Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
The 2021-22 McDonald’s NSW Premier Cricket competition will kick off this Saturday as players from all 20 clubs take to the crease in the chase to claim the prestigious Belvidere Cup.
A breeding ground for future NSW and Australian representatives, NSW Premier Cricket is considered the strongest domestic club competition in Australia and has been the breeding ground for legends of the game from Victor Trumper, Don Bradman, Bill O’Reilly and Richie Benaud through to Steve and Mark Waugh, Glenn McGrath, Michael Clarke, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Josh Hazlewood and Steve Smith.
The opening round of play will see premiers Sydney away to rivals Sydney University, last year’s runner’s up Manly-Warringah host Northern District and St George launch their historic centenary season by welcoming Parramatta to Hurstville Oval.
In October 1921, St George played their first ever match, taking on Cumberland, who later became Parramatta, at Hurstville Oval.
Cricket NSW’s Premier Cricket Manager Roy Formica paid tribute to the volunteers at clubs who had worked tirelessly to get the season up and running.
“Like all sports competitions, particularly at the community level we have been effected by the implications of COVID-19 but we are full steam ahead now for this season,” Formica said.
“When play gets underway on Saturday at grounds all over Sydney it will be the culmination of some extremely hard work by the volunteers at clubs that really are the heartbeat of Sydney grade cricket.
“We couldn’t get this competition underway without them and from Cricket NSW, my sincerest thanks go to all who have volunteered their time, and no doubt will continue to contribute, across what is shaping as a really exciting summer.
“It is also pertinent to thank our umpires and scorers for what will also be a huge commitment over the summer.”
The full fixture in season 2021-22 will see first grade teams scheduled to play 15 rounds, including 11 limited overs matches and four two-day games. Finals are set down for the first weekend in April.
The men’s second grade competition will also get underway on Saturday, while men’s third-fifth grade and the Women’s NSW Premier Cricket starts on the weekend of November 13-14.
The Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup is also contested by all 20 Sydney NSW Premier Cricket clubs and is played on Sunday’s commencing on November 14.
For the full fixture, CLICK HERE.
