Hurricanes star D’Arcy Short won big fan by giving schoolgirl his BBL shirt

Hurricanes fan Bethany Scharvi was bowled over when star D’Arcy Short spotted her in the crowd and gave her something special.

Sisters Georgia, 9, and Bethany Scharvi, 7, of Rowes Bay watch the Hobart Hurricanes’ open training session at Blundstone Arena. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

THERE’S a special reason seven-year-old schoolgirl Bethany Scharvi’s favourite Hobart Hurricane is batting maestro D’Arcy Short — she literally has the shirt off his back.

Bethany was wearing it when the Scharvi clan turned out to watch the Hurricanes’ open training session ahead of their home BBL elimination final against the Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena at 7.40pm on Thursday.

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With cricket officials expecting a crowd of 10,000-plus and perfect weather for the showdown, the squad went through its paces, helped out by Australian Test captain Tim Paine, on the carpet-like covering of the Canes’ home ground.

Brothers Elliott, 7, and Lincoln McGee, 6, of Howrah watch the Hobart Hurricanes’ open training session at Blundstone Arena. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Bethany and her sister Georgia, 9, were among the collection of kids watching the players in purple prepare.

“We are all Hurricanes fans and members, and we’ve gone to every home game,” said their mum, Mel Scharvi.

“The kids love watching the games. We sit near where the players come off the ground, and they give the kids hi-fives and sign their shirts and bats — we really like how they interact with them.”

Georgia’s favourite player is George Bailey, and Bethany can’t go past D’Arcy.

“The great thing was, last home game D’Arcy gave Bethany his shirt that she wore to training.”

James Faulkner and D'Arcy Short. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

The Scharvi’s will be part of what the Hurricanes hope will be a bumper elimination final turnout.

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“We’re really pleased with how ticket sales are progressing, and we are expecting a crowd in excess of 10,000,” said Hurricanes general manager Scott Barnes.

“Considering the momentum the team has built through the back end of the season, we know it’s going to be a fantastic show between the Hurricanes and the Thunder.

“We encourage everyone to make the most of the remaining days before school goes back, come to the cricket and ensure we have a bumper crowd to cheer on Tasmania’s team.”

Angus, 9, with sister Phoebe Twining, 5, of Kingston at the Hobart Hurricanes open training session at Blundstone Arena. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Ticket sales did not go without a hitch.

Some Hurricanes fans were caught by the embargo on tickets, which could be purchased at the Blundstone box office but not printed until after midday on the day before the game.

A Cricket Tasmania spokesperson said it was a Cricket Australia restriction to foil scalpers.