More than 148 junior cricketers and their families from across Australia came together at the weekend to kick off the School Sport Australia Girls and Boys 12 years and Under Cricket Championship. 

Josh Moors, of Sydney, said he was impressed with Bendigo's cricket fields.

"They are better than Sydney's," he said. 

Joanne McCoy, of Sydney, said she was proud of her son, who was chosen to represent New South Wales in the tournament. 

"Sport is so important to living a healthy life," she said. 

Ms McCoy said it was her first time visiting Bendigo.

"We love Bendigo so far.

"The old buildings are beautiful."

Allyson Blaxall, of Sydney, drove to Bendigo with her two sons for the match.

"I adore small towns," she said. 

"So Bendigo suits me."