Brighton backs cricket chief’s northern plan

BRIGHTON Council has supported comments from Cricket Tasmania Chief Executive Nick
Cummins about the possibility of a greater northern side playing in the southern-based
Premier League cricket competition.
The proposed greater northern team would comprise the best players from the north and
north-west of the State and Mr Cummins said recently that there was a lot of interest and
support for the concept.
Cricket Tasmania is currently working on a feasibility study and expects to make a
recommendation before Christmas to enable the team to enter the competition the
following season.
Brighton Mayor Tony Foster said a positive decision would also open the door for Brighton
to enter the Cricket Tasmania Premier League.
“Adding a northern team and one from Brighton would make a 10-team competition and
avoid any byes,” Cr Foster said.
“Brighton Council has been talking to Cricket Tasmania for several years now about Brighton
joining the Premier League and while we are well advanced with facilities and have a
potentially large male and female participation base, the prospect of a nine-team
competition and a bye has been a stumbling block.
“If the greater north and Brighton joined the competition at the same time, there would be
no need for a bye, so the problem would be solved.
“Brighton is one of Tasmania’s fastest growing areas and we have a young population that
keen to participate in sporting activities. Cricket needs to tap in on this.”
Cr Foster said the Brighton Cricket Club was keen to join the Premier League and the nearby
Old Beach Cricket Club had one of the largest player base of any club in the State.
“There will be no shortage of players and Brighton’s intention is to field men’s, women’s,
boys’ and girls’ teams.
“As well, Council is prepared to assist with facilities and other in-kind support.
“The three Pontville ovals already host Premier League matches as well as providing match
training venue for the Tigers, Hurricanes and other State teams.
“We have completed design work for a major, high-class sports facility at Pontville and will
be seeking funding for this in the next few months.
“We have also had extensive discussions with Cricket Tasmania about the facilities and other
resources required for Brighton to participate in the Premier League competition and we are
confident that this can be provided.”
Cr Foster said Nick Cummins’ recent comments regarding a greater northern team entering
the Premier League were encouraging and the next logical step was to also include a team
from Brighton.
“We are now seeking a further meeting with Cricket Tasmania to push Brighton’s case
alongside that of the north of the State.”
Brighton Mayor Tony Foster