Taiwan Cricket’s annual “Sixes” competition returns to Chiayi City on Nov. 12 and 13. The Taiwan Cricket Sixes is by far the biggest tournament of the season and it promises a carnival-like atmosphere, with music, drums banging away, great food, live commentary and plenty of cricket.
Taiwan Cricket chairman Andrew Carrick believes the sport has a lot to offer, with the organizers packing lots into their weekend tournaments. However, what is desperately needed are dedicated grounds so interest and playing standards can increase.
Taiwan Cricket is reaching people, though, with events being held in Taipei at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Fu Jen Catholic University, as well as regular tournaments.
Photo: Grant Dexter
The Sixes tournament features teams old and new from around the country playing very short format matches where big hitting and lots of running is the recipe for success. It offers the best format for people interested in cricket to give it a go.
Entries are open until Oct. 30 on 0939-004-653 and a few sides have already confirmed they will play.
Kris Belling manages the Scunners team from around Taichung and Tainan. “The Butcher of Caotun” might be more adept in front of a BBQ than in front of the wicket, but he is building a team that have played some closely fought matches, including some victories.
The Scunners have come a long way, developing a healthy rivalry with the Daredevils from further south. They take a lot of pride in turning matches into genuine entertainment — from Allan Cooke wearing superhero underpants outside his trousers to Chad Sinovich facing a hostile Formosa Cricket Club bowling attack without the proper protective equipment.
With a few new players Belling hopes to break into the top four this year.
Carrick has seen many cricketers come and go, and he’s made many friends since founding his team 12 years ago. He recalls the ups and downs of certain teams over the years.
From 2003 to 2005, nobody could compete with the Formosa Club, led by Dwight Johnson, Darren Burns and Charl Esterhuizen. From 2006, the Pakistan Cricket Club won three Sixes tournaments in a row and they are still a very strong side, but the Daredevils are on the rise and are defending Sixes champions. With players like opener Graham Terblanche and paceman Jared Painter, the Shie Yu Machine Parts Daredevils have built one of the best teams Taiwan has ever seen and they will be a handful this year.
The Aaleja Restaurant Badshaws will have two teams competing, but the most interesting addition is a women’s competition.
For the first time there is a competition for women cricketers in Taiwan and the Calgary Bar Darling Devils will be competing.
They have two Taiwanese players, one New Zealander and six South Africans, and their team slogan is: “It’s not about how big you are, but how big you play.”
If any other women are interested in playing cricket they can contact Mary on 0916-699-432.
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