WA honours start early for young SW duo

Two young South West cricketers will line-up for WA the Australian under-12 Cricket National Championships in Barooga, New South Wales in January.

Cooper Clarke-Dehring and Jonah Lincoln, both 12, have been picked in the School Sports WA squad, with the former representing the team for the second time.

Cooper said he wanted to enjoy the championship more than last year.

The Marist cricketer is in his first full year of senior cricket, opening the batting and keeping for the Blues’ fourth grade side.

Cooper said playing with the adults had helped his confidence.

“Playing with the quicker bowlers has helped,” he said.

Cooper said his dad, Bunbury cricket legend Glen Dehring, had been coaching him in preparation for the championships.

Jonah has never represented WA in cricket before, but has been part of the State’s Cross Country set-up before.

The opening batsman said he was excited for the upcoming challenge.

“It will be a proud moment to represent WA in something I love and with a buddy from Bunbury,” he said.

The Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School batsman said he wanted to just enjoy the experience.

“To make some runs would be nice, but I just want to enjoy it,” he said.