An exciting new era in Hastings River District Cricket Association history is set to be launched this summer with day-night first grade fixtures set to dominate the calendar.
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Matches under lights have formed a minor part of recent seasons through the shortened Twenty20 format, but that is poised to extend into the traditional 40 or 50-over format.
HRDCA president Craig Lobegeier has confirmed there will be at least one day-night first grade fixture every couple of weeks when the season commences on October 9, pending lockdown.
"We're going to be playing some night cricket," Mr Lobegeier said.
"We'll definitely have some day-nighters on a Saturday where we might start at 3pm and go until 8.30 or 9pm ... that's going to happen."
It is hoped scheduling more night-time fixtures will reinvigorate interest for both players and spectators around Port Macquarie-Hastings.
Mr Lobegeier was umpire during the 2020 bushfire relief fixture between a Sydney Cricket Ground XI and Mid North Coast which was ironically washed out.
"We'll definitely have some day-nighters on a Saturday where we might start at 3pm and go until 8.30 or 9pm ... that's going to happen."
- Hastings River District Cricket Association president Craig Lobegeier
That match was a highlight with Oxley Oval a sea of fans before the weather intervened.
"It's a different experience under lights and Oxley Oval under lights is a magnificent sight," he said.
"I don't see any reason why we can't have scheduled 40 or 50-over games throughout the season. Perhaps we could have one game a round."
A grant application has been submitted in an attempt to have the lights at Wayne Richards Park upgraded, however it could still be used as a venue for a twilight fixture.
Mr Lobegeier said the only difference would be to start games scheduled there earlier so they were finished by the time the lights took full effect.
"You're allowed to use Wayne Richards in twilight," he said.
"It's only a matter of scheduling and getting the clubs onside, but there wouldn't be too many clubs who wouldn't want to play a day-nighter."
The fixtures would be shared evenly amongst all clubs willing to play under lights.
"It won't just be one club getting all of them. I would hope at least one game every three rounds will be day-night," Mr Lobegier said.
Five teams have nominated to compete in the first grade competition - Wauchope RSL, Port Macquarie Pirates, Port City Leagues Magpies, Macquarie Hotel and Camden Haven.
It was hoped Beechwood could form a side to prevent byes being played every four weeks, but that now appears unlikely.
"We were trying to get a sixth team, but you've got to have the cattle," Mr Lobegeier said.
A cross-conference fixture with Manning has also been floated in the bye rounds should their association also have an odd number of first grade teams who nominate.
"It would not be every round, but some, so we could match the teams who have byes up and play the fixture at Harrington just so they get a game," Mr Lobegier said.
It remains up to the clubs to determine whether the HRDCA competition will be 40 or 50 overs. There has been no interest in a return to the longer format.
"No-one wants to play two-day cricket and that's fair enough so there will be discussion around 40 or 50 over cricket and if it's 50 it would start at 12 (midday)," Mr Lobegeier said.
"That would create some problems with juniors and preparing wickets, but we can work around that."
The day-night fixtures would be played with a white ball.
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