Illawarra umpires are spreading some Christmas cheer by donating their match fees in Saturday’s Twenty20 round to support sick children undergoing hospital care.
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It is the fourth year Illawarra umpires have supported a designated charity with almost $4000 previously raised.
For a second straight year the umpires are backing Helensburgh Cricket’s Club’s annual charity day today to raise funds for the the Sydney Children’s Hospital .
In first grade, Helensburgh take on Dapto at Helensburgh Oval with the charity day having special personal significance for Helensburgh’s 2011-12 premiership skipper Tim Lloyd and Dapto captain Dale Scifleet.
“Illawarra cricket umpires are proud to support this great cause for a second year running,’’ Illawarra Cricket Umpires Association president Morgan Prosser said.
‘‘Most, if not all of our members are fathers and grandfathers so helping sick kids is something close to our hearts.
The Umpires Association encourages Illawarra Cricket Clubs and its players to help this great cause if they can.”
Meanwhile, the Illawarra Twenty20 comp will now be held over three rounds and over two Saturdays with the 10 first grade clubs playing their opening matches this afternoon.
With last Saturday’s double-header washed out clubs won’t want to lose a match if they are to book a place in the top four semi-finals on Sunday January 18.
Keira have had a poor season but are coming off their first win - a Duckworth-Lewis countback victory over Wollongong - and begin the defence of their T20 crown away to Northern Districts.
Keira have won back-to-back T20 titles and another in the 2009-10 season, with the first T20 comp won by University in 2006-07.
In Saturday’s other games, Wollongong are desperate to kick-start their season and host Wests Illawarra at North Dalton Park, while Balgownie take on Port Kembla at Judy Masters Oval.
Port Kembla have been the surprise packet over the first seven premiership rounds and are in fourth spot, with three wins and a draw.
In the other T20 matches, Corrimal, who are in second spot in the regular season, take on third-placed University at Uni Oval, while premiership leaders Helensburgh host Dapto.
All T20 games start at 3.15pm.
The 10 clubs have been split into two pools with the top two in each pool making the semis.
The fourth and fifth rounds are scheduled for Saturday January 10 with the final on Sunday February 1.
Following today’s matches, the Illawarra season takes a break for Christmas and New Year before resuming on January 10.
