Armidale District Cricket Association’s annual Twenty20 competition will once again light up the Sportsground on a Friday night when it returns on January 27.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Four teams will make up the Rapid Clean competition; Moxons, Sportspower, Royal Hotel and Kirinari.
The association nominated four captains for each of the sides with Karl Triebe leading Moxons, Brad King heading up Sportspower, Matt Jackson skippering the Royal Hotel and Matt Baillie steering Kirinari.
Association president Mike Porter said the popular event attracted plenty of nominations from both weekend cricketers and those just wanting to suit up for the short matches.
"It is an opportunity for everyone in all grades to put their name forward and the clubs nominate the players that want to be involved,” he said.
"This year, we had close to 80 people involved in the nominations.”
The four-round series has run for seven years with great success.
Porter said the annual event was entertaining for players and spectators alike.
"We usually have a barbecue and a bar over there on the night,” he said.
"We have coloured clothing and that is all paid for by the sponsors, so it is similar to the Big Bash.
"We do same the sort of thing they do, bring the boundaries in slightly.
"It is to get everyone together and support the sponsors, and the players have a lot of fun as well.”
The shorter format of the sport has grown in popularity in recent years with the national Big Bash League in its sixth year and the Women’s League in its second.
It provides plenty of entertainment with big hits and fast-paced action on the field.
"As you can see by the Big Bash on television, we don't all agree with cricket going to Twenty20 but it keeps the game alive, it keeps the crowds involved so it is really important as far as I'm concerned,” Porter said.
The first round on January 27 will see Kirinari and Moxons go head to head and the Royal Hotel taking on Sportspower.
The action starts from 5pm.