FOR nearly a century, vigoro has been a part of Ipswich’s sporting landscape – a fast, family-friendly game that blends the skills of cricket with its own unique traditions.
Now, the Ipswich Vigoro Association is inviting new players to pick up a bat and ball, with special Come and Try sessions scheduled for this Sunday at the city’s Vigoro Grounds.
Vigoro has been played in Ipswich since 1930 and continues to thrive as a fast-paced, social game with similarities to cricket but plenty of unique twists.
Teams field 12 players, two bowlers peg the ball from one end, and batters wield a teardrop-shaped bat.
What sets the sport apart is its signature “hit and run” rule: if a ball is hit in front of the crease, the batter must run.
The result is a quick-moving game filled with wickets, laughter, and competition, with matches lasting around two and a half hours.
Ipswich Vigoro Association President Deanne Lawrie first discovered the sport through her local school competition and said community and tradition had always been at the heart of vigoro.
“Many girls get involved through family and friends that play,” she said.
“The type of game it is allows all sorts of ability levels to play together, and the opportunity for mothers to play alongside their daughters is certainly a huge appeal.”
The Association currently has between 160 and 180 members each year, with generations of families sharing the field. Beyond competition, the club has built a reputation for inclusivity and community support.
In recent years, it has introduced mental health rounds, First Nations rounds, sun-safe programs for juniors, and support for the Heart Kids charity.
“It’s a small sport, but that’s part of its charm,” Lawrie said.
“If you enjoy cricket, you’ll probably love playing vigoro,” she said.
The upcoming Come and Try sessions will give locals of all ages the chance to experience the game.
Juniors aged 9 to 14, along with boys under 10, can take part in a skills session and game from 3.30-4.30pm on Sunday, and following that, a women’s session will run from 4.30-5.30pm.
