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.”
There have been plenty of highlights already this season, Riyasat Ali top-scoring for the side last week with 48.
With the ball, Abdul Razzaq so far has the best figures of 2-57.
Krstevski hopes the group will be able to remain at the club long term.
“They love their cricket and it’s great for them to meet guys from different cultures,” he said.
“I believe they are on bridging visas, so we hope they can get full visas, join our club and be five or 10-year players for us.
“Some of them are really talented and at the end of the day, cricket is the real winner.”
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 in round three.
The Lions are one of two undefeated teams, along with top-of-the-table Sunshine YCW.
It is the perfect start for first-year co-coaches Shane Jones and Tim Collins, who took over in the off-season.
“We’re very happy with the start to the season,” Krstevski said.
“It has been fantastic to see Tim and Shane lead from the front.
“The boys are really united and we’re hoping to play finals this year and take the next step forward.”
