HOWZAT! Improved cricket season to include ‘day-night’ fixtures

It comes after the Country Plate competition was scrapped due to governing body financial constraints and poor organisation from rival towns.

Cootamundra District Cricket Association president John Stephens said the Plate’s abandonment was disappointing but would open other opportunities in the area.

“The Country Plate was probably the focus of every small country town because it gave towns the opportunity to play in a knockout with an end-of-season trip as a goal,” Stephens said.

“Coota has always been very competitive in that competition and scrapping it means our rep side won’t play as many games.

“However day-night fixtures are now in the mix for local competitions.

“The facilities at Temora are under lights so hopefully sides will plays a round there over the season.”

With the Plate’s discontinuation, attentions now turn to the O’Farrell Cup Challenge and Stribley Shield competitions.

“This year we’ve got more rounds and an improved competition for Stribley Shield, more intense fixtures,” said Stephens, whose re-election to an eighth term as president made him the longest-serving club president since WWII.

Dean Bradley was elected as captain of the Cootamundra representative side for a third term while the cricket board welcomed new members Charlotte Thompson and Matt Berkrey. 

The competition in both grades commences on Saturday 7 October.

Central Hotel Cavaliers, Come Alive Fitness Crusaders, S&C Blues, Australian Hotel Coyotes (Young), Mimosa Whirlwinds.

Stockinbingal, Temora Bowling Club Tigers, Temora Shamrock Hotel Leprechauns, Temora Ex-Services Renegades, Aussie Hotel Scorchers, Young Services Saints, and the Criterion Gunners.

All matches are one day matches 40 overs each commencing at 1.30pm.​

The final for both grades will be held at Nixon Park in Temora on Saturday 10 March.