The Merimbula Knights will host the Pambula Bluedogs in a local derby as the cricket season launches this weekend.
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Spokesman for the Knights Ash Postance said it should be a fantastic way to open the new season.
“It’s been a long footy season and we’re just hoping for some good weather and a great game,” Postance said.
“The Bluedogs have a pretty explosive top order with Tom Hammond and Tommy Keath, they’re quality players and we’ll be looking to make inroads early in the order.
“If they get on top it can be hard to wrestle that momentum and it’s always a good match when the Bluedogs and the Knights meet.”
Both squads will focus on their first division teams as well as developing some juniors, while Postance said the Knights would welcome some of the rising young players into their first crack at the senior draw.
“We’ve lost a couple, we’ve had both of our pommy imports go back to the UK, while some of the older guys have finished on a high after winning the A grade final last year,” he said.
“But the main core group is still there and we’ve got some juniors coming up the ranks that will help fill the middle order.”
The Knights could look to match the Bluedogs at the crease with their own opening pair still in the wings with Brendan Daley and captain Dylan Jordan on deck for a big season.
“We’ve also got the likes of Matthew Lawson and Matty Priem about and a couple of guys coming over from Griffith too.”
The Knights will also keenly welcome club legend Wade Edmed on as a coach and figurehead around the seniors.
“It’s awesome to have him back, I’m not sure if he’ll play with his work commitments, but it’s great to have him coach and he’ll teach the boys a few things,” Postance said.
The Knights will meet the Bluedogs at Berrambool Oval for a 40-over one-dayer from 1pm on Saturdayl.
Six teams make up the first division draw with Eden to host Bermagui, while Tathra will host South Eurobodalla in the other rounds on the day.