Local big bash a great option for holiday fun

Newcastle's very own big bash will return to the crease bigger and better this summer with Newcastle City Council as a major supporter.

The “NCC Summer Bash" will see Newcastle District Cricket Association (NDCA) teams clearing the pickets in a series of exciting twilight T20 matches at No.1 Sportsground and social Sunday afternoon fixtures at suburban grounds throughout January.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and NDCA Chairman Paul Marjoribanks at today's NCC Summer Bash launch.

NDCA will live stream the matches but Chairman Paul Marjoribanks says the grounds are the places to be.

"This year we're delighted to have teamed up with Newcastle City Council to make the Summer Bash even better than last year," Marjoribanks said at today's competition draw at No.1.

"The crowds were good last season but they're likely to be much bigger this summer after some spectacular action in the debut comp. In one of the matches, Hamwicks captain Josh Trappel smashed five sixes in one over.

"The twilight matches at No.1 are fantastic with the old ground in all its splendour and the Sunday afternoon suburban matches have a great family feel.

"There are sausage sizzles going on and it's a real social occasion."

A bowler in action during last summer's first grade comp.

The first round of midweek twilight matches will begin at 5pm at No. 1 Sportsground on Tuesday 9 January and be followed by fixtures on Wednesday 10, Thursday 11, Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 January.

They will be followed by Sunday triple headers at Harker, Townson and Waratah ovals, starting at 10am, before finals games return to No.1 on 18 February.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle City Council was proud to partner with the local cricket association to provide some great entertainment for Novocastrians and holiday makers visiting the city.

"We are delighted to get behind the NCC Summer Bash through our events sponsorship program to make this a real spectacle for cricket fans and anyone looking for a evening fun or social Sunday afternoon over summer," the Lord Mayor said after helping with today's draw.

"We understand how popular cricket is in Newcastle and across Australia. It's the one sport that is played over summer in every city, in every town and on driveways across every suburb.

"Newcastle has always been a hotbed of support for cricket and now we have our own T20 competition to inspire youngsters to come up through the ranks to one day play first grade and hopefully go on to higher honours."

Hamwicks took out last season's T20 with a win over Belmont in the final.

Council's support of $12,500 will help NDCA with increased promotion, live streaming and prize money for the successful teams.

A batsman plays it square of the wicket during last year's T20.

Visit Newcastle District Cricket Association's website for fixture details.