A new generation of cricket is building up in Penguin, and we are all here for it.
Cricket Tasmania
Cricket Tasmania
In just a few years, the Penguin Cricket Club has quickly built a strong foundation for the next generation of players within the community. For those not familiar with the clubs history, here's a run down.
The Penguin Cricket Club was the town’s first formal sporting club, through all those years there have been ups and downs just like most clubs. The original home was 50m from the beach, here players had a ruling put on them that if you hit a six, you were out!
In 2018, the club moved to a new ground further up the hill at Dial Park. It is one of the best grounds along the coast, you now have ocean views, you can hit a six, however they run it all out of a small tin shed.
Over the past few years, the club has seen a great success story in both junior and senior cricket. In season 2025/26 they entered their first U12 team into the local junior competition but actually ended up with close to 3 teams by the end of the season!
In comparison, just three years ago the club had only four 14-year-olds playing. Today, those players have developed into talented 16 and 17-year-olds, creating a strong future alongside a core group of experienced players in their 20s. The club says they are the proof that if you put effort into juniors you can reap the benefits.
The introduction of Under 12 cricket has further strengthened the club's pathway, helping young players develop their skills while fostering a love of the game from an early age. The growth has also brought families together, with father-son combinations taking the field and Life Members returning to become involved around the club.
Club President David Grundy said the progress had been exciting to watch.
"You put those young players together with a group of players in their mid-20s and you have a great basis for growth. As a more experienced player, you can't help but get excited by it all."
While the growth on the field has been important, David believes the club's volunteers have been the real driving force behind its success.
In 2018, a small group of committed young members stepped up at a critical time and helped ensure the club's future. Since then, Penguin has built a strong committee made up of players, parents and community members who continue to invest countless hours behind the scenes.
The club is also quick to acknowledge individuals who have helped shape its journey. Maurice Jones played an important role during the club's move to its current facilities, advocating for Penguin Cricket Club and helping secure opportunities that have laid the foundation for its current success. The Devries family has also become synonymous with the club, contributing year after year in a variety of roles.
Despite not having a clubhouse, Penguin has developed a strong sense of connection among players and families. Match days often extend beyond cricket, with camp chairs, music, backyard-style games and juniors hitting balls in the nets creating an atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
"Some of our best moments are when the camp chairs come out, the music turns up, silly games are being played, juniors are in the nets and pizza is being delivered," David said.
Looking ahead, the club's focus is on continuing to grow participation and ensuring there is a place for everyone in cricket, with the introduction this season of a Woolworths Cricket Blast program as well as a Women’s Social League Team. Penguin is also working towards securing improved facilities, including clubrooms, change rooms and an upgraded canteen.
For David and the club's volunteers, the goal is simple: continue building a welcoming environment where players of all ages and abilities can enjoy the game and be part of the community.
"This next season is all about the growth of cricket, maintaining teams and a positive culture, and enabling everyone to participate in cricket at Penguin."
Registrations for club cricket are now open across Tasmania.
