a year incommunity

cricket

2019/20

A YEAR IN COMMUNITY CRICKET 2019/20 was put together by Neil McDonald, Fiona Penny, Hayley Frasa, Kate Jackson, Jenna Purcell, Andy Meikle and Matt Ellis with stories and pictures from the entire Community Cricket team.

Thank you to everyone for your efforts throughout the year and for capturing it in this report.

In 2019/20 over 1,500 Players, Volunteers, Stakeholders and School Ambassadors were provided tickets to WBBL, BBL, T20 International, One Day International and Test Match fixtures as thanks for their service to cricket across NSW and ACT.

Many enjoyed a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ experience by playing or walking on the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground as part of Cricket NSW’s On Ground Experience program.

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Community Cricket team members at the 2020 Sydney Test MatchCommunity Cricket team members at the 2020 Sydney Test Match

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please enjoy 2our 19/20 priorities 3their way 4a newie t20 5a sixers league of their own 6tilly & ellyse 8model school 9syd on tour 9making history 10rainbow crIcket 11with open arms 12northern exposure 14a special 100 16the unbelievable gesture 17thunder goes west! 17the women’s regional bash arrives 18winner winner 20helping hands 21girls rule 21dubbo gIrls blast off! 22misdc is a winner 23preparing for the future/now 24leading e-scoring 25it’s good to be young 26batting bushfires 28drought breaker 29

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The 2019/20 season is in many ways the beginning of a powerful and united purpose between our wonderful volunteers and Cricket NSW. A shared love of cricket has been the foundation for a great year as staff worked closely with Clubs, Associations and Schools across NSW and ACT to grow the game.

Whether it be by introducing kids to cricket for the first time, supporting clubs to be vibrant and welcoming places within their community, assisting coaches and parents help young talent be the best they can be or planning for crickets future with emerging formats, facility upgrades or technology to make volunteers lives easier, our commitment is strong, and the rewards are many.

We are committed to ensure all Australians can enjoy cricket no matter who they are or where they are from, and often the work we do is in parts of our community where cricket may not have been or played. Much of what we do is not recorded, it doesn’t show in stats or participation figures, but it is vitally important if we want to ensure cricket continues to be Australia’s sport of choice. But it does show on the faces of those who are experiencing that first moment of love for the game.

The joy of taking a wicket for the first time. The satisfaction of hitting that first boundary. The exhilaration of winning a tough game with your friends. Those are the things that make cricket special, and we want as many people to experience that as we can.

We want Clubs to be strong. We want players of all ages to make friends, make runs and take wickets like their family and friends before them. We also know that cricket today may not be the cricket of yesterday and we will continue to work with all Clubs as we enter the future of our sport together.

Community Cricket is a long game. We aren’t trying to do it all today, and we certainly don’t think we can do it alone. Our volunteers are the life blood, and our role is to support and lead those people who give up their time to allow others to enjoy the game. We want to make it easier for you, and help you grow your clubs and competitions. And there is a lot we can do to make that happen.

A YEAR IN COMMUNITY CRICKET 2019/20 is a glimpse into the wide and varied work the Cricket NSW Community Cricket team has done across NSW and ACT in the 2019/20 season. More than just school visits, the CNSW Community Cricket team genuinely lives the purpose of “inspiring everyone to play and love cricket” while providing leadership and support to our wonderful volunteers and communities.

Please enjoy a small glimpse into some of the wonderful successes and experiences that cricket has had during 2019/20 and we look forward to working harder than ever with our communities to ensure cricket is strong in NSW and ACT for many years to come.

Ivan SpyrdzGeneral Manager

CNSW Community Cricket

We agree to stay the course on junior cricket (ELP, Girls, Junior Format’s) with an enhanced focus on diversity, indoor opportunities, coaching, marketing and better coordinating W/BBL & international cricket opportunities.

We will continue to engage schools through our program offerings with a focus on the transition to local clubs and activating teachers to deliver.

We will maximise the investment in the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund with the Field Force playing a critical role.

We will continue our work with local clubs and associations to embed child safe practices.

We will plan and execute the agreed legacy initiatives for the ICC T20 World Cup.

We will make it easier for clubs to run cricket by supporting them to introduce online registration for all juniors and increasing the adoption of electronic scoring through the App.

our 19/20our 19/20prioritieSprioritieS

To ensure the Australian Community Cricket provided a focused and united approach to collective success in growing cricket across Australia, the 2019/20 Community Cricket Priorities were announced.

These priorities provided a solid foundation of leadership and support to clubs and associations, driving towards an aligned strategy of success for all levels of the entire Australian Cricket family.

With each CNSW Community Cricket team member remaining focused on these priorities, we are able to have a highly successful year of cricket across the NSW/ACT in 2019/20.

3pleaSe enjoy

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To Cricket NSW staff members Daniel Anderson, Akshay Trivedi and Jeni Lee who worked tirelessly as support during the program to ensure it ran smoothly and were often the weekly welcoming committee.

To local MP Alister Henskins. Alister was kind enough to make an appearance throughout the program, making mention of its success in State Parliament. We are very grateful for his ongoing support.

And finally the players, without whom there would have been no competition. The roll up each week was phenomenal.

We look forward to seeing Social Women’s Cricket continuing to grow and prosper - their way!

The belief that there was an appetite for short-form Cricket to attract players who had left the game owing to work, family commitments or simply not wanting to play ‘all day’ proved correct with the inaugural Men’s T20 Social competition played in Newcastle during February and March 2020.

Limiting team numbers to only eight, it took less than 24 hours for the inaugural competition to be fully subscribed and have a waiting list!

Played on hard wickets with all equipment provided, the competition was capped at eight teams who participated in the two-hour experience on Sunday mornings. The emphasis on social was underlined with plenty of laughs between big hitting and ‘speckie’ catches being taken. The social pilot allowed for a number of innovations to be trialled that included:

• Online registration and payment• 9 players per team• A ball count for batters• 10 overs bowled from one end before switching ends• Umpires who also E-scored matches• Back-to-back matches maximising ground use & hire costs

Participating players were surveyed about their experience with a high percentage highlighting three main reasons they returned to the game:• Short/time friendly games• Maximum involvement in game (no sitting around)• Short 8-week season

Food for thought for senior associations looking to grow the game.

a newa newieie t20 t20

In recognition of a significant gap in cricket offerings for females over 16 years of age, Cricket NSW in partnership with Northern Districts Cricket Club hosted the first Sixers Social Women’s Cricket event at Mark Taylor Oval.

Cricket Manager for the North Shore Daniel Anderson said the driving force behind this program was wanting to provide an opportunity.

An opportunity for all of the mums, sisters, partners, cousins and friends of our cricket community to play the game that they have likely watched, volunteered in and played as kids.

Northern Districts Cricket Club heavily promoted the program through its extensive networks and offered a ‘Come and Try’ event.

Initial expectations were exceeded with 65 attendees, rising to 91 registered players.

The competition ran for six weeks on a Wednesday night from 7pm-8:30pm. Current NDCC First Grade players volunteered their time to umpire matches and deliver coaching tips and tricks in a “Choose your own adventure” skills session pre-game.

With 12 teams under lights at a Premier Cricket Ground and with team names like “Got the Runs” and “Pitch Perfect” a top-quality experience was all but guaranteed.

To ensure all players had a fair go the format used a soft ball, was 8-a-side and each game lasted 45 minutes.

After the match players and volunteers were invited into the NDCC Clubhouse for drinks and nibbles. The social atmosphere came to life and lots of new friendships were made.

What made the competition so successful? Strong partnerships between the club and Cricket NSW, a clearly defined purpose and a passion to deliver.

Northern Districts Cricket Club took the opportunity to give back to their community through cricket and must be congratulated for being leaders in this space.

Thank you to the Northern Districts Cricket Club for their unwavering commitment to the promotion of Women’s Cricket.

The great support of players and committee members who came along each week was very much appreciated, in particular club President Jeremy Hook and Coordinator Nathan Smith.

Thank you also to Hornsby Council who allowed access to the lights each week.

their waytheir wayIt was becoming more and more obvious that as cricket’s popularity continues to rise in the homes It was becoming more and more obvious that as cricket’s popularity continues to rise in the homes across NSW, we were missing something. Something that when pointed out became obvious. A across NSW, we were missing something. Something that when pointed out became obvious. A large part of our community was not being looked after. A group of people so important to cricket large part of our community was not being looked after. A group of people so important to cricket in so many ways, we often took them for granted, never putting two and two together thinking in so many ways, we often took them for granted, never putting two and two together thinking they too may want to play, but in a different way.they too may want to play, but in a different way.

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The result saw CNSW in effect running three distinct Sixers Cricket League competitions in the first year:

1. SEJCA boys competitions U8 to U17 2. Combined boys competitions U12 to U17 - including clubs from SEJCA, Inner West Harbour JCA and

Canterbury Western Suburbs CA 3. Combined girls competitions U11 to U17 – including clubs from SEJCA, IWHJCA, CWSCA, Sutherland Shire

JCA, St George DCA, Bankstown DCA

• Major changes implemented: • Fully aligned to Australian Junior Cricket Pathway • Split seasons in all T20 comps (including Friday twilight T20) • Offerings on both Saturday and Sunday – more choice for parents/players • Centralised management of girls competitions – away from patchwork of associations running different

age groups • Opened competitions to all comers – no traditional association barriers

Season 2019/20 was our first season running the Sixers Cricket League. What a season it was. All the natural disasters and challenges aside, we provided quality competitions and overall were successful in delivering on our objectives for the season.

6 aSSociationS8 lga’S19 clubS175 teamS779 matcheS1,711 playerS

SIXerS crIcket league major beneFItS

• Massive burden lifted from association volunteers who were also volunteers at their local club – allowed them to focus on their clubs which we see at the most important place for participation growth;

• Reduced team and player fees by consolidating and rationalising ground bookings with council – more efficient use of grounds;

• Improved relationships with and between stakeholders through better communication and engagement – council, junior clubs, premier clubs, association committee;

• Centralised administration and communication – clarity, certainty and continuity for clubs, players, parents, clubs and councils.

L to R: Jonathon McDonaldL to R: Jonathon McDonald& Mickey Edwards& Mickey Edwards

It’s not often you get the chance to play in a brand new league, particularly one that carries the name of the BBL Champions, but for 1,711 players in Sydney that’s exactly what happened.

In 2018, the South East Junior Cricket Association (SEJCA) become one of the first junior associations in NSW to participate in our Conference Administration Pilot. Cricket NSW employees provided administrative and competition management support to volunteer associations. The objectives of this pilot were to alleviate the burden on volunteers, drive administrative best practice, and standardise policy and competition management operations.

There was a considerable period of consultation with a wide range of stakeholders – club, association and committee members – to get them comfortable with the concept and to explain the practicalities of the arrangement. Service Level Agreements were put in place to outline responsibilities of both parties to provide certainty and clarity.

Over the course of 2019, the SEJCA member clubs and the Management Committee were keen to evolve the Conference Administration arrangement further to give Cricket NSW greater authority and autonomy over the management of association operations – competition management and the representative cricket program.

a SiXerS leagueoF their own

An improved relationship and increased trust in Cricket NSW and Community Cricket staff, Ben Levett (Area Manager - Sydney South East), Samad Shaikh (Cricket Manager - Sydney East), Michael Ho (Conference Administrator) provided the opportunity to push the boundaries of where professionalised administration of cricket could go.

After more consultation individually and collectively with stakeholders:

• South Eastern Junior Cricket Association delegates voted unanimously to transfer management of competitions and the representative program to Cricket NSW;

• CNSW overhauled SEJCA constitution to reflect new MOU arrangement and drive governance best practice; and

• Rebranded all junior competitions to Sixers Cricket League to leverage brand recognition and inspire players and fans alike.

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model Schoolmodel SchoolBaulkham Hills North Public School is a shining example of what we see as a completely engaged school that goes over and above in their local sporting community. The school is actively engaged with cricket embedded in the Curriculum through Mascots Challenge, Self-Run Woolworths Health & PE (HPE) programs and Woolworths Inter and Intra School Cups.

Teachers Mark Gardner and Michelle Davis-Rigoli are School Ambassadors and the driving force behind the school’s love of cricket. The Mascots Challenge and HPE programs have been delivered by the school for a number of years now, and more recently have had great success in School Cups, winning their local and regional gala days two years in a row.

Michelle began implementing HPE at the school and continues to roll it out every year. The students now look forward to reaching Year 5, where they undertake the HPE program, and the K-2 students love the Mascots Challenge activities, with a visit from the Sydney Thunder mascot to complete the program. Michelle was also instrumental in assisting with setting up Intra-School Cups, which is now run at the completion of the HPE program with Year 5. She has also actively engaged Year 6 students to assist teachers and CNSW staff in umpiring the day. The involvement and progression of students through the years is a model for other schools.

Mark organises the school teams for Inter School Cups, as well as running the Castle Hill Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) Cricket Competition. Mark also takes time out of his own schedule to run additional training for both school Gala Day teams as well as PSSA teams. Over the past two years, Cricket Manager Mitch Elvery has worked closely with Mark to encourage female involvement within the school. Mark has allowed Cricket NSW to run lunch time training and ‘Come and Try’ sessions for girls which have been a great success, with the Year 5 and 6 girls team winning back-to-back regional finals in School Cup Gala Days. This has set the culture for the younger girls coming through.

The school is surrounded by a number of local junior cricket clubs, all of which take the opportunity to promote and engage with the students. Mark has assisted Cricket NSW in connecting girls to the clubs and was pivotal in the creation of female teams at both Baulkham Hills CC and Hills Barbarians CC. This is testament to Mark and his willingness to go above and beyond in his support for girls playing cricket.

Howzat!

The Greater Hunter was the The Greater Hunter was the place to be this year, with place to be this year, with students in Northern NSW students in Northern NSW schools receiving visits from schools receiving visits from not one, but two special guests not one, but two special guests Sydney Sixers guests.Sydney Sixers guests.

Syd Sixer was caught on the Syd Sixer was caught on the move, making an appearance move, making an appearance at Newcastle Middle School, at Newcastle Middle School, following a Mascot Challenge following a Mascot Challenge and Health & Physical Education and Health & Physical Education (HPE) program. (HPE) program.

Syd was stoked to make the Syd was stoked to make the trip up the M1 and have a trip up the M1 and have a quick getaway out of Sydney quick getaway out of Sydney up to beautiful Newcastle to up to beautiful Newcastle to congratulate students on their congratulate students on their fantastic efforts and watch them fantastic efforts and watch them demonstrate the new skills they demonstrate the new skills they learned inc ricketlearned inc ricket

Syd managed to take a few Syd managed to take a few sneaky trips to the beach for sneaky trips to the beach for some beach cricket, before some beach cricket, before putting his feet up to rest to get putting his feet up to rest to get ready for a busy W/BBL season. ready for a busy W/BBL season.

Further up the road at Tea Further up the road at Tea Gardens Public School, some Gardens Public School, some lucky students were visited lucky students were visited by Sydney Sixers player Justin by Sydney Sixers player Justin Avendano, who brought the Avendano, who brought the BBL|09 Trophy with him as an BBL|09 Trophy with him as an extra bonus. extra bonus.

The students from Tea Gardens The students from Tea Gardens Public School have just finished Public School have just finished completing the Sydney Sixers Be completing the Sydney Sixers Be The Best Me Leadership program. The Best Me Leadership program. This program is designed to This program is designed to equip students with essential equip students with essential knowledge and tools to be the knowledge and tools to be the best versions of themselves.best versions of themselves.

Syd on

tour

Mistakes were made along the way but lessons have learned from the first season and can only improve for 2020/21. The Cricket NSW staff tried to make it as easy as possible for clubs to thrive by putting on some good competitions.

Credit to all the clubs for achieve these great results so far:

• For the local SEJCA boys T20 Saturday competitions U10-13 an increase from 36 teams in 18/19 to 50 teams in 19/20

• For the Sixers Cricket League girls competition: o In 2018/19 Spring season 27 teams – Summer season 30 teams o In 2019/20 Spring season 38 teams – Summer season 37 teams • Managed a total of 303 participating teams: o 133 in Spring season o 126 in Summer season o 44 full season • Conducted a post season survey of all participating clubs

with positive ratings and feedback

We hoped to have a big celebration at the end of season presentation however this had to be cancelled due to health and government advice at the time around COVID-19.

During lockdown, our team organised for Sixers players to record congratulatory messages to all the premiership winning teams. Medals and trophies were distributed to clubs to present to their teams when it is appropriate and we look ahead to another great season in 2020-21.

tilly&ellySe

Connections at community level are vital to what we do at Cricket NSW and the heartwarming story of Tilly Lewer is a testament to this!

Tilly Lewer, a Sixers Girls League player in the first Maitland competition, who absolutely idolises Ellyse Perry and was lucky enough to meet her, not once but twice this season, in encounters watched on by many across the country holding back the tears. Tilly hosted her birthday party at a Sixers WBBL game and was surprised at the end of the game when she was given an opportunity to meet Ellyse

Perry in an unforgettable one-on-one opportunity. Just when she thought things could not get any better, she was then chosen to take a special trip to Melbourne to be told by Perry that she was selected in the 2020 Australian World Cup team and presented an Australian shirt signed by her hero.

Lindsey Lewer, a dedicated School Ambassador, Support Unit teacher in the Hunter and Tilly’s mum, was thrilled to go on the journey with her daughter in season 2019/20, commenting that Tilly and some of her friends who were given the opportunity to meet Perry had “been bitten by cricket”.

Lindsey summed up the experiences presented to her daughter by saying “I can’t even process this”, “Cricket delivers AGAIN” and “Ellyse Perry is every bit the superstar and Goddess that Tilly believes her to be”!

The Lewer family in no way expected this opportunity presented by Cricket NSW staff Gary and Paige, Jodie Hawkins and the Sydney Sixers or Cricket Australia and Ellyse Perry, but it is a fantastic story displaying the lengths these people are willing to go to ensure positive cricket experiences are shared at community level, as without the support and passion demonstrated by people like the Lewer family the game wouldn’t be as fun, inspirational and successful without them!

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The inaugural LGBTQI+ Tamworth Rainbow Cricket Competition was held over four weeks prior

to Christmas in 2019 with the competition believed to be the first of its kind in Regional Australia.

The Rainbow Sixers competition was open to those aged 18 and above with the vision of creating

a safe, fun, social environment while learning a new game. Registrations were open to both LGBTQI

participants and non-LGBTQI participants as friends and allies aiming for inclusivity.

Many of the players had never experienced cricket before so the focal point of the competition was to

create a social environment.

After the overwhelming success of the competition there are hopes of expanding next season into

a regional competition. Such was its success, the LGBTQI + Tamworth Rainbow Cricket also won the

“Cricket NSW Inclusion and Diversity Initiative of the Year” in this season’s ‘A Sport for all Awards’.

rainbowrainbow

crIcketcrIcket

Last season, a pilot program took place in the Illawarra which was designed to help link schools and clubs Last season, a pilot program took place in the Illawarra which was designed to help link schools and clubs together, and ultimately turn school participants into club registered players. together, and ultimately turn school participants into club registered players.

The pilot program reaped some great results, with an increase in school and student engagement, which in turn saw a rise in registered participation.

School children had the opportunity to participate in school programs such as HPE, the Mascot Challenge and School Cups, and were able to engage with local club volunteers.

Local clubs were instrumental in helping Cricket NSW staff with this program, attending local gala days and HPE sessions, which allowed students the opportunity to get involved with their local club.

Driven by Cricket Manager, Paul Brockley and Participation Officer Jenna Purcell, clubs were grateful for the work that Cricket NSW was doing in schools.

“We’ve doubled our numbers in the Blasters program at Albion Park this year. I’m sure this is a direct effort of the increased school program you and your team ran.,” said Todd Mitchell, Junior Secretary for Albion Park Cricket Club. “Just thought I’d let you know that your efforts are working.”

History was made in the Cricket Albury Wodonga District A Grade this season when the Hoskin family combination opened the bowling together. It was the first time a father and daughter opened the bowling!

Aaron, 40 and Ebony, 16, teamed up in the second half of the 2019/20 season for Howlong Spiders sharing the new ball with great success.

A veteran of CAW, Aaron was the leading wicket taker in the competition with 31, while Ebony took 23 wickets at the impressive average of 16.2. Both enjoyed outstanding seasons playing all 18 matches and combining for a total of 54 wickets for the Spiders.

A tough and fierce competitor, father Aaron admitted to a tear in his eye when told by the captain they would be sharing the new ball.

“There is plenty of banter in the household about who is taking the most wickets,” Aaron said.

Ebony is one of NSW Country’s rising stars and was chosen as a reserve for the NSW Under 18 side that played in Tasmania at the national titles.

Both Ebony played alongside Alex Blackwell in the Border Bullets Plan B Regional Bash clash against ACT Aces in Canberra.

making historymaking history

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At Cricket NSW, our Community Cricket staff strive to make cricket A Sport for All. This season the team from Sydney North West have actively demonstrated this through their work with the students at the Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children.

RIDBC students participated in a four-week Health and Physical Education (HPE) program, learning the key skills of bowling, batting and fielding, including catching and throwing. Modifications made the experience enjoyable for students that were hard of hearing or had low to no vision.

The program featured special guests such as the coach of the NSW Blind and Low Vision team, Jason Stubbs, who highlighted to the students all the different equipment they use, such as balls that rattle, stumps that are made from steel which rattle and are coloured bright orange.

School teacher Chris Ashenden provided great support to the program, using his previous experience of playing cricket alongside former Australian Cricket Captain Michael Clarke as inspiration to begin working with Cricket NSW. Chris is now the coach of the NSW Deaf and Hard of Hearing team, demonstrating that our work in schools not only impacts students, but also teachers.

Following the program, students engaged in a competitive school cup and even battled it out in a student vs teacher game. Students that day were lucky enough to receive a visit from an ex-student Austin Phillips, who has played for NSW in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Team.

Cricket Manager Sabrina Shaideen and Participation Officer Cass Hassarati rated this as their most challenging but rewarding experience.

“To see the smiles and hear the laugher of the students once they hit the ball was just electric. It was such a great day for everyone involved and the RIDBC really accepted us with open arms.”

with with openopen armS armS1312

eXpoSureeXpoSurenorthernnorthern1514

January 5 2020 will long be

remembered in Coffs Harbour and

Northern NSW as the day the BBL

came to town.

A sellout crowd of 9,853 saw the

Sydney Sixers take on the Adelaide

Strikers in the first BBL regular season

game in Coffs Harbour. It was a

fantastic response from the Northern

NSW community to travel from far and

wide to attend a wonderful spectacle.

A significant amount of lead up

work was done by the Sixers and

Northern NSW Community Cricket

Staff, including some community

engagement activities.

Players and Staff visited Port

Macquarie, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and

surrounding towns attending schools

and clubs to promote the match.

This included a visit to the fire ravaged

town of Nymboida with Sixers Players,

Staff. The Community Cricket Staff

meet with the locals to offer support.

Players visited a local shopping centre

and held an open training session

which was very well attended the day

before the match.

The Coffs Harbour City Council

worked tirelessly with the Sixers team

to secure the match and deliver the

biggest cricket event the region has

ever seen.

The match has also left a lasting

legacy, with new turf training nets

and LED boundary boards courtesy of

a successful NSW Government T20

Legacy Fund grant application.

The success of the match has led

to negotiations for a longer term

agreement hosting matches for

the next three years.

The event highlights what can

occur when cricket collaborates

with a progressive Local

Government and our appreciation

goes to Coffs Harbour Council,

NSW Government, Sydney Sixers

management, players and support

staff, Northern NSW Community

Cricket Staff and our Cricket

NSW Leadership team for their

dedication and support to deliver a

wonderful spectacle to the region.

Everyone is looking forward to

seeing the Sixers back on the NSW

North Coast again soon!

School children from St Patrick’s in Brewarrina were the first to have a taste of the activities on board the bus as well as enhance their cricket skills participating in a range of fun modified games. This included the opportunity to play modified games on the Nickelodeon ‘Crash the Bash’ inflatable cricket pitch.

Much to the delight of students, Sydney Thunder BBL Mascot Thor made a surprise visit to Brewarrina, Wongarbon and Trangie joining in the activities in some of the sessions.

Meanwhile, Sydney Thunder WBBL Mascot Storm was on hand to inspire girls and boys at Narromine Public School showing some handy skills with both bat and ball.

Heidi, a student at Narromine was thrilled to have the Thunder Bus visit saying ‘The cricket was fantastic, especially Storm the mascot’

Rihanna, who also took part in the session, concurred by adding:

‘We got to meet the mascot, Storm and see what activities cricket players do to keep their skills honed.’

The Mazda Sydney Thunder Bus toured Far West NSW to reward schools for their support of cricket in the region.

St Patrick’s Brewarrina, Wongarbon Public School, St John’s Trangie, Peak Hill Central School, Narromine Public School, Burrabadine Christian Community School & St Pius X, Dubbo were the fortunate schools to benefit from the recent tour.

thunder goeS weSt!thunder goeS weSt!

The Sydney South West team has always taken great pride in their work and know that students and teachers are grateful for the opportunities that the team provides in schools. One school, Mount Annan Christian College, went the extra mile to show their appreciation.

Students from the school went to great lengths to thank their coaches by putting together cardboard cut outs of Sydney Thunder Woolworths Cricket Blast shirts and cricket bats.

Students signed their names to shirts and penned a thank you note to put on the cardboard bat, putting to use the cricket terms they learned over the course of the program.

Coaches were gifted with these tokens of appreciation at the conclusion of the sporting schools program, with Participation Officer Nick Appleton and his casual staff blown away by the gesture.

“It was an unbelievable gesture from the school and something that l and my casual staff won’t forget for a very long time.”

the unbelievableunbelievable geSture

On the morning of 20 November 2019 preparations at North Dalton Park, Wollongong were well underway for the WBBL Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers game and excitement was building.

On the Eastern edge of the field a large group of students were gathering together to begin a cricket gala day. There were 100 students from Special Education Units across the Illawarra.

For many, this would be one of only a few sporting opportunities and their first taste of cricket!

The Illawarra Community Cricket team assisted the students throughout the morning, giving all students the chance to bowl, bat and field.

As the time for the main game neared, the players from Sydney Thunder arrived to begin warming up. Curious as to what was happening on field, the players made their way over to the group.

A number of players were soon engaged with the students, assisting and providing guidance on skills.

What an incredible experience for this amazing group of students. One they will never forget.

Thanks to Sydney Thunder, the Illawarra Community Cricket team were able to organize free tickets for attendees and their carers, to remain and watch the Thunder vs Strikers game.

Sydney Thunder’s ‘number one fan’ and year 12 student, Jack Crewley, at his final School Cup, was given the opportunity to do the bat flip for the main game. All players signed the bat and presented it to Jack.

L to R: Rachael Haynes, Jack Crewley, Suzie BatesL to R: Rachael Haynes, Jack Crewley, Suzie Bates

aa SpecialSpecial 1001001716

Teams arrived at the SCG early in the day ready to play but were in awe as they walked through the gates and into the dressing rooms. Acknowledging the caliber of players who had sat in those very sheds before them was a humbling experience not lost on the many cricket tragics amongst the group.

“Just thinking about all the players who have played on that ground. Obviously, it will be a memory we will all cherish for a while,” said ACT Aces Captain Kelly Rowlings.

All matches played on the day were live streamed with commentary on ground provided by CNSW staff.

“The coverage of this event is really going to go a long way to growing girls’ cricket in regional areas,” said Kate Jackson, Coffs Coast Chargers Captain.

Sixers Conference Final:Newcastle Blasters 89 d by Coffs Coast Chargers 0/90Thunder Conference Final:ACT Aces 5/152 d Illawarra Flames 97

For the players making the Final there was an element of nervousness in the air. ACT Aces and Coffs Coast Chargers skippers made their way out to the middle for the toss.

Winning the toss Jackson elected to bat first and make the most of the conditions. A classy display by NSW Bush Breaker Naomi McDonald saw the opening partnership pass 100. McDonald finished the innings with 90 runs to her name as the Chargers scored 2/152.

Needing 153 to win ACT went out hard but lost opener Victoria King to the ball of the day from Chargers quick Ellynie Cameron. Two early wickets put the Aces on the back foot until the skipper steadied the innings making a well compiled 42 only losing her wicket whilst trying to lift the run rate. Caitlin Galeano made 37 in the 76-run partnership with Rowlings. ACT Aces finished their innings at 5/110 handing Coffs Coast Chargers the first Women’s Regional Bash title.

Final result:Coff Coast Chargers 2/152 d ACT Aces 5/110

A massive thank you to the NSW Government and ICC T20 World Cup 2020 for their support in ensuring this fantastic opportunity for regional players.

Women’s Cricket across Regional NSW was reshaped in 2020 with the launch of the inaugural NSW Women’s Regional Bash. Generously supported by the International Cricket Council Twenty20 World Cup 2020 and the NSW Government, the tournament provided further opportunities for females to get involved in the cricketing pathway.

Eight teams competed for the title. Central Coast Rush, Newcastle Blasters, Coffs Coast Chargers and Northern Inland Bolters made up the Sixers Conference with the Thunder Conference comprising Illawarra Flames, Orana Outlaws, ACT Aces and Border Bullets.

Round 1 results: Newcastle Blasters 2/90 d Central Coast Rush 89Coffs Coast Chargers 4/114 d Northern Inland Bolters 7/99Orana Outlaws 6/104 d by Illawarra Flames 0/105ACT Aces 3/111 d Border Bullets 3/110

Highlights from the first round included former Australian and NSW and Thunder legend Alex Blackwell taking the field for the Border Bullets. Alex very generously gave her time to be part of the side, no doubt a thrill for the younger players who would have gained from Alex’s experience.

Australian, NSW and Sixers paceman Josh Hazlewood also gave his time making an appearance at the games hosted in Tamworth. Josh flipped the coin for the women’s match and spent time with young players during an on-ground blast event. Another spectacle for all the children and players involved.

Successful in winning their first round matches the Blasters, Chargers, Flames and Aces headed to the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground to compete in the Semi Finals with the winners of each match contesting the final to be played under lights.

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The Country Women’s Association Kiacatoo branch have been the recipients of the goodwill and charitable work of the Camden Cricket Club during this season’s bushfire disaster.

Identifying the opportunity to help those in need, the local cricket community rallied together to provide some respite to the rural New South Wales communities.

In a recent trip to far west NSW, the Camden Cricket Club was able to meet with local farming community and provide some respite from the difficult times by donating of $5,138.

The funds were raised by members of the Camden Cricket Club and have been distributed, along with a range of sporting equipment, to schools and sporting clubs across the area, including Condobolin, Tullamore and Lake Cargelligo.

Launched during 2018, the support for the communities in far west NSW was driven by Camden Cricket Club stalwart Greg Pinnington.

“My heart went out to the people in the drought-stricken areas, which is most of Australia. Last year I wanted to help, so I thought I could collect 1,000 cans of food and take them to the farmers,” Mr Pinnington said.

“In the end, I managed to get 4,000 cans of food and $2,500 in donations. From there I met Sue Baxter from the Condobolin Country Women’s Association, who was giving out food hampers and vouchers to local businesses with the money.”

Speaking with Sue Baxter and other contacts, Mr Pinnington and the Camden Cricket Club realised the opportunity for the local cricket community to help those in need.

“Apart from the need of food and money, from what I was hearing, was the numbers in sport were dropping, there were people suffering from depression because of the drought,” Mr Pinnington said.

“I got massive donations of pre-used and pre-loved cricket gear from the Camden Cricket Club, Sydney Thunder, Cricket NSW and the Campbelltown-Camden Ghosts Cricket Club and from some of the teams in the CDCA Association.”

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It was the year of the girl in Sydney South East this year, with the area team putting in a concerted effort to get girls involved in cricket. The number of girls at School Cups outshone the boys, demonstrating that cricket is most definitely a sport for girls.

Once again, Gerard Price’s popular Girls Only Year 7 & 8 School Cup day proved a success, with an appearance from WBBL superstar Sarah Aley, who conducted a Q&A session with the girls and shared her story from humble beginnings in school cricket and the pathway to the WBBL. Two teams from the day progressed to the Sydney Sixers Metro Year 7 & 8 Girls final, with students from Port Hacking High School and Kareela High School representing the Sutherland Shire.

In a highly competitive final, Kareela High school were victorious, and received their medals at North Sydney Oval prior to the WBBL match between the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes.

With a heavy focus on girls cricket it remaining a high priority for the Sydney South East team. There are big plans for more girls only and come and try days to inspire a love of cricket for girls in the area.g

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Community Match Official of the Year – Bruce Wood

Bruce Wood is a highly respected umpire who has officiated in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai area for the past 19 years.

Currently, Mr Wood is a member of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills District Cricket Umpires’ Association Executive Committee where he has volunteered for the past 10 years. He has umpired more than 500 official cricket matches and, for the past four years, has been the coordinator of the Combined Associated Schools (CAS) schoolboy umpiring.

Bruce is an umpire and match official who leads by example in championing safe, fair and enjoyable cricket for all. Although his dedication to umpiring and cricket in general goes back two decades, he has had an outstanding season in 2019-20 and has clearly demonstrated a focus on participation, high quality programs and inclusiveness.

As well as umpiring cricket each weekend and being the CAS Umpires’ Co-ordinator, Bruce is the President of the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai & Hills District Cricket Coaches’ Association. Bruce has held the position of President for a decade and has inspired hundreds of young cricketers to continue playing the game well into the future. He has also mentored hundreds of young coaches and given them an opportunity to pursue a career in cricket.

Bruce has volunteered and been involved in umpiring cricket for the past 24 years and has been recognised for his contributions by being inducted as a Life Member of

winnerwinnerAcross NSW/ACT, volunteers are the lifeblood of cricket. Whether sitting on committees, umpiring, welcoming new families to a club, coaching or turning a sausage at the ground, volunteers keep cricket going every summer.

While we can’t recognise every single volunteer and the great work they do, each year Australian Cricket recognises many volunteers and clubs through the ‘A Sport for All’ Awards.

This year NSW saw two of its own recognised for the great work they’re doing in the community.

Young Community Leader of the Year – Danielle Chivers

At just 15 years of age, Danielle Chivers is already seen as a role model for young cricketers.

Danielle, who plays Second Grade for Northern District Cricket Club in McDonald’s NSW Women’s Premier Cricket, is a passionate volunteer. She has coached at a number of community initiatives including several school holiday programs, the West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook Cricket Club (WPHCCC) Academy, School Come and Try sessions and the Blowfly Cricket All Abilities Program. She also umpires Sixers Women’s Social Cricket.

On top of all these programs, Danielle finds time to be the Head Coach of the WPHCCC Junior Blasters program for over 100 children, where she strives to inspire boys and girls to love and play cricket every week.

Danielle’s bubbly and enthusiastic nature has had a positive impact on participants and parents alike. Danielle focuses on inclusion at every session, resulting in increased confidence and participation from the more reserved players and parents.

Danielle is a very deserving winner of the Young Community Leader of the year at the National Sport for All Awards and is already looking for new ways to help her community next season.

On behalf of Cricket NSW, we would like to congratulate Danielle on her achievements to date and can’t wait to follow her journey as she continues to inspire everyone to love and play cricket.

four different cricket bodies – HK&HDCA; Coaches’ Association; Barker CC; and Normanhurst-Warrawee CC.

Bruce is a deserving winner of the Community Match Official of the Year at the National Sport for All Awards and on behalf of Cricket NSW we would like to thank you for your commitment and contribution to cricket throughout your career.

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Located on the North Coast of New South Wales a short diversion off the Pacific Highway at Kempsey will land you at the Macleay Indoor Sports and Development Centre (MISDC), winner of the 2020 Cricket NSW ‘A Sport for All’ Indoor Facility of the Year.

Owned and operated by husband and wife Troy and Shannon McKiernan for the past eight years, the centre is a hub for members of the local community to come together and enjoy playing sport in a social and inclusive environment.

One example which illustrates the great work of MISDC throughout their community is an engagement partnership with their local Clontarf academy. Supporting the indigenous students in local high schools to learn and develop physical and mental health and wellbeing through sport, mainly cricket, this program sees students learn new skills both personal and professional.

Throughout their partnership with Clontarf, MISDC has seen a number of players join local competitions and even assist through umpiring and scoring, along with the development of younger players. This is a great credit to the work done during the establishment and delivery of this program.

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Female cricket is booming, and success stories are popping up across the state. Dubbo District Cricket Association’s All Girls Woolworths Cricket Blast program is one of the best.

Family night at Dubbo’s Victoria Park acted as the program launch with families gathering to play games of Woolworths Cricket Blast before settling in to watch the WBBL season opener between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on the big screen.

Passionate to grow women’s cricket, Cricket Manager for Far West Matt Ellis worked behind the scenes with Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) girls cricket coordinator Sue Nutall to develop the program.

The All Girls program ran for six weeks on a Thursday afternoon at Lady Cutler Playing Fields and Friday mornings the Dubbo PSSA Girls Cricket Competition was played at the same venue.

Eighty one girls making up 12 teams registered to take part in the Cricket Blast program alone and 20 girls teams played the PSSA Cricket Competition in Dubbo, a hugely successful result.

The biggest female program run in South West NSW, Dubbo Junior Girls Cricket was also awarded Cricket NSW ‘A Sport for All’ – Women’s and Girls Initiative of the Year.

Congratulations to all who were involved with the success of the program. Special thanks to coordinator Lisa Hunt for all of her work throughout the program.

With a focus on reducing the burden on time poor volunteers and a 2018/19 season review, Manning River District Cricket Association (MRDCA) and Manning Junior Cricket Association (MJCA) identified scoring and the entry of player scores as a task they could vastly improve.

Highlighted in the review process were the many errors on MyCricket including team scores, which were compounded by delays in uploading the scores to the system. There were also a significant number of player statistics that had not been entered, making personal statistical awards and talent identification all but impossible. This process resulted in copious amounts of work for the volunteers.

For season 2019/20, the MRDCA purchased 14 tablets and power banks at a cost of $4,945 to enable the introduction of the use of technology. This initiative would provide benefits to both senior and junior teams within the clubs as the device could be used at junior matches in the morning and again for senior matches in the afternoon.

In the lead up to the season, the MRDCA in conjunction with Cricket NSW conducted a ‘MyCricket Live Score’ Training session which was attended by over 50 volunteers from junior and senior clubs across the Manning.

The provision of assistance did not stop there, with troubleshooting and upskilling of scorers always front of mind. The process was continually monitored and reviewed at general association meetings, allowing the clubs to provide feedback and to develop an FAQ information document for volunteers.

On the back of this initiative the success is evident with MRDCA increasing its E-Score usage from 23 percent in 2018/19 to 86 percent in season 2019/20. The MJCA went from 31 percent in 2018/19 to 87 percent in 2019/20.

These fantastic results put the two Associations amongst the top 10 across the country.

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In 2019/20 Cricket NSW provided more support, training and education than ever before for our cricket communities. Together we accelerated our charge towards the future while saving volunteers both time and money via a number of programs and initiatives rolled our across the season. With volunteers front of mind we are preparing well for a future that is already here.

The NSW Government ‘Active Kids Program’ provides two $100 vouchers for school-enrolled children towards the cost of sport and recreation each year. The second voucher was introduced to provide greater flexibility and application for summer sports like cricket as the initial vouchers were used on winter sports.

staggering 67 percent of registered participants.

In 2019/20, online registration became mandatory across Australian for junior cricket participants.

Over $3,000,000 in Active Kids Vouchers redeemed on cricket.

One association whose volunteers turned up in droves for the Online Registration Workshop reaped the benefits of their hard work. Maitland District Junior Cricket Association had 35 enthusiastic volunteers show up

As providers, Cricket NSW clubs and associations needed to be able to redeem the vouchers online.

This season a total of 30,284 vouchers were redeemed for cricket, used by a

Two Cricket NSW representatives, Kelly Meddings and Luke Miner, were tasked with ensuring all field force staff received training in the new online registration system. A total of nine workshops were held before staff went out and delivered to the community.

While there were teething issues, as there are with any new platform, online registration coupled with the heavy promotion of Active Kids Vouchers this season resulted in great success across the state.

for training run by Greater Hunter duo Sharyn Beck and Gary Fisher.

The association’s 21 clubs took great advantage of the Active Kids Voucher initiative, redeeming 895 vouchers during registration, equating to 76 percent of all junior registrations.

Clarence Town Cricket Club topped the list with 100 percent of their junior club registrations using the voucher.

Exceptional effort and well done to all involved. The future of cricket looks to be in great hands.

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This ownership extended to the School Gala day in Young, the biggest in the town’s history. The committee was on hand all day to run the canteen, assist with answering questions and promoting cricket in Young to over 500 students in attendance.

Initiatives undertaken included:• Association Audit with all schools involved including Catholic Schools for the first time• Excellent E-Scoring Results • Community Cricket clinics run in the summer holidays to keep kids engaged and assist in more training resources for coaches• A relationship with local media. The Young Witness newspaper attended all school clinics, Country Blitz, community holiday clinic and charity Pink Stumps game• A Woolworths partnership which enabled fruit and water, a bag and Young Cricket flyer to be supplied to over 500 children at Gala Day. Fruit and water was also supplied to all Cricket Blast players after each session.

No matter which way it is viewed, Young CA had a fantastic season and were worthy ‘A Sport For All” Association of the Year winners chosen from nominations across the state

“For Young DCA to be recognized as the A Sport for All Association of the Year, speaks volumes for the effort put in by the entire committee all season”

“In a year which was impacted by rain, heat, smoke, fires and a global pandemic, the ability of the Association to be forward thinking, and do what is best for Cricket was exceptional. It really is a great case study of what can be achieved with a proactive working relationship between Cricket NSW and local clubs and associations”.

Michael Minns (Cricket Manager – Southern Inland NSW)

“We really appreciated the effort and work of our Cricket NSW representatives this season. We feel the season was a great success and we can only improve in season’s going forward”

“As with any cricket club or organization, we need to set both short and medium term goals to work towards and we feel as though we have set a great platform to move Young cricket forward in the next couple of years”

Nigel Hall (YDCA President)

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A new era was born when Young Cricket Association had a 100% turnover of committee members prior to the 2019/20 season. Little did they know the impact they would have on the local cricket scene, and the recognition they would receive.

As a key member of the Southwest Slopes Cricket Association, Young Cricket plays an important part in administering cricket locally, forming a significant piece of the SWSCL and providing opportunities for kids to play representative cricket in the Northern Riverina Council and Riverina Zone.

With a brand-new group of people, Young Cricket Association were able to achieve:

• Growth in junior and senior cricket, along with a 50% increase in Cricket Blast participants• Transition from Lachlan Valley Council (Western Zone) to Northern Riverina Council (Riverina Zone)• Southern NSW/ACT Area - highest E-Scoring percentage with multiple CNSW E-Scoring initiative winners• Pink Stumps Day for Mental Health awareness• Presence in 100 percent of schools in the region• Partnership with local Woolworths to support School Gala Day and Cricket Blast program

By re-defining the committee structure, both junior and senior cricket have been administered from the one place. This has led to a renewed focus on junior to senior cricket transition. The structure has also seen buy in from junior stakeholders to senior cricket, and vice versa. A great example is the Cricket Blast centre being coordinated by playing members of the senior cricket community.

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The committee also took ownership of the Cricket NSW relationship with schools, conducting an audit to link members of the association with all schools in the region. This included parents, students, teachers and executives, which helped the engagement 100 percent of schools in Young for the 2019-20 season.

L to R: Ollie Davies (Thunder), Ray Death L to R: Ollie Davies (Thunder), Ray Death (VP Young DCA) and Rene Farrell (Thunder)(VP Young DCA) and Rene Farrell (Thunder)

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4New South Wales was devastated by bushfires throughout the Summer with over 5.4 million hectares of scorched land. Thick smoke and orange skies marked the disaster as it unfolded.

Across the state 2,439 homes were destroyed, with 3,094 lost across Australia. Three volunteer firefighters lost their lives among 17 confirmed deaths in NSW.

Communities banded together and support came from far and wide. This included the cricket community. The Mid North Coast saw vast devastation across both the Manning and Macleay regions.

The Batting for Bushfires initiative saw the SCG XI travel to Port Macquarie to play the first T20 under lights at Oxley Oval.

Former Australian Test stars Stuart Clark, Mark Waugh, Brad Haddin and Stuart MacGill headlined the SCG XI team taking on a local XI.

Australian and NSW cricket legend Mark Waugh said: “As a resident of regional NSW, I have seen firsthand the devastation caused by bushfires and the enormous challenge faced by communities to rebuild their lives.

“I encourage cricket fans to make the trip to Port Macquarie to help lift the community spirit and contribute dollars to the local economy.”

Crowds flocked to the match, with in excess of 1,000 cricket fans present. It provided a rare opportunity for 70 young, local Woolworths Cricket Blast players to have a special on-ground experience prior to the match.

Local volunteers assisted with running the on-ground clinic. At the end the children joined together to create a tunnel for the players to make their way onto the ground. Ironically the event finished early as the rain fell, something nobody could complain about.

Cricket Manager for the Mid North Coast Luke Miner praised the success of the event, which raised over $3,000 spread amongst the following organisations; Australian Red Cross Bushfire Relief Appeal, Lower North Coast RFS, Wauchope RFS, Wauchope Rural Services.

A massive thank you to all the volunteers, players, sponsors and Cricket NSW staff who made the event possible. It made a real impact on the community.

Those from the metro and coastal regions that visited Dubbo for the State Youth Championships earlier this year will remember the dust storms that savaged the carnival. They will remember the baron red earth alongside the road from their drive home and the emptiness of the land.

For “The Brown Snakes” in January, that was the land they were trying to harvest on. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but red dust.

Recognising the hardships faced by many in rural areas, Cricket NSW and Kookaburra Cricket joined forces and arranged delivery of boxes of drought relief cricket balls.

Each association from the drought devastated regions of NSW received one box of cricket balls, a help that takes a financial burden off the shoulders of those who have been hit the hardest and helps them keep playing the game they love.

A cynic might’ve said that one box of cricket balls does very little, and that they would be better sending a box of water bottles. Yet one box of cricket balls did a lot of good in Nyngan.

On February the 9th, the Club Officer for SWNSW made the drive out to Nyngan to deliver their drought relief cricket balls and to promote E-Scoring.

Little did he know he would bring torrential, but much needed, rain that would flood the cricket oval and cause the match to be abandoned.So much for promoting E-Scoring he thought, there’s no match to score!

But the locals were ecstatic. Toby Miles, the Nyngan District Cricket Association President and captain of The Brown Snakes, commented that “these drought relief balls seem to be working alright!”

And so they have, so much so that today there are rumours of grass and greenery returning to the farms the outback.

541km from the home of the #ThunderNation in Sydney Olympic Park is the small town of Nyngan, colloquially known as “The Gateway to the Outback.”

The Nyngan Cricket Team, also known as “The Brown Snakes” due to some unwelcome pitch invaders, is a team made up predominantly of farmers and farm hands whose livelihoods largely depend upon the Bogan River, a catchment within the Murray-Darling Basin.

These farmers have been devastated by what some have called the worst drought in 120 years of Australian records. Yet they will still show up for cricket with a smile on their face and their kit in the back of the Land Cruiser, and if you are really lucky they’ll even be on time!

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