AS summer approaches, the Limestone Coast sporting landscape turns towards cricket, with the Barber Shield the major focus in the region.
The season will again see a six-team competition, with five one-day and two-day fixtures.
All will form part of the Barber Shield season, with no one-day cup to run.
Apart from that, a Twenty20 competition is still being discussed.
The Barber Shield will kick off on October 20 with three one-day games.
As reigning champions, Penola will focus its energies on back-to-back success, but the early word is North Sportsman’s could again be a tough side.
The Tigers have been a benchmark for several seasons, but were defeated by the Eagles in the grand final last season.
South Gambier and West Gambier should again field strong sides, but Mil Lel and East Gambier will need some improvement to push for finals contention.
However, according to Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association president George Kidman, all is on track for a top season across most grades.
“We have been really happy with the clubs’ commitments and early team nominations,” he said.
“We have a good number of teams nominated at Under 16, Under 14 and Under 12 levels.
“The Under 14s should see up to eight teams, which will be a good competition.
“We are excited about that.
“I think we are starting to see a trend of an increase in Under 14.
“For example, Penola has an Under 14 team this year, the first time in six years, which is a terrific sign.”
Kidman accepted some clubs may struggle for numbers across the lower grades, but said the association would help out to ensure the competitions continued with minimal disruption.
He said what the association was most excited about was the Barber Shield competition.
“With six teams I think we are going to have a strong competition again,” he said.
“We went from eight teams to six (last season), which meant players from Yahl and Kongorong had to stay in their clubs and play B Grade, or if they wanted an A Grade game, they had to spread.
“I think with six-teams we have a sustainable competition.”
Kidman said the draw would provide a level playing field for all.
“It is a great draw,” he said.
“You play everybody once in a two-day game and everybody once in a one day game, so it could not be fairer.
“Each of those six clubs have their own turf wicket and I think it all bodes well for the future.”
Kidman said he was unaware of any major changes to personnel across the A Grade clubs, but North appear to be in a good position.
“North will feel like they have gained one, because Matt McInerney was going to play district cricket in Adelaide, but he is now going to do his university at home,” he said.
“With (Josh) Fidler coming back from a knee injury, they will be very strong.
“I can see Mil Lel really challenge – they have some exciting youth.
“Even though East missed the finals last year, they will be strong and well led by Dion Stratford and I think West will be pretty keen for some redemption as well.
“For Penola, it will be an interesting season to defend the title.”
Kidman said all turf wickets would be ready to use by the first game of the season.
There will be changes for the younger players in the region, with Milo pulling its sponsorship of the In2 Cricket program.
“The In2 Cricket program will now be run by the association, with the clubs coming in to help,” Kidman said.
“The clubs are really coming together to help cricket in the region, which is a really good sign.”
