Hunter Region Report 2012-13

Hunter Valley Cricket Council Newcastle Cricket Zone CRICKET NSW VISION – To ignite ’s Favourite Sport in Australia’s Biggest State

CONTENTS Volunteer Appreciation 3 GAME DEVELOPMENT CNSW Restructure 4 Region Demographics 5 Roadshow Key Themes 6 Game Development Operation Plan 7 - Census Data 8-11 - Club Cricket 12-15 - Milo in2Cricket Programs 16 - School Engagement 17-18 - Promotions 19 - Female Initiatives 20 - Education & Training 21-22 - Facilities & Grants 23 - Lifestyle Programs 24 - Extras 25 COUNTRY & STATE CRICKET Male & Female Representative Programs 26-27 Looking Ahead - The Ashes 2013/14 28-29

2 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Volunteers are the driving force behind cricket in associations and clubs across the Hunter Region who contribute literally hundreds of hours through the summer and winter to make it all happen. Often they complete thankless tasks but in the end, if we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t have a game. As a volunteer of considerable years at club and association level, I can truly appreciate the work done behind the scenes by thousands of parents, players and those members simply with a passion for the game of cricket in administration, coaching, scoring, umpiring, managing canteens, cooking BBQ’s and fundraising. There are many individuals in our community who could benefit from volunteering with cricket clubs in terms of their self-confidence, communication and leadership skills, meeting new people, experiencing new challenges, personal and professional development and an increased sense of worth and accomplishment from making a difference and a strong sense of community. MyCricket data entry and website management is an excellent way of involving university students or teenagers in your club and reducing the workload on others. Volunteers are like gold – treat them accordingly and your club will prosper. To everyone who volunteered to assist their team, club or association during 2012-13, “thank you” on behalf of Cricket NSW.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 3 CRICKET NSW RESTRUCTURE

In July 2012, Cricket NSW Game Development Department re-aligned staff and regions to reflect the shift in population across NSW in recent years and to take into account projected growth.

The Newcastle-Central Coast region was split into two with the Central Coast having its own dedicated Development Manager.

Hunter Valley Cricket Council, affiliated to the large Central North Zone, was added to Newcastle Cricket Zone to form the “Hunter Region” to be managed by myself.

Local Government areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast are amongst the fastest growing populations in coastal areas while Hunter Population Growth inland LGA’s of Maitland and Cessnock achieved the largest growth for 620000 regions outside the metropolitan area. The need to support these 600000 areas is never more apparent if we are to grow our sport in the 580000 community. 560000 It’s great to be back managing the region that I served previously from 540000 1999-2005. 520000 2001 2005 2012

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 4 HUNTER REGION DEMOGRAPHICS

The Hunter Region represents clubs and associations affiliated The Hunter Region demographics scoreboard reads:-

with Hunter Valley Cricket Council and Newcastle Cricket Zone LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES 10 running from southern Lake Macquarie to Murrurundi, west JUNIOR CRICKET ASSOCIATIONS 6 to Merriwa and east to Karuah. JUNIOR CRICKET CLUBS 46

JUNIOR CRICKET TEAMS 255

SENIOR CRICKET ASSOCIATIONS 8

SENIOR CRICKET CLUBS 150

SENIOR CRICKET TEAMS 342

MILO in2 CRICKET CENTRES 35

PRIMARY SCHOOLS 209

SECONDARY SCHOOLS 61

TOTAL CRICKET PARTICIPANTS 16730

TOTAL POPULATION 602000

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 5 CRICKET AUSTRALIA ROADSHOW KEY THEMES

Cricket NSW hosted Regional Roadshows in July to communicate findings of the Australian Cricket Roadshow held at Rooty Hill, to hear from the cricket public regarding local issues and to provide information regarding Cricket NSW’s Game Development team’s key action items for the season ahead. Key themes included:-

Enhance the relationship between CNSW and local associations and clubs. 1 Communication CNSW version of CA Roadshow to become an annual event. Regular newsletter distributed to clubs.

Recruitment & Decline in club numbers requires a coordinated approach to recruitment and retention. 2 Retention CNSW will deliver an integrated marketing program to attract people to the game. The phasing of CNSW programs has been adjusted to enhance transition to clubs.

Support clubs in the recruitment and retention of volunteers. 3 Volunteer Support Promote programs that assist with administration and coaching.

Establish volunteer reward and recognition program.

Change the ‘perception’ that cricket is for boys. 4 Female Participation Female engagement is an essential component of CNSW strategic objectives & programs.

CNSW have introduced a suite of programs to cater for female participation.

CNSW will support associations and clubs by sourcing and applying for grants and 5 Grants and Funding opportunities to fundraise.

Support clubs in facility development applications.

CA pilot program of modified games using modified equipment. 6 T20 Blast Acts as a bridge between in2CRICKET and junior club cricket.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 6 GAME DEVELOPMENT OPERATION PLAN

The primary objective of Game Development is to increase participation and inspire the next generation of players, fans and volunteers in NSW. Key elements to our Game Development Operation Plans are:- Participation - in2Cricket, Schools, Junior Club & Indoor Cricket - Coach Education & In-Services - Community Engagement Region targeting and tracking - in2Cricket centres - Junior Clubs - School Heroes Programs - in-school promotions - T20 Blast, Girls Gala Days, and AASC programs Data collection - Junior & Senior Club - in2Cricket - Association - Representative Cricket - Primary & Secondary Schools - Indoor Cricket Checklist - Association meeting outcomes - Facilities & Grants - Program - promotions and opportunities

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 7 CENSUS DATA

The annual Cricket Australia Census includes Club, in2CRICKET, School competitions and Indoor Cricket participation. Cricket NSW has projected significant growth the next three seasons. In 2012/13 participation was up 4.5% to 243,217 against a forecast of 252,000.

Strategy 1: Significantly increase entry participation levels Strategy 2: Enhance the capacity of clubs

New South Wales 330000 Indoor Cricket participation included 310000 in the Australian Cricket Census 290000

270000 250000 230000

Participants 210000 190000 170000 150000 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Quick Statistics • It is projected that NSW will contribute 287K of the 1 million participants at the end of 2013-14. • Increased contribution to national participation numbers from 22.8 to 28.8%. • The 10 year objective of the Game Development department is to match participation rates to the representation of the NSW population (33%). Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 8 CENSUS DATA

COMPARISON 2011-12 & 2012-13

Both Newcastle and Hunter Valley Associations recorded a NEWCASTLE CLUB TEAMS reduction in the number of junior and senior club teams entered 250 in competitions compared with the previous season. 200 150 2010-11 The decline continues the trend of recent seasons and is 2011-12 concerning given the growth of regional population over the 100 2012-13 same period. Registrations in entry level Milo in2Cricket 50 programs and school engagement programs have increased 0 Junior Teams Senior Teams during the same period.

HUNTER VALLEY JUNIOR TEAMS HUNTER VALLEY SENIOR TEAMS 60 90 80 50 70 60 40 50 2010-11 2010-11 30 40 30 2011-12 2011-12 20 20 2012-13 10 2012-13 10 0 0 Cessnock Maitland Singleton Upper Hunter

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 9 CENSUS DATA

Participation increases in school and in2CRICKET programs Newcastle Zone – Club Cricket would suggest there is an issue with transition strategies to club 300 cricket.

Traditionally cricket has been slow to embrace change however 200 now is the time for a serious conversation with all stakeholders. 100 The trend can be reversed by targeting things that impact on our customers including:- 0 2004/05 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Competition formats Solid club structures Junior Teams Senior Teams Coach Education Enthusiastic volunteers

Total Hunter Participation Hunter Valley Cricket Council Club Cricket 200 19% 150 62% Club 100 19% School 50 in2Cricket 0 2004/05 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Junior Teams Senior Teams

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 10 CENSUS DATA

NSW REGIONAL BREAKDOWN OF TOTAL PARTICIPATION

Hunter participation of 16,730 is made up of Club Cricket (10,406), in2CRICKET Programs (3,086) and School Cricket (3,238). Below is a break-down of participation in NSW development regions.

Western Sydney Area Riverina 9% (wide) 9% 5% Sydney North Southern & 12% Illawarra 8% Sydney West 9% Central Hunter Coast 8% 3%

Sydney South- Central North West 4% 8% Country Area Sydney East North Coast (wide) 10% 10% 5%

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 11 CLUB CRICKET

Improving retention is a long-term strategy which is critical to the viability of club cricket.

Coaching

Quality of Parent recruitment Engagement Facilities activities Total RETENTION club = Cost & numbers Game Attachment Benefits Environment to elite Pack teams Quality of retention activities Club Game Admin Format

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 12 CLUB CRICKET

I strongly support the need to have vibrant club structures to grow the game at the grass-roots level. The success or failure of recruitment initiatives and retention strategies often rely on the support of clubs and committed volunteers.

A glance of the Participation Census results suggest that Associations need to strongly consider if their playing formats are attractive to potential customers and Clubs need to improve in a number of areas to build and retain participants. Strategies that clubs can implement to improve their appeal include:- • Providing regular communication to members (newsletter, face-book, e-mail, maintain club website) • Having defined links with local schools • Develop a plan that will recruit, attract and retain players & volunteers into the future • Recognise the value in appointing Accredited Coaches to teams (the coach is often the educator & ‘face’ of the club) • Provide quality equipment, facilities for training and playing and exciting, colourful club clothing • Implement management systems & structures including:- - Club Rules & By-Laws, Child Protection register - Strong ties with the community and Local Government Authorities - Finance (low fees, sponsor support, maintain insurance, grant applications to renew/develop facilities) - Family involvement – more than just playing cricket • Incorporate Cricket Australia’s “Well Played” strategy document into club administration and planning • Support volunteers in training opportunities (administration, coaching) • Provide a Cricket Pathway for all players from Milo in2CRICKET to Junior Club to Senior Club It’s possible in future that CNSW will incentivise clubs that support these initiatives. Game Development commences planning for the next season in April and I have been addressing the points (above) with associations during recent post-season meetings.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 13 CLUB CRICKET

RECRUITMENT

Cricket NSW provided collateral to clubs and in2CRICKET centres to assist with player recruitment and retention for the 2012-13 season in addition to information distributed during school engagement activities. These included:-

 Pre-printed A4 and A5 flyers

 Print media advertising linked to playcricket.com.au

 The MyCricket website allowed potential recruits to search for their local junior or senior club, Milo in2CRICKET or T20 Blast centre from information entered by club administrators or Milo Coordinators.

 A microsite with downloadable templates allowing clubs to print their own posters, flyers, school newsletter inserts and retention letters.

Proactive clubs continue to support themselves through local advertising, player retention e-mails and maintaining current website information.

2013-14 will provide the ideal registration promotion through timely advertising to be aired during the Ashes Test Series in England during July. The cricket community needs to make the most of this opportunity to grow the game in our region.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 14 CLUB CRICKET

WEETBIX T20 CUP PILOT

The Weetbix Cup T20 competition has been running in metropolitan areas for the last four seasons. The format was piloted in country areas in 2012-13 and it was pleasing to work with Maitland Juniors to run the competition during last Summer.

Four rounds were scheduled in U12 and U14 age divisions. The mid-week games of T20 had a few modified rules to boost

participation and designed to replace net training with centre- practice with results entered into MyCricket. Feedback was very positive with comments including players had improved their running between , more spectators attended than on Saturdays and clubs running BBQ’s during matches. A spin-off from the association competition was the opportunity for clubs to play in a country finals day (also played in Maitland) for the right to play in the State Final against metropolitan winners in each age group. Eastern Suburbs (Maitland) won the U12’s and represented Country in the State Final played at the Sydney Cricket Ground – a huge thrill for all concerned.

Hopefully more associations will consider running a Weetbix Cup competition next season providing more cricket for players, increased use of facilities and using game modifications that promote involvement over a short time-frame.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 15 MILO in2CRICKET PROGRAMS

The Hunter Region was the first country area to reach its target number of Milo in2CRICKET centres and it was pleasing to see a number of new centres established by clubs, associations and schools during the season. The benefits to clubs from coordinating Milo in2CRICKET centres are well documented however the retention of players into junior teams and recruitment of parent volunteers into the club are major features of the program.

Every club on the well-structured Central Coast operates a Milo in2CRICKET centre and its an aspiration to have all junior clubs in the Hunter running vibrant Milo in2CRICKET centres to underpin junior competitions. While encouraging new centre growth, the 2013-14 season will see support to build participation at pre-existing centres and to providing coordinator in-services to ensure the program is delivered in a well-organised and positive manner.

Milo in2 Cricket Centres 2012-13 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Newcastle Maitland Dungog Cessnock Singleton M'brook Scone Schools

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 16 SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Cricket NSW is one of the few sports providing school programs that are linked to syllabus outcomes and schools have been very supportive attending T20 Blast gala days and pleased with school yard sessions provided by our enthusiastic staff. School visits can be physical or non- physical depending on the timing and the outcome required. Targeted school recruitment was affected to some extent by changes in region management, timing and staffing. Schools require weeks and in some cases ‘terms’ to coordinate visits or participate in programs and early notice is therefore essential. Visits range from assembly presentations through to physical sessions including:-

Mega Clinics – a tabloid involving large numbers in a short time-frame. Generally targeted at K-2 students for in2CRICKET programs.

School Heroes Programs - a program of skills and games with students levied $3pp/per week for the 4 x 60 minute sessions.

One-off Visit – 30-40 minute class sessions involving skills and games and informal teacher in-servicing. These visits are targeted towards promoting new association competitions or supporting new in2CRICKET centres.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 17 SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

T20 BLAST GALA DAYS

Traditionally T20 Blast gala days have traditionally been scheduled during 4th term of school however in 2012/13, Year 5-6 events were brought forward to 3rd term to assist clubs with recruitment.

Nine events were staged across the region attracting 205 boys and girls teams to play small-sided cricket matches with modified rules that encourage participation. High school students assisted assisted Cricket NSW staff at many events with umpiring and scoring duties. Some events were also held for Year 3-4 students using a similar format to the Year 5-6 games except that players batted in pairs.

A further four events were unfortunately cancelled due to wet weather. The Hunter Region Final was staged at Wallsend Oval with Bel Air Public School winning the Final and travelling to Sydney for the State Final where they finished Runners-Up.

Taking into account the change of scheduling, building relationships with new schools and the inclement weather, the result was considered very positive and one which we expect to build on in the coming year.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 18 PROMOTIONS

TOYOTA COUNTRY BLITZ - SYDNEY 6ERS

Game Development regions were aligned to the 6ers or Thunder BBL franchises for promotional purposes in 2012-13 and Daniel Hughes and Kurtis Patterson toured the Central Coast and Newcastle as part of NSW Country Cricket’s Toyota Country Blitz (formerly known as “Back to the Bush”). Both players are members of the Sydney 6ers and the three day visit involved school promotional visits, junior association skill clinics, a twilight girls competition, attending a Christian School’s T20 Blast gala day and various media commitments.

HOLIDAY CLINICS

Joint Cricket-AFL Clinics were run during the September school holidays targeting 5-10 year olds to promote in2CRICKET centres. The clinics were organised in Forster, Newcastle, Maitland and Muswellbrook. Cricket NSW also ran holiday clinics organised through the Department of Sport & Recreation.

PINK STUMPS DAY

A number of clubs supported the McGrath Foundation’s “Pink Stumps Day” in various ways across the Hunter in 2012-13 and are to be congratulated. In addition to raising awareness of important health issues and funding, the events conducted also recognized the contribution volunteers, in particular females, make to our game.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 19 FEMALE INITIATIVES

SWANSEA GIRLS CRICKET PROGRAM

A great initiative between the Australian Sports Commission, Swansea Junior cricket club, Cricket NSW and local primary schools in establishing a girls cricket program run during 3rd term involving a mix of skills and game sessions culminating in cricket games at Caves Beach. The program demonstrated what can be achieved by working together with other providers to coordinate resources and grant opportunities. The best news of all was the creation of a girls cricket team at Swansea Public School to contest the PSSA K/O and opportunities for girls to play for the local junior cricket club.

NEWCASTLE JUNIOR GIRLS T20 TWILIGHT

Newcastle JCA has been a long-term supporter of female cricket programs to unearth the next Leah Poulton or Sarah Andrews, local girls who went on to represent the NSW Breakers and Australian Southern Stars with distinction. This season we gave their all-female twilight competition a facelift with a short skills session preceding matches using modified rules and use of a softer ball played over a short timeframe.

INTER-REGION GIRLS GALA DAY

Central Coast Manager Frankie Walsh and I piloted an inter-region girls gala day during March involving Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Northern Inland. Inter-region competitions are the future as we grow club participation and I encourage country Zones to consider establishing female competitions when scheduling their male representative programs.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 20 EDUCATION & TRAINING

MY CRICKET

Two MyCricket training seminars were held for administrators at Maitland and the Upper Hunter. Upper Hunter Juniors used the system to manage their junior competition for the first time. Establishing MyCricket websites for clubs and providing training support will be a major focus in 2013-14 to ease the demands on volunteer’s time.

STATE CRICKET COACHING CONFERENCE

The State Cricket Department took the Country Coaches Conference on the road during the winter of 2012 holding seminars in all country zones and opening up the conference to local coaches. I was involved as a presenter with the visits conducted towards the end of my tenure as Coach of the NSW Breakers.

COACH EDUCATION FOR U9’s-U10’s

After discussing the ‘negative’ experiences in early age cricket, Newcastle JCA and Cricket NSW combined to run a seminar to teach basics to coaches involved with teams in the U9-U10 age groups. This was followed by two sessions with junior players being put through drills to teach bowling basics and thus provide players with a better cricket ‘experience’. The seminar and clinics were well-received and coaches were provided with information concerning the Level 1 coaching course. In 2013-14 the seminar will target the education of team coaches and managers .

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 21 EDUCATION & TRAINING

“TRAINING TO PLAY” COACH REFRESHER CLINIC

NSW Coach Educator David Drew joined me to run a practical skills clinic for Maitland coaches focusing on drills and skills that provide education and variety at team training sessions. More than 20 coaches attended and Maitland junior representative cricketers demonstrating the drills.

Observing junior coaching sessions often involves in nets without purpose or centre wicket sessions bearing little resemblance to Saturday mornings. We need to arrest this stereo- type session by including skill drills, throwing and catching, ground fielding and setting targets during centre wicket sessions to improve player skill level, game understanding, enjoyment and ultimately increase player retention levels.

Encouraging coaches to register for Level 1 courses and coordinating more refresher courses will increase coaching knowledge, session quality and player engagement.

LEVEL ONE COACHING COURSES

Level 1 accredited coaching courses were coordinated by Hunter Valley and Newcastle Regional Directors of Coaching during the season. I conducted a third course responding to interest from coaches in Newcastle and Maitland at Raymond Terrace during December.

All non-accredited coaches are strongly urged to complete the on-line Introduction to Cricket course which is a pre-requisite to enrolling to attend the Level 1 practical course.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 22 FACILITIES & GRANTS

An extensive audit of facilities is being undertaken across the Hunter to provide a single-point of reference to identify the need and quality of grounds and amenities used by cricket and to identify upgrades. Providing quality facilities is a key-pillar of retention and the ability to access grants to assist with the cost of new or replacement equipment and structures is important.

To make this process easier, Cricket NSW have appointed a dedicated staff member experienced in grant writing available to make clubs and associations aware of grants and to assist to complete applications. If you have any questions regarding government grants, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time for assistance.

Recently the NSW Government released successful applicants for their Community Building Partnership (CBP) Grants. Eleven projects were allocated $261,050 and cricket clubs and associations in the Hunter were well represented.

Congratulations go to:-

Cardiff-Boolaroo DCC … $50,000 Drainage system at Cardiff Oval

Great Lakes CC … 9,000 Storage shed at Tuncurry Oval

Hamilton-Wickham DCC .... 1,500 Cricket pitch mower purchase

Hinton CC … 20,000 Equipment shed construction

Newcastle Junior CA … 40,000 Smith Park practice facility

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 23 LIFESTYLE PROGRAMS

INDOOR CRICKET

The partnership between Cricket Australia and Indoor Cricket has grown stronger in recent years and Cricket NSW Game Development Managers are committed to working closely with centre owners to maximise opportunities to run cricket activities and programs at indoor centres.

In the Hunter, Cricket NSW is working with the Thornton and Charlestown centres to coordinate coach education programs, in2CRICKET centres, pre-season club training sessions, representative cricket training and provide cross-promotion of indoor-outdoor cricket competitions and registration.

AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION

Cricket NSW maintains a close relationship with ASC staff particularly in the roll-out of their Active After Schools Programs where Cricket is one of the preferred sports delivered by staff in the Hunter Region. The after school programs provide a great opportunity for clubs to be involved with volunteers delivering programs and potential club recruitment. Cricket NSW works in partnership with the ASC providing lesson plans for after school programs and hosting gala days.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS AUSTRALIA & DET SPORTS UNIT

Cricket NSW has been involved in four disability sports days conducted in the Hunter during the season with Special Olympics Australia and another with DET Sports Unit. Cricket joined other sport providers in engaging primary and secondary students in a range of skills and cricket games at the days.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 24 EXTRAS

HOWZAT NEWSLETTER

One of the outcomes from the Rooty Hill Cricket Australia Roadshow was the importance of communicating with volunteers in the cricket family. In the Hunter I created the “Howzat” bi-monthly magazine that was distributed to the cricket network and posted on association websites. The magazine was filled with information on events, promotions and ‘good news’ stories of activities being undertaken in associations and clubs. It is hoped that the newsletter kept cricket enthusiasts updated and provided some ideas for clubs and associations to consider implementing in their club or competition.

SYDNEY 6ers

Development regions across the state were divided into support bases for the two NSW BBL teams, the Sydney 6ers and Thunder. Regions to the north and north-west of Sydney were aligned to the 6ers, those to the south and south- west aligned to the Thunder. Recruitment collateral and show bags were designed to promote the teams in each region. After winning the BBL in 2011/12 and the Champions League in 2012, the 2012/13 domestic BBL season wasn’t what both franchises would have hoped. Fan engagement and memberships are very important for the 6ers in metropolitan and country areas and player engagement and club support mechanisms are high on their list of priorities for the 2013/14 season.

“WELL PLAYED” CA POLICY GUIDELINES Cricket Australia launched their revised “Well Played” Policy Guidelines in December updating the first policy issued in 2005. The guidelines are a very useful tool for associations and clubs and a PDF copy can be downloaded from the cricket.com.au website. Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 25 COUNTRY & STATE CRICKET (MALE)

U14 KOOKABURRA CUP - Central Coast won the Kookaburra Cup played at Taree in January. Newcastle and Central North won 1 game each in the 3 rounds.

U16 BRADMAN CUP - The Bradman Cup was hosted by Southern Zone with teams travelling to the Shoalhaven in early January. Illawarra and Central North finished on top of their pools and played in the Final which was taken out by Illawarra.

U17 COUNTRY CARNIVAL - The U17 carnival was played at Raymond Terrace using the King Park complex. Riverina finished on top of the points table with Central North (3rd) and Newcastle (5th). COUNTRY COLTS CARNIVAL - The Colts carnival was abandoned after heavy rain swamped Wollongong during the three day event.

COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP (OPENS) – The Country Championships were played in Newcastle with Western and Central Coast winning through to the Final. In the Final, Western defeated Central Coast by 2 wickets.

REPRESENTATIVES TEAMS & SQUADS

Congratulations to the following players who were selected for talented player squads or to represent NSW during the season. NSW U17’s - Riley Ayre (CN), NSW U19’s – Harrison Kelly (CN) Country Boys Coaching Class - James Psarakis (CN), James Thomas (CN), Jayden Park (CN), Perry Stapleton (CN), Jake Brayshaw (CN), Josh Pettigrew (N), Bayley McGill (N) CNSW U17’s Academy Squad 2013-14 – James Psarakis (CN), Jayden Park (CN), Josh Pettigrew (N), Bayley McGill (N) CNSW U19’s Academy Squad 2013-14 – Riley Ayre (CN), Harrison Kelly (CN),

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 26 COUNTRY & STATE CRICKET (FEMALE)

FEMALE COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The annual female Country Championships were hosted by Western Zone with the U15’s played at Dubbo and the Opens at Wellington. The 6 team U15 championship was won by Western who defeated Illawarra-Southern in the Final. Central North finished 3rd and New Coasters 5th(Newcastle & Central Coast).

The 4 team Open championship Final was tied between the New Coasters and Northern Stars (combined Central North & North Coast). In the 30 over-a-side Final, Hunter Valley spinner Maisy Gibson claimed 5/25 for the Northern Stars.

REPRESENTATIVES TEAMS & SQUADS

Maisy was one of 5 country girls selected in the NSW U18 team to contest the National Championships in January in Victoria and has recently been included in the Cricket NSW U18 Academy Squad for 2013-14.

NSW made a clean-sweep of Female National Competitions in 2012-13 winning the U15 and U18 carnivals while the NSW Breakers won the Finals of both the Twenty/20 competition and 50 over WNCL competition. Over the past decade, country players have made up roughly half of all teams selected for National Female Competitions demonstrating the high number of talented girls playing in regional NSW and the opportunities available to those that wish to pursue cricket honours. Recent announcements by CA regarding player remuneration will make women’s cricket even more attractive. Of course, the challenge is there for associations to develop their own all-female competitions so we can continue to build the base.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 27 LOOKING AHEAD - THE ASHES 2013-14

The biggest challenge for Australian Cricket is to remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment.

Cultural Changes Lifestyle Changes

We have become a society of on-line communities:- • Nearly 11 million Facebook users. • 50% are under 35. 7 million migrants since • On average, Australians spend 8.5 4 million speak 1945 1 of 260 hours/month on social media. languages other than English A technologically savvy generation of

23% of Australians is here and at its fingertips are population was born overseas endless entertainment options including: • Electronic games • Smartphones • Tablets • On-line music, movies, TV shows

Organised grass-roots sport has become professional and the competition has never been more fierce to win the hearts and minds 23 Million of young Australians. • AFL’s $83m investment especially in NSW. • New and emerging communities from non-sporting backgrounds. • An ageing population.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 28 LOOKING AHEAD - THE ASHES 2013-14

The Ashes Series and BBL3 provide a great platform to ignite Australia’s Favourite Sport in Australia’s Biggest State. Population growth and history of club cricket participation strongly suggests there is capacity to grow the game across the Hunter region. Planning really begins at the end of each season and discussions held with associations in the post-season period have been extremely positive. Cricket NSW is committed to working with clubs and associations to implement strategies to grow participation that include:- • Modified game formats where needed that will appeal to the community and stimulate participation. • Implementation of Cricket Australia’s “Well Played” Policy Guidelines within clubs and associations. • Provision of recruitment collateral to cricket clubs and associations to promote registration dates. • Support clubs and associations in educating the community on cricket products available. • Encourage associations to use MyCricket to manage their competitions and clubs to establish websites where none exist. • Clubs to enter their registration dates and contacts onto their MyCricket website which activates playcricket.com.au, the national recruitment website, by 1st July. • Encourage all junior clubs and/or associations to coordinate a healthy Milo in2CRICKET centres. • Encourage associations to endorse CA’s Introduction to Cricket on-line course as a minimum coaching qualification. • Provide education and training opportunities for volunteers (in2cricket in-service, Level 1, refresher coaching courses). • Support associations and clubs that support Cricket NSW programs and initiatives in facility funding grant applications.

Building participation is a team effort requiring the commitment of associations and clubs to drive this aspiration and I’m looking forward to working with cricket volunteers during the coming season to achieve this outcome.

Neil McDonald Hunter Development Manager

If you wish to discuss any item contained in this report, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cricket NSW Hunter Region Report 2012-13 29 Neil McDonald Hunter Development Manager Cricket NSW Office: 6/600 Pacific Hwy Belmont 2280 | Post: PO Box 25 Belmont 2280 Tel: +61 2 49450498 | Fax: +61 2 49459 096 | Mob: 0425 297 713 E-mail: [email protected] | Website: cricketnsw.com.au Facebook.com/cricketnsw | Twitter.com/cricketnswblues | Twitter.com/cricnswbreakers Cricket NSW Hunter Region Review 2012-13 30