When Baxter McDonald sat down at the beginning of the year to write down his goals, there was one that immediately came to mind.
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Make the NSW PSSA Cricket team.
On Monday that goal will become reality when McDonald represents his state in their first match at the Australian Primary School Cricket Championships.
Having worked so hard to earn NSW selection, the Shellharbour junior said it will be a proud moment to wear the blue cap in a match.
"At the start of the year we wrote down our goals, my goal was to make the NSW team," McDonald said.
"I knew it was going to be tough, there were a lot of good players. But if I trained hard and believed in myself, I'd have a good chance.
"I was really happy and proud of myself when I got selected. Once they called out my school I knew I'd made it because I was the only one from Shell Cove."
McDonald will play at the championships in Adelaide alongside fellow South Coast representative Blake Cattle, while Corrimal's Keisha Baldwin will also be in Adelaide, contesting the girls competition.
The 12-year-old has been in form lately, with McDonald performing well at the Youth Championships.
A batting all-rounder, the youngster secured a top score of 35* and 11 wickets, including figures of 5-5 in his second match.
McDonald said his recent form has come down to hard work on and off the pitch.
"I had a fair break from cricket, last year I injured my knee and only got to play a few games at the end. I've trained through the year to get my knee better and to improve."
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