The boys light up

History will be made in the Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League at Wonthella Oval tonight, when senior night cricket is played for the first time.

Excitement about the concept has been building ever since 500-lux lights were installed early this year. There were plans to host a match late last season but the ground was unavailable.

Sportsmans and Bluff Point/Strathalbyn have first use of not just a new time frame (tonight’s match starts at 6.30pm) but also the polarising pink ball; a ball specifically designed for night games.

Another night game is scheduled for tomorrow evening between Towns and Wanderers — with two more matches to be played next weekend.

The Geraldton Regional Cricket Board also intends to play the T20 series final under lights later in the season.

Night cricket is almost a total unknown for local cricketers — aside from whatever practice they have scrounged at training (and what little can be gleaned from TV).

But Towns captain Jai Russell is typical in his enthusiasm.

“We’ll take in a young side again and we’re super-excited to be playing under lights,” Russell said.

“I’m interested to see how much the pink ball swings and how hard it is to pick up but all teams will be playing under the same conditions so it’s an even playing field.”

The GRCB is encouraging families to head along to both nights.

Sportmans v Bluff Point/Strathalbyn,

Wonthella Oval 6.30pm (pink ball)

Tomorrow

Towns v Wanderers, Wonthella Oval 6.30pm (pink ball)