'Four-some' debut in green and gold

Redcliffe softballer Blake Turner has made a triumphant start to his international career.

The catcher was part of the Australian Junior Steelers Under 18 team which beat New Zealand 4-1 in its recent five-match Test series.

Playing at Palmerston North, Australia swept ahead, comfortably winning the first two matches with double digit scores (14-6 and 13-6).

“The first game was nerve-wracking,” Blake, 18, said, “it was a big step-up representing Australia for the first time.

“But we started with a couple of big wins and I was proud of what I did.”

Blake started playing softball at the age of six and has been at Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association for the last five years.

His call-up for the green and gold followed the under 18 national championships in January and a 30-player camp last year.

However, from being one of the older members of the Australian under 18 team, Blake has to start again in his quest for the Under 23s.

He has to earn a place in the Queensland team and then hopefully catch the eye of national selectors.

“Dream big,” Blake said, “that’s what I try to do.”