lisarowcricket.com.au

Friday 16th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th April.

In a surprise move today the City of Tamworth was announced as the winner of the hosting rights for the 2010 LOCC trip away ahead of more fancied rivals including every mainland capital city. (editors note: Hobart did not bid for the rights due to an ongoing disputes between the State government and the Hobart Casino regarding costing arrangements, even though the local bid had the full support of the local Thoroughbred Trainers and Jockeys Associations.

Tamworth erupted in wild celebrations as large crowds congregated and partied in the city centre until the early hours of the morning, mostly around the Central Hotel, which has been identified as the central accommodation venue for the tourists in this hallowed trip far from the shores of the central coast. Local Area Command Leader Sgt. Johan Jodeldodle (pron. Yoharn Yodeldodel) said a large police presence was on hand for the duration of the celebrations and that he was particulalry pleased with the behaviour of the revellers. He reported that only 872 people were arrested, mostly for  alcohol related matters. A temporary compound had been set up at the City's main oval to hold those detained with a special all-night sitting of the local Magistrates Court processing the charge throughout the night. Mayor Mr. Bryan Rhoades addressed the revellers from the front balcony of the Central Hotel and in an emotional speech thanked the entire comunity of Tamworth for their patient support during the long and involved bid and evaluation processes. "This is undoubtedly the biggest event in our city's proud history. All other events such as music festivals etc. pale into insignificance with this and it just makes me proud to be an old Tamworthian" he said. At these words the massed throng cheered wildly.

Meanwhile throughout the country the decision was greeted with disdain in most quarters from the losing bid teams, particularly Melbourne where State Premier Steve Black denied that their bid was flawed and that this would signal the end of his government's term. He would not confirm that they had offered to trade the hosting rights for the 2011 Formula One Championship with Tamworth in a last minute bid to win this prestigious event. He reportedly said that his party was assesssing the future of his government beyond the short term with a dramatic announcement expected within the next 48 hours. The Victorian opposition was reported to be in a secret meeting and preparing to elect an interim cabinet if needed.

From Sydney sources close to Mayor, Clover More, indicated that their bid team needed more time to fully understand the decision and no statement would issue until a full and proper debriefing was conducted. Also in Sydney, Upper House Member Mr. Fred Nyall descibed the decision as a moral victory for the majority Christian community  of Sydney. "This was one event that we could certainly do without" he said. He indicated that he was preparing a private members bill that would place the harbour city in curfew (or lockdown) each night from 7.45 pm with essential services exempt. He said that he had the full support of the Greens Parties and his landmark bill would be referred to as the Big Dog legislation.

From the LOCC camp, spokesman Mr Brian Rhodes (no relation), said that the decision to award the rights to the inland city was the only way after a very detailed examination of all of the bids received. "Tamworth is to be congratulated and obviously made the superior response to all of the bids criteria. Accommodation at the Central Hotel in the heart of Tamworth with a continental breakfast included on the Saturday morning was the jewel in the crown that no other mainland city could match. "Availability of TAB facilities within the hotel is also is believed to be a major reason for the decision with the additional security of a backup second line to TAB headquarters at Auburn forming part of the bid.

It is believed that the decisive factor within the winning bid was a pledge to keep the costs to touring members at least less then the $180.00 for previous tour. Many of the losing bids privately scoffed at this condition with many simply saying it could not be achieved. Mayor Rhoades had absolute confidence in his teams financial projections and laughed at this as "sour grapes". (He also said his Council had organised for any shortfall in funding for the event to be underwritten by  the installation of additional parking meters within the boundaries of the entire Local Government Area). 

Although full details are to be finalised and confirmed the tourists are expected to depart the Lisarow -Ourimbah RSL Club at about 7.00 am on Friday 16th April and travel to Tamworth by luxury coach. Rumours that the coach wiill be airconditioned are yet to be confirmed although sources close to the winning bid would not confirm or deny that this majpor expense had been factored in to hte winning bid due to the cost involved. The Greg Norman designed Longyard golf course will host the tourists on the Friday afternoon before they attend a civic reception at the Central Hotel immediately after golf and in time to complete their preparations for the Saturday trip to Gunnedah Race Course (approx 50 mins away) where large crowds are expected on this feature race day. The tour party is expected to depart Tamworth about lunch time on the sunday with large crowds expected from the early hours of the morning to line the avenues of Tamworth to fondly farewell the touring party.

Full details of the itinerary can be obtained from Mr Todd Iddles (no relation) and he will assist cricket club members with their bookings and financial arrangements.

Register in our forums for the trip here. An initial deposit of $50.00 is expected with each registration. Places are limited and members are encouraged to book early so that they are not disapppointed.

There will be a slight increase in fees which despite the hard work of the Magpies Committee is unavoidable. In the last 2 years our fees to the Central Coast Cricket Association (CCCA) have increased significantly, ground costs have gone up appreciably and all other costs have increased as well. Ball costs alone (we buy over 200 balls for Seniors games alone each season) are over $8,000, we spent a few thousand on shirts and caps, and then there are the costs running a club. Sponsorship is harder than ever to come by and some long-running supporters have not been able to continue financially helping us. The good news is our major sponsor, the Ourimbah RSL club is back on board and back on playing shirt chests with a significant contribution, and we are working hard on several opportunities for sleeve sponsors.

Senior fees for 2009/10 are $290 per player or $200 for students playing in the senior comp.

Although we would prefer full payment up front as it helps us pay a significant number of up-front costs (like balls, playing shirts, association fees and ground / key fees) ourselves, we also accept half-payment prior to the season commencing and the remainder by 1st December 2009. A new club playing shirt will be provided upon receiving at least half of your fees.