Academy set for Far North tour in June

A HIGHLY-rated Victorian academy will play 11 games in a twoweek mid-winter cricket tour across Far North Queensland, with the economy to benefit from an injection of thousands of dollars.

The Crusaders will arrive on June 25, and are scheduled to play a series of 20, 30, 40 and 45-over matches against a range of Cricket Far North representative teams and a team from Atherton Cricket Club. The tour will include the games and visits to well-known tourism sites across Cairns and the Far North, and could mean a six-figure financial injection for the region.

Queensland Country Cricket boss Kev Maher said it was an opportunity for talented teenage cricketers to get exposure playing against top opposition.

“We’re targeting those 15 to 17 year olds, and it’s a good opportunity for local representative to play people they’ve never played before,” Maher said.

“They’ve decided to come here and see what we have to offer.

“It will be a great experience for the players.”

Most Crusaders players compete in Victorian Grade cricket.