Getting in swing of cricket

Clutha children worked and played hard to develop their cricket skills last week at the Cross...
Clutha children worked and played hard to develop their cricket skills last week at the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha. PHOTO: EVELYN THORN
Future cricketers are developing their skills in Balclutha.

The Smash Play Cricket programme hosted by Sport Clutha at the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha has youngsters having a go after school.

Children come along to learn about equipment, develop batting, catching and improve on their general skills through cricket.

The free programme is happening each Wednesday for about six weeks.

The programme is about halfway through.

"It’s just fun and games at the moment as well as getting kids involved," Sport Clutha’s Craig Gordon said.

"They learn and develop before getting older and playing cricket in the premier league."

Adults’ social indoor cricket has been getting decent numbers too, with six teams competing socially and having some fun after work and getting some exercise in.

"It’s a great way to get some people out and about and especially get them interested in cricket," Gordon said.

"We’re a bit low on numbers for the premier season, so it would be good to get some new players involved.

"Cricket is trying to grow, so we’re starting at the bottom and seeing how we go for now."

Updates can be found on the Sport Clutha and South Otago Premier Cricket Facebook pages.