By RUSSELL BENNETT
FOR cricket in Emerald, the equation is a simple one.
“Without Milo Cricket, we’ve got no juniors. Without juniors, we’ll ultimately have no seniors.”
That’s the warning from junior cricket co-ordinators and husband and wife team of Steve and Danielle Callinan.
Emerald is trying to bounce back this season from a down 2012 in which it lost promising young players to Monbulk.
A fresh approach this year, led by a 17-year-old star coach in the making, has breathed new life into the Bombers’ junior cricket program, which has exciting opportunities available for players in its under-11, under-13, under-15 and under-17 teams.
The under-13s made the finals for the first time in years last season, while the under-17s made their grand final.
Nathan Copey has made the step up to run Emerald’s In2Cricket program. He coaches weekly cricket clinics in local primary schools, is involved with both Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia, and is currently completing a work placement with the Melbourne Stars Big Bash team.
The youngster is known for his ability to interact with younger players and be a real positive influence on their burgeoning careers.
Steve added that registration fee relief will be available for any parents interested in getting actively involved with their kids’ teams, whether in a coaching or managerial sense.
Emerald senior players, who will make the step up into the WGCA’s Premier division this season, will help mentor under-15 juniors this year in an exciting move for the junior club.
It’s a kind of cricketing buddy system.
Every player registered to play with Emerald this coming season will get a chance with both bat and ball in hand.
Under-17s coach Paul Baldock has done a six-week coaching accreditation course and can easily pick up early skill deficiencies in players.
Anyone who wants to get involved with Emerald junior cricket should send an email to dakysteb1971@gmail.com or call Steve on 0407 499 234.
The club has the use of an indoor training facility – complete with a bowling machine – each Friday night.
Most games will be played at Emerald’s Worrell Reserve, with Cockatoo’s Mountain Road Recreation Reserve also occasionally used as an alternative venue.
