It's been three years in the making, but Illawarra will start their Creighton Cup title defence on Saturday.
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The Graeme Batty-led side claimed the title during the 2018/19 season, with wet weather halting their chances of tasting more Cup success since.
Batty will again be at the top of Illawarra's batting order, however, Keira's Mitch Hearn will captain the team as they take on the Highlands at Scout Willoughby Oval.
Joining the pair in Illawarra's squad are Rhys Voysey, Angus Cumming, Jack McDonald, Tyler Johns, Jake O'Connell, Jono Fowles, Dan Constable, Xavier McDevitt, Jono Rose, Zac Churchill and Oliver Needham.
"We've had a couple of washouts the last few years, so it's been a bit of a fizzer, after winning the first time it came around. It looks like a really good team and a lot of those guys should be competing to make the Greater Illawarra side," Batty said.
"We're not really entrenched in the history of the Cup, so (last time) we took it as a really good trial to see players we hadn't seen before. But, this year with no club cricket, it's a good opportunity for the guys to go up a level in standard. It's always a good hit-out to see who can make that rep (Greater Illawarra) side.
"We have no clue (about the Highlands side). But I know the South Coast boys and if we win on Saturday, it will be a really good game against South Coast, they've got a good team this year."
Senior cricket will also continue in the Illawarra on Saturday. After the opening month's action has been decimated by rain, with only three first grade games being completed, cricketers will be hoping for a change of fortune in round five.
Ladder leaders Wests will look to notch up their third win of the 2021/22 season when they take on Port Kembla at King George V.
The only other winner so far this campaign, Wollongong, have an away game against University.
In Saturday's other first grade matches, Balgownie will meet Northern Districts at Judy Masters Oval; Corrimal hosts Keira at Zeims Oval; and Dapto will take on Helensburgh at Reed Park.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
