A new innings for Jabiru cricket

Anthony Shearn gets in some batting practice at the Arnhem Oval nets.

THE sound of leather on willow is echoing across Arnhem Oval for the first time in a few years as a small group of hardcore enthusiasts take up cricket training.

The town of Jabiru did once have an active cricket club, but the tyranny of distance took its toll, with players having to Darwin to play every second week to compete in grade cricket.

“The travel was a bit of a killer,” says Anthony Shearn, the man behind the move to get Jabiru locals back on the pitch.

“It was a shame because we had a reasonable amount of interest, with a Sunday arvo competition and about 20 people playing.”

This time around, the focus is more on getting people down to the nets who are “just interested in having a run”, Ant says.

“We’ve started training here Tuesday and Thursday nights, and have put up some signs around town to try to throw the net over a few more people,” he says. “It’s about doing something more productive than just sitting on the couch.”

When it wound up a few years ago, the Jabiru Cricket Club had funds in the bank, which it used to purchase a bowling machine.

“So if people want to come down to training, they could have the opportunity to face up to a bowling machine,” Ant says. “Hopefully a few more people will come down, we can meet a few new faces, and really get the ball rolling.”

While the cricketers would not be playing in a formal competition Ant says “we might organise a game to help give it some legs”.

So if you are interested in cricket, come along to the practice nets at the Arnhem Oval, between Waterhouse Crescent and Kinchela Road, from 5.30pm Tuesday and Thursday, or call Anthony on 0402 001 162.

The bowling machine in action.