Hackett at helm of local cricket

LOCAL cricket identity Jeff Hackett will be at the helm of the Clarence River Cricket Association for the 2010-11 season.

Last year’s president Michael Mitchell did not seek re-election and after being the only person nominated, Hackett agreed to help out

“Michael decided to step down and someone nominated myself, so I thought about it then gave the nod,” Hackett said.

“Neil Disson will assist as vice-president and Jason Thompson was re-elected as secretary. Bret Loveday has also agreed to a second term as treasurer.”

Hackett said the committee was currently negotiating a deal with one of their major sponsors prior to commencement of the competition.

“We’re re-negotiating with our major sponsors for the past three years, the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC), so hopefully they’ll come to the party,” he said.

“The financial side of things is not bad.

“The association is in a very healthy financial situation.”

Hackett added that last year’s successful Premier League competition had been reduced to seven teams after the Tucabia Club decided to nominate only one side.

“Tucabia fielded two sides last season but thought it more beneficial to concentrate on one Premier League side this year,” he said

“At this stage we will have seven Premier League teams, eight second grade sides and 10 competing in third grade.”

Hackett expects the competition to kick off on Saturday, October 10 with the ever-popular night competition to be a mid-season feature.

“The night competition will definitely be on again ... there has already been plenty of interest,” he said.

With the redevelopment of Ellem Oval early next year cricket fields will again be a sticking point for the association.

“We look like losing our main oval for at least February and March next year, but with only three games in Premier League we should be able to get by,” Hackett said.

“However we still have an issue with Ulmarra Oval.

“It looks like they may be running a campdraft on July 24-25 and it could put us back as far as available grounds go.”

Hackett advised the first monthly delegates meeting would be held at the GDSC on August 12.