His dad was helping out umpiring at square leg during the match, and Easton was quick to embrace his father in a moment of pure elation after his wonderful innings.
“He’s my idol,” Easton said of his dad.
“I look up to him, he’s taught me my whole life and he’s just a great coach.”
The fabulous knock pushed him into second in the league for total runs scored, trailing only his brother.
Easton is no stranger to playing against older opposition, as he started playing cricket when he was six, before playing two years of under 10s.
“I’ve worked really hard,” Easton said of his career.
Looking ahead, he’s got goals for himself in the future.
“I just want to make the team happy and put some runs on the board,” he said.
