ALL four first-grade sides will be looking to begin their summer in winning style when the new Gunnedah and District Cricket Association season starts on Saturday.
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Reigning two-day premiers Kookaburras will be looking to start their premiership defence on a positive note, when they take on Mornington at Wolseley Oval.
Meanwhile, Court House and Albion will look to add a new chapter to their rivalry when the two sides clash at Kitchener Park.
A familiar face will lead Kookaburras into the new season after former captain Cameron Milne stepped down from the role due to work commitments.
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Kris Lodge will captain the side, flanked by the wisdom of experienced hands Shayne Riordan and Paddy Paul.
Meanwhile, Albion will enter the season without several key players after both Brad Jenkinson and Hayden Baker announced they would be moving on.
Jenkinson has relocated to Newcastle for work reasons and Baker will ply his trade with Old Boys in Tamworth.
Kookaburras will not be the only side with a new man at the helm after Albion appointed Brad Cady as its skipper for the season.
"I think it's a pretty big honour to be given the captaincy," Cady said.
"It came as a bit of a shock, to be honest.
"I wasn't expecting it, but the boys really rallied around me and wanted me to lead the way, so all I can say is I'm honoured and can't wait to get into it."
Cady joined Albion last season and enjoyed plenty of success with the bat, scoring 169 runs at an average of 24.
"Obviously my role with the team will be a little bit different this season, but I'm hoping to get some runs under my belt early," he said.
"Honestly, my main focus will be looking to bring some of the talented young guys we have into first grade.
"There's quite a few young guys who probably don't realise how good they are.
"My main aim this year will be to give these guys the chance to realise that potential in first grade."
After falling short in last season's two-day decider, Cady said his side would be eager to avenge the grand final loss.
"I think every team is looking to win a premiership," he said. "It's a lot easier said than done, but that is certainly a big aim for us."
Cady said his side's opening-round assignment against Court House would be "the perfect test to start the season".
"For us, we will just look to get the basics right on Saturday," he said. "Hopefully, we can get some time out in the middle and get some runs on the board early."
The same four clubs will also play off against each other in the first round of the reserve-grade competition.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
