Cricket
18 November, 2024
Junior cricketers shine under lights
At Horsham City Oval, junior cricket took centre stage under lights. The Bullants hosted Blackheath Dimboola in the Horsham Cricket Association (HCA) under-14s competition - the first of four Saturday night matches for the juniors.
Blackheath Dimboola won the toss, elected to bat, and finished on 8/76 off their 20 overs. Roary Hadzig top-scored with 11, and Lenny Clark hit 10. Tanner Treacy finished with 2/5 (2) for the Bullants.
In response, the Bullants chased the total down without losing a wicket in the 10th over. The match then continued for the duration of the 20 overs to give everyone a shot with bat and ball. The Bullants finished on 3/140.
Jazz Hopper, Tanner Treacy and Judd Oakley retired on 20, Angus Crute retired on 16, Jed Ferguson on five, and Milton Ellis and Jack Arnel both on four. Oscar Combe finished not out on nine.
Blackheath Dimboola did claim three wickets. Cooper Cramer bowled Zack Pickering for eight, and Lenny Shurdington caught Zavier Lang off the bowling of Oliver Cook. Shurdington also ran out Thomas Combe for nine.
HCA president Justtin Combe said he was thrilled with the turnout.
"I was more than happy with how many turned up - it would have been over 100 people there," Combe said.
"It was a good opportunity for a lot of grandparents and family members to attend a game under lights and watch the kids play.
"It was a perfect night weather, and once the lights came on, the kids came to life a bit. They love that side of things."
After the match, the juniors gave positive feedback, and Combe said they all enjoyed themselves.
"The kids have been talking about it for a couple of weeks now, how they were looking forward to it," Combe said.
"With the pink ball last night and zing bails (flashing), little things like that excited them, and they couldn't wait.
"They were asking what time the lights come on as both clubs wanted to field second under the lights, and little things like that got the kids going.
"The kids were talking about it at school and now will be talking to their mates on Monday about how good it is to play under lights, and hopefully, it will pull a few kids out of the woodwork and get keener on the cricket - that's the aim."
Three more under-14s games are scheduled for the season, with the next one on Saturday, December 7, when the Horsham Tigers play the Panthers.
Combe said they are aligning it with the seniors who play there that same day.
"After the senior match, everyone can stick around, and people can come from other grounds to watch the kids play," Combe said.
"We have also been talking at board level about maybe the under-16s playing on a Friday night.
"They already play on a Friday night, so moving it to the Horsham City Oval wouldn't take much. They will start a bit later so they can play under the lights. They would appreciate that too and enjoy it."