Shoalhaven students had the unique opportunity to chat with one of the state's top cricketers Daniel Sams on Wednesday, as part of the 2021 Cricket NSW Country Blitz program.
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The annual event, which sees NSW's elite cricketers and coaches reach into communities in regional and rural centres of NSW, was held virtually this year due to the current COVID-19 restrictions.
In 2021, more than 30 Cricket NSW representatives participating in close to 50 question and answer sessions with students, club cricketers and community coaches.
In particular, students from Sussex Inlet Public School and Milton's St Mary Star of the Sea had the chance to chat with Sydney Thunder's all-time leading wicket-taker Sams about his own cricket journey.
"It's been a challenging couple of years with the pandemic, particularly across the Shoalhaven over recent months and while we can't get out into the community in person, it was fantastic to connect with schools online," Sams, who debuted for the NSW Blues during the 2018-19 season, said.
"I very much enjoyed talking to students about all things cricket and hopefully I've inspired many to register with their local cricket club this summer, where they are guaranteed to have a plenty of fun in a safe and supportive environment."
Further down the coast, Ulladulla product Matthew Gilkes chatted with students from Bermagui Public School and Tumbarumba Public School as part of the 2021 program.
Cricket NSW general manager - community cricket experience, Joanne Scanlon said this year's Country Blitz was a huge success, with the initiative engaging with 16,477 people from across regional NSW ranging from school students, teachers, club cricketers, coaches and fans.
"This year's Country Blitz was simply incredible, with a huge amount of positive feedback from those who participated," Scanlon said.
"Starting at 9am and going through until 8pm, Cricket NSW staff were joined by over thirty of the state's leading cricketers and coaches to conduct more than fifty virtual Q and A sessions.
"Now more than ever it's important for Cricket NSW to remain connected with regional and rural communities who are not only passionate about cricket but many are isolated in lockdown.
"We would like to send a massive thank you to the teachers and club administrators for their assistance in making this year's virtual Country Blitz the success that it was.
"Our focus now turns to readying ourselves and our cricket community for the commencement of the cricket season in a fun, safe and compliant environment as soon as settings permit."
In other news, the start of the domestic season for Sams, Gilkes and their Blues has been delayed, with Cricket Australia recently announcing a change in the draw due to the ongoing COVID-19 environment.
The season will begin now on September 22 with a Marsh One-Day Cup match between South Australia and Western Australia at Karen Rolton Oval.
The Marsh Sheffield Shield season will begin on September 24, with the same two sides going head-to-head at the same venue.
Work is ongoing to establish when New South Wales and Victoria, headlined by Nowra's Nic Maddinson, can kick-off their respective 2021-22 campaigns.
To play cricket this summer, sign up to your local club at PlayCricket.com.au