The donated kits were handed over to hundreds of ecstatic children at Sewanagala School in Sri Lanka’s south as part of a two-week junior cricket tour organised by Bowral Blues Cricket Club (BBCC).

Some of the recipients travelled for four hours to greet the Wingecarribee Shire visitors and receive the equipment.

Given that many children in Sri Lanka are unable to play with proper gear due to economic hardship, receiving so many cricket bags loaded with bats, pads, gloves and stumps sent spirits skyrocketing.

The appreciation and warmth shown by children and their teachers had an emotional impact on many of the Highlands players.

The tour started in Mount Lavinia, near Columbo, on July 8 where the Highlands squad played five friendly matches against Sri Lankan teams.

Although some matches were rain-interrupted and humidity had an impact on some of the visitors, the competition was solid.

There was much to be learned from the professionalism, humility and welcoming nature of each opposing side.

There was plenty of sight-seeing in between matches, including city rides on Tuk-Tuk motorised taxi bikes, safaris through Yala National Park and visits to the 16^th century Galle Fort, a tea factory and a turtle sanctuary.

Another highlight was a sarong and sari dress-up night in Beruwala.

The players were all accompanied by relatives with many mothers, fathers and siblings bonding and enjoying the delights of Sri Lanka.

BBCC coach Brian Martin said it was an out-of-the-box experience for Highlands players to compete and travel across a country as interesting and diverse as Sri Lanka.

“The players have come back with positive experiences and lessons as far as cricket and culture is concerned,” Mr Martin said.

“A massive thank you to all the Southern Highlands families who pitched in to donate cricket gear.

“Rest assured, it was well received by those we gave it to.”

The Highlands tour players were Jack Baldwin, Austin Cribbin-Blencowe, Ryan Emerick, Mason King, James Morton, Ryan Morton, Toby Smith, Ben Tucker, Willoughby Watson, Charlie Whatman, Hayden Willebrand, Mitch Wilson and Nick Wilson. 

The squad was arranged and coached by Brian Martin and managed by Scott Morton. 

- Matthew Watson