Junior Cricket

Year 5 is the first year players can play with the hard ball, in an adapted form of cricket. As it will be his/her first year of hard ball cricket and there are a few things you should know.

Interested in playing? Email office@birkenheadcricket.co.nz

CLICK THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE NHJC Y5 Morning Rules

Year 5 hardball is an introduction to hard ball cricket. It’s known as Action Cricket, and each team has 8 players. Each batting pair (4 in total) bats for 6 overs each, regardless of the number of times they are out. Total overs = 24. Each time a player is out, 5 runs are added to the opposition team total as “extras”.

All bowlers bowl a minimum of 2 overs each and a maximum of 4. These variations on the game allow maximum participation. For full details of the rules see the attached PDF file and they are also available at our website www.birkenheadcricket.co.nz and at North Harbour cricket www.northharbourcricket.co.nz by clinking on Links then clicking on Rules. North Harbour cricket runs the junior cricket competitions from Year 5 up to Year 8.

Each gear bag has a variety of bats in it your child can use. It also has two helmets which must be worn by your child while batting (club rule).
The gear bags also have pads and gloves.
If you wish to buy your own, that’s fine too – but you don’t need to.

The only things you DO need to buy this season are:
1. A box – compulsory. (As is wearing normal undies – not boxers – on practice and playing day).
2. Long cricket whites pants. These aren’t compulsory (shorts are ok) but most children prefer them when they get to hard ball cricket.

FAQs

A hardball is dangerous – will my child get hurt?

Most children are excited by playing hardball but wary of it initially – this is good protection in itself. If they listen to their coach they will be safe.
Some tips:
1. NEVER turn your back on the ball when practising in the nets. If someone hits the ball out of the nets it is dangerous not to be watching.
2. Always call “heads” loudly if a ball has been hit in the air and is heading towards an unsuspecting person or group!
3. Always wear your helmet while training in the nets.
4. Always wear your box and proper undies while training in the nets.
5. Never practise in bare feet.
6. Always check a batsman is ready before you bowl.

How long does it go for?

Games begin at 8.30 (be there 8.15 for the toss). Games are well over by 12.30pm. The draw for each game will be on the Auckland Cricket website in 2014.  Sometimes the draws in the first couple of weeks are a little late being posted because they are dependent on whether grounds are dry enough or not.

Where are the games played?

Games are played all over the Shore. Birkenhead’s home grounds are Dudding Park (Little Shoal Bay), Greenslade Common and Onepoto Domain. Because games are on at the same time as the Soft ball cricket at Birkenhead War Memorial, no games can be played there.

What else is different?

We will be introducing your child to the Spirit of Cricket, the essence of the game. We expect parents/caregivers to read through it and explain to their children. Coaches will reinforce the Spirit of Cricket throughout the season. It includes such things as not arguing with umpires, treating the opposition with respect and fair play.