Weipa’s indoor cricket competition season is keeping athletes dry and active during the wet season. Photo: Supplied.
Weipa athletes are not letting the rain dampen their competitive spirits as they take the cricket indoors for a third year.
The competition, which began on 28 January, is at full capacity once again, highlighting the community’s hunger for sport during the wet season.
Coach Brendan Coleing said the idea initially came from fellow coach Kurt Gane, who suggested utilising the Weipa Aquatic and Sports Precinct (WASP) for an indoor cricket competition.
The competition started with adult teams. But in 2025, it opened to juniors and has been supported by community volunteers assisting with umpiring, scoring, and behind-the-scenes work.
“Nearly every game, it’s pouring rain this time of the year. So the kids are stoked to get in and have a good competition amongst their mates in a really good facility,” he said.
“It coincides with the Australian cricket season, so all the kids are right into that. It’s perfect for them.”
He said while it was great to see so much interest in the competition, time constraints meant demand for spots exceeded availability.
“This year I’ve had too many people. We couldn’t accommodate everyone to ensure we were finishing at a reasonable time at night,” Coleing said.
“It was such a hit last year … the numbers went through the roof.
“I’d love to see everyone participate, but we just don’t have the time to do it.”
With eight players per team, he said the indoor competition was easier to pull together than the outdoor cricket season later in the year, which came with its own challenges.
“Outdoor cricket is 11 a side and unless you have two teams of similar-aged children, it’s hard to actually have a competition,” he said.
“Cricket runs at a time when Weipa is out camping, it coincides with people’s shift work, so it’s harder to get the kids together.
“Indoor cricket has been great for the wet season. It’s very interactive and everyone’s involved because you’re in a smaller space.”
