Senior cricket is gearing to launch on October 8, but Far South Coast Cricket Association publicity officer Dave Allen said unfortunately the two clubs had suffered hits to their top level playing rosters. 

“At this stage there will be a five team A grade comp, with Bega and Pambula losing several A grade level players since last season,” Allen said. 

Eden, Merimbula, Tathra and South Eurobodalla will still enter A grade sides. 

Another unfortunate exit this year will be the Wyndham Wedgies, with the club citing burnout from both players and committee members, while full entries haven’t yet been finalised. 

“We will know the extend of the B and C grade competitions in the next week or so,” Allen said. 

Junior play is set down to run from about a week later on October 15.

A number of clubs have already held junior registration days, but more information can be found on your local team’s Facebook page.

Any late team entries should be directed to association secretary Grant Keogh.

The association also recently held representative junior trials with officials saying they were delighted with the response from under 12s and under 14s.

“However we are still looking for a few more interested under 16s representative players,” Allen said.

Junior development will feature heavily this season, with young sides entered into the Kookaburra Cup competition that will run in Canberra. 

Officials said the Cup was becoming a staple of the junior cricket calendar as one of the biggest pre-season tournaments to date. 

Three talented young women will also represent the region when they compete in the under 15s country championship where pace bowlers Janet King and Jessie Muduliar will be joined by spin bowler Jade Allen.

Meanwhile, the seniors will also get a taste of representative play with the association lining up to defend its title in the Burns Cup. 

“Our combined FSCCA and Monaro team – Southeast – was very successful last year and we’ll be looking to hold on to that crown,” Allen said. 

Members of the Burns Cup team will be getting a warm-up session when they take part in the Plan B Regional Bash as part of the ACT Aces side on October 9. 

“Bega's Kel Evans and Robbie Ringland, Tathra's Adam Blacka, Merimbula's Dylan Jordan and Eden's Corey Spink will join Cooma's Sam Williams in the squad, and be looking to make the semis and final which will be played at the SCG later in the season,” Allen said.