Silver lining for junior cricketers

EXPERIENCE GAINED

BEING able to step up and play senior cricket at age 14 offers a silver lining after the regions Jimmy Maher Cup Gold Junior Competition failed to attract enough players this season.

According to Cricket Far North (CFN) president, Julian Warnock, feedback from players, coaches and umpires has been very favourable as the young guns have added additional energy and enthusiasm to the senior competition.

Warnock, 67, said earlier this month CFN were concerned about the number of juniors available for the competition.

“CFN held a special meeting with the Atherton, Norths, Rovers and Mulgrave clubs on October 9 to discuss how their numbers were going and where they wanted to go from here,” he said.

“Eventually all four clubs decided not to run the junior cricket competition this season and absorb the youngsters in to their senior sides.

“The feedback from everyone, coaches, players and umpires is these juniors are really adding to the matches, with one coach saying it’s the most fun he’s had at a game in ages.”

At Cairns Norths Cricket Club practice on Tuesday evening, youngsters were happy to talk about being part of a team with older players they respect and admire.

For talented bowler and left-handed batsman, Owen Macpherson, 14, joining a seniors side means he can refine skills and gain more experience.

“This is so much fun, there’s so much team spirit,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying the series and learning a lot from the older players including my dad.”

Top-order batsman Jaden Bakurski, 14, said playing cricket at a higher level is fantastic.

“It’s been really good to play with the older cricketers,” he said.

“It’s better, you learn a lot from watching them.”

Warnock said clubs have indicated they hope this move helps them retain more players.

However, he said CFN plan to maintain the junior competition in future if numbers allow.