Eastlake Junior Cricket Pathway
The merge of Eastlake senior club and Eastlake Junior club happened in the 2022/23 season and now provides a lifelong pathway for our Juniors to progress through from Blasters and then through Stages 1, 2 and 3 and Colts. Many Juniors play in the Senior Graded comp in the ACT in all 6 Grades and the Women's Competition.
Cricket Australia has a clearly defined path for Juniors to play in the space where enjoyment and skill development are of equal focus:
https://www.community.cricket.com.au/clubs/running-your-club/-/media/85C1EC9CF29D4AE392B2EC8BE32F0C1B.ashx
LINK IS DEAD need a new one.??? I need to find this as it explains Stages and indicative ages.
Choosing the right junior format for your child
We welcome boys and girls from age 5 to 17 to play with Eastlake in 2022-23. We have a range of formats to suit all players whatever their skill level.
Blasters: It is a super fun, social, safe, cricket program for boys and girls aged 5 and 10 with Junior Blasters for 5 to 7 year olds and Master Blasters for 7 t0 10 year olds. The program is much shorter than traditional cricket, with a maximum of 90 minutes playing time. All the equipment is supplied and the games take place at the Deakin oval behind the Mint each week on a Friday evening. For enquiries please email Mike Matthews.
Stage 1 modified rules: Stage cricket is the start of traditional cricket played on a synthetic wicket. It is suitable for children typically aged between 8 and 10 who are ready to take the step up to the next level. The modified rules, include reduced team numbers (7) and shorter pitch length (16m) to ensure maximum fun and participation. There are a range of options to play Friday evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday mornings.
Stage 2: 9 a side, played off an 18m pitch for children typically aged 11 and 12. Stage 2 is usually played on Friday evenings (ungraded); Saturday morning (graded) and Sunday morning (ungraded).
Stage 3: 11 a side, traditional rules for 13 and up. Played usually on Saturday mornings (graded - division 1) and Sunday mornings (division 2/ungraded).
Girls Cricket: The girls only Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 competitions are based on the junior open format with the same rules with Stage 1 more suited to girls newer to cricket and later stage formats for more experienced players. Competition matches are usually played on Friday evenings.
Age rules for ACT Cricket: Children play in the stage group depending on their ability and in consideration of their age and maturity. Players are graded based on ability. Age exemptions are available for children born near the cut-off date (31 August) who have a valid reason for playing down a year (e.g no available team in older age group; playing with friends etc).