You are here: HomeNews20150114 › Howzat Cricket Carnival Still Making Runs For God

Howzat! Cricket carnival still making runs for God

14 January 2015
Howzat! Cricket carnival still making runs for God

Winners of the 30th annual Salvation Army cricket competition, the Western Reds.


The Salvation Army interstate cricket competition celebrated its 30th anniversary with another successful carnival over the Christmas/New Year break.

Hosted by Queensland's Bundamba Corps, four teams took part with Sydney side Western Reds emerging the winners and Brisbane team Southern Cyclones the runners-up.

Captain Ben Johnson, event organiser and a veteran of 11 carnivals, says the games are always competitive but a deep sense of camaraderie builds over the five days.

“Basically it is a sporting event aimed at building relationships – especially with people who would not profess to be Christians, to introduce them to the gospel.

“We have quite a number of guys who would never normally go to church get involved in the carnival. We pray before we go on to the field every day and we have devotions each day. It is very clearly a Christian event.”

The carnival moves between states and divisions each year and in 2012 changed from a 50-over competition to the popular Twenty20 format.

Despite two days’ delay in play due to rain, Captain Johnson said the Twenty20 format still meant an effective competition.

All players were invited to the Sunday service at Bundamba Corps. Major Neil Dickson preached, likening the Christian walk to batting technique, with points such as “keeping your head still” – finding time to meet with God; “playing straight” – living with integrity; and “moving your feet,” which related to keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

The 2015 carnival will be hosted by Bathurst Corps and teams and individuals are all welcome to get involved.

Comments

No comments yet - be the first.

Leave a Comment


- Will not be published

Email me follow-up comments

Note: Your comment requires approval before being published.

Default avatarWould you like to add a personal image? Visit gravatar.com to get your own free gravatar, a globally-recognized avatar. Once setup, your personal image will be attached every time you comment.

The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.