The nation’s traditional summer game will take over cricket grounds all over the region as the stars of tomorrow pad up to face the first ball of the new season this weekend.
The Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association will open its 2021-22 season tomorrow night when the 12 Sims Shield teams will don the whites on grounds all over the region from Mount Burr to Mil Lel.
All six Under 12 T20 games will begin at 4.30pm with Mil Lel Green the team to beat after it knocked off Millicent in convincing fashion in last season’s decider at Yahl.
South Gambier is fielding two sides, while regional areas such as Mount Burr, a returning Kongorong, Glencoe and Penola are all represented in a big boost for the game.
MGDCA vice president Shane Dycer said the youngest grade with revised playing conditions continues to grow.
“To have a 12-team competition with great numbers is fantastic for the development of the game,” he said.
“They will play nine a side with a pitch that is a metre shorter, so there is more space on the oval for batters to score runs and kids get a better opportunity.
“Having such a wet winter has worked in our favour, so the pitches are in A1 nick and we cannot wait to get started.”
The early hours of Sunday morning will be brought to life by the first over of the Hall trophy.
Six teams will compete the Under 14’s competition with the new Penola/Naracoorte side playing Millicent at McCorquindale Park, East/North Gambier hosting West at Scott Park and Mil Lel welcoming South to Frew Park.
All games will begin at 8.30am and Dycyer said there has been plenty of movement in the age group over the winter.
“A week ago we had seven Under 14 teams, but now we have five because Mount Burr and South Gambier pulled out in the last week.
“They just could not field teams, but the silver lining to that is Naracoorte and Penola are having a combined team in the Under 14’s for the first time.
“We are hoping this can translate into more Naracoorte participation in the other grades.”
The Under 17’s had been scheduled to begin the O’Donoehue Shield tomorrow night, but the MGDCA announced the opening round had been postponed on Tuesday morning.
The games will be played at a later date with a free Sunday later in the season appearing the most likely alternative.
“North and East have combined, but Penola come into the competition with Millicent,” Dycer said.
“Millicent already had a full team and had more than they needed, so they merged a second team with Penola which is great.
“Penola have not had a second team for a good six to seven years, so it good to have them back.”
Despite the promising signs emerging from the junior circles, Dycer admitted it is still a challenge to put the show on the road
“We are always looking to grow the association and it would be nice to have a Portland or Casterton in the competition, but with the border how it is it will not happen,” he said.
“So we are pushing the potential of Penola, Naracoorte and Millicent.
“It is a really hard time for the association because COVID has made people restricted in what they want to do and have turned off sport to a degree.
“It is really important parents push their kids outdoors and stay involved with clubs and summer sports.
“We are maintaining our levels and have slightly increased participation, but it has been a battle and we need to start growing.”
