With cricket season almost upon us, giant of the game Doug Walters is heading for Junee to rally the troops.
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Junior cricket is back for a second season after being reborn last year. Walters said it’s fantastic to see the local association keeping the competition alive.
Scoring 5357 test runs including 15 centuries and taking 49 wickets at an average of 29.08, the mythical figure may just be the inspiration the youngsters need.
“Sport is dying off a lot unfortunately, we’re very fortunate in NSW a large majority of our sportspeople have come from country areas,” he said.
“People are busy, it often falls back on one or two guys to organise and run junior competitions.
“But it’s an important part of identity in the bush, coming together.
“The friendships you forge really make you a better person.”
Walters will hold a skills session with junior cricketers at Loftus Oval from 4-5pm on Friday, September 15.
The Cricket Association have taken care of fees and there are no bookings required.
Known for his cheeky demeanor and impressive ability to perform after sleepless nights at the pub, he’s chosen The Commercial as his Junee watering hole.
It’s not his first time in town, with locals recalling chats across the bar the Ex Servcies Club. He hopes to run into some old cricketers from his glory days.
“I used to play with a few guys from Junee back in the day, I don’t know if they’re still around but I hope to meet up with them,” he said.
“There was some great talent in the area.”
He says he’ll keep his talk at The Commercial Hotel lighthearted.
“It will just be reminiscing about the good old times, nothing too serious,” he said.
Junior Cricket will kick off at the end of September. There’s been talk of changing from a Saturday morning to Friday evening, to be discussed during the AGM on Tuesday, September 12.
Sport is such an important part of identity, coming together. The friendships you forge really make you a better person
- Doug Walters
“We’ve got to encourage kids to play as much sport as they can”, Junior Cricket Association president Jack Charlton said.
“We want to get it going quickly, the footy’s over and we don’t want kids twiddling their thumbs.”
The senior competition starts on October 7.
Mr Charlton is looking forward for a catch up with the man himself.
“He’s certainly a character, he’s a bushy at heart.”
Sporting memorabilia will be auctioned off at the pub on Friday with proceeds donated to Junee cricket.
