The state-wide carnival provides a pathway for Aboriginal kids who want to play cricket for their community and long-term play for their state or even at national level for Australia. / Categories:

There were 8 teams involved in this year’s carnival from different areas of the state, those teams included Flinders, Port Lincoln, Koonibba from Ceduna, Adelaide teams Kaurna, Too Strong Warriors and City and 2 teams from the Riverland area Gerard and Raukkan (Point McCleay).

The Flinders team have been participating in the carnival since 2014 and will continue to do so for many years to come.Copley Cricket Team

This year the Copley Cricket Team was back in full swing having a great year with winning 5 out of 6 games and then going on to be the champions of the season winning the grand final which was played at their home ground in Copley against Quorn.

Flinders Indigenous Cricket team with captain Mark Austin bottom rightThe Copley Cricket Team was officially established in 1997, but prior to the establishment of the league there was a social cricket club with the old training pitch in Copley dated 1912.  There is no surprise as to why the club has had such success in their seasons.

At this year’s carnival the team won 2 out of 3 games and are very excited for the future of the Flinders Cricket Team. The first game was won by 10 wickets and this gave the young players confidence to excel into out next game, unfortunately the team fell short of the target in the second game against “Too Strong Warriors”.  However, it didn’t dampen the team’s enthusiasm as they took their energy into the next game against Port Lincoln and won by 10 runs to secure second spot on the Division 1 ladder. Unfortunately, they just missed out on playing in the Grand Final. However, the players gained fitness, structure, confidence and built on their self-esteem.“This year it was great having LCK as a sponsor, obviously with the downsize in community members over the last few years we do not always get too many people to the home games, which makes it hard to raise enough money to fund equipment etc. All the players are very appreciative to have LCK as sponsors”. - Tyson Ridsdale – Copley Cricket Team captain

Team Captain Mark Austin said “Great to see the Copley Cricket Team finish off the season taking the cup.  A great team that LCK sponsors” Tammie Salvemini – Sponsorship Coordinator“We would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and the players to thank Leigh Creek Energy LCK for Sponsorship to attend this year’s carnival and greatly appreciated donations that have enabled us to attend. LCK have the honour of supporting local youth in Sport and Recreation and foresee the benefits as positive promotion and exposure of your organisation that shows support for our local community”

LCK Sponsorship Coordinator said “LCK are proud to sponsor the Flinders Indigenous Cricket team, not only is it a great opportunity for the players to showcase their skills but a great community team to get behind”