Some of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s best players will join forces for two all-star games.
The brainchild of Ashfield’s Jason King, the idea was to get as many of the best players playing together in the one spot.
A number of players showed interest in playing, so two T20 games consisting of players mostly from the top three grades will take to the field on February 11.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a fair while,” King said.
“Obviously not playing in the McIntyre Cup you don’t get to see a lot of these guys play.
“So I decided to try and get as many of the good players at the one ground.”
King said he had been overwhelmed by the amount of interest by players wanting to be involved. He said there was others who would have loved to been involved, but already had other commitments or injury concerns.
He said he had players from most teams at this stage, with a few spots still available in both teams. Ideally he would love to have players from as many clubs as possible.
The teams have been split into east and west sides for both games.
“I’ve tried to share it around between the teams,” he said. “So I had to limit how many players from some teams.”
Players set to be involved so far include Gisborne’s Jarryd Vernon, Jay King and Darcy Nolan, Riddell’s Heath Wadden, Sunbury United’s Leif Louwen-Skovdam, Wallan’s Kieran Atkin and Brenton Hanson, St Anthonys’ Cam Clayton, Eynesbury’s Luke and Hayden Castle, Sunbury’s Justin Nelson, Diggers Rest Bulla’s Lindon Dowsett and Rhys Berry, East Sunbury’s Liam Sherlock and Rupertswood’s Josh Smith.
King, who wouldn’t look out of place playing in the game, said he would most likely make himself an emergency in case there were last minute withdrawals.
“I’m happy to just be the organiser,” he said. “I’m more than keen to watch it and see some of the players I’ve always wanted to watch.”
King said with a lot of club’s getting behind the idea, he is hoping that a big crowd will get down to Boardman Reserve to watch the matches.
As well as the on-field action the day will include activities for the crowd, a barbecue and music.
The first game starts at 10.30am and the second game will start at 1pm.
Details: www.facebook.com/events/388596184885790/
