THE new $45 million Mildura Sporting Precinct is set to host a bumper schedule of Sunraysia and Red Cliffs cricket association fixtures this summer.
Millewa Cricket Club will get first crack at the top-class oval after locking in five “home” games at the new precinct, starting with a round-nine T20 double head-header on Saturday, December 10, when its A and B Grade teams host Ouyen.
It will then have a further four Red Cliffs Cricket Association fixtures at the MSP, from rounds 10-13.
This comes as the club is in talks with South Mildura Sporting Club about a possible merger ahead of the Red Cliffs season getting under way on October 8.
Millewa Cricket Club president Scottie Clark said the club was excited by the prospect of partnering with the Bulldogs.
“We’re (at MSP) on a five-game booking basis at this stage, and it’s great that we’ll get first crack at it this season,” he said.
“It’s exciting for our club, and we’re trying to get something together with South Mildura ahead of that first game at the precinct.”
Meanwhile, Sunraysia Cricket Association clubs Irymple and Mildura East are in talks with the Mildura Council about each playing up to four home-and-away games at the MSP during the 2022/23 season.
There will be four T20 games on Thursdays in February under lights at MSP.
The T20 competition is scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 17, with the second round the following weekend.
The competition then takes a break before returning for the final three rounds from Thursday, February 2. The final is scheduled for February 23.
Sunraysia Cricket Association vice-president Mat Hunt said the season was “shaping up well” a week out from seniors’ opening round.
“Senior numbers are looking good, but we’re still waiting for more juniors to sign up. They start their season a bit later than the seniors so there was always going to be a few stragglers,” he said.
“We’ve tried to help the clubs with player numbers by having a staggered start to the season.
“The Under 16s come online on October 8, a week after the seniors. And the J1 (10s) and J2 (Under 12s) on October 15.
“In the seniors, Mildura East will have five men’s teams again. And we’re hopeful that all sides will have four at least.”
