With the temperature warming up, Inverell and District Cricket Association and council staff have been busy mowing and watering turf wickets at Varley and McCosker Ovals.

It’s the second year in a row Inverell will host the elite event and mayor Paul Harmon says the three-day tournament brings close to 200 open men’s cricketers as well as coaching and support staff to town.

“The event will be played across Friday, Saturday and Sunday and we will see some very talented cricketers take to the field from Newcastle, the Hunter, North Coast and Central North”.

Under 17 ACT/NSW Country and Western zone all-rounder Brock Larance will be one of the players to watch over the three days.

Larance was an integral part of the ACT/NSW Country side that was declared joint champions at the Under 17 national titles in early October. He was the leading run-scorer for his region and also claimed nine wickets.

Cr Harmon says local hopes will rest with Central Northern, who will play their first game at McCosker Oval on Friday morning.

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The team will be led by NSW Country Bush Blues’ wicketkeeper Tom Groth, who was a member of the Bush Blues’ team that won the Australian Country Championships last season.

Big-hitting all-rounder and Country Bush Blues team mate Caleb Ziebell is also set to provide plenty of punch for North Coastal.

At last season’s national titles, Ziebell topped the list of leading run-scorers for the tournament with an average of 43.89.

President of Inverell and District Cricket Association, Steve de Gunst says it’s a terrific chance to see elite cricketers in action and admission is free for spectators.

Play will commence from 10am on all three days and be a round-robin style tournament.

The winner will play the leading team from the Southern NSW Pool in the deciding match on November 25 at Bradman Oval in Bowral.

A full copy of the draw can be found online.