It might be winter and in the middle of the football season, but that hasn't stopped cricketers from taking to the pitch.
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The Axe Creek Cricket Club's second Multicultural Winter Tournament will come to a close this weekend with a grand final match between the Bendigo Strikers who represent the South Indian community and Strathdale which has members from the North Indian community.
"The Axe Creek Cricket Club is proud to again be providing this fantastic opportunity," club secretary James O'Bryen said.
"All of the games have been played in great spirit, and this is a fantastic example of how sport in Bendigo can embrace all cultures."
The goal for the tournament has been to provide players from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to play cricket during April, May and June.
"We hope the local cricket community gets to see the benefits that engaging multicultural communities can bring," O'Bryen said.
"The ACCC is excited about continuing to provide this opportunity in the future."
The move by the club to promote cricket during the non-standard season has been praised by central Victorian sports organisations.
Sports Focus project coordinator Laura Bradley said the initiative was highly commended.
"This is a great example of a club challenging the way sport is played and offering something different to include everyone within the community," Bradley said.
Cricket Victoria area manager (Great Northern Country) Ben DeAraugo congratulated O'Bryen and the club on the "brilliant" concept.
"For cricket to keep succeeding, we need to keep our minds open to innovation in playing formats and flexibility in the days and times we play the game."
The grand final match will be played at 1pm at the Axe Creek Cricket Club on Sunday June 16, there will also be a free clinic for children from 12.00pm-12.45pm - courtesy of the Melbourne Renegades and Cricket Victoria.
Children aged 5-17 will learn first-hand tips and tricks through a range of cricket-based activities.
No prior cricket experience is required, there is no need to register and all equipment is provided, just bring a hat, sneakers and a bottle of water and arrive on the day ready to have some fun.
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