Gympie's bash for cash

GYMPIE'S first game of smash and bash cricket will take to Albert Park tonight but, thanks to a generous sponsorship the game may turn into a bash for cash.

Picture: Craig Warhurst

GYMPIE'S first game of smash and bash cricket will take to Albert Park tonight but, thanks to a generous sponsorship from local painter Shaun Dwyer, the game may turn into a bash for cash.

The Twenty20 version of the game is well known for its big hitting and, with a $100 prize to the batsman's club for every six hit over the Albert Park grandstand, tonight's game shouldn't disappoint local cricket fans.

The match will be held under lights between Colts and Harlequins starting at 7.30pm.

Albert Park groundsman Russell Angove says the pitch should be a “batsman's paradise”.

“The pitch is rock hard - even Tony Greig couldn't push a key into that,” he said with a smile.

“I have had 20 years of preparing pitches at Albert Park and this pitch is one of the best.

“A young batsman (Tim McIntosh) got 184 on it last week and it's just as good this week.”

The groundsman said the lack of rain this week meant he had to water the pitch on Thursday afternoon and, after running the roller over it yesterday, the pitch was looking really good for the batsmen.

“It's perfect for batting,” he said.

The news of a good pitch has Colts captain Troy Rowlands excited.

“It will be nice to have a good pitch instead of it being all wet and soggy,” he said.

“We will come out swinging.

“Block one - hit one,” he said.

Rowlands said the Twenty20 format was new to his players and it would be a steep learning curve, but he was urging fans to come and watch the historic game.

“It's free entry and the bar and canteen will be open. It should be exciting to watch,” he said.

Rowlands said the big hitting players to watch out for were Ben Smith and Ian Vidler for Colts, while Harlequins players Michael Walsh and Peter and Tim Cross were the long hitters.

Originally published as Gympie's bash for cash