Googly and sticky wicket may be fun to say, but they’re also important terminology for the upcoming Red Deer Cup cricket tournament.
It’s the second time Red Deer has hosted this cricket tournament. The burgeoning local cricket community boasts about 30 to 40 people, according to Richard Asghar, president of the Central Alberta Cricket Association.
“It’s going to be very high level cricket here,” said Asghar. “It’s growing very much, we had one team last year and this year we have two. Next year we’re expecting a third.”
The term googly refers to a ball that spins in to right handed batsmen and away from left handed batsmen, while a sticky wicket refers to a muddy or damp cricket pitch.
Four teams from around Alberta will compete, including Red Deer, as teams from Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray are all scheduled to attend.
Asghar said though they have played Calgary and Edmonton before, this will be the first time they have played the Fort McMurray team.
“We’ve had a few games with Calgary and Edmonton in the past, we know some of their players,” said Asghar. “But Fort Mac will be our first battle with them.”
Last year they had one team, but this year they have two teams one in division 2 and one in division 3 and have the potential to field three teams next year.
They regularly play against Edmonton teams on Saturdays and Sundays, depending on the tier of their team.
The tournament takes place on Aug. 15 and 16, with the opening ceremonies starting at 9:30 a.m. and the first game starts at about 10 a.m.
Asghar said games typically last about three hours.
The games occur at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre on the east side of the grounds where there was once a baseball and soccer pitch.
“The city helped us out,” said Asghar. “It’s been a long process.”
Asghar hopes people will come watch a game or two, and join in the festivities and maybe learn a little more about cricket. The tournament is free to attend.
“I’d like Red Deer to come out and support it’s community’s team,” said Asghar.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com