Deer Park is proving that a booming cricket season isn’t just about runs and wickets.
The Lions have had great success launching a program to help a group of asylum-seekers take part in the game.
In conjunction with Cricket Victoria and Brimbank council, Deer Park is working with eight asylum-seekers, mainly from Pakistan, to reconnect them to cricket.
The recruits all play together in the Williamstown District Cricket Association’s C-grade matting competition.
Deer Park president Steve Krstevski said the club had welcomed the chance to be involved.
“We’re trying to show these guys how a club runs, how to be involved, how to be committed and all that sort of thing,” he said.
“It’s a real experience to see the smiles on their faces when they take a wicket or come off the ground.”
Krstevski hopes the group will be able to remain at the club long term.
Meanwhile, it has been a great start to the season for the Deer Park’s first XI.
Competing in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s west B1 division, Deer Park beat Seabrook in round one, Williamstown Imperials in round two and drew with West Newport.
Liam Twomey
