By Callum Ludwig
The Wandin Cricket Club has come out with its second big announcement in successive weeks, with the club set to field its first Under 16s side in years.
Following the announcement of the club’s inaugural women’s side last week, the Dogs look set for a big season in 2022/23.
Wandin CC President Bryce Edwards said to have the U16s this year is pretty big for the club.
“A few years ago, we lost a lot of our juniors and the club was in a bit of trouble, but thanks to the help of David Marshall and Brad McKenzie from the club, who have been doing a lot of work with our Master Blasters, we’ve built up our U10s, 12s and 14s,” he said.
“This into our U16s, which we haven’t had U16s for a very long time. We have about 6 players so far, and we need four or five more for this season.”
For aspiring young cricketers who are considering joining the Pup’s new U16 side, registration will be free this season for U16s to reduce barriers to young players giving it a crack.
Mr Edwards said the creation of the U16s closes the little gap between the junior and senior sides.
“The U16s are your feeder from the juniors, and the pathway to playing senior cricket,” he said.
“We already have some of our U16s that will be playing with our seniors now in our lower grades, it’s really important that we keep the kids there so we have a nice transition across.”
The U16 and other junior players will receive frequent professional training before and during the season as part of the club’s push to rebuild and improve their junior stocks.
Mr Edwards said Wandin is very much a family club.
“We’re really excited about where we are heading, to see that we have three really good competitive sides,” he said.
“As well as our new women’s team, our players in the Yarra Valley over 60’s, and our 12 to 15 kids in the Master Blasters, of which eight were girls. We’re a really complete club and on our way to being a really successful complete club.”
