Sport
10 October, 2024
CRICKET SEASON BEGINS
This Saturday sees the return of the West Wyalong District Cricket Association’s A Grade competition for the 2024/25 season.
Hearing news that the Condobolin A grade team was defecting from the Lake Cargelligo competition, the WWDCA executive put in a solid attempt to lure them into the mix. Conversations and pitches went on for weeks but unfortunately Condo ultimately decided to move into the Forbes competition as that is where their junior teams compete.
As a result, the Cooper Templeman shield will have five clubs competing for it this season with reigning premiers Tallimba looking to defend their title against Alleena, Ariah Park, Burcher and Ungarie Cricket Clubs.
This season will kick off with the first of three rounds of 40-over cricket before switching to the West Wyalong IGA T20 competition either side of Harvest.
Tallimba Hawks will start the season yet again as the team to beat. The star-studded side hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down and are expected to be there at the pointy end.
Ariah Park will look to improve on last season having missed the grand final for the first time in years. The continual crop of young talent seems to be endless over there and their youth is the envy of every other side.
Alleena were the massive improvers last year, making it all the way to the big game to finish runners up. A side filled with young up and comers, these guys put the competition on notice last year and are expected to be the side to watch this year. As the saying goes, ‘you have to lose one to win one’
Watch this space.
Ungarie didn’t quite have the season they would have hoped for last year. Like all bush clubs they struggled to get a consistent team on the paddock. There is no doubt they have the cattle to do some serious damage this year if they are able to get their best side out there regularly.
Burcher was on the fence about nominating a side this year due to the loss of some key players and the continual aging of its core group. However, the lads from the Lachlan are going to give it another crack in the hope of securing some young stock to bolster its ranks. When at their best they can run any team, though it is fair to say they will start as rank underdogs this season.
Tullibigeal will again join the West Wyalong IGA T20 tournament on the back of their strong 23/24 campaign and are starting favourites to take the chocolates.
When asked for his predictions for the season, Burcher veteran Tubby Allen had this for us, “I’m going to say Alleena will go one better this year to win the comp.
“Callan Blackstock for Cricketer of the year and young Kieran Duncan to take home the rising star.”
Round 1 will see Tallimba take on Burcher at Perseverance St Oval while Alleena will make the trip to Ariah Park.
Ungarie drew the bye.
Read More: West Wyalong
