Cricket: Primary school carnival to get underway at Rotorua's Smallbone Park

Jerry Phillips has a shy at the stumps during a previous Rotorua Cricket Carnival. Photo / File

Eleven of Rotorua's primary school cricket teams will be up bright and early tomorrowas they head to the Rotorua Carnival of Cricket at
Smallbone Park.

The Bay of Plenty Cricket Association (BOPCA) regional cricket festivals are being held in the eastern and Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupō and follow on from the New Zealand Cricket Superstarter Programme school visits during August and September.

Aimed at Year 4-6 students, the Superstarter Programme comprises four modules of the fundamental movement skills of striking, throwing, catching and bowling the ball.

BOPCA cricket manager Tai Bridgman-Raison said: "It is pleasing to see a solid increase in the numbers of schools and teams taking part in the Rotorua Carnival of Cricket this year.

"For many of the children this will be their first experience of organised cricket. The event is designed to ensure that experience is a positive one with a focus on enjoyment and skill development rather than results."

The Rotorua Carnival of Cricket is run by Rotorua Cricket in conjunction with Sport
Bay of Plenty and follows the New Zealand Cricket philosophy of "Making school cricket programmes all about fun, participation and developing our players of tomorrow".

The BOPCA Festivals of Cricket give the Superstarter graduates the opportunity to utilise their new-found cricket skills in fun, non-competitive environments.

BOPCA Primary School Cricket Festivals
November 6: Rotorua Carnival of Cricket at Smallbone Park
November 7: Western Bay of Plenty Mini World Cup at Bay Oval & Blake Park
November 8: Taupo Carnival of Cricket at Owen Delaney Park
November 21: Eastern Bay of Plenty Cricket Festival
November 22: Western Bay of Plenty GoGirl Super 6's at Bay Oval

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