A group of the city’s cricket players banded together to make their debut as an eight-member team in the multicultural Super 8 cricket competition held in Wyong at the weekend. 

The boys are all regulars on the Tamworth cricket scene, with seven of the eight playing for City. 

But they decided just two months ago to form an Indian cricket team to play in competitions outside of the region in a nod to their mother country “where cricket is our religion”.

Known as the Country Boys, the team won their first match against Wyong Warriors by six wickets and progressed through to the semi-final against Gosford, extending their dominance with an eight-wicket win. 

The grand final saw them up against Newcastle.

Country Boys had their eye on the premiership and it was exceptional batting by Nikhil Patel that would seal their victory. 

Patel scored the winning run with a belting six to win the match and competition, pocketing a $1500 cheque.

Tamworth batsman, Jis Sebastian, who opens for City 2^nd grade in the weekend summer competition, was among the big stars of the carnival. 

He won player of the tournament, best batsman and highest score, putting 58 runs on the board in one game.

Captain Jinto Joseph was also in form throughout the competition.

He took the most number of wickets of all the players in the carnival and was awarded best catch for a mid-on dive in the final.

“It’s very nice to win,” Joseph said.

“We’ve been practising for two months so the hard work has paid off.

“We’ve had good practise. We’ve all been playing well.”

Organiser Titus Alias said the competition provided the local Indian community with a chance to continue their love for the game they love. 

Alias moved to Tamworth three years ago and wanted to pursue his passion for cricket. 

He joined the local competition and met other players who had migrated at the same time.

“(In India), we never played with a hard ball or on a turf pitch,” Alias said.

“We usually played with a tennis ball.

“We came here and trained here. I think we’re all doing really well.”

Joseph was also pleased he could pursue the game here in Australia.

“I love everything about it – the ball, the bat,” he said.

“Coming from India, they’re crazy about it.”

Alias hopes similar multicultural cricket competitions could become a staple on the local sporting calendar. 

“This is the first time we’ve organised to play (in the competition),” Alias said.

“The long-term aim is to have a multicultural cricket competition here in Tamworth and get the local cricket association, Multicultural Association and the council involved.

“We want everyone to get involved, get the local teams involved and have it as an annual event like Fiesta La Peel.”