CRICKET under lights is set for greater exposure in the Sunraysia Cricket Association this season, to the excitement of a number of players.
Following last night’s season opener between Coomealla Wentworth and Merbein at George Gordon Oval, today will feature a twilight fixture between Mildura West and Irymple at John Hall Oval, the first official match under the newly installed lighting system.
Gol Gol’s Alcheringa Oval will also feature night time games, while the midweek Club Twenty20 tournament will also take place under lights.
Mildura West coach Chris Williams said he hoped later games would bring extra spectators to matches.
“We’ve been looking forward to getting into some white-ball cricket, I think the first four rounds are all one-day games,” he said.
“We had a practice game against Mildura East last week and these lights worked really well, it’s nice and bright out there.”
Irymple co-coach Bryson Lush is looking forward to tonight’s fixture as well.
“It’ll be interesting to see how we handle it. I think it’s a great initiative to have more games under lights and it adds a bit of variety to the season,” he said.
“It’s great to have another venue at West to join Gol Gol and Coomie to hold night matches.
“It will be interesting to see how we deal with the light around that 7pm mark but I think it will be great. It’s also good because we can watch and support our twos side before we start, and then they can come and support us after and bring a bit of a crowd.”East captain-coach Josh Berry was glowing in his praise for the Aero Oval facility.
“I’ve played a couple of times under lights, but that practice game against West was easily the best one I’ve been part of so far,” he said.
“Maybe because it’s all new, but it’s a huge credit to ‘Dicko’ (Brandon Dixon) and the rest of the crew at West.
“Night cricket just adds something different, and even for a practice match, there was a bit of a turnout. I’d be keen to see more of it.”
In other games today, Mildura Settlers host Nichols Point at Mildura Senior College, and Gol Gol are at home to Mildura East.
