Southern Highland cricket's night-of-nights saw team leaders for the upcoming season announced.
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At the illustrious Bradman Oval and Museum, the Highland District Cricket Association (HDCA) kicked off their 2020-21 season with all team captains declared.
On a wonderfully seasoned Friday, October 9 night, captains posed with big smiles for pictures on the hallowed ground of Bradman Oval.
Highland District Cricket Association's chairman, Simon Taufel spoke of the association's vision for this coming season.
"Together we strive to serve local cricket and our participants by creating a positive experience in any role they choose, be it playing, umpiring, scoring, administration, coaching or another form of volunteering," Taufel said.
"We need to abide by the MCC's Spirit of Cricket, championing respect and mateship, and seek to develop excellent ambassadors for our game and citizens for our local community.
"Poor behaviour has no place in our game or association.
"We aim to protect the heritage of cricket, honouring the legacy left by those before us, and promote it by ensuring we leave it in a better place than when we found it allowing the next generation to enjoy it."
Taufel also challenged the captains to consider what their vision was for their teams.
"I encourage you to have these discussions with your sides so that as a team you could develop your visions for the season," Taufel said.
The floor was then open for those in attendance to consider their "why".
Why they play, captain, coach, administer, umpire?
Moss Vale Cricket Club's Peter Canestrari said he played cricket for "the social aspect more than anything."
Robertson Burrawang Bull's Captain Nathan Wright said "I'd say mine's changed a bit over the years,
"Mine was really competitive when I first came through and I expect that from my younger player as well," he said.
"But as you get a bit older it's definitely a social thing"
Bowral Cricket Club captain, Conor Murray lives and breathes for the game.
"It's a way of life, it's the experiences you get along the way from cricket," Murray said.
"You, yourself [Simon] were lucky enough to travel.
"I, myself played in Sydney and met people along the way who have influenced me in life on and off the pitch.
"That's what I'm trying to give to all of the young ones coming through now.
"We play to win, but it's also about the experiences you can pass on to the next crop."
Umpire, Angus Humphreys said "I enjoy it, I want to challenge myself, but most of all it's about being involved and enjoying it."
Mittagong Cricket Club President, Scott Miller involves himself in the game purely for the love of it.
"I get satisfaction from getting people to come out of their comfort zones and be involved," Miller said.
"There are a lot of people who sit at home and do nothing.
"I get a bit of satisfaction if we sign someone new who hasn't played in 100 years or in some cases haven't played at all."
First grade captains:
- Robertson Burrawang Colts - Edward Angel
- Bowral - Conor Murray
- Hill Top Northern Villages - Alex Debs
- Moss Vale - Peter Canestrari
- Robertson Burrawang Bulls - Nathan Wright
The Highland District Cricket Association senior season began on Saturday, October 10.
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