Cricket: Newcastle T20 expansion on agenda again with more Summer Bash interest

Marjoribanks said NDCA would consider the change for 2020-21 after two Maitland sides joined Newcastle's existing clubs to make a 14-team competition last season.

"We've had approaches from other cricket bodies to enter the T20 Summer Bash," Marjoribanks told the Newcastle Herald. "They will be considered over the next few weeks so further expansion could be a possibility."

The fourth edition of the stand-alone T20 Summer Bash is again scheduled to take place across January and February, including mid-week and Sunday fixtures.

Hamwicks are the T20 title holders.

First grade will comprise of five one-day and eight two-day matches this season. Round one is set for October 10 and the final is down for March 27-28.

Marjoribanks said the "contingency plan", if ground availability was an issue next month, may be playing Tom Locker Cup games across Saturday and Sunday to "get the competition moving".

The second NDCA women's T20 league has been slated for Wednesday evenings from December 3 with hopes of adding to the four inaugural teams.

Marjoribanks said the newly formed Suburban Districts competition, including several outfits shifting from the Newcastle C&S association, has around 60 sides with first division "looking at eight teams".

"It's a work in progress," he said.

Meanwhile, on the signing front Lewis Hextall has returned to City following a stint with Sydney club Northern Districts but Cardiff-Boolaroo have lost overseas trio Sudhanshu Gundeti (India), Dan Carter and Matt Bennison (England) because of the coronavirus crisis.

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