Maniototo's brightest cricketing stars are burning off some of their summer holiday energy.
A two-day holiday programme run by the Otago Country Cricket Association started in Ranfurly yesterday.
Several local primary and intermediate school pupils, ranging from age 7 to 13, assembled at Maniototo Area School for a range of cricketing drills and games.
''It's really an extension of what we try and do most school holidays.
''We try and run holiday programmes right across the Otago Country district throughout the year.
''There hasn't been a lot of cricket over the summer so [the programme] is about getting them back into the swing of things before the season starts.''
Mr Miller said these programmes were crucial in ensuring cricket continued to grow in the region.
''We just want [the pupils], whenever they pick up a cricket bat or cricket ball, that they're having a positive experience.
''In this sort of environment it is really easy.''
In between games, the first half of the day focused on fielding drills.
The afternoon session would be geared towards bowling and the drawcard ''test match cricket'' event to round the day off.
Twelve-year-old Jock Duncan, of Gimmerburn, has aspirations to play professional cricket and said he enjoyed the first day.
''It's been really fun playing with everyone.
''Doing the competitions and games has been my highlight.''
