Cricketing workshops draw 38 potential players
Some of the participants in the afternoon cricket workshop. Cricket development officer is just right of centre in the middle row, wearing a white shirt and green cap.
Nelson cricket development officer Kerry Strange came to Takaka last week to conduct introductory workshops for young cricketers.
Kerry's visit came as the result of efforts by Angela Berkett.
"My son Samuel is a complete cricket nut. We take him to Motueka to play club games but he can't get to their practices. I wondered if there were other boys and girls who would be interested in regular cricket practices in the Bay and I hoped Nelson cricket would be supportive, so I contacted Kerry."
Angela advertised the workshops and she was delighted with the turnout.
"We got 19 players in the morning for the 5 to 8-year-olds' session and another 19 for the afternoon session for the older kids," said Angela. "They came from all over the Bay, including Collingwood. We're hoping to get something organised on a regular basis on an after-school day. We don't want to clash with tennis because it's going really well in the Bay and it's silly to make kids choose between sports when they're so young."
Kerry said that he had been impressed by some of the cricketers he had seen and that the Nelson association was keen to give country players as much opportunity as their town counterparts.
"I'm an old Collingwood boy myself so I know what it's like to grow up where the opportunities are harder to come by," said Kerry. "I'm definitely coming back to the Bay for the next session on 25 February and I'm keen to support what Angela and the other keen parents have started. If there are any qualified cricket coaches out there who are looking for some work, I'd be interested in hearing from them."
Neil Wilson
