Ian Healy
Welcomes You
To Queensland Country Cricket.
The Australian Country Championships is a sensational tradition that Qld Country Cricket carries forward every year in such a proud manner. Queensland has so much of the state's talent outside our capital that it is vital that this continues too. I hope in the near future, that it won't be a case of having to live in the city whilst trying to make your name as a state cricketer. I want to see selectors plump on a non-city dweller at times for 2nd XI matches in the hope of a stunning performance and then future inspiration to relocate for the next step. We'll see .....
Country cricket shaped most of my life, I guess. I would play juniors on a Saturday morning then scrounge a game with the seniors on Saturday arv, before falling into dinner and bed. Sundays saw a new one day competition, which I would more often than not play in any team that would have me. From the time I was 12, I was a fulltime player in the club of my choice, Callide CC. My teammates had me run from fineleg to fineleg, rarely bat and have to score. I thought I was the bees knees !!!
I mentioned shaping my life, as whilst I was doing this during the cricket and with the footy season just as hectic, my mates were riding trail bikes, fishing, skiing and the like . Skills I have never had or developed. In my small area of Biloela in Central Qld we had 8 teams for Sat arv and the same again for the Sun comp. From what I am hearing there aren't too many communities of any size providing that sort of depth for our time consuming game today. It needs to be the focus of everyone to attempt to improve numbers enjoying the comraderie of the club game whilst at all times providing avenues to stretch and challenge the elite. Quality for the better players is paramount .
20/20 should be fantastic in all communities; even the fly in and out mining towns. Midweek comps comprising of club as well as company teams can be a new dynamic. It is great that our game now has a 3 hour version which is very family friendly. Some of those old hard nuts of country cricket might even be enticed back into the fray which is so sorely missed in all cricket.
India is certainly where world cricket power is at the moment , population, passion and companies all looking to be involved in their national sport. The recent IPL beginnings were extremely promising for all concerned including the players . This model I am sure will now be replicated around the world with the long term vision suggesting cricket could become the most popular sport in the world.
Junior cricket is where the country has its real advantages, however. Ease of travel to practice and games at least until the district trials begin anyway !! Time spent with bat and ball in hand should always be greater than city players whose parents find it tough getting to one practice a week and I forever hope that intrastate results always show this.
Country teams need to believe that they can beat the city and plenty still do, but never enough for my liking. Regions need to ensure they get the full use of QC resources whether they be coaches or development officers placed strategically to achieve performance.
Can I urge parents to assist in what needs to be done by your committees, assist with the development of facilities and then enjoy your involvement as well, in a sport which can sometimes intimidate.
It is time consuming and labour intensive with the numbers of ways a person can involve themselves- parent, player, junior, senior, coach, administrator, umpire, mentor, patron, canteen, committee member and the list goes on. Qld Country Cricket continues to cover the roles well and its representative teams play accordingly.
The North South trials are as memorable to me as any of my more famous matches. I almost wish for it all over again but know it is now up to the new generation who I hope get the same community support as I was afforded.
Here's to another great season for players and workers alike.
Enjoy the new website, too.
Heals.
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