ILLAWARRA CRICKET
Illawarra take on defending champions Queanbeyan, and Newcastle, in a Twenty20 double-header in the Konica Minolta Regional Cup at North Dalton Park tomorrow.
The Twenty20 competition features 12 teams; eight from Canberra, plus regional teams from Newcastle, Albury Wodonga, Leeton and Illawarra.
In tomorrow's round, Illawarra take on ACT club side Queanbeyan (10am), then Newcastle (2pm).
Newcastle will play Canberra side Wests in their opening match at Figtree Oval (10am).
Illawarra have named an experienced 13-man side to be led by Australian country batsman and Keira skipper Graeme Batty.
Hard-hitting Queanbeyan batsman and ACT Comets skipper Jono Dean was the leading run-scorer in the Konica Cup last season, with 284 runs from six knocks at an average of 71.
Dean was also part of a 20-man Perth Scorchers T20 train-on squad that prepared for the rich Champions Trophy in South Africa and will be a key wicket for Illawarra.
Meanwhile, Illawarra also take on Newcastle in their annual representative clash at North Dalton Park tomorrow week before Illawarra defend their country championship title in Wagga Wagga on November 8-10.
Illawarra last season beat Western Zone to win the country crown for the first time since 1997, and this year have been drawn to face neighbours Southern Zone, host Riverina, and Western Zone in their pool.
The Illawarra competition returns after two wet weekends with round three of the one-day competition this afternoon.
Corrimal are at home to Helensburgh, Northern Districts host Keira, Port Kembla are at home to Wests Illawarra, University welcome Wollongong and Balgownie host Dapto.
TWENTY20 KONICA CUP
Sunday at North Dalton Park
Illawarra v Queanbeyan (10am)
Illawarra v Newcastle (2pm)