GCA boss confident T20 Cup has promising future

THE Geelong Cricket Association’s (GCA) top boss is confident the association’s new T20 competition can be sustainable into the future, as the second year of the new tournament comes to a close.

GCA president Rob Vines said the second edition of the T20 Knockout Cup could be hailed as a success, with a second champion to be crowned by the end of the month, a year on from St Joseph’s inaugural win over St Peters.

“It’s been a terrific tournament this year – I think it’s also worth noting we weren’t weather-affected either, which was also good.

“Generally speaking, across the 32 teams across all four divisions, the knockout format has been welcomed because it’s something different to what operates within the current divisional structure.

“This has given a chance for clubs to face off against opposition they haven’t played before due to the divisional structure. It just adds to the cross-fertilisation of the club community.”

This year’s cup decider will feature two of the region’s best sides.

Five-time reigning GCA1 premiers North Geelong will look to add its first T20 Knockout Cup trophy to the shelves at Osborne Park.

The Magpies will face a Grovedale Tigers outfit trying to remain in the GCA1 finals hunt in weekend play.

The two clubs will meet at Jarvis Oval on February 27 at 5pm.

Mr Vines has not ruled out potential changes for the 2025 edition of the competition.

“I think the format is pretty sound, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to refine the tournament,” he said.

“Every year, a couple of suggestions come up and at the end of the year, the committee will sit down and discuss possible refinements.

“As a principle, though, the knockout format is something we will probably keep as is moving forward.”