WITH another Christmas upon Swan Hill, families are gathering to share a few drinks, laughs, and to try and rip a cricket ball into the stumps of a family member or friend.
The tradition of backyard cricket on Christmas Day goes hand-in-hand with the festivities each year as David v Goliath battles take place in streets across the country.
For young Wil Hawkins, 9, getting into the summer sun with his friends and cousins to play cricket is one of the best aspects of his day.
“I like cricket, it is really fun. I always play with my neighbours and we play both cricket and then footy when it is footy season; a lot of sport,” he said.
“The best part is probably when you’re batting, that is really fun.
“So is hitting the balls and hitting them big, that is good, and if you hit on the road, that is a six-and-out.”
Like the six-and-out rule, the famous ‘one hand, one bounce’ catch cry also roars throughout the country as ‘friendly’ matches turn into fierce rivalries between players sharing a common Christmas bond.
“[On Christmas day] we play until everyone goes in and has a bat, so maybe an hour to two hours,” Wil said.
“Playing isn’t as exciting as presents though, that is the most exciting part of the day, I don’t do a wish list but maybe a new bat would be good.
“I am starting to play club next year and will play with Ultima TUF.”
As the kids prepare their makeshift pitches in their backyards, mum Melinda Mazzarella said the adults are simply looking out for big shots gone astray.
“There is a fair bit of cricket and football that goes on in this neighbourhood … it is quite amusing, we have to take cover a little bit from the balls getting hit around the place,” she said.
“Four or six guys playing cricket and footy, there is a bit of rivalry.
“Over the Christmas holidays I am sure they will be playing lots of cricket that is for sure … backyard cricket is an Australian Christmas tradition and it is good to see.”
With no official scores, the real winner on Christmas Day looks to be cricket.
