THE production line of talented cricketers continues to roll out at Emmanuel and Mortlake colleges.
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Both schools shone at the Cricket Victoria T20 Blast Schools Cup at Walter and Mack ovals in Warrnambool on Wednesday.
Emmanuel College won the year 7 boys and girls and year 8 boys sections while Mortlake won the year 7 girls.
These victories carry on the strong form shown by both schools in past years at this competition.
They were among 27 schools from across the south-west that took part in the cup.
The format for the day was Super 8s, an incarnation of the game that Cricket Victoria regional manager Stephen Field said is very popular.
“The Super 8s is a great format because every player in the team gets to have a go at both batting and bowling,” Field said.
“They get to play a lot of cricket and it’s all done and dusted on the one day.
“It was terrific to see all the students having a great day playing cricket. We dodged a bullet with the weather, we were able to get all the games played.”
The rise in profile of women’s cricket at state, national and international levels is generating keen interest in the sport at local level.
Field said the standard of play is on the increase.
“Since the Super 8s came in the standard of play in the girls competition has risen significantly,” Field said.
“Girls cricket is just getting stronger and stronger, it’s great to see how much it is improving.
“The boys are also playing some great cricket.
“I think the most important thing Super 8s brings to boys cricket is for some boys it is their only chance to play cricket.
“Because of other sports or commitments, they might not be able to play club cricket so this is a great way to get them playing the game.”
The winning teams from Wednesday have qualified for the west region finals to be held in Melton on November 16.
The teams that are successful in Melton will then go on to play in the state finals which will be held at the MCG.
Mortlake College was the years 9-10 girls state champion last year while Emmanuel College claimed the years 9-10 boys title.
Warrnambool College (year 7 girls) and Emmanuel College (year 8 boys) finished runners-up.