Junior cricket Country Cup a smash hit
AN INAUGURAL annual junior cricket competition launched to reinvigorate junior sport in regional North Queensland has been labelled a smash hit.
Wayne Di Bartolo, co-ordinator of the Country Cup which was hosted by the Home Hill Cricket Association at the weekend, said players travelled from Hinchinbrook, Charters Towers, Proserpine and Bowen to compete in the U15, U13 and U11 age groups.
“From all of the feedback we have received it was a success, it has been very positive and I am happy that it all worked out,” Di Bartolo said.
“A lot of work went into planning and we were really lucky that it wasn’t just (Home Hill) organising it; it was all the clubs that were involved in it to make it work and that was the key.”
He thanked all involved, including Andrew Bye and Steven Carrara from the Herbert River Cricket Association, which fielded teams in all age groups, including the runners up in the U15s and winners in the U11s.
Herbert River is favourite to host the 2023 edition of the annual preseason cricket competition, with participation in junior sport in general having taken a massive hit in the age of Covid.
“When you’ve got the support of other clubs helping you, it definitely makes it easier to have success … that’s what it’s all about.”
Di Bartolo said it was great to see children engaging in sport and not stuck inside behind electronic screens.
“It’s a healthier mindset, healthy mind, healthy body, getting them involved and being social,” he said.
“And yes, we love cricket and we want them to be getting involved and we want more to be involved.”
He said he hoped tournament participants, including players and parents, also had a positive experience and would help spread the gospel ahead of the new cricket season.
“Word might get out and we’ll get a few more numbers and hopefully it can grow.”
Di Bartolo said it was hoped the tournament would expand to include senior players.
The overall winner of the 2021 Country Cup came down to the final match between the Home Hill and Herbert River U15 sides, with Home Hill claiming victory.
Herbert River holds training for junior players at Gilroy Santa Maria College from 4.30pm on Tuesdays, with games to be played at the showgrounds on Friday evenings.