Speedy cricket draws in the crowds

CAMERON BURNELL/ Taranaki Daily News

GOT 'EM: From left, Sam McKinstry, 6, Jack Brooker, 6, and Connagh McKinstry, 12, scream in delight as the Central Stags take a wicket in the home game against the Otago Volts played at Pukekura Park. The game attracted the second capacity crowd in a week, with another game still to go on Friday.

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Speedy summertime cricket has re-ignited Taranaki's flame for the age-old gentleman's game.

Last night's match between the Central Stags and Otago Volts saw another huge crowd packed into Pukekura Park, with families making up a good number of the estimated 3500 supporters.

And they were rewarded with a thrilling game, won by Central Districts on the last ball.

Many parents and their charges were second-time spectators, saying their kids enjoyed Sunday's game so much they had returned for another round.

New Plymouth mother of two cricket-mad lads Tracey Brooker said with the introduction of Twenty20 it was now "heaps" easier to take kids to the game.

"I was a bit apprehensive about bringing my six-year-old at first but he just loves it," Mrs Brooker said. With family tickets only $35 a pop it worked out cheaper than going to the movies.

"And it's great having it around tea time because you can pack a picnic and make a real outing of it," she said.

New Plymouth father Ian McKinstry agreed, saying it was a great night's entertainment.

"Especially because it's short. We try to come along every summer now," he said.

Six-year-old Jack Brooker said he loved cricket even though the players hit lots of big balls, one of which smashed into the post right beside him.

"But I wasn't scared," he said.

He and his brother, Cameron, came along to support Central Districts and to see their favourite player, Ross Taylor.

The boys spent most of the game waiting to get autographs from players while they were fielding on the boundary.

"And getting icecream," Jack said.

- © Fairfax NZ News