CRICKET Albury-Wodonga has been buoyed by the success of Sunday’s Twenty20 matches and is looking to expand the finals series next season.
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Chairman Michael Erdeljac said the association may play provincial first grade semi-finals and finals on the same day and use Martin Park and Les Cheesley Oval.
The CAW Hume versus CAW District and second grade provincial final will remain part of the schedule.
“We are looking at semi-finals next season with the spare ground next door,” Erdeljac said.
“It would be good to utilise the facilities.
“We could play semi-finals earlier in the day and then bring everyone together for the provincial final.”
About 500 people attended the three matches on Sunday with Lavington defeating North Albury in the marquee provincial match.
CAW Hume accounted for CAW District in the curtain-raiser and St Patrick’s were too strong for East Albury in the second grade decider.
“We think the format worked well,” Erdeljac said.
“A lot of people from the Hume and District competitions came in for a look and we see that game as something we will definitely continue with.
“Overall it was a good day.
“It’s something we will definitely look to expand on.”
Matches started at 10am and finished at 7pm.
CAW Hume skipper Andrew Mackinlay said his players used the clash as the first step in building a strong representative culture.
“All of our players really embraced the concept,” Mackinlay said.
“Everyone was keen to play and I think it showed in our performance.”
While CAW District missed star Dederang opener Andrew Creamer at the weekend, CAW Hume were without Osborne trio Luke Richardson and Nick and Ed Perryman.
CAW Hume is expected to challenge for the O’Farrell Cup next season after Holbrook competed strongly last year.
Meanwhile, CAW provincial will do battle with Yass in the cup at Les Cheesley Oval on Sunday.
With Young forfeiting the following weekend, challenges from Leeton and Wagga have been brought forward a week.
CAW has won five successive matches but has been frustrated by forfeits from Cootamundra and West Wyalong.
“It’s not ideal but what can you do,” Erdeljac said.
“All we can do is rock up and play when we can.”
CAW is set to name another powerful squad in the next 24 hours to meet Yass with coach Daryl Tuffey backing in-form players.
