ROCKINGHAM-MANDURAH cricketer Jessica Wall travels one hour and 20 minutes everyday to Kent Street Senior High School in Victoria Park, just for cricket.
The 14-year-old, who is part of a cricket program at the Perth school, was recently selected in the state under 15s team after scintillating form for Rockingham-Mandurah.
The all-rounder takes four periods a week of cricket at school which she said had helped her improve her game as she plays against the boys and players better than her.
“They are a lot stronger than me so playing against them makes me better,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity to get more practice and develop.
“I’m excited to represent the state in the game I love, but nervous at the same time.”
Jessica was discovered by WACA Peel regional game development officer Aimee White while playing super eights at Lark Hill.
She was asked to play in Country Week and last year was asked to try out for the under 15 state team at 13; she made the development squad but not the main team.
The talented cricketer then headed to Rockingham-Mandurah to play district cricket where she is yet to be dismissed in four games in the under 15s.
Players must retire after 50 runs or 30 balls and last week she smashed her opponents around for 55 runs off 29 balls – featuring three sixes and seven fours.
She also plays in the Rockingham-Mandurah B-grade competition and last week scored her maiden 50.
Despite her consistent form Jessica said she still has a lot improvement in her game, mainly her front foot shots.
“Usually ones down leg side I can play them quite well,” she said.
Jessica said she hoped to one day make it to the professional level like her idol Elise Perry and Adam Gilchrist.
“I would like to play for the Western Fury and then get selected for the Southern Stars," she said.
“If I continue to develop and get selected for 18s and then helpfully I will get selected to train for the Western Fury.”
