NTRabbit
Brownlow Medallist
Good afternoon, Last night the Premier Cricket Clubs endorsed a new model for Premier Club cricket in South Australia, which I am pleased to share with you today. The men’s West End Premier Cricket First Grade will be played in two divisions from season 2023-24 with promotion and relegation to strengthen and enhance the competition. Following an extensive consultation program on a two-division model for Premier Cricket, the best eight performing clubs will form division one and the remaining five clubs, plus a sixth team made up of South Australia’s best Under 19 cricketers, will create division two. This marks the first major structural change in South Australian Premier Cricket history and signals a positive shift in the sport that will drive performance and competitiveness for years to come. The allocation of clubs for each division in 2023-24 will be based on the club’s ladder position in the two-day red ball competition at the end of the minor round 2022-23 season. Thereafter there will be promotion and relegation each season. White ball cricket will remain unchanged, with all clubs competing in the same division. The 8-6 model was developed in response to clubs’ feedback during the consultation period. SACA commenced consultation on reforming Premier Cricket driven by consistent club, player and Member feedback that the competition needed to be stronger and more compelling, particularly for younger cricketers. SACA President Andrew Sinclair has expressed his thanks to those involved, noting this significant occasion for South Australian cricket. |
| “This is a watershed moment for Premier Cricket in South Australia. The two-divisional model will create a stronger competition with more meaningful matches and expose players to playing under pressure more often. This will ensure that men’s West End Premier Cricket remains relevant in an increasingly crowded sporting landscape and help strengthen the pathway for our aspiring young cricketers. On behalf of SACA, I would like to thank the Premier Cricket clubs for their positive approach to the consultation and planned reform of the competition. There was a clear determination to work together for the good of cricket in South Australia. This model gives every club something to play for all season while elevating the importance of the Under-19 South Australian squad. The top teams will have the chance to play against each other more often during the season. I am delighted that this model that has been developed during the consultation period will be introduced. We recognise the goodwill of the Premier Clubs in the development of this model and will be working together on reviewing other areas of the Premier Cricket system to make it even stronger.” |
Our Men’s Head Coach, Jason Gillespie is also excited by the change: |
| “I am excited about continuing the work with the clubs to develop our next generation of Redback players via Premier Cricket. The opportunity to play tough, competitive cricket every week in the new 8-6 competition will be a unique model in the Australian cricket landscape. It will be fantastic to see the states best U19 players play together week in week out and a huge part of their ongoing development.” |
This is a momentous occasion for cricket in South Australia. Together with all who were involved, I express how excited we are about enhancing the strength of Premier Cricket to deliver the best results for South Australian cricket. Best regards, 
Charlie Hodgson Chief Executive |
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