YOUNG cricket players from across the north of the Shire came together in Linton on Sunday to get experience from one of the state\u2019s top-level trainers.<\/p>\n
Ron Rooney, Cricket Victoria\u2019s junior director of coaching, was at the town\u2019s rec reserve to conduct a clinic aimed at improving the skill levels of junior cricketers so they remain interested in the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the community level we want to make sure our numbers stay strong,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSport is the hub of the local community, and we just want to make sure it continues to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his role as a state coach, Rooney\u2019s job is to foster improved skills.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not about finding the next Aaron Finch or Meg Lanning, rather his focus is on keeping players of all levels in the sport, and attracting new ones.<\/p>\n
Part of that is also working with coaches, to make cricket training more fun and engaging.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to have as big as base possible with our junior cricketers, but if they get good experiences as they go through with their coaches, they stay in the game,\u201d Rooney said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe kids in the rep squads will go through, but we want to keep everyone in the game as the numbers are dying a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Linton Cricket Club president Kirk McDonald had a hand in organising the day.<\/p>\n
He said that to attract a coach of Rooney\u2019s calibre was a coup for the club, and the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t remember in my lifetime anyone this qualified being out here, coaching our kids, especially for the cost, which is zero,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all off the back of Ron giving up his time for us. It\u2019s connection a we have made and I\u2019ve been speaking with Ron about more stuff later in the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the event wasn\u2019t just about improving Linton CC\u2019s chances as finals approach, McDonald was keen to make sure that the clinic was well attended by players from across the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t just a Linton thing,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got kids from Carranballac, Skipton, Derrinallum, and an invite was sent to kids from Rokewood, Carngham, Haddon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe point is about letting all the kids have a go at something like this with a bloke who\u2019s an expert coach.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
YOUNG cricket players from across the north of the Shire came together in Linton on Sunday to get experience from one of the state\u2019s top-level trainers. Ron Rooney, Cricket Victoria\u2019s junior director of coaching, was at the town\u2019s rec reserve to conduct a clinic aimed at improving the skill levels of junior cricketers so they […]<\/p>\n