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Cricket Illawarra will pursue a deal with the Sydney Sixers to have the Twenty20 powerhouse play at North Dalton Park for the next three years.
The Sixers were impressed by the support and facilities when they played their first match in Wollongong, a trial against the Illawarra Invitational XI, on Tuesday.
It has set the platform for the SCG-based outfit to become a regular fixture in the Illawarra before the Big Bash League competition starts.
While a deal is yet to be reached, Cricket Illawarra president Mark Johnston is confident the Sixers will be back.
"We had more at the match on a Tuesday afternoon than the Sixers had at a fan day in Drummoyne on Sunday, so it was encouraging for them," he said.
"A bit like the footy codes are trying to do, the Sixers are trying to build their membership numbers and we'd like the Illawarra to be a key part of that.
"We certainly want to build our relationship with them and hopefully we can sort something soon."
Rivals the Sydney Thunder played in Wollongong in 2012, but the regional zoning has since been changed by Cricket NSW, now making the Illawarra Sixers territory.
They were upstaged by the Invitational XI, featuring Sixers squad members, Sydney grade players and Illawarra representatives Dale Scifleet and David Murphy.
Balgownie opener Murphy blasted a top score of 42 for the Invitational XI, then returned for the super over after the match was tied to help them to a thrilling victory.
Johnston declared the Sixers a perfect partner for the Illawarra, with Warilla junior Nic Maddinson and Oak Flats former Test bowler Brett Lee in the squad.
Sixers assistant coach Trent Johnston, who has played for Ireland, is an ex-Dapto player.
"There's quite a synergy there with the Illawarra and South Coast connections," he said.
"I think it's a good fit.
"We got a lot of good feedback from the Sixers squad and officials.
"Hopefully next time we will be able to have the match on a Sunday afternoon, which will be a lot better for families to come down and watch."
Two years ago, the Sixers became the world champion Twenty20 franchise and have a rich recent history of success in the domestic competition.
While the Illawarra T20 competition has been marred by rain, round three is due to be played on Saturday, with a finals triple-header being played in February.
The top three Illawarra Twenty20 grand finals will be played at North Dalton Park next year.