Local cricket: Box Hill, East Box Hill announce junior merger

A merger between neighbouring cricket clubs in Melbourne’s east has been touted to create “greater opportunities for every child out there”.

Box Hill and East Box Hill cricket clubs have merged junior programs in a move touted to create greater opportunities. Picture: Supplied

Greater development opportunities for Whitehorse’s junior cricketers has spearheaded a merger of Box Hill and East Box Hill’s underage programs.

The two clubs – located opposite each other on Whitehorse Rd – announced the partnership on Saturday after months of discussions.

Box Hill’s top-flight competes in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association and plays at Box Hill City Oval, while East Box Hill – which competes in the BHRDCA – is based at Howard Wilson Oval.

The clubs said the program was set to feature “a comprehensive range of teams”, from foundation level, girls, synthetic and turf options.

Coaching and mentoring would provide “top-notch training and guidance to each player, empowering them to unlock their full potential and flourish both on and off the field.”

“We are delighted to unveil an exciting partnership between Box Hill Cricket Club and East Box Hill Cricket Club, heralding a new era of junior cricket engagement,” a joint club statement said.

“United by a shared dedication to community cricket, we are uniting to offer an exceptional junior cricket program brimming with excitement, skill enhancement, and unforgettable memories on the field.

“Our combined efforts will cater to a wide range of age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every aspiring cricketer finds their perfect fit within our program.”

Box Hill’s Liam Dick plays in the VSDCA club’s First XI and is the junior co-ordinator. Picture: Valeriu Campan

East Box Hill Cricket Club junior president Leearna Wilson said it “just makes sense” to bolster both clubs’ underage programs.

“Both of us see our junior programs as ones that could be stronger … we’ve had discussions about how we could help each other out,” Wilson said.

“We’re a community club that encourages all level of cricket and they’re (Box Hill) a more elite club that don’t start at that young age.

“(It allows) us to grow from the bottom to the (Woolworths) Blast, (super) sevens and (fast) nines to create that community aspect to the clubs to flow into either (the community) pathway or the elite pathway.”

The Woolworths Blast program caters for cricketers up to 10 years of age and is set to be hosted at Box Hill City Oval under the joint venture.

“We run different clubs in terms of the level of sport we play, so to be able to combine resources and give our kids a taste of what it’s like to play on Box Hill City Oval will be amazing,” Wilson said.

Wilson said it was “important for us (both clubs) to move forward together”.

“Creating a greater engagement in the city of Whitehorse, I think that’s what councils are pushing us to do as well,” she said.

“It creates a program which has greater opportunities for every child out there.”

The clubs invited emerging cricketers to join the program.

“For parents seeking a supportive and lively cricket community for their children, or for young emerging talents ready to leave their mark, we extend a warm invitation to become part of this thrilling new chapter in junior cricket.”