Century Cricket Competition Mackay gears up for a big weekend of cricket
From this Friday to Sunday, cricket fans will flock to Harrup Park and Great Barrier Reef Arena for the inaugural Century Cricket Competition Mackay in what is a ground-breaking three-year deal with the Mackay Regional Council.
“It is such a pivotal moment for cricket around the world right now, and to see our own competition grow in strength and popularity is certainly very exciting. This weekend will no doubt be an exceptional display of skill and talent from across the country” said Century Cricket Group Chair Stuart Giles.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said this would be one of the biggest weekends in cricket in Mackay’s history.
“We are looking forward to some world-class cricket over the coming days, with big name players and big crowds. The 100-ball format makes for an exhilarating, fast-paced game and the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s innovative design will ensure everyone has the best seat in the house,” Mayor Williamson said.
The eight teams playing for a share in an $80,000 prize pool are the Great Barrier Reef Rays (QLD), City Pirates (QLD), Coastal Marlins (QLD), Moreton Magic (QLD), Eastern Comets (SA), Adelaide Rockets (SA), Spartans (SA) and Western Chargers (VIC).
City Pirates coach Chadd Sayers says it’s great to see players from all over the country get involved.
“The Century Cricket Competition is great for players outside of contracts to battle it out against the best club cricketers. It also makes it more enticing that there is prize money involved in this competition,” he said.
Over 450 senior players from around the country put themselves forward for the auction with 96 becoming successful.
City Pirates batsman Sam Heazlett says he’s very excited to be travelling to Mackay to play in the Century competition this season.
“I’ve played against many of my teammates, but not with many of them, so it will be good to take the field with a new bunch of talented players. Time in the middle at this part of the year is very valuable and I’m sure everyone involved has had a big pre-season, and will be keen to get out there and show off their skills,” he said.
Games will take place at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm across three fields at Harrup Park with the Spartans vs Coastal Marlins and Eastern Comets vs City Pirates kicking things off.
“We encourage everyone to get down to Harrup Park for a fantastic weekend of cricket,” Mayor Williamson said.
Fans across Australia will be able to tune in thanks to a broadcast partnership with Kayo. Simply download the Kayo Sports app or visit kayosports.com.au and register for a Freebies account.
Kayo broadcast matches at Great Barrier Reef Arena will include three games on Friday and Saturday, plus the semi final and final on Sunday. Plus all games will be live-streamed via the Century Cricket Group YouTube channel.
Century Cricket Group is a privately owned cricket company co-founded by successful healthcare businessman Stuart Giles, Australian cricket great Ian Healy AO and world-renowned commentator Mark Nicholas, alongside cricket entrepreneurs and founders of the Australian Cricket Institute Nick Fitzpatrick and Joel Hamilton. The Group is creating a full ecosystem of cricket opportunities across competitions, coaching and training centres.