Young cricket stars on show in Mackay

Published: 21 Aug 2019

Mackay will again host the country’s best under 17 male cricket players after a hugely successful competition last year.

The Cricket Australia U17 Male National Championships, presented by Woolworths, will return to Harrup Park and Magpies Sporting Complex from September 30 – October 10.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Cricket Australia decided to host the entire tournament in Mackay and not return to Brisbane, due to our excellent facilities and proven track record in hosting big cricket events.

“By hosting tournaments like the Women’s Big Bash League and the Over 60s cricket tournament we are showing the world we have the resources and the ability to host big cricket tournaments in Mackay,” he said.

“The U17 national tournament will add to our growing reputation as a regional cricketing capital of Australia.”

The U17 national tournament will boost Mackay’s local economy.

“The national championships will be held over seven nights and there will be over 130 players, 100 parents and 40 officials and Cricket Australia staff, which equates to 1900 bed nights for our region,” Cr Williamson said

Cricket Australia pathways manager, Graham Manou, said it was exciting to be returning to Mackay for the Under 17 Male National Championships.

“It’s particularly noteworthy that Mackay is hosting the tournament in its entirety after co-hosting last year,’’ he said.

“Our teams had a great experience last year and certainly found the facilities and support to be first-rate, especially the opportunity for our youth players to enjoy matches under lights. We’re very pleased to be able to again showcase the next generation of State and Australian players in the city,’’ he said.

“We experienced fantastic support from Mackay Regional Council, Queensland Cricket and the local cricket community last summer and we’re looking forward to building on that once more.”

“There are some great cricket facilities in Mackay and taking this event to a new location provides different conditions for our players to experience and adapt to,” he said.

Queensland Cricket acting CEO Terry Svenson congratulated the city on its united efforts to deliver important outcomes for cricket.

“Mackay’s reputation as an excellent host venue for national titles has gone from strength to strength,’’ he said.

“The continued success of the rebel Women’s Big Bash League at Great Barrier Reef Arena as well as the region hosting Indoor and Junior tournaments demonstrates why Queensland Cricket will continue to work with government and cricket bodies around the state to further develop infrastructure that allows us to stage events like these in regional areas.”

Mackay Cricket Association, in cooperation with Harrup Park Country Club, is hosting the national championships.

Mackay will also host the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League, the Adelaide Strikers Vs Brisbane Heat at Harrup Park on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3. Which is a free event for the community.

These events are made possible thanks to council’s Invest Mackay Events Attraction Program.