Tenth All-Abilities Carnival held at Casey Fields

A total of 19 teams from across the state took part in both the Super League and Ten Over Tonk fixtures on Sunday, with some very impressive cricketing talent on display.

Cricket Victoria’s Community Program Coordinator Emily O’Brien said that the day was a terrific event for all involved.

“The day was a resounding success, it was great to see many teams returning, as well as a number of teams entering for the first time,” O’Brien said.

“The visit from Melbourne Stars and Commonwealth Bank Victorian Bushrangers player Sam Harper was a highlight for many aspiring players, as he stopped to watch games and chat to participants.”

The Super League title was taken out by the Yarraville Cricket Club who defeated the Croydon Ranges, while McCallum Magic took out the Ten Over Tonk competition over first-time entrant Shepparton Youth United Cricket Club.

O’Brien was full of praise for major sponsor Lord’s Taverners, whose support was vital to the running of the carnival.

“The day could not be run if not for the support of the Lord’s Taverners,” she said.

“Their sponsorship and common vision is vital to the success of the day, creating a fantastic sporting opportunity for underprivileged and disadvantaged young people.”

The All-Abilities Carnival also plays and important role for selection of the Victoria Vikings All-Abilities team, which will represent the state at the National All-Abilities Championships in September.

Selectors of the side will keep a close eye on Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association performances, as well as taking into consideration those who performed well in Sunday’s carnival.

The selected squad will be announced at the conclusion of the season, with players selected in the Vikings’ squad to be treated to a High Performance Winter Training Program.

BBL franchises Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars have also thrown their support behind All-Abilities cricket, with an invitational squad from each team playing at the Renegades’ Family Day last December – the Renegades team emerging victorious.

2015-16 Melbourne Stars team:
Kevin Van Twest (Coach)
Daynah Hopkins (c) (Croydon Ranges Cricket Club)
Dave Alford (Skye Cricket Club)
Gareth Alsem (Cranbourne Cricket Club)
Sean Double (Croydon Ranges Cricket Club)
Shaun Dwyer (Skye Cricket Club)
Steve Ingram (Moorabbin Cricket Club)
Matt Jackson (Skye Cricket Club)
Lachlan McRae (Croydon Ranges Cricket Club)
Rod Pettitt (Moorabbin Cricket Club)
Heath Snooks (Croydon Ranges Cricket Club)
Steve Telonatis (Chadstone Cricket Club)

2015-16 Melbourne Renegades team:
Huss Hanif (Coach)
Alana Baldi (Assistant Coach)
Gavan Hicks (c) (Grampians)
Harley Bushell (Barwon)
Ben Davenport (Barwon)
Michael Massarotti (Grampians)
Shaun Rayment (Altona Cricket Club)
Alex Skinner (Yarraville Club Cricket Club)
Dwayne Templeton (Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club)
Craig Whitehand (Barwon)
Shaun Wilkie (Barwon)
Zac Taig (Axe Creek Cricket Club)
Damien Lee (Yarraville Club Cricket Club)