Samara ready for next level

Albany-bred cricketer Samara Williams has set her sights on a career in the Women’s Big Bash League after again being selected among the best female indigenous cricketers in the country.

Representing WA at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, Williams was named in the Black Caps honour squad after an impressive carnival with bat and ball last week.

Playing in her sixth championships, the 20-year-old finished with 89 runs from six innings with a highest score of 36 not out from 26 balls as WA won their final match against Victoria.

The seam bowling all-rounder also snared nine wickets from 20 overs in the T20 format, including best figures of 4-23 against Queensland to be equal-third on the leading wicket-taker standings.

WA finished fourth with two wins and three losses for the tournament, rebounding well after finishing last in 2017.

Williams, who grew up in Albany but now lives in Perth, was the only WA representative in the Black Caps honour squad.

She was last year selected in the National Indigenous Squad by Cricket Australia and has represented WA at under-18 level and been a member of the Western Fury development squad.

Williams said it was a shock to be announced in the squad.

“I felt ecstatic when I got announced,” she said. “I almost felt like it wasn't real for a second.

“I couldn't believe it.

“It's such an honour being chosen to be a part of the Black Caps team and to represent my family and home town.

“Personally, I think I did the best I could and gave everything I had in me and that's how I like to leave the tournament.”

Williams said she had identified her need to train harder to realise her next goal.

“There is still room for improvement and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress,” she said.

“My next goal is to be playing on the big screen in the WBBL.

“I do need to train a lot harder and improve. It is hard with work doing FIFO but it is a commitment I need to make. I'm very determined to make my cricket career work.”