SACA proposes two-divisional Premier Cricket competition for 2023-24 season

SA Premier Cricket coaches have aired their concerns on SACA’s radical proposal to split the competition in two in a bid to strengthen the game.

Coaches from the South Australian Cricket Association Premier Cricket have aired their thoughts after the state cricketing body proposed a divisional split of the competition beginning for the 2023-2024 season.

The competition would be split into two divisions under the proposal outlined to club presidents and delegates by SACA on Monday night with a with a consultation period through 2022-2023.

Ryan Gibson batting for West Torrens against Glenelg in last season’s SACA Premier Cricket One Day Cup Grand Final. Picture: Matt Loxton

In the makeover, six first grade clubs would compete in division one, and seven would compete in division two.

Division one would involve a 10-round season, with teams playing each other twice in a home-and-away fixture.

The top four clubs in each division would play finals, while one club would be promoted from division two and relegated from division one at the end of each season.

West Torrens coach Mark Harrity said he was on the fence with the proposal.

“It’s an unknown at the moment, the proof will be in the pudding, but at least they’re trying something because nothing’s changed in quite a while now,” Harrity said.

Harrity held concern about clubs retaining players under a two-divisional system in which cricketers would be aiming to play for top div clubs to receive attention from the SA Redbacks sides.

“That no doubt will be a concern, especially for those clubs who rely heavily on recruiting,” he said.

West Torrens captain Daniel Drew celebrates a century for the SA Redbacks. Picture: Mark Brake

“At West Torrens we’re fortunate to have had guys like Daniel Drew, Kelvin Smith, Bailey Capel and others come through the juniors so there’s more loyalty.”

Glenelg coach Sam McNally also had some doubts about the proposed split.

“We’re trying to improve high performance by the Redbacks through this but I’m still yet to be convinced their struggles are to do with the quality of grade cricket, otherwise we wouldn’t see the strong performances of the state underage teams,” he said.

“Player retainment would be difficult too if div two was seen as inferior to div one and I also think there should be more teams in the top division.

“I don’t mind it in theory but practically it might be tough, and I want to see a bit more information before I’m set on my opinions.”

Former Woodville player and current Glenelg coach Sam McNally was torn regarding SACA’s proposal but said he needed more information. Picture: File

Prospect coach Steve Broberg hoped SACA would clarify the system in detail with clubs sooner rather than later.

“I’m sure they (SACA) have got more details but we want to see what the parameters of the proposal are so we can at least get a glimpse of what it would mean for the clubs,” Broberg said.

The proposal followed recommendations made by a strategic committee of SACA board members and Premier Cricket officials formed after the failed merger attempt between Adelaide and Southern District in 2021.

SACA chief Charlie Hodgson said a two-divisional model would preserve clubs’ futures and enhance the strength of the competition.

“We want to grow the game and that doesn’t mean fewer clubs unless, of course, clubs themselves want to merge,” Hodgson said.

“This will provide tougher competition to significantly enhance the strength and quality of men’s Premier Cricket.

“Ultimately this will help us to develop more homegrown domestic and international players.”