The Border will be represented in this year’s National Indoor Cricket League (NICL) with the Albury Warriors entered in the Victoria west division of the competition.
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Major League Indoor Sports will host three rounds throughout the season.
The Warriors will face defending champions Northcote Knights, as well as Northcote Pirates, South Geelong, North Geelong, Melton and Hoppers Crossing, playing 18 games across nine weekends for a chance to reach the Victorian final against the champion of the eastern division.
Albury’s season starts on Saturday, April 14, with a trip to Northcote for a double-header against the Pirates and Knights.
Team manager and player Craig Scammell believes the Border side will be competitive.
“We had the opportunity to join it last year, but we wanted to have a look at what the standard was like before we committed to it,” he said.
“We play regularly against Northcote and Hoppers Crossing in other competitions throughout the year and we’re competitive with them, so we’re thinking will be at least competitive in this competition.
“I think if we win a third of our games (six games) and be competitive in the others, we’ll class that as a good season.
“The top-four teams play off in finals and based on last year’s competition, if you win six or seven games, you’ll push yourself for fourth spot.”
Cricket Australia has thrown its support behind the tournament and have put up $15,000 in prize money for the overall champion.
Hobart Hurricanes’ spinner Clive Rose and Melbourne Renegades all-rounder Trent Lawford are among the names playing in the tournament.
Players who perform well will also stake their claims for a spot in the Victorian indoor squad.
Albury will also field a second grade team to play in Victorian State League.
A weekly live feed will air on Cricket Australia’s Facebook feed throughout the season.
The squad currently has 32 registered players to fill 16 spots, but others interested are welcome to come along to training sessions at 7pm each Friday to push for spots on the teams.
Scammell thanked Wise Living Products, Australian Graphics and Media and All About Window Tinting for offering support with costs throughout the season.