Juniors in country week return

A junior team made up of players from Katanning and Broomehill will represent the Great Southern Cricket Association at junior country week in Perth next month.

Believed to be the first junior team from the GSCA in several years to compete at the annual tournament in Perth, a squad of 11 players will represent the region in the under-14 D-section division, starting on January 6.

The Great Southern team will play the Wheatbelt Warriors to kick off their campaign before games against Geraldton, Bunbury and Districts, and Peel across the five days.

Hundreds of junior cricketers converge on Perth to play during country week across a number of different divisions in early January each year.

Great Southern coach Ben Quartermaine said the carnival was a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters to play games against different opposition.

“We’ve had a great response and could have almost taken two teams away,” Quartermaine said.

“Not for a long time has the Great Southern sent a team to junior country week. I’ve been trying to find out how long but it would be at least 10 years, I’d think.

“It’s about getting them up there and giving them a taste of cricket against different teams.

“We only have four teams in our competition, so to play against different kids will be great for their development.

“If they enjoy themselves, then hopefully they go on and play senior cricket in our competition.”

Seven players from Katanning and four from Broomhill make up the Great Southern side.

Quartermaine said the support from their communities had been wonderful in helping subsidise the large expense of sending a team to Perth.

“It’s obviously quite expensive but the local community have been very good,” he said.

“The Lions, Rotary and Apex service clubs have given us some money, the local Sportspower has donated the playing balls and Edwards Motors have hired us their bus at a reduced price.

“Plus, help from the Junior Sports Foundation and the GSCA have also donated a bit of money, which obviously it benefits them if they get some senior cricketers in the future.”