The WDCA’s junior focus

Held in January in the north-east region, this season’s competition saw the WDCA enter nine teams across the five divisions; under-13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

Usually the association would only enter five teams, however, this season the WDCA aimed to provide more opportunities for local junior cricketers to play representative cricket.

“We wanted to have more teams participate in Junior Country Cricket Week so that junior cricketers from Mansfield and Benalla would have the chance to play representative cricket,” WDCA Junior Coordinator Dale Bennett said.

“Initially there were reservations about teams being diluted but in the end overall it was very positive.

“If we only had one team, players would have missed out and we thought it was important to get the cricketers involved.”

The addition of the four extra teams playing under the WDCA meant that there were more costs incurred on the association.

With support from the State Government and Cricket Victoria’s Harmony in Cricket projects, the WDCA were able to manage the costs of uniforms, caps, umpires and managers, enabling them to add the teams at a small cost to participants.

“Mansfield and Benalla were most appreciative of the opportunity so it was great that we were able to expand,” Bennett said.

“These kids were given the chance to develop their skills playing representative cricket, which was great.”
The Junior Country Cricket Week saw cricketers represented from areas including and surrounding Wangaratta, Albury/Wodonga and Wagga Wagga.

Travelling long distances to be involved throughout the week, the WDCA were rewarded when they were crowned champions in the under-15 and under-17 divisions.

Bennett also noted that the off-field experiences in Junior Country Cricket Week were just as important as the on-field ones.

“The kids got a huge buzz out of the week because it’s not just about the on-field aspect but it’s also the off-field experiences and developing friendships that’s important.”

To view the tournament’s results, click here