Orange District Cricket Association will initiate the T20 Blast program for the first time this season, to be run at Wade Park on Thursday afternoons in conjunction with the current Milo in2cricket program.

Described as “a fun, fast and exciting program for 8-12 year olds with music, big hits and classic catches” the program is a modified, eight-a-side form of cricket designed to give every participant the opportunity to bat, bowl and keep wicket.

“We [had] a huge number at Jack Brabham, and [they had] a ball,” Erin Jarick, Orange T20 Blast co-ordinator, said.

“[We had] kids from five of the six first grade clubs in Orange, and we’ve got 11 teams signed up already for the competition including an all girls team.”

Six schools were represented at the come and try day yesterday, forming over 30 teams in three competition, including a 14-team all girls draw.

The 10-week program - starting on November 6 - is geared toward increasing junior cricket participative numbers in Orange by easing kids into cricket and keeping them interested longer, and Cricket NSW’s Matt Tabbernor, the driving force behind the program, said clubs in Orange can expect plenty of interest on the back of the initiative.

“We normally expect around a 10 per cent turnover, but that could be more now that we’re advertising what we’re selling,” he said.

“The hardest part is convincing associations to get on board, some places are just stuck in their ways but this program will increase numbers. We’re really hoping we get a few more junior teams in Orange out of it.”

The cost to join the competition is $99 for the season, which includes a Big Bash League-themed shirt, cap and bag, plus insurance. All other equipment is provided.

ODCA will hold its sign-on day for both Milo in2cricket and T20 Blast tomorrow at Wade Park, from 3.30-6pm.

Anyone interested, or looking for more information can go to T20blast.com.au.