AN EXCITING chance to play cricket in Indonesia last month was a fabulous experience for a young 13-year-old Beechworthian.

Mary Edwards, a keen member of the Beechworth Wanderers Cricket Club played for the first time overseas in the Bali Bash T10 series representing the Philippines through her connection to the country.

The women’s tournament hosted, by Cricket Indonesia, drew teams from across the country, the Philippines and the Australian Indian Women’s Cricket Association.

Selected before Easter, Mary represented the Philippines women’s cricket team - the Blue Caps - for its tour of Indonesia.

The young cricketer played in the annual Kartini Cup T20 International series - comprising four teams from the East Asia Pacific zone - in Bali followed by the T10 Bali Bash tournament.

Eight teams from both international and regional East Asia Pacific squads competed in the tournament held between 8 and 18 April.

“I was really proud I could play with the team, took wickets and was ranked as number 36 out of 104 players which isn’t bad,” Mary said.

“I took a catch and bowled two people out.”

Mary said it was a very exciting feeling going to a different country to play the sport.

“The ground was different as well as the culture and it was really cool getting to know all of it, and the different people from various countries playing women's cricket,” she said.

Mary’s mum Gina Edwards was born in the Philippines, meaning the young cricketer with dual nationality qualifies as a heritage player.

Gina, with a love of cricket too, had discovered the opportunity for her daughter which came to fruition.

Mary also plays in two state zones, the North East Knights and Riverina in Southern New South Wales with training for both held in Wodonga.

“Local club games are normally on Saturday mornings with the North East region and Riverina tournaments are held in the school holidays and doesn't clash with club cricket,” Mary said.

The young player is notching up some incredible achievements in her cricket journey.

Mary inherited her passion for cricket from her dad, Simon Edwards, who also taught her how to play.

She also ranked number 34 in NSW country batting rankings during last year’s under 15 Youth Championship in Singleton.

At the end of last year she also competed in the under 16s Country Championship in Bathurst with eligibility exemptions to compete due to her age.

Mary was also selected for the Cricket Victoria Girls Leadership Program.

The young cricketer said she has played with the Wanderers Cricket Club for five years, progressing through the under 12s and 14s mixed teams and is a supporter of girls in cricket.

“The Wanderers really helped me get into it with everyone very supportive and now I really enjoy it,” she said.

“If girls in the area tried cricket, I’m sure they would like it as it’s a lot of fun.

“The club recently started a competition around this area for an all-girls team for under 14s.”

Mary said she has a future aim to represent Australia playing internationally.