AFTER a couple of years in the wilderness, the Souths Cricket Club has returned and will now take part in the Upper Hunter District Cricket Association competition.
The 2019-20 season will see the comeback of the team that bailed out halfway through the 2017-18 campaign due to poor numbers.
Joseph Chandler, who recently moved back to Muswellbrook, is the new club president and said he was extremely keen to get them up and going again.
"I had a few mates interested in having a game," he said.
"Plus, I hadn't played for a while either so I decided to get the club going and, having played for Souths when I lived here in Muswellbrook before, I thought it would be a good idea to get them going again."
The 29-year-old most recently played in the 2016 season with Toowoomba, and had another three-year sabbatical before that after having played in Newcastle while he was in university.
While the opening bowler said it's tough getting back into the swing of things, he was pleased to say that his body is starting to feel ready for the season again, adding that if he hits a ball this season - it will stay hit.
He said numbers and the general vibe around the squad was good, with plenty of new people meeting each other and getting along, although he said they were still trying to twist the arm of a few older players to come back.
They were set to play their first game back last weekend against fellow Muswellbrook side, Brook Blue, although that game was rained out.
As a result they will take the pitch for the first time this Saturday, October 19, against Belltrees Bushrangers, at Souths' home ground which is based in Aberdeen, due to the desire for a turf pitch.
"It's going to be good to get on the field, everybody's a bit anxious putting the club together, but I think it'll all just gel once we hit the field and have a run," Chandler said.
He also added that they have begun to meet the players from the Brook Blue and Silver sides, and is looking forward to a good social aspect to the season too.
They train at the Victoria Park cricket nets on Wednesday afternoon from about 5pm, and anyone interested is invited to come along to try out.
Upper Hunter District Cricket Association
October 19 draw:
(All games from 1pm)
Brook Blue v Silver Slugs at Weeraman Field
Bunnan v Aberdeen at Boyd Oval
Souths v Bushrangers at Harrison Oval
Belmore Bulls v Rouchel at Saunders Oval
Belltrees v Murrurundi at Belltrees Sports Ground
Merriwa bye
Singleton District Cricket Association
October 19 draw:
First grade (from noon)
Glendon v Creeks at Howe
Valley v JPC at Cook 1
Second grade (from 12.30pm)
Denman v Creeks at Denman No 1
Valley v JPC at Cook 2
Third grade (from 1pm)
Denman v Valley at Albion
PCH v Creeks at Civic
JPC v Glendon at Cook 5
