PLENTY OF PRIDE ON DISPLAY
CRICKET Tasmania Premier League action will have added significance this Sunday when North Hobart and Clarence play in the inaugural pride game.
Both the men’s and women’s first grade sides will come together to raise awareness and celebrate the LBGTIQ+ community and spread the message of inclusivity in the game of cricket.
The Demons were the linchpin behind the initiative and invited the Roos to partner with them for this weekend’s round nine men’s T20 game and the round 13 women’s oneday clash where all four teams will don specially made tops.
North Hobart bowler Iain Carlisle was not only excited to kick off a stretch of twenty-twenty cricket but also be able to play in the CTPL’s first pride clash.
“It’s always exciting to get into this time of year, the silly season, and play a bit of short form cricket,” Carlisle said. “I think it’s great that we are able to recognise something like this for the wider community.”
Clarence vice-captain Sam Rainbird was equally as excited with the Roos currently sitting one win behind the Demons on the overall ladder.
“I think it’s a great initiative to get this game going. It’s something that will represent a lot of people out there in the community so to represent them is special and hopefully it builds into a full pride round next season.”
Both contests will be played at the TCA Ground with the women to kick off at 9.30am followed by the men at 5.15pm. Thursday night saw the other two men’s T20 games played with
New Town thumping Kingborough by ten wickets at the Twin Ovals and University beating Lindisfarne by four wickets.
The Knights were bowled out for just 68 with Joseph Graham (3-9) and the Willmott brothers, Jesse (3-6) and Tyler (3-12) tearing through the home side’s attack.
It then took the Bucks just 10 overs to chase down the total.
At Lindisfarne Oval, the Lightning produced a first innings total of 7-151 with skipper Charlie Wakim (76 off 59) the anchor following openers Mac Wright (0 off 2) and Ben McDermott (0 off 4) failing to fire.
Lions openers Sam Harbinson (36 off 25) and Tim Paine (64 off 38) put together a 97-run partnership to leave the visitors poised for victory, eventually chasing down the total in 19 overs to take the four-wicket win.