All comers enjoy All-Abilities hitout
October 14, 2011By VINNIE RODI
THE scene at the Mildura Senior College Oval was one to behold, with a large number of players, volunteers and spectators on hand to enjoy all the action from the second annual Mildura All-Abilities Cricket Carnival.
The visiting Ararat/Grampians team.
Featuring the region’s local cricketing superstars the Mallee Duststorm (made up of clients from Mildura’s Christie Centre), the event – held last Sunday – also saw all-abilities teams from Ararat, the Grampians and Warracknabeal take part.
A carnival designed to promote active living, while also helping participants build friendships, relationships and generally enjoy a ‘social’ outing, the event has been labelled a major success by organisers, with plans already in motion for next year’s event.
A joint initiative between Mallee Sports Assembly, the Mildura Christie Centre, Cricket Victoria and the Mildura Settlers Cricket Club, event organiser Tanya Wild said she had been pleased with how the carnival had progressed.
“It was a fantastic day,” she said. “The sun was shining, and everyone really enjoyed themselves.
“Our goal this year was to build on the success of last year’s event, and we certainly achieved that.
“We had a couple of extra teams make the trip – with a team also made up of parents, carers and volunteers also taking part – with a large number of spectators also in attendance.
“The feedback we received was extremely encouraging, with all players thoroughly enjoying the day.”
Also in attendance for the event was Victorian and Australian All-Abilities Cricket representative, Gavan Hicks. Soon to be a three-time Australian representative, the Avoca native was on hand to assist with umpiring duties, while also taking part in a few matches.
“Gavan was simply fantastic,” Tanya said. “He really gave the carnival a sense of prestige, and I think he got a real buzz out of all the attention he received.
“All the participants were keen to have a chat with him, with his experiences playing for Australia truly inspiring.”
Participants and spectators alike were also treated to a barbecue lunch courtesy of Langtree Avenue Butchery and Banjos Bakehouse, with several Mildura Settlers cricketers helping to cook.
“Today wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all of the volunteers and sponsors,” Tanya said.
“The support of the Setts Cricket Club has also been appreciated, and it was great to see people like Richie Wyld (Setts captain/coach) out supporting the event.”
And while wins and losses meant little on the day, the combined Ararat and Grampians side proved the best, winning three games.
The Duststormers finished the day with two wins next to their name, while the Warracknabeal team enjoyed one win.
The team of volunteers and parents struggled in the warm conditions, failing to win any of their matches.
More information about the Mallee Duststorm cricket team is available by contacting the Mildura Christie Centre on 5023 2761.
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