NSW Community Cricket Cup: Wilberforce are in the mix to be crowned the best club side in NSW

Wilberforce Cricket Club is one of a host of clubs throughout the state vying to hoist the inaugural NSW Community Cricket Cup. Think your team has what it takes to be the state’s best? FIND OUT MORE.

NSW Community Cricket Cup, Wilberforce Cricket Club, 2023-24.

It’s the sleepy hollow on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in Sydney’s northwest, but when it comes to cricket Wilberforce has been at the wicket longer than most.

Formed in 1894, the club has ridden the highs and lows, and now thanks to Cricket NSW it’s about to spread it wings.

After nominating to field a side in the inaugural NSW Community Cricket Cup, from next month the club's top cricketers will compete in a T20 knockout competition in the battle for statewide glory.

Open to all club’s across the state expect those aligned to NSW Premier Cricket, Wilberforce are in the mix to rub shoulders with the likes of Sydney’s Epping Bulls and the Riverina’s South Wagga Blues.

For club president and player Tom Kaal, the opportunity for play beyond the boundaries of the Hawkesbury District Cricket Association was too good to refuse.

“It’s been a big 12 months for the club,” said Kaal.

“Last season we won the second grade comp and with a few handy recruits we’ve been able to field a side in first grade.”

Wilberforce second grade premiers 2022-23: Captain Chris Pound (front row, second from right) and Tom Kaal (front row, middle). Picture: Wilberforce Cricket Club

With three senior teams and two in the juniors, the 37-year-old is excited by the upside the Community Cup presents.

“The club pledged its commitment last week. We’re competitive but we don’t play for sheep stations,” he said.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for our club and players. We’re familiar with the sides in our local comp, so it will be exciting to test ourselves against opposition we know nothing about.

“We have an even mix of ages and we’re all good mates. About a third are in their early 20s, there’s guys in their 30s and about a third are over 50.”

Wilberforce Cricket Club, a proud history since 1894. Picture: Wilberforce Cricket Club

In addition to the joy of potential travel, for Kaal and club secretary Chris Pound, it’s a golden opportunity to help cement the club’s long term future.

“We are always trying to support junior cricket, so any funds we get are used to keep the kids involved,” said Kaal.

“We’re also mindful of keeping up with the times and attracting more players to the game. The club is aligned to the Sydney Thunder, so from next year we’ll play in green shirts and black pants.

“We’ll wear the same colours in the Community Cup so it gives the rest of our club the chance to see what we’re planning.”

But with local competition largely constrained to one-day and two-day formats, it’s the Community Cup’s T20 structure that excites Kaal the most.

“Not many of the boys have played T20, and as the challenge of attracting players grows, it’s definitely a format we need to consider for our local competition.”

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