THERE are many exciting changes to the Northam Cricket Associa tion for 2014-15, with a young and fresh committee and new president, Kitt Byfield.
Up for discussion this cricket season was the introduction of more Twenty20 games throughout the season, including Friday and/or Sunday Sundowner Games and a Charity All Stars Game; plus, looking at ways to curb the heat.
The first big change implemented for the year was the NCA Friendly Twenty20 Big Bash that kicked off the season last Saturday.
The first game of the day was a success with a handful of new players joining the association for the first time and some returning.
In fact; the top score, most wickets and largest batting partnership for the mixed Grass Valley side on the day all came from new players.
Yongah Hill proved to be too good in the end with its opening batsman dispatching 12 fours and two sixes in its score of 76, to lead them to an impressive victory.
Rain interrupted the rest of the day.
Five teams have now officially presented reasonable numbers and a solid team nomination for the 2014-15 season - two from Grass Valley, two from Toodyay and one from Yongah Hill.
As the current teams are all from the surrounds of Northam, the association wants to create a Northam-based club (comprising of at least one or preferably, two teams) that will come from an injection of new players, as well as Northam-based players from previous seasons.
To provide further opportunity for new and past players to join a club, a further two friendly Twenty20 Big Bash games will once again be held at Bert Hawke from 12.30pm this Saturday.
As per last week, it will be an open, fun and laid back event where everyone and anyone interested in playing senior cricket is invited and encouraged to attend and play.
The NCA friendly Twenty20 Big Bash games on Saturday at Bert Hawke 1 in Northam will see Yonga Hill take on Grass Valley at 12.03pm and Toodyay take on a Northam-based Club (name yet to be decided) at 3.30pm.
To register for Saturday's games and/or play this season message your full name to 0438 890 194 or email northamcricket@gmail. com.
All players need to turn up at least half an hour before their game in whites.
Cricket gear will be provided if needed.
Drinks from the bar will be available; along with a barbecue later in the day.
Players and families are encouraged to come and watch both games, socialise and stay for the twilight match.
Spectators, supporters and anyone interested in watching some entertaining games of cricket are more than welcome.
There is plenty of shade and an undercover playground for the kids.
Some fine cricketers in Jermaine Davis, Paul Clune and Brad Parker have offered to assist in getting the Northam-based club up and running.
There will be a friendly training session for the club at the Bert Hawke nets on Thursday at 5.30pm.
Any questions or further details, feel free to email northamcricket@gmail.com.
