JUNIOR cricketers from around the Northern Rivers were able to rub shoulders with future stars from the NSW and Sydney Sixers teams at multiple coaching clinics in the region.<\/p>\n
It was part of the Cricket NSW Country Blitz Tour which aims to promote the game and encourage registrations for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n
NSW players Ryan Hicks and Kate Pelle were part of the tour with Marist Brothers hosting an after-school clinic at Lismore.<\/p>\n
Hicks played with Australian Test opener Sam Konstas in the national under-19 team who won the World Cup in South Africa last year.<\/p>\n
Pelle has also played in a World Cup at under-19 level and is the understudy of Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy.<\/p>\n
The country tour included an activity day for multiple primary schools across the region at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina.<\/p>\n
The Sydney Sixers School Smash Gala Day attracted more than 100 children from five schools.<\/p>\n
There was also a focus on girls\u2019 participation through the Cricket Blast and introductory program.<\/p>\n
Cricket NSW chief community cricket officer Martin Gleeson said the recruitment drive aims to attract players for competitions this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of our elite players in the state and WBBL teams began their journeys in Country NSW,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Country Blitz provides a great opportunity for our players to support country communities as they get ready for the massive summer of cricket that we\u2019re set to have.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also supports local clubs with their promotions and recruitment for the coming season and for our staff and players to meet and thank the many volunteers who are essential to the game\u2019s success locally.\u201d<\/p>\n