IN what is quickly becoming one of the region's favourite Australia Day events, the Cricket 7s Gala Day will again turn Bill Rose Sports Complex into a hub of activity on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Having first been introduced over a decade ago, it's overcome a stuttering start to now become a feature of the national holiday.
It's been going strong for over five consecutive years now, with ten or more sides typically taking part.
The round-robin competition is played in a good spirit, with the day being more about laughs and fun than winning or serious cricket.
Co-organiser Gavin Newton said it's always enjoyable to be a part of the festivities, and encouraged everyone to get on board.
"It's all basically just about getting out there and having a go, it's for all abilities, all ages and all genders," he stated.
"We'd really like to see some more women and girls get involved this year... and especially with the national women's team doing so well."
Teams can be registered as late as 10 am on Sunday morning and play will begin shortly after that.
There is prize money to be won, while there are also rewards for the most sixes, most fours, most runs and also some penalties for dropped catches and whoever makes the most ducks.
It costs just $100 to register a seven-person side, which has in the past led to over 20 teams joining in a single year.
Costumes have always added a certain sense of novelty to the gala days, with full teams previously dressing up as Steve Irwin and Dennis Lillee, although there is one effort in particular that the organiser recalled.
"There's been a very ugly side of men dressed in women's clothing which was not pretty, and I can vouch for the fact it wasn't very comfortable to play in either," he said.
He urged those who do get involved to remain sensitive to the fact it's not a serious event, and not to put too much emphasis on the results.
While some much-welcomed rain is forecast a possibility for the day, the weather will remain around the 30 mark which makes ideal conditions for cricket.
It will be a BYO arrangement in terms of food and drinks.