Junior Cricket

SmashPlay Cricket – Beginners/Introduction

Superstarter is not a team based cricket game, instead it concentrates on skill development. At the end of each session children will enjoy a 'dual pitch' type game to practice the skills they have been learning. 

The idea is for younger children to learn basic cricketing skills and to have fun without spending time standing around getting bored. 

Our Superstarter sessions run on Sunday mornings during the cricket season. 

Soft ball Cricket Grades

The soft ball grades are for children in school Years 2 to 4, boys and girls. The games are played on Saturday mornings, generally starting at 8.30 am, however the Year 2 and Year 3 grades often play on one of the artificial turfs, and to maximise the use of these, some games will start at 11 am.

Please note: Children are placed in teams based on their current school year at time of registration. 

The games are played with a junior-sized soft ball so no protective gear is required. Each team has 8 players and, to encourage full participation, all players must bowl and bat. Batsmen cannot be ‘out’ but instead have runs deducted from their side; everyone bats 4 overs.

The Year 2 and Year 3 games are 16 overs per side, with games usually lasting around 1 hour.

In Year 4 each side bats 20 overs, and games last approximately 2 hours.

Hard ball Cricket Grades

The hard ball grades are for children in school Year 5 onward, boys and girls. Games are played with a 142g leather cricket ball. Protective gear (pads, helmet, abdominal protector and gloves) is worn by batsmen and wicket keepers. Many players choose to use their own equipment, but the Club also provides each team with gear and can loan individual gear for players. The games are played on Saturday mornings, starting at either 8.30am or 11.00am usually. 

Please note: Children are placed in teams based on their current school year at time of registration. ​​​​​​​

In the Year 5 and Year 6 grades each team has 8 players and, to encourage full participation, all players must bowl and bat. Year 7 and Year 8 teams have 9 players.

In Year 5 each side bats for 20 overs, Year 6, 24 overs and Year 7 and 8 each side bats for 30 overs.

When does the season start?

The 2024/25 Junior Cricket Season starts on Saturday 9th November 2024

Can I purchase second-hand equipment?

We suggest looking on TradeMe or we have created a North City Cricket Buy/Sell/Swap facebook page.You could also post on social media sites such as Neighbourly and Facebook marketplace to try and find what you need. The club has some hardball gear available for players to also borrow throughout the season - just get in touch with us. 

What grade should I enter my child into?

Children play in their current school year level at time of registration i.e. year 4 children at school play in a year 4/grade 4 team. If you have any questions around this please contact the Junior Convenor, Michelle, at juniors@northcitycricketclub.co.nz. .