Future cricket stars set to pad up at Riverside
Riverside's Windsor Oval will host four matches at the Under-17 National Cricket Championships, which kick off this week.
It's the first time the championships have been hosted in Northern Tasmania since the 1987-88 season, with games split between the Windsor Precinct, UTAS Stadium, the NTCA Ground and Invermay Park from Thursday, January 16 through to Thursday, January 23.
Ten teams from across every state and territory will compete at this year's titles - which includes both Metro and Country teams from NSW and Victoria.
The Tasmanian team will be coached by Pathways coach Marc Simmons, and he will be assisted by Harry Allanby and Alistair Taylor. The tigers squad features two budding Launceston-based stars of the future - Ethan Arnott and Jack Crane, who both play with South Launceston in the NTCA.
The young Tigers outfit will get its first taste of action against the traditionally strong Vic Metro side at Windsor on Thursday, January 16 starting at 10am.
The Riverside ground will also host ACT v the Northern Territory on Friday, January 17 from 10am, as well as a round 1 finals match on Wednesday, January 22 and the fifth placed play-off game on Thursday, January 23.
West Tamar Mayor Christina Holmdahl said the Council was delighted to be hosting four matches at the Windsor Precinct, with Council ground staff delivering what promises to be an excellent pitch for one-day cricket.
"Securing these four games is a testament to all the hard work our Council staff does each and every day to bring all of our sporting ovals up to tip-top condition regardless of whether it’s for cricket, football or soccer," Mayor Holmdahl said.
"The team at Windsor has put in plenty of work over the Christmas break to make sure the main ground is in the best condition it can possibly be for one-day cricket.
"And while I'm certainly not an expert in this field, pardon the pun, our ground staff tell me that the pitch will have even bounce and pace for the batsmen with a fast outfield, so they expect plenty of runs to be made," Mayor Holmdahl said.
Last year's under-17 championships were held in Ballarat, with NSW Country claiming top honours.
This year's grand final will be played at UTAS Stadium on Thursday, January 23 at 11am.
Tasmania's squad: Aidan Bulger (Kingborough CC); Bailey Shead (Clarence CC); Charles Hill (University CC); Ethan Arnott (South Launceston CC); Gabe Tichanow (New Town CC); Hayden Clark-Sullivan (Clarence CC); Jack Crane (Greater Northern Raiders/South Launceston CC); Jericoh Dickins (University CC); Lachie Coe (Kingborough CC); Luca Di Venuto (Clarence CC); Mason Wright (University CC); Riley Whitelaw (Clarence CC); Russi Sturzaker (Greater Northern Raiders/Burnie CC); Tarkyn Jones (Glenorchy CC).