Short headlines first ACA Masters tour to Darwin

20 May, 2022

This June, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) is bringing its Masters tour to Darwin for the first time.

Current West Australian and Hobart Hurricanes batter, D’Arcy Short will return home to the Territory to headline a team who will take on an NT Cricket representative side at the Gardens Oval on Sunday 12 June..

NSW women's players Hannah Darlington and Anika Learoyd will also be part of the squad on matchday.

Joining the trio of current players will be former Australian players Michael Kasprowicz, Terry Alderman, Sarah Elliot and Wayne Phillips.

NT local Julie Page will join the squad alongside Fiona Byrnes, Katelyn Pope, Linsey Da Costa, Mark Cosgrove, Matthew Johnston, Peter George and Sarah Lowe.

A livestream of Sunday's match will be available via the NT Cricket Facebook page.

Since 2008, the ACA Masters program has focused on the promotion of cricket in regional areas. The program brings communities together to raise funds for local cricket associations and identify local talent.

Kicking off on Friday 10 June, the Masters tour will also include a ‘Sporties’ function night, kids’ clinics and community visits.

As part of the tour a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a talented young player from the region, along with the unique opportunity to receive ongoing mentoring from one of the Masters players.

The tour is supported by NT Cricket.

ACA General Manager Member Programs, Kelly Applebee said the Association was delighted to bring the Masters team to Darwin for the first time.

ACA Masters tour of New England

A recap of our 2021 ACA Masters tour to Inverell and Armidale.

“Our members love to get involved in the community, and it will be a great opportunity for our former and current professionals, to share and pass on some of their experience and knowledge to local cricketers,” she said.

“Everyone will have the chance to mingle with the players during their time in the region, whether it be squaring off against the Masters head-to-head, through coaching clinics, community visits or the function nights.

“And the opportunity for our scholarship winner to receive mentoring from one of our Masters, is a fantastic resource for a young player to help develop their cricket career.”

NT Cricket CEO, Joel Morrison said:

“We’re excited to have the ACA Masters tour in Darwin for the first time.

“It’s a great opportunity for our community to rub shoulders with past and present stars of the game.

“Darwin is fast becoming the home of winter cricket in Australia and we look forward to showcasing all that is special about the north to our friends at the ACA.”

SCHEDULE

Friday 10 June: Tour Launch - Darwin Sailing Club

Saturday 11 June: Community Program & Clinics and Sporties Night (tickets available here).

Sunday 12 June: Community Clinic on Darwin Waterfront and T20 Match at Gardens Oval

Monday 13 June: NT Cricket Academy Training

Tuesday 14 June: Don Dale visit / School Clinics & NT Cricket Academy Training

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
The Australian Cricketers’ Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.