Forbes Junior Cricket president Tim Mackay believes the profile of the sport will only grow next summer, after a successful end to the season recently.
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The Forbes association claimed three premierships in the Parkes and district junior competition, but Mackay says the real measurement of success was the jump in player numbers and support from volunteers this past summer.
As recently as 2013, junior cricket looked set to fold in Forbes - now the association boasts two teams in each of three age groups - under 12s, 14s and 17s - and interest from younger children is also growing.
In his final report for this season which follows, Mackay thanks those who have contributed to the turn-around.
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This is the last report this year for the junior cricket.
In summary, a lot more kids are playing, three grand final wins and hopefully everyone is keen again for next year. Our presentation morning was held on Saturday, March 7. All Milo and under 10s players received medals and trophies.
Under 12s Blue - best batter Luke McDean, best bowler Toby Matheson, most improved Hugo Rogers;
Under 12s Green - best batter Noah Girot-Serplet, best bowler Henry Hodges, most improved Tyler Nicholson;
Under 14s Blue - best batter Corey McDean, best bowler Jake Shaw, most improved Callum Ward;
Under 14s Green - best batter Toby Hurford, best bowlers (tie) Connor Greenhalgh and Sam Mackay, most imprved Jack Eyre;
Under 17s Green - best batter Corey Hurford, best bowler Joe Priest, most improved Luther Crawley;
Under 17s Blue - best batter Isaac Vale, best bowler Cameron Smith, most improved Hayden Page.
Perpetual trophies:
Best and fairest under 17s (tie) - Isaac Vale and Corey Hurford;
Best and fairest under 14s - Toby Hurford;
Best and fairest under 12s - Henry Hodges;
Most improved - Hayden Page;
Encouragement award - Isaac Sly;
Clubperson and president’s award - Chris McDean.
There were some reasons for the big improvement in Forbes junior cricket this year. The biggest one was a big rough bloke from Bogan Gate deciding to come and give Forbes a hand, namely Chris McDean.
He came with his three sons and the two Rossiter boys, all fairly handy cricketers. He introduced training Wednesday afternoons along with ‘Moose’ Burton. He had enthusiasm and the right skills. He made the boys believe in themselves. We thank him very much for the help. His wife Jenny scores every game also.
Andy Hardy has been running the Milo cricket for four years, this is where it starts, thanks mate. His sidekick Andrew Glasson is coming along well also.
All the team managers and parents that umpired we wouldn’t have done it without you, thank you.
The rep cricket coaches Jack Gordon and Chris McDean, well done.
Also special mention to ‘Moose’ Burton he has stuck to junior cricket all the way through, very helpful.
The new committee members this year have done a great job. Mouse’s angels - Sally Duff, Kim Sly and Katherine Matheson - organising a great Pink Stumps day, presentation day and everything else. True champions.
A big thank-you from junior cricket must go to the Advocate for the great coverage we got this year from them (ed - it’s our pleasure!).
Last but not least, all the kids for playing. I hope you had fun. We had fun watching you. Kids that play sport will grow up better people for it.
I love the game, thanks everyone.
- Tim Mackay, junior cricket president.
