Strikers guns get behind Quality Wool Cup

LIVING in Nairne in the Adelaide Hills, Thomas Kelly knows all about the importance of pathways and opportunities for junior cricketers in regional areas.

Having emerged in recent seasons to become an integral squad member for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), Kelly is now helping nurture the state’s next crop of country cricket stars, throwing his support behind the Quality Wool Cup.

The family‑owned wool company’s under‑14 T20 cricket tournament will be competed for the 12th time from January 15 – 16 in Port Lincoln, with Kelly and fellow Striker Adam Hose lending their signatures to three custom cricket bats to be awarded to the competition’s leading batter, bowler and fielder.

The 23‑year‑old batsman recently opted to relocate from the city to Nairne, a move which he said not only allowed him to switch off from the busy world of professional cricket, but also helped him recognise the significance of local junior sport to the community.

"I’ve loved the move to the Hills and the sense of community you feel there, particularly with the local sport," he said.

“I’ve gotten involved where I can, and I enjoy getting out and promoting cricket, particularly with the juniors”.

Over 100 juniors from across the Eyre Peninsula (EP) will compete in the Quality Wool Cup, with the teams lining up to try and dethrone undefeated 2023 winners Great Flinders in the upcoming competition being Lincoln Tuna Kings, Far West, Eastern Eyre, Lincoln Great Whites, Le Hunte, Kimba and Tumby Bay.

With no under‑16 competition on the EP, the Quality Wool Cup provides the region’s under‑14 cricketers with an opportunity to compete in their own age group and play on the turf wicket at Port Lincoln’s Centenary Oval.

Matches are also played at the Ravendale Complex and Poole Oval.

Fixtures and results from the competition will be published through the PlayHQ website on the Eyre Peninsula Zone page.