Future of sport in Wanaka looks bright
CRICKET THE future of cricket in Wanaka looks bright.
This season marks the first in more than a decade a team of Mount Aspiring College pupils has entered the Central Otago men’s senior reserve competition and, while it may be a learning curve, they are aiming for the top.
The team, made up entirely of 15 and 16yearolds, has tasted sweet success and bitter defeat from its two games this season, and skipper Sam Teal (16) admits his side is still finding its feet.
‘‘It’s a big step up. The boys bowl quicker, hit it harder. You’ve got to be a lot more accurate with your bowling especially, because anything down leg will just get hit. Battingwise you can’t go out there and swing; you have to bat deep and play a more controlled innings than in the youth grades.’’
‘‘For the boys last week after a big loss to Maniototo, they’ve realised it’s a step up and we need to play harder.’’
Teal said the team was not overly concerned about wins and losses this season, but was focused on learning and getting better.
‘‘It’s a bit about finding our feet this year.
‘‘I think next year is going to be when we’re going to try and take out competitions.’’
The side has been a long time in the making.
Manager Ian McNabb said many of the side first came together 10 years ago when they were just 5 or 6 years old.
The fact they were still together now was simply because they were ‘‘just having a bit of fun’’.
It is unlikely there will be another 11year gap between this team and the next, according to LuggateAlbion Cricket Club president Mike O’Connor.
‘‘There’s a pathway now right the way through from when they’re 5 or 6 years old which didn’t used to exist.
‘‘Looking at the numbers we’ve got in the age grades below these guys, I think we’re going to be swamped with players [playing men’s cricket] for the next few years.’’