As the temperature on the thermostat rises, many kids are rushing towards the backyard to pick up a cricket bat or ball as the Woolworths Cricket Blast programs capture hearts and minds once again.
The weekly programs are the gateway to the summer game for kids and families are spoilt for choice with sessions sprinkled around the Limestone Coast.
SACA South Central Country club officer James Dunn said it is an exciting time of year and encourages kids of all ages to have fun in the sun and give cricket a go.
“The Woolworths Cricket Blast is based on beginner skill kids who get a feel for the game being taught how to bat, bowl, field and catch,” he said.
“They can learn the game in a safe environment and have a lot of fun because we base the programs on enjoyment to get kids to come back the following week.
“We want to make sure everyone is involved, while having a lot of fun.”
In addition to learning the skills such as batting, bowling and fielding, participants also get the chance to make new friends and walk home with their own hat, shirt, ball, water bottle and backpack.
Gambier Centrals and Mil Lel started the fun with their opening night held at Frew Park on Saturday afternoon.
The newest Blast program for kids to tackle is being run by the East Gambier Cricket Club for kids aged five to 10 on Sunday mornings at McDonald Park and Scott Park from this weekend.
There are also sessions conducted by North Sportsman’s at Marist Park (Thursday nights), South Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park starting tomorrow, Yahl and Penola.
If kids miss out on the fun before Christmas, more Woolworths Cricket Blast programs will take over primary schools in the first term of the 2022 school year.
Separate sessions dedicated to girls and Indigenous kids will also be held next year.
Following Australia’s classic multi-format series win over India earlier this month where the likes of Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath posted famous victories, plus the commencement of the 2012-22 Weber Women’s Big Bash League taking off last week, Dunn said there is a huge emphasis on girls’ cricket.
He also hinted at the possibility of a junior competition to run hand in hand with the South East Women’s Cricket League.
“There is a big push towards female cricket,” Dunn said.
“We just had a come and try session for girls at Marist Park and there will be a girls only Woolworths Blast in term one
“It is an exciting time for female cricket, especially with all the WBBL games lives on TV which will be amazing.
“The women’s cricket league draw is all up and running and I would love to get a junior female competition up and running in Mount Gambier at some point.
“it will be great to have a sustainable model in place by having the girls go from the blast to the junior league which feeds into the senior competition which is the next cab to get off the rank.
“This time of year is always a great time to get out in the sun and give cricket a go.”
