By JARROD POTTER
EVERY cricket team could use a little Hope.
Fortunately for Dandenong West’s under-13 Division 4 side, their Hope comes in the form of a swashbuckling opener Hope Kareta, 12, from Frankston, who blasted an unbeaten 100 against Hampton Park on Saturday.
Promoted to the top of the order, Kareta piled on the runs as she blasted the Redbacks to all points on the compass – but a nicely placed single brought up the milestone to the cheers of friends and family alike around the ground.
In tandem with captain Jake Goodes (65 not out) and other retiring batsmen Raheel Raheel (25 not out) and Deekon Taylor (37 not out) – Kareta’s century was the showpiece in Dandenong West’s massive 6/371 off only 56 overs.
Dandenong West president and Kareta’s under-13s coach Jason Goodes said Kareta has shown amazing talent in only her first season playing for the club after filling in when the Bulls were a player down at the start of the year.
“She’s pretty amazing – Hope only started playing for us this year,” Goodes said.
“Her younger brother played for us and first game this year we were short a player and she asked if she could play and she’s gone on from there.”
Returning to the crease this week after retiring on 25 last Saturday, the right-hand batter hit 19 fours all around Greaves Reserve and was able to notch her ton as she guided Dandenong West to an emphatic 314-run victory over Hampton Park.
“She got a single to bring up her 100 and she’s just as good a bowler as she is a bat – so she’s a special cricketer,” Goodes said.
Kareta is also showing off her bowling skills as she steams in regularly for the Bulls as their opening medium pace bowler.
Kareta’s team sits on top of the DDCA Under-13(4) table with seven wins and no losses this season.
