Junior blitz a smash hit ahead of cricket season

JUNIOR cricketers from around the Northern Rivers were able to rub shoulders with future stars from the NSW and Sydney Sixers teams at multiple coaching clinics in the region.

It was part of the Cricket NSW Country Blitz Tour which aims to promote the game and encourage registrations for the upcoming season.

NSW players Ryan Hicks and Kate Pelle were part of the tour with Marist Brothers hosting an after-school clinic at Lismore.

Hicks played with Australian Test opener Sam Konstas in the national under-19 team who won the World Cup in South Africa last year.

Pelle has also played in a World Cup at under-19 level and is the understudy of Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy.

The country tour included an activity day for multiple primary schools across the region at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina.

The Sydney Sixers School Smash Gala Day attracted more than 100 children from five schools.

There was also a focus on girls’ participation through the Cricket Blast and introductory program.

Cricket NSW chief community cricket officer Martin Gleeson said the recruitment drive aims to attract players for competitions this season.

“Many of our elite players in the state and WBBL teams began their journeys in Country NSW,” he said.

“The Country Blitz provides a great opportunity for our players to support country communities as they get ready for the massive summer of cricket that we’re set to have.

“It also supports local clubs with their promotions and recruitment for the coming season and for our staff and players to meet and thank the many volunteers who are essential to the game’s success locally.”

Registrations for the upcoming season can be made at playhq.com