A crticket grant from ANZ Bank’s enabling a 10-year-old Queenstowner to pursue her passion for the sport.
The bank’s made $100,000 available to young Kiwi cricketers who’d benefit from subsidised registration fees to take the pressure off their families.
In the case of Alexis Clement, she’s also received a surprise extra — a gear pack including bat, ball, pads, gloves and bag.
Alexis got into the sport because her dad was always watching cricket on TV and her older brother Daniel had started playing.
Aside from watching international and rep games at the Queenstown Events Centre, she also received tuition last summer from Otago White Ferns Suzie Bates, Katey Martin and Kate Ebrahim.
Last season, due to Covid, Alexis played with various mixed teams, but this season she’s hoping to go back to an all-girls’ team.
She loves the sport, saying ‘‘it’s really exciting and fun once you get used to it’’.
ANZ Bank New Zealand CEO Antonia Watson says they were impressed by Alexis’ dedication, and hope the new gear helps her reach her goals.
