THE Irymple Footballers have raided the Irymple Cricketers ahead of Sunday’s annual Twenty20 match at Henshilwood Oval, looking to make up for a loss last year and once again nudge in front.
The ledger sits at 2-2 following the Cricketers getting the chocolates last year, but Footballers captain Dan Coghlan has managed to secure the services of quick Chase Stone and batting all-rounder Billy Phelan.
“I had to do a little bit of extra work with (Stone),” Coghlan said.
“Billy has gone to Melbourne, he’s come back before Christmas so I quickly hit him up to see if he was coming back in
time.
“We finally sorted a team (on Thursday), so hopefully everyone rocks up and plays.”
Cricketers captain Mark Thomson said the defections left him a little short, along with some players participating in Under 17s Country Week, particularly not being able to call on strike bowler Stone.
“It’ll add a bit of spice to the contest, I’d say,” Thomson said.
Wade Minter and Josh Stanley come into the line-up for the Cricketers.
The match will also feature two netballers and two women’s cricketers representing each side to make it a 13-a-side game.
“It should draw a pretty good crowd, especially now people can get out and about a bit and come down and see a good show,” Thomson said.
The day doubles as a Christmas party for the Irymple Cricket Club and the Irymple Football Netball Club communities with a barbecue lunch from noon` and Santa visiting.
The cricket match starts at 1.30pm and will be the debut of Irymple’s new electronic scoreboard.