Photo Credit: South Australian Cricket Association
The men’s West End Premier Cricket First Grade will be played in two divisions from season 2023/2024 with promotion and relegation to strengthen and enhance the competition.
Following an extensive consultation program on a two-division model for Premier Cricket, the best eight performing clubs will form division one and the remaining five clubs, plus a sixth team made up of South Australia’s best Under 19 cricketers, will create division two. This marks the first major structural change in South Australian Premier Cricket history and signals a positive shift in the sport that will drive performance and competitiveness for years to come.
“This is a watershed moment for Premier Cricket in South Australia. The two-divisional model will create a stronger competition with more meaningful matches and expose players to playing under pressure more often. This will ensure that men’s West End Premier Cricket remains relevant in an increasingly crowded sporting landscape and help strengthen the pathway for our aspiring young cricketers,” SACA President Andrew Sinclair said.
“On behalf of SACA, I would like to thank the Premier Cricket clubs for their positive approach to the consultation and planned reform of the competition. There was a clear determination to work together for the good of cricket in South Australia.”
The allocation of clubs for each division in 2023/2024 will be based on the club’s ladder position in the two-day red ball competition at the end of the minor round 2022/2023 season. Thereafter there will be promotion and relegation each season. White ball cricket will remain unchanged, with all clubs competing in the same division.
“This model gives every club something to play for all season while elevating the importance of the Under-19 South Australian squad. The top teams will have the chance to play against each other more often during the season. I am delighted that this model that has been developed during the consultation period will be introduced” Mr Sinclair said.
“We recognise the goodwill of the Premier Clubs in the development of this model and will be working together on reviewing other areas of the Premier Cricket system to make it even stronger.”
The 8-6 model was developed in response to clubs’ feedback during the consultation period. SACA commenced consultation on reforming Premier Cricket driven by consistent club, player and member feedback that the competition needed to be stronger and more compelling, particularly for younger cricketers.
Redbacks Head Coach Jason Gillespie said the new competition model would significantly enhance the strength of Premier Cricket.
“I am excited about continuing the work with the clubs to develop our next generation of Redback players via Premier Cricket. The opportunity to play tough, competitive cricket every week in the new 8-6 competition will be a unique model in the Australian cricket landscape. It will be fantastic to see the states best U19 players play together week in week out and a huge part of their ongoing development.”
In response to the changes, Craig Bradbrook, the incoming Premier Cricket Committee Chairman and SACA board member commented:
“The Clubs understand that there is a need for change to the current Premier Cricket model. Whilst it is fair to say there is still some nervousness towards a two divisional model, we understand what SACA are trying to achieve and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver the best results for South Australian cricket moving forwards”.
