The changes have been enforced nation wide and Macleay Valley Cricket Association junior cricket coordinator Matt Scott believes it is a step forward for grassroots.

“It’s exciting to see how these new changes to the format will go, the best part is all players will have more opportunities to be involved with fewer players on the field and smaller boundaries,” Scott said.

“The changes ensure each player will get a bat and a bowl each week.

“With the popularity of the KFC Big Bash, I think the young cricketers will enjoy the limited balls format because it means they have to score quickly.”

The under 10s and 12s will play on smaller pitches, with the lengths 16 and 18 metres respectively while there will be seven and nine fielders.

The batsman in each division will have limited balls to face. The under 10s will be restricted at 18 balls while the under 12s will stop at 20, however this number is subject to change.

The under 10s competition isn’t competitive and they will continue to face balls despite being dismissed while the under 12s will be given out. 

However, in the under 12s, if you have faced your 20 balls and been retired but your teammates are all out, you can return to the crease. 

The under 14s will continue to play under the same format as previous years.

Any player wishing to trial for the under 12s and 14s Macleay Valley representative sides, who compete against the best players for their age group across the Mid North Coast, for this coming season are invited to attend the trails which will be held at the cricket nets in town on October 8 from 9:30-12:30.

Players must be registered with a local club to be eligible for the Macleay Valley representative teams.

The Macleay Valley junior competition begins on Saturday October 14 and participants must be registered to a team to take the field.

To sign up to one of the local clubs, go to playcricket.com.au.