The ending wasn’t there, but a return to the Exies Oval together was fairytale-enough for Alex and Kate Blackwell.
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The Blackwells played their last match on the Exies Oval when they ran out for Exies in a first grade (then A grade) match under Derek Forner.
It is a fond memory that Kate and Alex still remember well and a key moment in their progression.
“We played a lot of cricket with Exies, we were playing all different grades and then we had this opportunity to play A grade,” Alex said.
“We were just so excited to be playing at that level against the top players in Griffith.
“It was one of those milestones, I guess, in that pathway to eventually representing our country. So, we definitely remember that day playing A grade for Exies, it was brilliant.”
The Blackwells were in Griffith to play in the Baggie Blues Big Bash for Griffith against Leeton.
They went down to Leeton by 19 runs the match was about more than that.
The aim was to promote the game of cricket and Kate said the match had exceeded expectations.
“I knew it was going to be exciting and good fun but I was a bit surprised by the turnout – I thought it was a great turnout,” she said.
“The Baggie Blues did a fantastic job with the clinics beforehand, I think there were over 100 kids who attended.”
Likewise, Alex was amazed by the enthusiasm of the children.
“All those kids wanted photos and our signatures. It surprised me they were that interested,” Alex said.
“I guess we're examples of kids like them who have gone on and represented their country in the sport that they love.
“It’s a really great feeling to be able to come back and, maybe, inspire those kids to keep at their sport. You never know how far they can get.”
The match also served as a reunion on the field for the Blackwells.
The last time they shared a field they were on opposing sides with Kate in the West Australian side while Alex played for NSW.
Kate said it brought back memories of playing together for Australia and NSW and Alex agreed it was nice to combine again.
“This was pretty cool, being on the same team as Kate,” Alex said.
“She batted really beautifully tonight, I just had to give her the strike.”
Kate now works in the medical device industry at Nuvasive and specialises in spinal implants.
Read the full match report on page 17.
