A Queensland Sub-District Cricket Club has tried a different approach to pre-season training.
With new players coming in, the Morningside Magpies are hosting ‘fun’ sports nights during August and September, including mini-golf, driving ranges, ten pin bowling, and rock climbing. These activities are held a few hours after the usual Saturday morning net sessions.
Peter – the Magpies’ club president – said the new activities were necessary to test out an influx of new players after a lot of older players retired at the end of last season.
“We can have all the net sessions, centre wicket practices, and fielding drills we want, but we wanted to find a way to test the new players in a fun but competitive environment. One that’s social enough so everyone relaxes and opens up, but serious enough to fuel their competitive juices,” said Peter. “We can see who thrives under pressures and will go straight to A grade, who bottles it or loses their shit and will go straight to C grade, and who’s in the middle ground and will play in the Bs.”
For extra fun and competitiveness, the club has made a special trophy for the ‘ultimate champion’ across the four weeks of Saturday afternoon activities. The only rule is alcohol is banned for competing players, though players who aren’t involved are free to drink – and sledge their new teammates – as much as they want.
“We’ve already seen a heap of banter over who wins the Ultimate Champion,” said Peter. “The boys have taken to this idea beautifully, regardless of what standard of cricket they play. I have a feeling this will be a successful season.”
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