The Quesnel Cricket Club has been practicing and nurturing younger players for several months now and have gained sufficient confidence to launch their first challenge.
“I would like to challenge the Quesnel City Council and the Quesnel Youth Soccer Association board of directors to a friendly match this summer,” cricket club team manager Dudley Leather said.
One of the young recuits is Andrew Blow.
“I thought it would be fun,” Blow said as to why he decided to take up cricket.
His favourite part of the game is bowling, even though it is also the part he finds most difficult.
“Keeping my arm straight while bowling is tough,” he said.
In addition to playing a few overs, Leather hopes the friendly matches can be used as fundraisers.
The charity Leather has chosen is the Leukemia Society of B.C., for very personal reasons.
“I have leukemia and so has my daughter,” he said.
Also on their list of potential opponents are the Rotary Club, school district and pulp mill employees.
The cricket club recognizes their potential competition likely know little about the sport of cricket. To even the playing field, members of the Quesnel Cricket Club welcome potential opponents to practice with them.
The next practice for the cricket club is June 5 at the soccer facilities on Anderson Drive. Start time, 2 p.m.
Interest in cricket is growing in Canada, as Leather also pointed out the recent appearance of a Canadian cricket team at the World Cup Cricket Competition, Feb. 19 – April 2.
Hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the 2011 World Cup Cricket Competition marked the first time Canada took part in the world championship.
For information contact Leather by email, dleather@telus.net, or by phone, 250 -747-1627.