Cricketers flock to Centennial Park for quickfire matches proving less is sometimes more

THERE are fewer deliveries, fewer fielders and a few unfamiliar rules, but eastern suburbs cricketers are flocking to Last Man Stands.

Rob Stevenson

Despite fewer deliveries, fewer fielders and a few unfamiliar rules cricketers are flocking to Last Man Stands.

The novel format of the game, which features five-ball overs and only eight players per side, began in England in 2005 and has expanded rapidly since then.

Cricketer Rob Stevenson played in one of the early matches in London. He was so impressed by the quickfire nature of the game that he moved to Sydney in 2009 to set up an Australian version.

"I believed that it was going to take off and luckily it did, it's just exploded," the 29-year-old from Surry Hills said.

"It's a bit more casual but still very organised, with uniforms, professional umpires and the scores going up online.

"The fact it's eight-a-side is a huge factor in getting teams; it means they can be made up of a bunch of mates rather than just club teams. Anyone can get a side together."

The East Sydney league games predominantly take place at Centennial Park on Sundays and Wednesday evenings and last about two hours. The winners of the regional competitions progress to a Sydney final.

If victorious, they earn a place in the national final, where the winners are sponsored to compete in the world championship final at Lord's. There is also a notable charitable element to the set-up, with Kenyan cricketers and South African townships benefiting.

"It attracts a lot of guys that haven't played since school," Stevenson said. "On the other hand, there's the world championship element, so it attracts a few of the really good teams.

"There is a variability in standard but we have quite a few leagues so teams go in to whatever grade suits them."