Anyone who has read our cricket coverage over the past week or so will probably be sick of me writing about it, but day-night, twilight and even fully-night feel like an exciting chance to add something new and special to the competition.
I popped down to John Hall Oval at the Aero complex back in round one to have a squiz at the twilight fixture between Mildura West and Irymple, and the set up was fantastic.
The newly installed lighting towers, which have been the pet project of great club man Brandon Dixon, turned out a treat — especially combined with the white picket fence around the perimeter of the playing area.
Sure it wasn’t overflowing when it came to crowd numbers, but it was heartening to see a number of vehicles around the oval, deck chairs and Eskys out, and plenty of bodies surrounding the pavilions.
The very first delivery I saw was West’s English import Kian Burns chopping the ball back onto his stumps from Billy Phelan, which left West at 3/7.
The ‘zing’ bails and stumps flashed up bright red and it actually added a bit of something else to what was happening.
It was a great view surrounded by people enjoying themselves and listening to some older blokes not wanting to fork out the extra couple of bucks in a shout to upgrade from beers to spirits.
Even the police lights flashing on Eleventh Street after a Ford Ranger driver was pulled over added some rave to the atmosphere.
Overall West should be commended for what they have put together.
It seems like there were similar sentiments from last Friday’s stand-alone season opener at George Gordon Oval between Coomealla Wentworth and Merbein.
The response from those who were there I talked to was pretty strong, the atmosphere was good and it created something different.
Currently Coomealla Wentworth, West and Gol Gol (at Alcheringa) are all slated to host one-day games under lights for premiership points, and there has been talk previously of a lighting upgrade at Kenny Park which could be utilised by Merbein Cricket Club too.
Midweek club Twenty20 games in November and February could also be played under lights which could bring more people to games.
It all adds an extra layer to what is possible for the SCA, which can only be a good thing.
Especially when the mercury starts rising too, I think night cricket would be welcomed by most!
Jackson statue? Make it happen
IF a statue of Lauren Jackson isn’t already in consideration, it damn well should be.
Arguably Australia’s greatest basketballer of all time, male or female, Jackson’s already outstanding legacy has grown even further with her performances for the Opals at the FIBA World Cup on home soil.
Just think about it. Having already been inducted into the halls of fame for Sports Australia, Women’s Basketball and Naismith Memorial Basketball, and collecting enough accolades to fill the stadium now adorning her name in her home town of Albury, there was STILL something left in the tank at 41 years old.
Having made her Opals debut 25 years ago as a 16-year-old and having retired back in 2016 due to persistent knee injuries, Jackson made one of the more unlikely comebacks one could think of, and still managed to dominate.
Her amazing performance against Canada in the bronze medal match is possibly one of the best ways an athlete has gone out on top.
A four-and-a-half minute stretch during the third quarter of that game reminded everyone of her greatness, before a final few minutes of play saw her finish with a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
The ovation she received when coming to the bench was nothing short of amazing, and the elation and emotion on the faces of both Jackson and her teammates was moving to watch.
A true inspiration and someone who needs to be immortalised in bronze as soon as possible.
Lauren Jackson, my hat is sufficiently tipped in your direction.
