The Bella Vista resident has almost wrapped up his debut season in first grade cricket with the North West Sydney Hurricanes, whose home ground is at Bruce Purser Reserve, Rouse Hill.

Over the season, Tom has taken 35 first grade wickets, placing him second overall in the Sydney Shire's cricket competition.

He's taken 47 wickets overall (12 Frank Gray Shield wickets) and his best bowling was 5-27.

In last week's quarter-finals game against Auburn, his best score was 5-11 in the first innings and 4-18 in the second.

He was the best player in the match.

``I have had a good year,'' Tom said with a smile. ``Things have been going well.

``The team have been very welcoming since my first game playing first grade.

``They are a good bunch of guys.

``I was a little nervous and, being the youngest as well, it was a bit intimidating.

``But the club and the team have been fantastic. I have had a ball.''

Tom said the first grade season had also taught him about ``life skills'' in cricket.

``By playing in firsts, it has made me think about my game a bit more and how I can improve,'' he said.

``It has certainly made me a better cricketer and I know I have to work harder.

``I feel I am a better player.''

Tom started playing the sport in junior cricket and his father was his under-11 coach.

He has played for the Rouse Hill Rams and Baulkham Hills Cricket Club.

A year 12 student at Gilroy Catholic College, Castle Hill, Tom was also chosen in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges First XI team which finished second in the Lord Taverners Under-19s competition.