A group of budding indoor cricketers, many of whom were already making their mark in the outdoor game, took on some of NSW's and the ACT's best at a recent indoor State event in Dubbo.
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After having only played for the past couple of months in the local competition at the new Stingers Sport - Forster Tuncurry Indoor Centre, the lads were up against it, with the opposition teams all drawn from larger areas and much more experienced in the alternate version of our national game.
NSW Country Cyclones, NSW Metro and ACT all provided very tough competition, but the Coasties stung their more vaunted opponents with their efforts and commitment.
Their closest encounter came in the form of a very narrow loss to the strong ACT squad.
While the result didn't go their way, the opportunity to play in a rep event was grabbed and enjoyed and has whet their appetite for more.
With the interest in cricket, netball and soccer growing as the new centre in Dee Crescent, Tuncurry takes a hold on the local sporting scene, the trip was no doubt a portent to more youngsters trying their hand in the future.
Stingers' principal, Mike Steinmetz, was thrilled to support the squad and very appreciative of the efforts of coaches and parents.
"It was a daunting task but the boys were great," he said.
"Just being involved and having a go was a thrill for them and they learned a lot."
Steinmetz praised the efforts of coach Ben Marron and his manager and assistant, Gus Farland, for looking after the boys and getting them upskilled for such a strong carnival in a short time.
Drew Townsend and Kyle Marron both finished in the top 10 of player stats for the weekend's event and they and their teammates will be hungry for more in the future.
The squad was sponsored by Forster McDonalds, with its local principal, Brett Jones, also a cricket tragic, being a representative for the Mid North Coast Veterans and a past grade player in Sydney.
"The Forster Tuncurry business communities are always great in supporting local sport and we hope we can have more Stingers sporting teams representing us in the future," Steinmetz added.
The Stingers' squad for the event was: Kyle Marron, Spencer Farland, Will Lumley, Drew Townsend, Liam Turner, Will Gregory, Jake Herival, Chase Marron and Hayden Lumley.
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