The reigning champions have travelled more than 2000 kilometres to defend their title in a Border cricket competition that starts on Thursday.
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Teams from Cairns, Adelaide and Albury will contest the 2nd Bhutanese National Cricket League to be held at Noreuil Park, Albury.
The T20 tournament comprises two days of round robin matches, with the sides then ranked to contest Saturday’s final and third place play-off. Sunday is a designated reserve day.
Program co-ordinator Ram Khanal said the event followed on from the success of last year’s inaugural league.
“The Albury-Wodonga community were welcoming, supportive and everybody saw that last year and were keen to return,” he said.
Mr Khanal said the Albury squad had been preparing well and hoped to do improve on its 2017 results, where the host team failed to reach the final.
The commitment and teamwork showed by Cairns, which defeated Adelaide in last year’s decider, stood out.
“The discipline in fielding and the discipline with both bat and ball was remarkable,” Mr Khanal said.
“And I guess having travelled that far, they were there to win and that’s what they did.”
While bragging rights were sought, the program co-ordinator said the league involved more than just cricket.
“This is about building resilience, building friendship, reigniting friendships, sharing stories of success and resilience and helping our youth connect with the local community,” Mr Khanal said.
“Standing together in unity to spread the message of harmony and belonging.”