Junior Tigers ready for return to cricket

AFTER many months of uncertainty, the Torquay Tigers Cricket Club are getting ready to welcome back their junior players for the upcoming season.

The Third Step of the state government’s coronavirus roadmap permits any sport to be played by people under 18, accompanied by the necessary officials and coaches.

Many of the specific protocols for play are still being worked on by Cricket Victoria, but the Geelong Junior Cricket Association (GJCA) have set a tentative return to play date of October 16.

Tigers junior co-ordinator Scott Martella said he had been encouraged by the communication between groups.

“Cricket Victoria, the GJCA and Torquay Cricket Club are all working really hard in the background to establish some COVID-safe plans for the return to cricket.

“It’s a pretty fluid space at the moment but there’s a lot of people working to get all the plans in place for a safe return.”

The club opened their junior registrations yesterday (Wednesday, September 23) and Martella said he was confident the club’s inclusive junior culture will draw a positive response.

“I feel we’ll have an even greater intake than last year. I think people are really looking forward to getting out and getting active.

“The club’s really concentrating on families. Our senior group are a fantastic bunch of guys and girls and you can see the joy on kids faces when senior team members get involved with them in training. It’s a really good place to be, really dynamic.”

Martella has three children of his own who all enjoy cricket. He said it would be great for children to be able to take to the field once more.

“It’s essentially important, I believe, for children to get out and enjoy team sport, and cricket’s a great sport for participants and families alike.”

Junior registrations can be made by phoning Martella on 0419 318 988 or emailing [email protected].