Wide Ward Of Sports

After long being earmarked for big things in the cricket arena, Ulladulla's Matthew Gilkes is finally getting the opportunities he deserves. Following his junior career at Ulladulla United and in the Shoalhaven District Junior Cricket Association system, Gilkes moved to ACT and joined Western District and University of Canberra Cricket Club. Three strong seasons in the nation's capital acted as the perfect springboard for him moving to the NSW Premier Cricket competition in Sydney with UNSW for the 2017/18 season. Despite an up and down debut season with the Bumble Bees, which included his maiden Sydney first grade century, he hit the ground running in year two - which was a real breakout year for the former Ulladulla High School student. Strong performances for UNSW and ACT/NSW Country in the Futures League saw him handed his Big Bash debut with the Sydney Thunder. Then just last week, he was handed a NSW Blues rookie contract - something his has always dreamed about. Hear all about his amazing journey in hi