DOUGAL Bennett, of Ross, is at the other end of the age scale to veteran cricketers but he’s fully aware of how important sport is to everyone for its physical, mental and social benefits.
The 14-year-old Scotch Oakburn student has chosen Veterans Cricket Tasmania as his year 8 “Explore” school project which is all about giving back to the local community.
His aim is to sell 500 tickets and raise $2500 to assist with the upgrade and maintenance of the Ross Cricket Ground and so far more than 200 have been sold. The VCT has been at full steam this year installing a turf wicket and upgrading the club rooms in readiness for the Over 70s National Veterans Cricket Championships being held from November 9 to 15, which includes four games at Ross.
“I love cricket and I love welding, so I decided to combine those two things and I’ve made and donated a fire pit and bird bath to raffle and raise funds,” Dougal said. “The Ross Cricket Ground had not been used for cricket for more than a decade when the VCT decided to make it their home ground.”
Dougal plays for Scotch, and until it folded at the end of last season, Campbell Town. Mentored by Steve Robinson, one of the cricket wicket curators, Dougal is looking forward to playing on the top class surface.
To purchase raffle tickets contact Dougal on 0498 776 651, Steve Robinson 0424 198 222 or Rod Headlam on 0439 256 378.