PORTLAND and District Cricket Association’s junior season for 2022-23 is just a few days away from getting started, with the opening round for the under-16s competition set for this coming Tuesday, October 25.

For association president James Cannon, the beginning of a new junior cricket season is cause for plenty of excitement.

“Absolutely there’s excitement building for the new season,” he said.

“I know with our club (Gorae-Portland) we’ve managed to pick up a few extra kids and knowing what the other clubs have building it should be another great season.”

The big change this season is the return of Drumborg-Heywood to the competition after several years without fielding a junior side, with Cannon saying it is an incredibly important development for the association.

“(I was) probably the most excited I’ve been in a long time when I got the news Drumborg-Heywood were coming back,” he said.

“I’ve lost count the number of years it’s been but it’s a remarkable effort from Phil (Holmes), Aaron Barr and the rest of the lads at Heywood turning it into a reality.

“The club should be proud of what’s been achieved so far, now it’s all about retaining the kids for future success.”

Cannon said that while he’s happy with the numbers each club has managed to get thus far, there’s always room for more, with the association still looking to expand its reach both this season and going forward.

“I’m expecting solid numbers this year, but every club could always have more,” he said.

“I know I can speak on behalf of all the other junior coaches the more kids that we get into the game then that’s our job partly done.

“Every club has a great coach or coaches so if you’re ever thinking of having your son or daughter get into cricket then now is the time for it.”

When it comes to junior cricket, the primary goal is participation and enjoyment, with results an afterthought at best.

Cannon said as much, iterating that the competition wants to keep as many young players involved in the game as possible.

“As president I just want to see kids playing and having a smile on their face,” he said.

“I know at our club I’ve told the kids wins and losses are irrelevant, it’s all about getting better and having fun with each training session and each game, I’m sure every other club would be the same.

“I also just want to thank the under-16 coaches for their hard work they’ll undertake this season… good luck to all kids and coaches on what’s going to be a fantastic season.”

The first round, held across two Tuesday’s (October 25 and November 1), will see Portland Colts come up against Portland Tigers at Henty Park while South Portland will head to Heywood to face the new Drumborg-Heywood team.

Gorae-Portland has the bye.