Calm mind key to student's century

Toowoomba Grammar School student plays it cool in century knock

CRICKET: Falling to 1-1 in just the second over of their game with Gregory Terrace, the Toowoomba Grammar School 8As were in trouble at the weekend.

A cool hand was needed to steady the ship and they found it in first drop Chace Oates.

At the crease earlier than expected, Oates was focused on one task - helping his team. What he produced was a knock that will be talked about for years to come.

Oates dominated the Gregory Terrace bowling attack on his way to an unbeaten 161 off just 75 balls.

"We were under the pump a little bit. When I came in we were 1-1," Oates said.

"I was pretty relaxed to be honest - I try not to put too much pressure on myself when I go out there.

"If I'm out there I'm out there, and if I'm not I'm just getting ready for what's next.

"I don't really set myself a target. I just want to contribute for the team."

CENTURY MAN: Toowoomba Grammar School 8As cricketer Chace Oates scored 161 off 75 balls in his team's win against Gregory Terrace at the weekend. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Facing his first ball, Oates made his intentions clear early with a big shot.

"I hit a six off the first ball so that was a good start," he said.

"After that everything else just sort of came to me.

"I just played what was in front of me which is all I really needed to do."

Approaching his century, Oates maintained his relaxed attitude.

"I pretty relaxed all through out when I'm batting and coming up on milestones," he said.

"When you're out there you don't have any scoreboards so if you get there you get there.

"When I did get it (the century), it was pretty special.

"All the boarders had come down to the field to watch the First XI so they were there cheering for me.

"And to see the look on the faces of my team-mates was great."

Oates' knock last Saturday is his highest score to date but the teenager is no stranger to milestone moments having scored 130 in a game against Brisbane Boys College last season.

CENTURY MAN: Toowoomba Grammar School 8As cricketer Chace Oates scored 161 off 75 balls in his team's win against Gregory Terrace at the weekend. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Originally published as Calm mind key to student's century