A VICTORIAN Blind Cricket Association Twenty20 clash in Warrnambool has been hailed a great success after a state representative team scored an 11-run win against a local combination.
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VBCA president Alf O'Neil said the Action cricket facility proved a perfect venue after rain forced play indoors on Saturday morning.
"It was fantastic, above excellent. It was probably the first time we've done it but there was plenty of room in the venue and everyone involved really enjoyed it," he said.
The game featured about 12 players on each side with batting in pairs. The blind association side made 22 and was able to hold the Warrnambool team to 11 in a fielding-dominated clash with each wicket resulting in the loss of five runs.
O'Neil said Daniel Pritchard was best with the bat for the blind association team while Andrew Close shone with the ball.
"There were a lot of run-outs with the Warrnambool side having to run the full length of the pitch.
"It was a great promotion for us through the South West Games," he said.
"There would have been close to 100 people in the centre, it was well patronised.
"The venue was exceptional. Often indoor centres are very noisy but we had Action to ourselves, it was quiet and worked out well."
O'Neil said the state squad was looking ahead to the national titles to be held during December next year.
"They're held every second year and we're up to the end of round three in our domestic competition, about a third of the way through the season," he said.
"We've come away with pretty much our state squad and had a real good bonding weekend. It's been enjoyable and to play some competitive cricket was a bonus."
O'Neil said Vision Australia Warrnambool held a barbecue to raise funds for local activities and he thanked Warrnambool's Rose Edgerton who has been pushing for a visit to the city for about three years.
"I'd like to thank the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association and everyone else involved for what has been a great weekend," he said.
"It has been an excellent opportunity to showcase our cricket and I think more people will now have an appreciation of our sport and the talent of our players," he said.