Welcome to West Pennant Hills – Cherrybrook Cricket Club, established in 1930 and now entering its 81st year. It is one of the biggest individual clubs in NSW, with 50 plus teams. Our Kanga Cricket division was a pioneer in this form of the game and now commences its 19th year.

We offer the following information to help you understand how it operates for you and your team.

What is Kanga

Kanga is a specially modified form of the game, developed by Cricket Australia to provide introductory cricket activity for boys and girls between the ages of 6 – 8 years, using specialised equipment and simple rules – plastic bats and stumps, soft balls, reduced pitch and ground size.

Kanga is meant to be played for fun. On the way our kids learn about the great game and are prepared for organised competition in the future.

Code of Behaviour

Our Club has a proud reputation of sportsmanship across all grades and especially in junior competition. Why? We have a formal policy of ‘Participation Over Results’ where each child gets equal opportunity to participate throughout the year – in all grades from Kangas to Under 16’s. A copy of our playing code is available – please take time to read it. It will give you an understanding of what we expect of our players, and from you, as a parent, spectator or coach.

Season Start

This Kanga Cricket season starts Saturday 16th October 2010. We break for Summer Holidays on 11th December 2010, resuming on the 29th January 2011. The season concludes with special games and a presentation ceremony on Saturday 12th March 2011.

Registrations fill quickly once Registrations open. If you are interested in playing then please give John Coulthard a call on 9484-2924.

Where do we play?

All matches are played at Edward Bennett Oval, Edward Bennett Drive, Cherrybrook (the ground behind West Pennant Hills Sports Club).

Parking?

Please park in the Sports Club car park (enter via New Line Road) and walk through the gate up that backs onto Edward Bennett Oval. Please note that Bowerman Place (on the Western side of the oval) is a strictly enforced no parking zone).

Parent Information Night

Before the season starts everyone involved in Kanga is invited to our Parent Information Night. This explains everything you need to know about the season and gives you the opportunity to answer any questions.

The night will be on Monday 20th September 2010 at the west Pennant Hills Sports Club. More info will follow closer to the day.

What happens on Saturday?

It is important to be on time. Our Kanga sessions run from 8am to 10pm, each Saturday. There is no midweek training. We ask that you be at the ground on opening day by 7.45am, so that teams can be organised and introductions made. Your child will be allocated in advance to a team that is named after a famous test match venue (e.g. SCG, Adelaide. Lords etc...). Where possible, children will have been placed with nominated friends, but this cannot be guaranteed. Please feel free to refer any questions about team allocations from parents to either John Coulthard or Glenn O’Connor.

Each Saturday, the team coaches conduct skill sessions, teaching our Kangas the basics of throwing, catching, batting and bowling, using drills and exercises from our own published Skills Manual. As these skills develop they will be introduced to more advanced drills, and modified versions of ‘grown up’ cricket –playing against other teams).

Level 0 Coaching

Each year we run a Level '0' Basics Coaching course for anyone interested in knowing more about Kanga and especially those of us who will be coaching and managing a Team. It is an excellent introduction to Kanga, is non threatening, requires no previous knowledge of the game - it does give you the basics and is a very popular session.

This will be held at Edward Bennett Oval on Sunday 26th September. More information will follow on this soon after Registration Day.

After Kanga.....then what?

The size of West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club (WPHCCC) ensures a smooth development pathway for your child. After 2 seasons of Kanga cricket, children graduate to one of several Under 9’s teams, progressing each year until Under 16’s. From there, they can progress to seniors, where WPHCCC has teams of all skill levels. It must be noted that at this point some dads (and mums) have chosen to return to cricket to enjoy playing alongside their children.

Beyond this, WPHCCC enjoys excellent relations with Northern District Cricket Club, who play in the Sydney Grade Competition – which is a stepping stone to greater honours. The present captain of the NSW Women’s Cricket Team, and Vice Captain of Australia, Lisa Sthalekar, was one of our juniors).

What do our Children Wear?

All of our Kangas are provided with a club shirt, cap and a personal Kanga cricket bat. We require all Kangas to wear these, along with white shorts, socks and runners. Please remember to bring a drink for your child. A complete Kanga Cricket Kit is provided to each team for their use each Saturday. Each of these kits are provided with sunscreen to use).

Wet Weather

In the event of inclement weather, the Kanga director will make a decision by 7.30am on Saturday. If play is to be cancelled, each of the team managers will be notified to begin a ring (or SMS) around so that everyone can be informed by 7.45am. Remember, no phone call (or SMS) means the game is ON).

Insurance

In our 17 years of Kangas, fortunately no child has been seriously injured during play. However, as we are affiliated with Cricket NSW, limited cover for all is provided. Visit www.jlta.com.au for more information.

Sports Club Membership

Included with your registration information pack is an application form for the WPH Sports Club. While our cricket club is not directly connected, the sports club has for many years been a strong supporter and sponsor. They provide excellent facilities for members and to return their favours we invite you to take up membership. WPHCCC will pay for your first year’s membership fees.

Our website

Find out more about our great club at www.wphccc.org
You’ll find out about our club’s history, personalities, upcoming events and current scores from all teams. Looking forward to seeing you this season.

John Coulthard
Kanga Director
(02) 9484 2924
West Pennant Cherrybrook CC.