Going to bat for club growth

MEMBERS of one of the region’s cricket clubs are looking to expand with a come and try session aimed at building their juniors and women’s teams.

All are welcome to try their hand at batting, bowing and fielding at the Meredith Cricket Club as part of the group’s event which is set for Sunday 16 July at 10am.

Club president Shane Grinter said he’s aiming to foster a sense of familial community beyond just playing cricket.

“The main priority is becoming a family club and we’re really looking to getting not only the men but the women and children involved,” he said.

“With juniors we’re looking at a younger group to start off so under 9s and 11s and older teenager clubs. Women’s cricket will be a low-grade social team to start off.

“It can be a little frightening for them to step into a predominantly male environment so if we have a few of these events for them to get to know the club it makes it a lot easier to recruit.

“The aim is three senior men’s, one senior women’s and two juniors.”

Mr Grinter said the club will potentially host more come and try events, likely one session per month, leading into the new season in mid-October.

Last year the team hosted a master blasters program with Meredith Primary School but have not had a juniors nor women’s side for about five years.

Mr Grinter said the come and try will be accessible for anyone with an interest in joining the club.

“We’ll have a bit of fun running some drills, and we’ll put on a barbecue, have a chat and look to gain interest,” he said.

“This is my third year as president and my main drive has been to push towards that community involvement. We really want to make this club attractive even for people just for a visit.”