Building for future of cricket

The name Hopper is synonymous with cricket in Horsham and now leading player Simon Hopper is passing on his years of experience to budding youngsters.

All-rounder Hopper, frustrated with the lack of a purpose-built indoor cricket centre in Horsham, has developed a shed at his Haven house, complete with pitch and nets for a junior training project.

During cricket’s off-season, Hopper has offered coaching places to 20 junior cricketers aged from nine to 16 who he had coached in the past or he knew through family contacts and put them through an eightweek training program. “It’s a mix of kids from Homers, Horsham Saints and Bullants at the moment,” he said.

“The majority of the local players in Western Waves squads have been involved.

“I hope to complete another program leading up to the coming summer.”

Hopper, also busy with the family business, leads small groups of players through weekly evening sessions.

“I struggle with the fact that the Wimmera is producing many gun AFL boys, but very few district cricketers,” he said.

“Talent is in this town but they just haven’t been driven down the cricket path for many reasons. But in saying that, it’s a different sport and although being athletic helps, it’s not the defining factor as it is in sports such as football.

“Horsham Cricket Association and clubs are striving and discussing ways to improve cricket in the region.

“As we know, it all starts with conversation. The next challenge is actually doing it – that’s the hard part. During the past five years my vision and work has been very club based with Homers and I’m proud of what we have achieved. But my eyes have opened up more to the state of the game and our region.”