Corrimal set for first-grade return

Corrimal make their top grade return in Illawarra cricket after two seasons in the lower grades with a tough match-up against Dapto in today’s season opener at Ziems Park.

Captain Rob Fisher was part of Corrimal’s premiership victories in 2005-2006 and 2008-2009 before signing on with Balgownie for the past two seasons.

‘‘I’ve always been a Corrimal boy and the only reason I really left was that we didn’t have a strong enough side to be competitive in first grade,’’ Fisher said.

‘‘All the boys are a bit older now so when the opportunity came to captain and coach I jumped at it, because that’s where my heart is.’’

The Illawarra competition has abandoned the two-day format and instead will play only 50-over games and T20 matches this season.

‘‘That’s the way the district wanted to move forward, so we’re all going with that,’’ Fisher said.

‘‘They see the move as a way of getting more people involved in cricket, because there will be no Sunday games now – only Saturday.’’

Corrimal will have a young side for their opening clash against Dapto, with three players under 17.

‘‘If we’re competitive, that’s all I’m happy with,’’ Fisher said.

‘‘If we win a couple of games, and be competitive every game, I’ll be more than happy with that.’’

‘‘We’ve had a big pre-season so I’m just looking forward to getting out on the field.’’

Dapto, under new skipper Michael Stephenson, will want a better season after the 2009-10 and 2010-11 premiers missed the top four last season.

The new season brings a host of new captains. Tommi Bozinovski is leaving Dapto to take charge of Northern Districts who have lost several key players including young batsman Joe McDevitt. But Northern have signed Sydney grade players Cameron Nupier and Liam Cooper.

Scott Smith has left Wollongong to skipper Port Kembla, while Graeme Smith has left Wests, with last season’s second grade skipper Daniel Bogovac the new Red Devils first grade captain.