Before this season I had 4years off cricket . Back then I played in Sydney Shires comp. It consisted of 13 rounds , about 4 one dayers (50overs per side) , 1 t20 , the remainder 2dayers ( 80overs min per day ) .
This season I'm back playing in the same comp , but things have changed a bit ...5 one dayers and 9 two dayers . There is now a seperate t20 cup which each club can select a squad from players in any of there grades . It seems a good way for club players who might not normally play in the same side to have a game together , and it gives people with a t20 hankering more outlet /interest etc .
From looking at the fixtures list , the games are all on Sundays (so players would play regular games on Saturday and then back up the next day). There are 3 games played on one 1st grade ground with the first starting at 10am , the last being a day-nighter /under flood lights , kicking off at 5.15pm . Grounds would be limited to 1st grade grounds with floodlights so I'm not sure every club will be hosting games at some stage .
The 4th grade captain at my club owns a cricket store and it is the sponsor for this t20 cup , there's apparently a $2000 prize for the winners . That seems exciting although i was never going to be selected - I'm a left arm finger spinner and opening bat ( but more in the mold of Boycott then Warner ).
The first game is this Sunday and I think ill go down to our first grade ground and watch our lads play - its the day-nighter and I'm keen to see how that pans out aswell as see them play with a pink ball .
I know it's difficult to attract players to comps where you play 80-100 overs per game day , train 2x per week etc . Perhaps this is a carrot to prevent players drifting off towards park cricket or leaving the game entirely .
I am not aware of many comps in oz that have already established something similar , so am interested for opinions re what people think of the concept. Also , for the English guys , what do you make of this all ? Any good ? Rubbish ?
B.t.w - wasn't sure where to post this , feel free to move it if applicable .