Blast is Back for Summer 2026/27!

There’s something special about Friday afternoons at Akuna Oval, and with our Blast program back for the 2026/27 season, the oval is once again full of young cricketers learning new skills, having fun and enjoying being part of the Bangor Barden Ridge Cricket Club community.

Designed primarily for boys and girls aged 4 to 8, Blast is a fantastic introduction to cricket. It gives children the opportunity to learn the basics of the game in a fun and supportive environment, without placing too much emphasis on scores, results or competition.

And if the smiles at Akuna Oval are anything to go by, it has been a big hit!

Friday Night Cricket, Pizza and Family Time

Our Blast sessions run at Akuna Oval every Friday evening from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

During the hour-long session, the children work on the fundamental skills of cricket such as batting, bowling, catching, throwing and fielding, with activities designed to keep everyone involved and having fun.

But one of the best parts of Blast happens after the cricket finishes.

Rather than everyone packing up and heading straight home, families stay around for pizza and some social time together. It has become a great way to finish the working and school week and has helped make Friday evenings at Akuna about more than cricket.

While the kids get to spend time with their new cricket friends, parents and families have the chance to get to know each other as well. It creates exactly the sort of relaxed, welcoming club atmosphere we want at Bangor Barden Ridge.

For many children, Blast is their very first experience of organised sport. We want that experience to be positive, inclusive and, most importantly, something they look forward to each week.

A Pathway into Games

For some of our older Blast participants, Friday night is only the beginning of their cricket weekend.

Those who are ready to take the next step can also participate in the modified Blast cricket games held at Kareela on Saturday mornings.

The modified games provide a great bridge between learning cricket skills and playing more structured cricket. Children can start putting what they have learnt at Friday night Blast into practice in a game environment, while continuing to build their confidence and understanding of cricket.

It also means children can progress at a pace that suits them. Some will be perfectly happy enjoying the Friday evening Blast sessions, while others will be keen to add Saturday morning games as they get older and more confident.

Cricket is for Everyone

One of the things we love most about Blast is seeing boys and girls enjoying cricket together.

You don’t need to have played before, come from a cricket family or already know how to hold a bat or bowl a ball. Blast is about giving children the chance to have a go.

At this age, the most important things are participation, confidence, learning and enjoyment. If we can help a young player discover a love of cricket along the way, even better.

Of course, Blast also provides a pathway into junior cricket in the years ahead. The skills the children learn now, along with the friendships they make, give them a terrific foundation if they decide to continue playing.

More Than Just Cricket

Community sport is at its best when it brings people together, and that has been one of the real successes of our Blast program.

The combination of cricket, Friday night pizzas and time for families to socialise has created a relaxed atmosphere that children and parents alike can enjoy.

A big thank you to everyone who helps make the program happen, and to all the families who have joined us for the 2026/27 season.

Most importantly, welcome to all our young Blast participants. We hope this is the beginning of many happy summers of cricket at Bangor Barden Ridge Cricket Club.

See you at Akuna Oval on Friday night!