[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you’re a cricket tragic and you live in South West Sydney, Raby Sports Complex is the place to be this weekend.
The Camden Campbelltown Ghosts, minor premiers this season, will line up against Sydney in a qualifying final to be played over two days.
Play will start from 10am each day and the match is scheduled for 104 overs on each day with stumps at 5.30pm, light permitting.
The club have issued an invitation to all local cricket fans and junior players to pop down to Raby to support our high flying team during the course of the weekend.
Mums and dads note: any junior cricketer wearing his or her club or rep shirt to Raby will get a free feed off the barbecue for lunch.
Some of you will be surprised by the very high standard of grade cricket on offer, but trust me, I’s very, very good.
And there is a bonus or two: former NSW premier Morris Iemma is the current president of the Ghosts, so you’re likely to bump into him.
If you’re from the Camden area your local MP, Chris Patterson, is vice president, so you’re like to see “Patto’’ there as well at some stage.
Meanwhile the Ghosts have named their XI for the match: Aaron Yabsley, Mitchell Carruthers, Philip Wells, Jaydyn Simmons, Jarrad Burke, Jordan Browne, Charlie Dummer, Nathan Baker, Jarred Lysaught, Samuel Skelly, Iain Carlisle and Luke Webb.
Jarrad Burke is both skipper and coach, while another well known cricket name, Jeff Mumford, is Ghosts first grade team manager.
Just in case you need some more convincing, Top 5 this week is dedicated to the reasons local cricket fans should get down to Raby this weekend.
Number 1. Support our local team, the Ghosts, as they attempt to win their first ever Sydney grade cricket premiership.
Number 2. Watch some great grade cricketers in action, such as Jarrad Burke and Phil Wells, plus some very talented local youngsters, who may go all the way and play for Australia one day.
Number 3. Entry is free.
Number 4. The club bar, which has liquor licence will be open from noon if you’d like to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine while watching the cricket.
Number 5. The forecast is for hot, summery conditions on Saturday and Sunday – perfect for watching cricket!
