Girls only cricket launches on the coast
The Sunshine Coast Cricket Association will launch its girls-only junior competition for girls aged 11–14 years in mid-October. The Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club, along with the Maleny and Landsborough cricket clubs, is hoping to pitch a team in this exciting new format. One player who is fully behind it is Anastasia Maher who is passionate about the sport and has been a part of the local Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club for the past three years. Anastasia says while she has enjoyed playing alongside the boys, she’d really love to be part of an all-girls team. “I love playing cricket and signing up a few years ago was the best decision,” she said. “Team work and cooperation are two of the most important parts of cricket but it also very thrilling and requires strategy, which I love. Plus, you make plenty friends along the way.” Anastasia’s love of cricket began at an early age, treasuring time spent with her father watching countless games. She says of all the sports she plays, cricket is certainly her favourite. “I didn’t realise how much fun playing cricket could be and I’d love for other girls to give it a go this season too.” Leanne McAllister, from Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club, said the club was excited about the opportunities of the girls-only competition and encouraged anyone interested to attend the come and try sessions on Tuesday, September 10 from 4-5.30pm at the Glasshouse Mountains Sports Club to see what it’s all about. Leanne said girls who attended would enjoy a laid-back afternoon with an introduction to the basics of cricket, including batting and bowling and plenty of fun activities, as well as a chance to meet others who are interested in playing together. “We already have some great players who are eager to start their own team and we’re hoping to encourage more girls to get involved and enjoy the sport,” Leanne said. To give the players a greater chance of experiencing all the action of cricket, pitches are slightly modified to a smaller field and games run for two hours on Saturday mornings. The women’s teams play every second Sunday following the T20 format. “We have our first ever under 10s team, our junior girls team, which is for girls between 11 and 14 years of age, and our women’s team for 14 years and up.” Any girls interested in finding out more can contact Leanne on 0431 040 625 or visit the club's Facebook page @GlasshouseDCC.
Rugby union milestone
The Maleny Bushrangers Rugby Union season has finished for the year and the club is preparing for its annual presentation evening on Saturday night, September 7 at the Maleny RSL Club. Each season brings a range of achievements and highlights for individual players but one key milestone is that of long-time club member, 23-year-old Shaun Arnold–Brown, who played his 100th senior game for the club in reserve grade. Shaun’s love of the game of rugby began in 2001 as a five year old playing in the Maroochydore Rugby Union Club’s under 7s, only turning six at the end of the season. When the Maleny Junior Rugby Union Club formed the following year, Shaun became the first to sign on for its under 7s team. Fast forward to 2019 when Shaun, a senior for the Maleny Bushrangers, played his 100th senior game for the club on July 27, which was made all the sweeter when he scored a try and kicked two conversions. Shaun said rugby has been the biggest catalyst in his life and that he was proud to pull on the blue, green and gold for the 100th time. Shaun joined the Maleny Bushrangers Senior Colts in 2012 after being allowed dispensation to play up, as he was only 17 years old. He has also played two seasons of grid iron (American football) with the Sunshine Coast Spartans - one season in juniors and one in the senior division. Shaun was an Australian representative in the junior side that played American representative sides in a Down Under Bowl competition. Shaun also spent 18 months in the USA on a rugby part scholarship where he had the opportunity to play rugby and rugby sevens, as well as receiving an American college degree. Shaun regards playing rugby and rugby sevens in America as among the special moments in his sporting career, alongside the thrill of reaching and playing in premierships with the Bushrangers and the opportunity of touring Canada and the USA with the Australian Outback Barbarians. His Bushrangers team finished third in the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union reserve grade competition this season. They were knocked out in the minor semi-final bringing their season to an end. Shaun, who regards camaraderie among team mates as the most important part of rugby, simply reckons that young kids should get involved, have fun and enjoy playing the game.
What: Come and try sessions When: Tuesday, September 10 from 4-5.30pm Where: Glasshouse Mountains Sports Club Photo courtesy of Chris Walker photography
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