Cricketers set to have a ball under the lights

Six sides will once again do battle when the Stourbridge Road club host the ninth edition of their hugely popular Black Country Floodlit T20.

The competition continues to go from strength with the man behind the venture, Himley’s first team skipper Greg Wright, declaring last year’s event the best yet.

Over 1,000 people checked in to see Brewood beat Wolverhampton in the final and Wright is hoping for more of the same this year when Himley, Stourbridge, Wolverhampton, Halesowen and a Staffs Clubs XI bid to wrestle the trophy from Brewood’s grasp.

The five-night cricket fest starts on Monday, August 20. The first three nights feature two group games with the semi-final taking place on Thursday and the shoot-out for glory the following night.

The draw takes place at Himley tonight and will be broadcast live on the Black Country Floodlit t20 Cricket Facebook page.

“This will be the ninth year of the competition and it keeps going from strength to strength,” said Wright.

“When you start out on something you are never sure whether it will just be a one off but as a club we are really pleased to see that the week is still proving really popular.

“But when you see how much the players and spectators enjoy the week, it’s perhaps not a surprise to see why it’s so popular.

“It’s something different for local club cricketers and something they aspire to play in.

“I know everyone at our club wants to play and there are some disappointed people when the side is selected.

“The other clubs are always keen to be a part of the week and we are really grateful of their continued support.

“Last year was probably the best one we have staged. Some of the T20 skills you see in the professional game are leaking into club cricket and some of the action last year was fantastic. The skill sets were phenomenal.

“We had over 1,000 people there for the final and the attendances were up for all of the group games as well. Hopefully the weather will stay fine and the place will be packed out again.”

All the usual T20 novelties will be on display and Wright hopes the event will help attract the next generation of players.

“We hope it’s a way of attracting youngsters to come and watch the sport,” said Wright. “That’s a big part of what it’s all about.

“It’s an easy night out for a family, it’s free and there will be plenty going on.

“Hopefully it will encourage some youngsters to take up the game, not just at our club but any of the local sides.”

And while this year’s action is yet to start, Wright is already palnning ahead.

“It’s the 10th anniversary next year and we are looking to put on a big show, “ he said.

“We are hoping to get some big names involved to help celebrate that milestone.”