Aussies In Malaysia For A Series Of Cricket And Netball Friendlies

THE Major Sports Development programme (TMSDP) and the Young Cricketers development programme (TYCDIEP), based in Australia, are looking forward to more exchange initiatives in Malaysia.

TMSDP is involved in netball while TYCDIEP is active in cricket. Based in Melbourne, the focus is on junior development. While the cricket team has been to Malaysia regularly, the netball squad have come for the first time.

The programmes’ operations manager Johann Dias Jayasinha said they were pleased to be in Malaysia for a series of cricket and netball activities.

“The trip is an opportunity for our juniors to gain exposure.

All smiles: The players from BJSS and Australia posing for a group photograph.

“The cricket squad is Under-14 while the players in the netball squad are all below 15,’’ said Johann.

The cricket team will be playing in an Under-14 competition organised by the Gombak Distric Cricket Association.

The netball team will be involved in some friendly matches and also take part in a competition organised by the Hulu Langat District Netball Association.

Prior to their arrival, Johann said they had stopped at Brunei. There, the netball squad had the chance to play the Brunei national squad which TMSDP subsequently won.

In it goes: The players watching as a throw from a BJSS player sails towards the net.

However, in Malaysia, their first friendly match was against the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

It was a valuable experience for the Australians as BJSS had several national senior and junior players.

As expected BJSS won 44-12.

BJSS coach Puah Pei San said they were not to concerned with the outcome of the match.

“They had requested for a match. Our intention is to build a rapport with them. Hopefully the friendship will develop into a long term one with us visiting them in the future.

“It is good for both parties,’’ said Pei San.

Johann said they would like to see the players develop their skills.

“We get the chance to play several club sides as well,’’ said Johann.

In cricket, the Australians are involved in a tournament which will see teams from Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India.

“We have a young side. Our humble wish is to see our players improve their cricket abilities and provide a platform to play in overseas competitions.

“The valuable experience will certainly make them better players.

“The players, while in Malaysia, will also get the chance to experience the local culture as well as interact with young sportsmen and sportswomen,’’ added Johann.

Besides the cricket and netball players, the contingent also had technical officials, coaches, physiotheraphist, first aid officers and administrators.