It was only five years ago the Lunenburg Cricket Club began playing their sport on the local baseball field with limited equipment. Accessing financial support from Sport Nova Scotia’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Sport Fund, and the Town of Lunenburg, has since helped the club purchase the essentials, such as a mobile cricket pitch and mobile batting cage.  

The pitch is one of the most vital parts of cricket as home teams can be fined or docked points if their pitch is considered unfit for regular play. This purchase ensures the club can meet play standards and brings new life and sport to Lunenburg’s baseball field, allowing safe and versatile play at the local diamond. 

“The proper equipment allows for the club to host more games and tournaments in Lunenburg, which brings more awareness and visibility to cricket in the South Shore,” said Kelly Cunningham, Recreation Manager for the Town of Lunenburg. 

The club has grown significantly since its establishment, with over 60 formal players today. The club also regularly competes against Halifax and Prince Edward Island based teams.  

The club will also host the third annual “Maritime Mallu T-10 Cricket League” Champion Cup. The previous tournament saw six teams from across the province and Prince Edward Island come out to compete. This year, the Mallu Cup will add New Brunswick and two additional teams to the roster.  

This year, the Town of Lunenburg successfully purchased cricket bats and balls through Recreation Nova Scotia’s Equipment Loan Program. This means cricket equipment will now be available to loan, free of charge. This initiative provides the opportunity for newcomers to try cricket without having to purchase their own equipment.  

“The program’s goal is to provide equal opportunities for all to access and participate in recreation. It is also an opportunity for people to try new sports that they may not have had previous exposure to (such as cricket),” said Cunningham.  

Support for cricket continues to grow in the South Shore, and the town looks forward to hosting another Mallu Cup this July. The Mallu Cup is hosted during the Lunenburg Craft and Food Festival where community members and spectators can enjoy food and game.