The Murrumbateman Cricket Club is gearing up for another season, and as usual it will be preceded by the Young Guns vs Old Dogs cricket match.
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This will be the match’s seventh year running, and as usual it will act as a fundraiser Murrumbateman Junior Sports fund.
Like many local, annually run cricket contests, the rules have been adjusted to make it both more exciting and the players more evenly matched.
The ‘old dogs’ must be 40 or older, while the ‘young guns’ must be below that number.
The old dogs are unable to be dismissed for a duck, and the young guns must also bowl off a three step run-up, in order to level the playing field to account for gaps in physicality.
Match organiser Andrew McLean said that, although it is a competitive event, it is primarily an opportunity to mingle for the locals.
“It's a social day for people of Murrumbateman to come down and have a casual game of cricket, and meet other locals,” McLean said.
The match is also an opportunity to raise money, which will then go towards youth sport in Murrumbateman.
“We raise money on the day with a BBQ and entry fee to benefit the Murrumbateman junior sports startup fund which has just eclipsed $15,500,” McLean said.
The match will begin on Saturday at midday, and despite the light-heartedness of the game, it will also carry a somber undertone.
The winning team will be awarded the Greg Laughton trophy, named for “Big Hat” Laughton who competed in the first couple of editions of the match before sadly passing away.
Before the match starts, there will be an information session at the Murrumbateman Country Inn roughly an hour before starting time to ensure that all participants are aware of the rules and give the players a chance to have a quick meet-and-greet.
McLean emphasised that anybody interested in the sport was welcome to come along and have a hit.
“We urge anyone interested in playing cricket for Murrumbateman to come down and have a go,” he said.
The cost of entry is $20, however for those under 18 years of age it is free. There will be a barbecue lunch with drinks, and McLean also urged spectators to come along and have a look.
