The 2015/16 season is expected to be a big one for cricket fans with five first grade teams, eight second grade teams and eight third grade teams competing for honours on the field.

The Macleay Valley Cricket Association (MVCA) first grade competition ended in an anti climax in March as consistent rain forced a premature end to the grand final between Nulla and Rovers at South Kempsey.

The Rovers’ superior points score in the regular season meant they were again crowned champions after play was abandoned and the game was deemed a draw.

Rovers’ captain Tim Smith said at the time that while it would have been nice to be able to finish the grand final game, he was happy to see his side rewarded for the consistency they showed throughout the 2014/15 season.

“I do feel sorry for the Nulla boys because they were definitely in the box seat after the first day of play but they took it very well and showed great sportsmanship,” Smith said.

It will be a long wait for both sides to meet again in the 2015/16 season with the Rovers and Nulla not taking to the pitch till round 5 on Saturday, November 14.

The Macleay Valley Cricket Association has welcomed some new faces into their committee for the 2015/16 season with Matt Brennan coming on board as the new seniors’ president and Troy McKiernan taking on the role as president for the junior competition.

Junior representative trials for Under 12, 14 and 16 will be held at the Verge Street nets from 10am on Sunday, October 11.

A number of senior representative games will again be played throughout the season with the First XI matches, apart from finals, involving MVCA on three dates

October 25 will have the Macleay playing two 20/20 matches at Wayne Richards Oval in Port Macquarie against Hastings and Manning, with a 50 over match against Hastings at South Kempsey on November 22 and a 50 over match against Manning at Johnny Martin Oval on January 10.  All players who would like a tilt at the teams for these matches should get in touch with Sparky Henry on 0429 626 336.