Photo Credit: Perth Scorcher
Scorchers young star Cooper Connolly was able to make a junior cricketer’s dream come true, sending 14-year-old Oscar Rodwell a congratulatory message on reaching 50 Club games for the Bateman Junior Cricket Club over the weekend.
Growing up, every cricket fan has a favourite player, replaying their best moments on the TV, yet never expecting to be noticed by them.
14-year-old Oscar Rodwell experienced just that.
With the support of the WA Cricket Foundation, title-winning Perth Scorcher Cooper Connolly sent the teenager a congratulatory message for his 50-game milestone with Bateman Junior Cricket Club.
Connolly congratulated Oscar on his achievement and wished him the best of luck in his game, earning smiles from Oscar and his teammates.
Oscar, who has Autism, is a committed player to his junior cricket team.
His father Chris Rodwell said the budding mid-on fielder is in uniform by 5:30 am on game day, practising his shots and saying what a great day it’s going to be.
Otherwise, Oscar can be found practicing his skills in the nets in his free time.
To Oscar, cricket is a sense of pride and passion, his enthusiasm and commitment is a benefit to himself and his teammates.
“If he takes a wicket, he aeroplanes out to cover to celebrate. If he sees someone disappointed if they get out, no matter which team they play for, he’ll be there to pat them on the back,” Chris said.
“Despite sometimes struggling to find the right words, through his actions he reminds everyone around him of the spirit in which you can play the game.”
Since his fiftieth game, Chris says Oscar can’t stop talking about the video.
“The video may as well be on loop,” he said.
“I can’t thank WA Cricket and the Bateman Junior Cricket Club enough for what they do to bring such inclusiveness to cricket in this state.”
WA Cricket congratulates Oscar on his great achievement.
Watch the full video here
