GDCA 2018-19: Hanging Rock chasing more players
IMAGINE playing cricket in the middle of a racecourse and at the foot of the famous Hanging Rock. Join this Gisborne and District Cricket Association club and you can.
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THERE are few cricket grounds in Victoria as unique as Hanging Rock.
The Gisborne and District Cricket Association club is based in the middle of Hanging Rock Racecourse and has a stunning view of the rare volcanic formation which draws thousands of visitors to the region each year.
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Despite its obvious appeal, Hanging Rock’s isolated location has made it difficult for the club to attract and retain players in recent years.
The Heelers fielded one senior team last season in G Grade, but hope to enter a second side in 2018-19.
“You have got the idyllic rock in the background, it’s in the middle of the racecourse,” captain-coach Brant Hocking said.
“It’s one of the best places you’ll play in your life.”
Hanging Rock is about 80km northwest of Melbourne, near towns such as Woodend, Newham and Lancefield.
“It’s hard for us to get people from the local area,” Hocking said.
“I live in Ballan, which is an hour away. We are pulling people from Melbourne.
“We are pulling people from surrounding towns. We don’t have a centralised base to pull people from. It’s really difficult.
“We used to have three teams every year and that has just dropped off.”
Hanging Rock entered three junior teams last year, including a girls side.
Hocking said the club was content with its junior numbers, but needed more players aged 18-30 to bolster its senior list.
“I am the youngest player at the club and I am 30 years old,” Hocking said.
“Most of the guys are between 40-50. That’s where I am trying to reach out.
“We need some 18-30 or 18-25 year old players. We don’t have any senior members that are under the age of 30.”
The club hopes to have enough players committed to field two sides by the GDCA deadline of Monday, September 24.
Those interested can contact Brant on 0401 522 645.
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