As one of the state’s premier under 15s cricket competitions, the Walter Taylor Shield will bring some of the best young cricketers in NSW to Armidale from January 5 to 8.

Armidale have named a strong squad to take on teams from Tamworth, Lismore, Hunter, Penrith, Sydney’s Northern Districts and West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook.

Carnival convenor Tony Jones said it is shaping to be a fantastic carnival.

“Northern Districts are a new side this year,” he said.

“We are certainly looking forward to having them.

“These Sydney teams keep coming back because of our facilities.

“They don’t get to play on grounds this good of a quality very often.”

The carnival will be played across Armidale’s top four cricket grounds - Armidale Sportsground, Lambert Park, Harris Park and Rologas.

The Armidale Umpires Association also donate their services for the carnival in a huge boost for the competition.

Originally created because of the gap between under 14s and 16s for young cricketers, the Walter Taylor Shield has gone from strength to strength.

“The players between those ages were missing out quite a bit,” Jones said.

“It fills a bit of a niche and the carnival has created a good name for itself.”

Armidale will be led by outstanding young all-rounder Liam Neeson.

The reigning Armidale District Cricket Associa-tion junior cricketer of the year will prove a handful for the other six sides in the competition.

Opening bat and spin bowler Nick Farrar is another player to watch, according to Jones.

“They are the core of a really good side,” he said.

“We are very confident we are going to put forward a very competitive side.”

Each team plays three games, two fifty over fixtures and one 25 over match before the finals on January 8.