What is 'Junior Cricket'?

Junior cricket is referred to as the form of cricket, played by boys and girls, between the ages of 7 to 16 years (approx.).  Whilst there is a form of cricket for 'Girls Only" (see the Girls Cricket section of this website), the more "everyday" cricket can be played by boys and girls in the same teams.  At Warranwood we field teams in the Ringwood and District Cricket Association (RDCA) in competitions known as Mini Bash, Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s.  Many of our older juniors play Senior Cricket as well, sometimes with their older siblings or parents.

Mini Bash

In the past this competition has been called Under 10s and/or Non-Comp cricket, where the 'Non-Comp' referred to the fact that this is non-competitive cricket, i.e. there are no winners, no ladders or finals.

To play Mini Bash a boy will be aged under 10 (9 years or under) as at the 1st September in the year that the season starts.  Girls can play in Mini Bash up to the age of 12 years as at the 1st September in the year that the Season starts.  Players will normally be at least 7 years to play Mini Bash.

This is only a guide.  It is possible for an older player (e.g. 10-12) to play Mini Bash if this is the level that suits their ability.

The rules are modified to suit the skills of the players.  For example the pitch length is shortened (16m) and there are only 7 fielders on the ground at any one time.  Every player bats and bowls and the wicket-keeping duties are shared.  The batters face the same number of deliveries, even if they are out.

In Mini Bash, whilst we keep scores, the emphasis is on learning the skills of cricket and having fun.  There are no ladders or Premierships.

Games are played on Friday evenings, from approx. 4.45pm to 8pm, at a mix of home and away venues, normally around our local neighbourhood.

Teams also have a training night which will be determined once Coaches are appointed.  The venue for training is Quambee Reserve.

Under 12s

This is the first age group that involves 'competitive cricket', where the results of matches are recorded, teams are ranked in a Competition Ladder and they play Finals.  Due to the competitive nature of Under 12s, teams are placed in a Grade, alongside other teams of similar ability.  For example, last Season (2022/) Warranwood fielded 5 Under 12 teams that were placed in 4 different grades.

To play Under 12s, a male player will normally be aged 9 -11 as at the 1st September in the year that the Season commences.  A female player can be aged up to 13 at the same date.  This, however, is a guide. 

The main differences in Under 12s (compared to Mini Bash) are:

• though the pitch is still not the full length, it is extended by two metres (18m);

• the ball used is a 'normal' hard cricket ball, though smaller/lighter (142g) than the standard cricket ball;

• the top grades play a mix of one day and two day games, whilst the lower grades play all one daygames;

• the top grades play 11-a-side cricket, whilst the lower grades play 9-a-side.

Whilst we will try, where possible, to field siblings and friends in the same team, we need to also consider the appropriate Grade for each player's ability.

Games are played on Friday evenings, from approx. 4.45pm to 8.30pm, at a mix of home and away venues. Due to teams being placed in Grades of similar ability, the 'away' games may be at a venue further away (e.g. Lilydale, Scoresby).

Teams also have a training night which will be determined once Coaches are appointed.  The venue for training is Quambee Reserve.

Under 14s

To play Under 14s male players will be aged 13 or under as at 1st September in the year that the Season commences.  Female players may be 15 or under as at the same date.

Under 14s cricket marks a number of significant changes to the way games are played.  These include:

• games are played on Saturday mornings, from approx. 8am to 11.30am (see note below for an alternative time slot)

• the games are played on the full length of the pitch 

• all Grades of U14s involve a mix of one-day and two-day games

Please note:  At Warranwood we realise that Saturday mornings do not suit every player or family.  Therefore in 2023/24 we will be fielding another Under 14 team/s in the neighbouring Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association (BHRDCA) which plays on Friday nights.  Families considering playing in these team/s should factor in that they may have to travel further to games.

Training night will be determined as we get close to the Season.  At this age junior players often choose to train with the Seniors where they receive additional training and guidance.

Please note:  Some Under 12 players choose to also play Under 14s cricket on Saturday mornings.

Under 16s

To play Under 16s male players will be aged 15 or under as at 1st September in the year that the Season commences.  Female players may be 17 or under as at the same date.

The main difference with Under 16s cricket is the 'graduation' to the adult size 152g cricket ball.

Games are played on Saturdays, from approx 8am to 11.30am.

Please note:  Whilst Warranwood will welcome players in every age group, we need players in the Under 16 age group who are interested in playing cricket.  You may have never played cricket or may have taken a break from cricket to play other sports.  You will be welcome to become a Warranwood Shark.