JUNIOR cricketers can only benefit from playing at Country Week, and Friday’s fundraising Twenty20 contest can help them get there.
Sunraysia Cricket Association will field a President’s XI against a World XI at Irymple’s Henshilwood Oval to help raise funds for Under 13, 15 and 17 teams playing in January tournaments in Bendigo and Swan Hill.
Some of the best Sunraysia has to offer will take to the field, with Collingwood footballer and Merbein alum Josh Carmichael and Mildura Settlers turned Port Adelaide fast bowler Seamus Keogh among them.
All money raised will be used to help fund Country Week teams, something Nichols Point’s Riley Jobson is thankful for.
The 16-year-old will be competing for the Sunraysia Under 17 side in Bendigo from January 3 to 6, then Swan Hill from January 10 to 12.
“Country Week gives us a good opportunity to hopefully get into bigger things like Victorian development squads in under 17 and under 19s,” he said.
“I’m keen to get around the boys and keen to play some good cricket. I’ve played with most of these boys in different levels of junior cricket and we’re excited.
“The T20 game has got some good cricketers there, so everyone should get around the support the boys and help us all head off to Country Week.”
President’s XI skipper Adam Thomson said Country Week was beneficial for young cricketers looking to further themselves.
“It’s an expensive exercise but it’s great exposure for those kids, so we want to try and help that as much as possible,” he said.
“It will be a good opportunity for people to come out and support local cricket and have a bit of fun before Christmas.”
The match begins Friday at 5pm, with catering and drinks available. Junior Blasters cricketers will play between innings and crowd catch prizes are on offer.
President’s XI: Bevan Wade (Coomealla Wentworth), Aidan Calarco, Wade Hancock, Jeremy Barnes, Adam Thomson (c) (Gol Gol), Mark Thomson, Ryan Muir (Irymple), Josh Carmichael (Merbein), Brad Purdue, Seamus Keogh (Mildura Settlers), Nick Blacker (Nichols Point).
World XI: Nafis Shaikh (Coomealla Wentworth), Shac Thomas (Gol Gol), Hamim Miah (Merbein), Josh Bowyer (Mildura East), Harvey Ault, Richie Wyld (c) (Mildura Settlers), Chris Williams, Charlie Walker, Kian Burns (Mildura West), Kaushik Aphale, Glen Bridson (Nichols Point).
