Some of Australia’s top cricketers are doing battle in Wollongong, with the NSW Blues and QLD Bulls bringing Sheffield Shield competition to North Dalton Park.
Wollongong City Council has partnered with Destination Wollongong, Cricket NSW and Cricket Illawarra to bring elite cricket to the region to bolster support for the development of the sport in the area and showcase Wollongong’s newly renovated sports infrastructure.
Organisers hope the four-day match brings high-quality cricket to North Dalton Park and economic benefits to the region.
Cricket NSW’s Paul Brockley said local cricket participation had plateaued in recent years and hoped matches, like the Sheffield Shield clash, would spark interest at grassroots, and draw a crowd this weekend.
It’s the last game of Sheffield Shield season and crowds are expected to grow.
“We’re hoping that Friday afternoon and Saturday will be a big day, and if there’s some runs being scored and some wickets taken and if it’s a good game, hopefully the people will get to see the first class cricketers in action,” he said.
Gates open at 9:30am, with gold coin entry proceeds to go towards the local cricket association.
*Image courtesy of VISIT NSW
(https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/events/sheffield-shield-nsw-blues-vs-qld-bulls) ~ note for editor // apologies forgot to get feature image, Anna