Sydney Thunder stars are heading into the heart of regional New South Wales this week as part of Cricket NSW’s annual Country Blitz, aimed at inspiring participation and strengthening grassroots cricket communities.
From August 6–7, players will travel across Southern and Western NSW, engaging with schools, clubs, and volunteers through clinics, school visits, and community events.
Davies and Eve take cricket to the Central Tablelands
Oliver Davies and Sienna Eve will be in the Central Tablelands, visiting Orange Public School and Anson Street Public School, followed by an after-school clinic at Wade Park. The duo will also stop by Scots All Saints College in Bathurst.
Hadley and Darlington tour the Riverina
Ryan Hadley and Hannah Darlington will spend two days in the Riverina region, conducting visits at schools in Corowa and Albury. They will also attend a Come-n-Try Day at the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cricket Hub and meet with local cricket volunteers.
Homecoming for Matt Gilkes in Southern Highlands
Ulladulla-born Matt Gilkes returns to his roots with a tour of the Southern Highlands, including stops in Bowral, Mittagong, and Hill Top. Over two days, Gilkes will visit five local schools and host a cricket clinic at the historic Bradman Oval.
Sam Bates brings the game to Southern Inland
Sam Bates will travel through the Southern Inland region, engaging with students and young cricketers in Wagga Wagga, Griffith, and Yenda. Bates will participate in come-and-try sessions to promote cricket participation in these communities.
Sam Bates shared her motivation:
“Coming from the country, we never had access to this sort of thing, so if I can inspire not just cricketers but kids to play and love cricket… that’s really special to me.”
Cricket NSW’s Country Blitz continues to strengthen the connection between professional players and the grassroots level, fostering a love of cricket and encouraging more young people across NSW to get involved in the game.
