Supporters watch Clevedon playing Pohutukawa Coast on Friday night. Photo / Clevedon Cricket Facebook

By Dale Budge

As Clevedon and Pohutukawa Coast enjoyed a successful Friday early evening night T20 clash ahead of the long weekend it opened up the possibility of the grade moving to that timeslot on a regular basis.

T20 Cricket has been a big success for the sport as a time-poor generation can still take part in the national summer game as work and family time encroaches into weekends.

There are 12 teams competing in the Counties Manukau Cricket senior men’s T20 competition this season and the grade continues to grow each season.

But imagine how more popular it could be if players could get their cricket fix on a Friday night at the end of a working week while still leaving the rest of the weekend free.

It also is more likely to attract supporters and encourage summer BBQs on the sidelines.

“I first played cricket in Dunedin many years ago on a Thursday night with 25 overs per side and that was a lot of fun,” said Clevedon captain Matt Strang.

“I’ve lived in Sydney and also right in Auckland and Friday nights are a big night for cricket. Cornwall Park as an example is just heaving on a Friday night with families.

“There is a ground shortage too and so playing on Friday nights will help with that.

“Mum or Dad can take the kids down for the start of the game and then the other parent turns up at some stage and the BBQ are rolling and the kids enjoy it – it is a strong option.

“I have mentioned this to a couple of teams we play against and everyone seems keen on the idea so I think it has some legs.”

Counties Manukau Cricket Association cricket manager Peter Zanzottera said the organisation will seek feedback from clubs about what they want and when they wish to play their cricket.

“Our whole purpose is to provide enjoyable experiences in the windows people want them,” Zanzottera said. “We are constantly getting feedback from clubs, and will be sending out surveys at the end of the season to help us get all the information we need, in order to best shape the 2021/22 season.

“If Friday nights suit best, then we will certainly make that window work from our end”.