Keaton Walters has always been mad about cricket - just ask his dad, Ken.
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"I take to him to the nets four days a week plus there's training as well," Ken said.
"He's got training stuff at home, too... he's just crazy about it."
Keaton's passion is mirrored by ability. The two attributes came together on Sunday as the under 13s Gunnedah player scored a century against Maitland Gold.
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The hours in the nets had paid off with Keaton - who has also benefitted from some great coaching - in the middle for the majority of the innings as he made 101.
A range of emotions washed over the 12-year-old when he passed the milestone.
"I felt relieved and just happy to do a good job for my team," Keaton said.
"It was getting very hot and humid. I just tried to keep my composure. I was telling myself to focus every single ball so I didn't lose concentration and try and go for the slog."
The Court House cricketer wasn't keeping track of his score until an opposition player made it known Keaton was on 88.
The announcement ramped up the nerves for the opening batsman. He then started counting his runs which led to even more nerves at one particular stage.
"I was sitting on 99 for a few balls," Keaton recalled.
Keaton helped Gunnedah finish all out for 159 in the George Denton Shield clash which miraculously ended in a tie with Maitland finishing on 8-159 after their 40 overs.
"It was a bit disappointing since we posted 159 and they still chased it down but it is what it is," Keaton said.
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