Challenging herself in the men’s seniors competition, 18-year-old Chelsea showed she can take the next step

It might have been the last senior’s game of the season, but Chelsea Swain made it her best game of the year. Find out what happened >>>

It might have been the last senior’s game of the season, but Chelsea Swain made it her best game of the year.

The 18-year-old, who plays for Surfers Paradise Community Div 3 claimed 5-26 in Saturday’s match against Mudgeeraba, claiming her first five wicket haul.

Chelsea said it was a feeling she would never forget.

“It felt amazing, I was super excited to get the opportunity to bowl,” Chelsea said.

“Honestly I thought Andy (Rowlands) wasn’t going to give me a bowl but clearly he left the best till last.

“It kind of just went straight up and Zeek (Kelly) was under it.

“So I was pretty confident, he caught the first wicket.”

Surfers Paradise bowler Chelsea Swain claims her first five wicket haul in the men's community Div 3 competition. Picture: Supplied

Chelsea started playing cricket in 2017 after watching her older brother play on Saturday mornings.

Taking up ‘Milo cricket’ first while also playing against her brothers in the backyard, Chelsea developed her skills and is now playing in the Junior Open Div 1 competition as well as seniors.

“I started playing with my younger brother Dylan and we thought it would be really cool to play the same sport as our older brother Hayden,” Chelsea said.

“I started playing more and then realised I loved the sport and went onto to play junior cricket.

“I am now playing my final season this year in Div 1 with our team playing in the semi-finals next week.”

The right arm pace bowler is the second female to claim a five wicket haul this season with Runaway Bay’s Samantha Smithers picking up 5-29 in Premier Third Grade.

“Its really great to see other females really challenging themselves playing against the men,” Chelsea said.

“Most of the opposing teams are very supportive and encouraging when I play against them.

“So its really good to feel so supported playing in the mens competition.”

Most young female cricketers look up to star players like Elyce Perry or Alyssa Healy but in the eyes of Chelsea, the biggest cricketing star is her dad Jason Swain.

“My dad is my hero,” Chelsea said.

Chelsea will line up for Surfers Paradise Open Junior Div 1 team against Burleigh Bullsharks on Saturday March 16 and Sunday March 17 in their semi final.

*Bulletin journalist Jake Garland is a member of Surfers Paradise Cricket Club