AU2017285470A1

AU2017285470A1 - Apparatus and method for playing a sports game

Info

Publication number: AU2017285470A1
Application number: AU2017285470A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tyson Dene Lord
Original assignee: Fun Co Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Fun Co Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-16
Filing date: 2017-06-16
Publication date: 2018-12-20
Also published as: WO2017214661A1; GB201900623D0; ZA201900294B; GB2566646A; GB2566646B

Abstract

Apparatus for playing a sports game comprising an inflatable ball, at least two wickets, each having at least two upright posts, and a field of play comprising a marked pitch disposed substantially centrally on the field of play, wherein the wickets are disposed at respective ends of the pitch, and wherein crease lines are marked toward ends of the pitch, inwardly of respective wickets.

Description

TITLE “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A SPORTS GAME”

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001 ] The present invention relates to apparatus and method for playing a sports game.

[0002] Particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and method for playing a sports game that retains familiarity to well-known sports such as cricket, rugby and Australian rules football.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] It is known for team sports to be played for a number of reasons including social gatherings, exercise and competition.

[0004] Some examples of popular worldwide team sports include football and cricket.

[0005] Both of these are well known and popular in a number of countries.

[0006] Further to these, Australian rules football is also very popular in Australia, and a similar sport is played in Ireland, being Gaelic football.

[0007] All of the above mentioned team sports have specific rules and apparatus required to play.

[0008] Cricket requires specific apparatus to play, specifically bat, ball and wickets. The bat and balls particularly are both hard and can cause injury or harm in use, due to the high speeds and forces involves.

[0009] Cricket also requires a high level of skill to play effectively, in terms of hand eye coordination, ability to spin or throw the ball, and skill with the bat.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0010] [0011] [0012] [0013] [0014] [0015]

The above limitations make playing cricket preclusive to some people, for example young children or those who may be put off due to the skill levels required to play effectively.

Australian Rules football, rugby and Gaelic football are known for being very physically demanding games, which can require high levels of fitness and consequently can be preclusive to some people.

These sports can also require high levels of skill, and can carry a high risk of inj ury during play.

The present invention attempts to provide an alternative team sport to the aforementioned examples, while retaining familiarity to some more popular sports.

The present invention also attempts to provide an alternative team sport which is more inclusive to players with lower levels of skill or players where a significant level of physical exertion is undesirable.

The present invention also attempts to provide a blend of known sports to encourage cross-sport familiarity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0016]

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for playing a sports game comprising;

an inflatable ball;

at least two wickets, each comprising at least two upright posts; and a field of play comprising a marked pitch disposed substantially centrally on the field of play, wherein the wickets are disposed at respective ends of

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PCT/AU2017/000132 the pitch, and wherein crease lines are marked toward ends of the pitch, inwardly of respective wickets.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable ball comprises a prolate spheroid outer skin, having a seam running circumferentially along an ellipse of a major axis.

[0018] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable ball comprises a spherical outer skin, having at least one seam running around the circumference.

[0019] Preferably the ball comprises a plurality of cross-stitches traversing the seam, wherein the cross-stitches are spaced apart around an approximate centre of the ball.

[0020] More preferably, the ball comprises a plurality of lines of stitching running around the ball, parallel to the seam.

[0021 ] Preferably, each wicket comprises two inner upright posts of greater length than two outer upright posts, wherein all of the posts are arranged in line and spaced so that the inflatable ball is unable to pass between any adjacent posts.

[0022] Alternatively, each wicket comprises two upright posts and a substantially level cross piece, wherein the upright posts are arranged to be affixed to ground and wherein a net spans an aperture formed by the upright posts, the cross piece and the ground.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for playing a sports game comprising the following steps;

a. players dividing into two even teams, each comprising at least 5 players, the teams being defined at the batting team and the fielding team;

b. the fielding team nominating one player as a bowler, another player as a wicket keeper, and the remaining players as fielders;

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c. the batting team nominating a batting order, with each player being assigned a sequential number as batsmen;

d. a first batsman positioning themselves in front of a wicket and behind a crease, at one end of the pitch, and a second batsman positioning themselves between a wicket and a crease at the opposite end of the pitch;

e. the bowler being positioned at the opposed end of the pitch to the first batsman;

f. the wicket keeper being positioned behind the first batsman and the wicket, at the opposite end of the pitch to the bowler;

g. the remaining members of the fielding team being positioned around the field of play;

h. the remaining members of the batting team being off the field of play;

i. the bowler delivering a ball toward the first batsman;

j. the first batsman attempting to strike the ball with their legs or feet;

k. the fielding team attempting to dismiss the first batsman, wherein dismissal may be achieved by the ball delivered by the bowler striking the wickets, a member of the fielding team catching the ball struck by the first batsman, or a member of the fielding team striking the wickets with the ball before the first batsman reaches the crease adjacent to said wicket;

l. the batsman attempting to score runs by kicking the ball delivered by the bowler, where runs may be scored by the ball reaching a boundary of the field of play, or by both batsmen running between the creases after the first batsman strikes the ball;

m. either batsman may be dismissed when running between the creases if a member of the fielding teams strikes the wickets with the ball before the batsman reaches the crease adjacent to said wicket;

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n. following the delivery of a set number of balls, the members of the fielding team rotating positions, thus new members of the team becoming the bowler and the wicket keeper;

o. following dismissal of a batsman, the batsman leaving the field of play and being replaced by the next member of the batting team in the batting order;

p. following dismissal of the penultimate member of the batting team, the batting team being declared out and the batting team and fielding team switching roles;

q. repeating steps b thru p with the reversed team roles; and

r. comparing total runs scored of each team, with the team with the higher score being declared the winner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a top view of a field of play;

[0026] Figure 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a wicket;

[0027] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a wicket;

[0028] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a wicket;

[0029] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a ball; and [0030] Figure 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a ball

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0031] [0032] [0033] [0034] [0035] [0036] [0037] [0038] [0039]

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Two particular embodiments of the invention are disclosed, being described henceforth as the ''Australian Rules ’ embodiment and the ‘International Rules ’ embodiment.

Unless otherwise stated, the following description of the game applies to both the Australian Rules embodiment, and the International Rules embodiment.

The Australian Rules embodiment of the invention combines elements of cricket and Australian rules football to provide an alternative sport, which is more inclusive and accessible to new players, while retaining familiarity to both cricket and Australian rules football.

The International Rules embodiment of the invention combines elements of cricket and rugby or Gaelic football to provide an alternative sport, which is more inclusive and accessible to new players, while retaining familiarity to cricket and either rugby or Gaelic football.

As shown in Figure 1, the game 10 comprises a field of play 20 having a peripheral boundary 22 and a pitch 30, located at the approximate centre of the field of play 20. In Figure 1 the boundary 22 of the field of play 20 is shown as an oval shape, although it is recognised that the boundary 22 may be a different shape and may be suited to the environment and surroundings.

The field of play 20 may be similar to a cricket field.

The pitch 30 comprises an elongated strip, with a wicket 40 positioned at each end and a crease 32 positioned inside each wicket 40.

The pitch 30 may be similar to a cricket pitch.

Umpires may be present to adjudicate on the game 10. Umpires are not shown in the diagrams but may comprise two on field umpires and a third umpire to review decisions based on further evidence, for example video footage.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0040] [0041] [0042] [0043] [0044] [0045] [0046]

In the Australian Rules embodiment of the invention, the wicket 40, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, comprises four substantially upright posts 41 and 42, wherein the two innermost posts 41 are of greater length then the two outermost posts 42. The posts may be affixed to a base 43, or alternatively may be separate and arranged to be pushed into the ground to support themselves in an upright position.

The wicket 40 may further comprise a bail 44, mounted on top of the innermost posts 41. The bail 44 may balanced so that sufficient movement of either of the innermost posts 41 will dislodge the bail 44, so that the bail 44 falling can provide an indication as to whether the posts have been struck by a ball 50.

The wicket 40 may further comprise multiple bails 44, as shown in Figure 2, where an uppermost bail 44 is mounted on top of the innermost posts 41, and two lower bails 44 are mounted on top of the two outermost posts 42.

The lower bails 44 may engage with the innermost posts 41 using engagement features 49, where the engagement features 49 are positioned at a height approximately coincident with the tops of the outermost posts 42, so that the lower bails 44 are mounted substantially horizontally.

In the International Rules embodiment of the invention, the wicket 40, as shown in Figure 3, comprises a pair of upright posts 45 spaced apart, having a substantially level cross-piece 46 spanning the distance between the upright posts 45, forming an Ή’ shape. The wicket 40 may further comprise a net 47 (not shown) spanning an aperture formed by the two upright posts 45, the cross-piece 46 and the ground. The upright posts 45 may be affixed to a base 48, or alternatively may be arranged to be pushed into the ground to support themselves in an upright position.

The upright posts 45 may comprise engagement features 49, configured to receive the cross-piece 46.

A single design of base 43, 48 may be used to accommodate both the Australian Rules embodiment and the International Rules embodiment of the invention.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0047] [0048] [0049] [0050] [0051] [0052] [0053] [0054]

The upright posts 41,45 may be configured to accommodate both the Australian Rules embodiment and the International Rules embodiment of the invention, achieved by the use of engagement features 49 being configured to both receive the ends of the bails 44, or receive the ends of the cross-piece 46.

The game is played with an inflatable ball 50, in the Australian Rules embodiment as shown in Figure 5, the ball 50 may be a prolate spheroid having a plurality of parallel stitches 52 to substantially resemble an Australian rules football. The ball 50 may further comprise runs of smaller stitching 54 lengthways, similar to those of a cricket ball, so that the ball 50 resembles a combination of an Australian rules football and a cricket ball.

In the International Rules embodiment the ball 50 may be round as shown in Figure 6, and may be the size of a regular size 5 Football, but with runs of stitching 56 running around the circumference similar to those of a cricket ball, therefore having the appearance of a large cricket ball.

The stitches on the ball 50 may be physical stitches, or may be the appearance of stiches, for example being printed or moulded into the surface.

Alternatively the ball may vary in size to suit different age groups of players.

The game involves two teams, each comprising an equal number of at least 5 players, where one team assumes the role of batting team 60 and the other team assumes the role of the fielding team 70 and where the teams compete against each other.

To determine which team assumes each role initially, a random event may be used, for example a coin toss.

The object of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team, wherein the batting team 60 attempts to score as many runs as possible, and the fielding team 70 attempts to dismiss the players of the batting team 60 whilst limiting the number of runs scored.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0055] Once the batting team 60 is dismissed, the teams switch roles with the fielding team 70 becoming the batting team 60, and the batting team 60 becoming the fielding team 70.

[0056] Once both teams have batted and have been dismissed, the game 10 is over and the team with the highest number of runs is the winner.

[0057] To commence play, the fielding team 70 nominate one member as the bowler 72, another member as the wicket keeper 74, and the remaining members 76 position themselves around the playing area 20, where the positions are selected freely, but may be based on the likelihood of being able to catch or intercept a ball 50 delivered by a batsman 62.

[0058] The wicket keeper 74 positions themselves behind the wicket 40, at the opposed end of the pitch 30 to the bowler 72.

[0059] The batting team 60 nominate two batsmen, the first batsman 62 positions themselves on the pitch 30 at one end, standing in front of the wicket 40 and the wicket keeper 74, but behind the crease 32.

[0060] The second batsman 64 positions themselves at the opposite end of the pitch 30, in front of the opposite wicket 40, behind the crease 32.

[0061] Two members of the batting team 60 must remain on the field of play 20 at any one time, being positioned at each end of the pitch 30 inside the wickets 40. The remaining members 66 of the batting team 60 are nominated sequential numbers in the batting order, but remain off the field of play 20 until one of the in-field members is dismissed, and is replaced with a new team member.

[0062] The batting team 60 is dismissed once enough players have been dismissed that they are unable to field two batsmen, therefore when only one batsman remains the batting team 60 is considered dismissed.

[0063] A batsman 62 may be dismissed where the ball 50 hits the wickets 40 following a legal delivery by the bowler 72.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0064] A batsman 62 may be dismissed where a member of the fielding team catches the ball 50 after the ball 50 is kicked by the batsman 62, but before the ball 50 touches the ground.

[0065] Alternatively the batsman 62 or 64 may be dismissed by being stumped, run out, or touching the wickets 40, all of which will be explained henceforth.

[0066] Play is commenced by the bowler 72, who delivers a ball 50 toward the batsman 62 from the opposed end of the pitch 30.

[0067] The delivery must be legal, wherein legal is defined as not being too high, or wide, and the legality may be assessed by an umpire.

[0068] To qualify as a legal delivery, the bowler 72 must dispose of the ball 50 behind the crease 32, thus ensuring the ball 50 travels a minimum length before reaching the batsman 62.

[0069] If a delivery is considered to be wide, the batting team 60 are awarded a single run, in addition to any runs the batsmen 62 and 64 may score from the delivery.

[0070] If a deli very is too high, or if the bowler 72 oversteps the crease 32, or if there is any interference from members of the fielding team 70, the delivery may be declared a ‘No Ball.’ [0071 ] If the delivery is declared a No Ball, the batting team 60 are awarded a single run in addition to any runs the batsmen 62 and 64 may score from the delivery.

[0072] According to the Australian Rules embodiment of the present invention, the bowler 72 delivers the ball 50 by kicking. Alternatively the delivery may be by handball, where a handball requires the ball 50 to be held in one hand, and struck with the other hand. Handball is a known technique in Australian Rules football.

[0073] According to the International Rules embodiment of the present invention, in addition to kicking, the bowler 72 may also deliver the ball 50 by throwing or rolling.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0074] The bowler 72 completes one over, where an over may consist of six legal deliveries.

[0075] After the bowler 72 has completed one over, the players of the fielding team rotate positions, with a different member of the fielding team 70 taking the position of the bowler 72 to deliver to next over.

[0076] The members of the fielding team 70 continually rotate positions until the batting team 60 are dismissed, which may result in one or more members of the fielding team 70 delivering more than one over.

[0077] The batsman 62 must try to defend the wicket 40, by preventing the ball 50 from contacting the wicket 40. To defend the wicket 40 the batsman 62 is able to kick the ball 50 or otherwise deflect the ball 50 using their legs.

[0078] In the International Rules embodiment of the present invention, the batsman 62 is further permitted to deflect the ball 50 using their head.

[0079] The use of the body parts of the batsman 62 to defend the wicket 40 provides for a more inclusive and accessible game, as the required skill level to defend the wicket 40 is much lower than it would be with cricket.

[0080] The lack of a requirement for a bat and / or protective wear also provides for a more accessible game due to the low cost requirements to purchase the equipment.

[0081] The use of an inflatable ball 50 in place of a hard cricket ball allows for a more inclusive and accessible game, as the risk of injury or harm is greatly reduced, thus enabling the game 10 to be played by younger people and without the need for protection such as helmets.

[0082] The reduction of risk of injury or harm is particularly evident when considering the batsman, but also applies to all team members, who may all be exposed to the ball 50 travelling at high speeds.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0083] In the event of the ball 50 delivered by the bowler hitting the wicket 40 the batsman 40 is dismissed.

[0084] If the batsman 62 kicks the ball 50 and the ball 50 is caught by a member of the fielding team 70, without the ball 50 touching the ground following the kick, the batsman 62 is dismissed.

[0085] If the batsman 62 deflects the ball 50, but the ball 50 remains on the pitch 30, either batsman 62,64 may impede the members of the fielding team 70 to prevent them from returning the balls and assist the batting team 60 to complete the run.

[0086] A catch may be defined as a clean catch first time, or may be more than one attempt, and may involve more than one member of the fielding team 70, providing the ball 50 is secured without touching the ground.

[0087] A catch may be defined in Australian rules football terms, being known as a mark.

[0088] Following the dismissal for a catch, the member of the fielding team 70 returns the ball 50 to the bowler 72 in preparation for the next delivery.

[0089] To return the ball 50 the member of the fielding team must kick or handball the ball 50, the member of the fielding team 70 may not be permitted to throw the ball 50.

[0090] When returning the ball in the Australian Rules embodiment, the member of the fielding team 70 may carry the ball 50 up to 10m before they must bounce or dispose of the ball 50.

[0091] When returning the ball in the International Rules embodiment, the member of the fielding team 70 may only kick the ball 50 back to the bowler 72.

[0092] If the member of the fielding team 70 incorrectly disposes of the ball 50, for example by throwing, the batting team 60 are awarded a single run.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [0093] [0094] [0095] [0096] [0097] [0098] [0099] [00100] [00101] [00102] [00103]

If the batsman 62 misses the ball 50, but strays beyond the crease 32, and the wicket keeper 74 catches the ball 50 and strikes the wicket 40 with the ball 50 before the batsman 62 returns to behind the crease 32, the batsman 62 has been stumped and is dismissed.

The batsman 62 may be dismissed if they touch the wicket 40 during play.

The aim of the game 10 for the batting team 60 is to score points, known as runs.

The batsman 62 must try to score runs, which is generally done by kicking the ball 50 delivered by the bowler 72.

The batsman 62 may try to catch the ball 50 delivered by the bowler 72, if the batsman 62 is able to catch the ball 50 cleanly before it touches the ground, the batsman 62 may kick the ball 50 unopposed.

If the batsman 62 attempts to catch but fumbles and drops the ball 50, the batting team 60 will lose two runs.

If the ball 50 delivered by the bowler 72 does not reach the batsman 62 it is still considered to be a delivery for five seconds, and may be kicked by the batsman 62.

Runs may be scored where the ball 50 is delivered and passes the batsman 62 without making contact, known as a bye.

If the ball 50 delivered by the bowler 72 strikes the batsman 62 anywhere on the body other than below the knees, runs may be scored, and are known as a leg bye.

If the batsman 62 kicks the ball 50 delivered by the bowler 72, and the ball 50 reaches the boundary 22 of the field of play 20 without touching the ground, the batsman 62 scores six runs.

If the ball 50 touches the ground, but subsequently reaches the boundary 22 of the field of play 20, the batsman 62 scores four runs.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [00104] [00105] [00106] [00107] [00108] [00109] [00110] [00111] [00112]

Alternatively, the batsman 62 may score runs by running between the wickets 40. If the batsman 62 kicks the ball 50, the two batsmen 62 and 64 run between the wickets 40, back and forth, where each successful pass scores a single run.

To qualify as a successful pass the running member of the batting team 62 or 64 must reach the opposed crease 32 before a member of the bowling team 70 is able to strike the wicket 40 with the ball 50.

If the ball 50 strikes the wicket 40 before the batsman 62 or 64 is able to complete the run by reaching the crease 32, they are run out, and dismissed.

Where the ball 50 reaches the boundary 22, any runs scored by the batsmen 62 and 64 running between the wickets are not counted, and the score is taken as the four or six runs as a result of the ball 50 reaching the boundary 22.

When a batsman 62 or 64 is declared out, they are replaced by a subsequent team member 66, until there are insufficient team members left to be positioned at each wicket 40. Therefore the batting team 60 must have a minimum of two players remaining to continue play.

Once all batting team 60 members are out, the teams change positions, with the batting team 60 becoming the fielding team 70 and vice versa.

The game 10 may be concluded when both teams have been entirely dismissed, known as an innings, where the team with the highest number of runs scored is declared the winner.

Alternatively, the teams may continue to alternate roles until a time limit has been reached, at which point the team with the highest number of runs scored is declared the winner.

The combination of elements of cricket with Australian rules football or rugby allow familiarity of the sports to be gained by players who, for example, had previously only been familiar with one.

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PCT/AU2017/000132 [00113] [00114] [00115] [00116] [00117] [00118]

The more inclusive and accessible game provided by the present invention allows for a more gradual and enjoyable entry into either sport for children, where the fitness and skill requirements, coupled with the aggressive nature, might have otherwise put children off.

While team members are referred to throughout the preceding description as batsmen in the masculine sense, this is purely for clarity and ease of description, and in no way limits the invention based on the gender of the parti cipants.

While the term “batting team” and “batsman” are used throughout the preceding description, this is purely to identify the team and the role within the team, and does not imply that a bat is required or used.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present scope of the present invention.

In the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

In the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “mark” when referring to a catch, is used in the manner familiar to Australian Rules Football, where a player cleanly catches, and is deemed to have controlled for sufficient time, a kicked ball.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. Apparatus for playing a sports game comprising;

an inflatable ball, at least two wickets, each comprising at least two upright posts, and a field of play comprising a marked pitch disposed substantially centrally on the field of play, wherein the wickets are disposed at respective ends of the pitch, and wherein crease lines are marked toward ends of the pitch, inwardly of respective wickets.
2. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable ball comprises a prolate spheroid outer skin, having a seam running circumferentially along an ellipse of a major axis.
3. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable ball comprises a spherical outer skin, having at least one seam running around the circumference.
4. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to any one of claims 1 to

3, wherein the inflatable ball comprises a plurality of cross-stitches traversing the seam, wherein the cross-stitches are spaced apart.
5. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to any one of claims 1 to

4, wherein the inflatable ball comprises a plurality of lines of stitching running around the ball, parallel to the seam.
6. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to any one of claims 1 to

5, wherein each wicket comprises two inner upright posts of greater length than two outer upright posts, wherein all of the posts are arranged in line

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PCT/AU2017/000132 and spaced so that the inflatable ball is unable to pass between any adjacent posts.
7. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each wicket comprises two upright posts and a substantially level cross piece, wherein the upright posts are arranged to be affixed to ground and wherein a net spans an aperture formed by the upright posts, the cross piece and the ground.
8. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each wicket comprises a base, the base configured to keep the posts substantially upright.
9. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to claim 8, wherein the base comprises sufficient holes for receiving the posts to enable a single base to accommodate two embodiments of the invention by providing for the use of different quantities of posts.
10. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to claim 6, wherein each wicket comprises bails balanced across the tops of at least two of the posts, the bails configured to fall once sufficiently disturbed, thus providing an indication as to whether a batsman has been dismissed.
11. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to claim 10, wherein the inner upright posts comprise engagement features at approximately a height coincident with the tops of the outer upright posts, the engagement features being configured to received an end of a bail, so that bails maybe used in between adjacent posts of different heights.
12. Apparatus for playing a sports game according to claim 11, wherein the engagement features are also configured to receive an end of the horizontal cross piece, so that the inner upright posts can accommodate two embodiments of the invention.
13. A method for playing a sports game comprising the following steps;

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a. players dividing into two even teams, each comprising at least 5 players, the teams being defined at the batting team and the fielding team;

b. the fielding team nominating one player as a bowler, another player as a wicket keeper, and the remaining players as fielders;

c. the batting team nominating a batting order, with each player being assigned a sequential number as batsmen;

d. a first batsman positioning themselves in front of a wicket and behind a crease, at one end of the pitch, and a second batsman positioning themselves between a wicket and a crease at the opposite end of the pitch;

e. the bowler being positioned at the opposed end of the pitch to the first batsman;

f. the wicket keeper being positioned behind the first batsman and the wicket, at the opposite end of the pitch to the bowler;

g. the remaining members of the fielding team being positioned around the field of play;

h. the remain ing members of the batting team being off the field of play;

i. the bowler delivering a ball toward the first batsman;

j. the first batsman attempting to strike the ball with their legs or feet;

k. the fielding team attempting to dismiss the first batsman, wherein dismissal may be achieved by the ball delivered by the bowler striking the wickets, a member of the fielding team catching the ball struck by the first batsman, or a member of the fielding team

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PCT/AU2017/000132 striking the wickets with the ball before the first batsman reaches the crease adjacent to said wicket;

l. the batsman attempting to score runs by kicking the ball delivered by the bowler, where runs may be scored by the ball reaching a boundary of the field of play, or by both batsmen running between the creases after the first batsman strikes the ball;

m. either batsman may be dismissed when running between the creases if a member of the fielding teams strikes the wickets with the ball before the batsman reaches the crease adjacent to said wicket;

n. following the delivery of a set number of balls, the members of the fielding team rotating positions, thus new members of the team becoming the bowler and the wicket keeper;

o. following dismissal of a batsman, the batsman leaving the field of play and being replaced by the next member of the batting team in the batting order;

p. following dismissal of the penultimate member of the batting team, the batting team being declared out and the batting team and fielding team switching roles;

q. repeating steps b thru p with the reversed team roles; and

r. comparing total runs scored of each team, with the team with the higher score being declared the winner.
14. Apparatus and method for playing a sports game, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the method comprising the following steps;

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a. players dividing into two even teams, each comprising at least 5 players, the teams being defined at the batting team and the fielding team;

b. the fielding team nominating one player as a bowler, another player as a wicket keeper, and the remaining players as fielders;

c. the batting team nominating a batting order, with each player being assigned a sequential number as batsmen;

d. a first batsman positioning themselves in front of a wicket and behind a crease, at one end of the pitch, and a second batsman positioning themselves between a wicket and a crease at the opposite end of the pitch;

e. the bowler being positioned at the opposed end of the pitch to the first batsman;

f. the wicket keeper being positioned behind the first batsman and the wicket, at the opposite end of the pitch to the bowler;

g. the remaining members of the fielding team being positioned around the field of play;

h. the remaining members of the batting team being off the field of play;

i. the bowler delivering a ball toward the first batsman;

j. the first batsman attempting to strike the ball with their legs or feet;

k. the fielding team attempting to dismiss the first batsman, wherein dismissal may be achieved by the ball delivered by the bowler striking the wickets, a member of the fielding team catching the ball struck by the first batsman, or a member of the fielding team

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PCT/AU2017/000132 striking the wickets with the ball before the first batsman reaches the crease adjacent to said wicket;

l. the batsman attempting to score runs by kicking the ball delivered by the bowler, where runs may be scored by the ball reaching a boundary of the field of play, or by both batsmen running between the creases after the first batsman strikes the ball;

m. either batsman may be dismissed when running between the creases if a member of the fielding teams strikes the wickets with the ball before the batsman reaches the crease adjacent to said wicket;

n. following the delivery of a set number of balls, the members of the fielding team rotating positions, thus new members of the team becoming the bowler and the wicket keeper;

o. following dismissal of a batsman, the batsman leaving the field of play and being replaced by the next member of the batting team in the batting order;

p. following dismissal of the penultimate member of the batting team, the batting team being declared out and the batting team and fielding team switching roles;

q. repeating steps b thru p with the reversed team roles; and

r. comparing total runs scored of each team, with the team with the higher score being declared the winner.
15. The method of playing a sports game according to either claim 13 or 14, wherein the number of runs scored in step 1 may be four runs where the ball kicked by the batsman has touched the ground before reaching the

WO 2017/214661

PCT/AU2017/000132 boundary, or may be six runs where the ball kicked by the batsman reaches the boundary without touching the ground.
16.

The method of playing a sports game according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the number of balls in a delivery as described in step n, is six.