MID North Coast Premier League cricket teams could play a round of two day games in season 2020/21.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
This would be the first for the competition that takes in clubs from the Manning, Hastings and Macleay associations. In the past three seasons 40 over games have been played along with some T20 fixtures.
However, Mid North Coast Cricket Council chairman David Burley said there is some consideration to playing a round of two day games. He said clubs would be asked for their input on the matter before a decision is made.
"I think two day cricket ensures more players get involved in the game,'' he said.
"It's something we want our clubs to consider.''
Mr Burley said the competition would start on Saturday October 10 - the Saturday after the October long weekend. Last season seven clubs, three from the Manning (Taree West, United and Wingham), three from the Hastings and one from the Macleay took part.
Mr Burley said he has heard 'some rumours' that at least one club could be struggling for numbers.
"But that's always the case at this time of the year. People are in football-mode,'' he said.
By any measure 2019/20 was a difficult year. The season started with the area in drought, then the devastating bushfires hit and this disrupted the competition. When play resumed after the Christmas break rain had a significant impact. Then the week before the semi-finals were due to be played Cricket NSW put an end of all cricket in the State as NSW went into lockdown because of the pandemic.
Wingham, the minor premiers, were declared major premiers.
The pandemic is still having an affect on the competition.
The council's annual meeting was deferred because of restrictions with gatherings. It was rescheduled to Monday July 21.
"But then the rules changed again and gatherings were restricted to 10. We have 20 people at our AGM,'' Mr Burley said.
He explained the council has been given permission from Fair Trading to continue to operate despite not having an annual meeting.
"We'll have our AGM when we can,'' he said.
"If that's not until Christmas, then so be it.''
Expressions of interest are now out for clubs wanting to play in the premier league. This will be finalised in September.
