CRICKET –
Cricket is back on the Central Coast, with the new season starting over the weekend of October 30 and 31 much to the excitement of all clubs and players.
Central Coast Cricket Association Chairman, Garry Burkinshaw, said he was glad to see clubs returning to the pitch, although their return was a month later than usual.
“It’s been the longest pre-season ever but we’re glad to be back,” Burkinshaw said.
“Registrations have been great, they’re up three teams in the men’s division as well as up three teams in the women’s.
“All of the junior teams are down though because we can’t get into schools to sign people up, but we expect this will change now that schools are back open.
“So, we’re very happy with how registrations have been growing.”
The season runs until the last weekend of March 2022.
“The grand final for the senior clubs will be held on the last weekend of March, and the junior grand finals will be the weekend before that.
“The new season will also run like last year’s, so starting later and following the health orders, and we have a safety plan in place to make sure it is COVID safe,” Burkinshaw said.
“Last year The Entrance won the grand final against Terrigal-Matcham and I expect they’ll be tough competitors this year.
“I also think Wyong will be a bit of a dark horse, and they’ll be one to watch as well.
“We’re also pleased to see Brisbane Water return to first grade after being absent for the last few years.
“With them rejoining the competition, it means that all the clubs have a first-grade team in the comp which is really great.”
Round One 1st Grade Men’s fixtures on October 30 will see: The Entrance take on Wyong at Jubilee Park; Terrigal take on Warnervale at Duffys Rd; Southern Spirit take on Brisbane Water at Col Gooley Field 1; Northern Power take on Kincumber at Harry Moore Oval 1; and Narara take on Lisarow at Fagan Park.
1st Grade Women’s fixtures on October 30 are: Kincumber vs N/Power Org at Terrigal Haven; Lisarow Black vs Lisarow White at Lisarow Sports Field; N/Power Blue vs Terrigal at Tunkawallin Park; and Narara vs Wyong at Carrington St.
The Entrance will have the bye.
Harry Mulholland