The Cobram Panel Works Panthers, Jarvis Delahey Crushers, Hurley's Hotel Hounds and SRP Mud Dogs will all be clamoring to select a victorious squad as the regional franchise cricket competition enters its first season, but major sponsor Crane Aid believes it is already onto a winner before a ball has been struck in anger.
The overhead crane maintenance and servicing company has strong roots in and around the Goulburn Valley region — with branches in Benalla and Bendigo and servicing from Gippsland to Albury-Wodonga and everywhere in between — and jumped at the opportunity to join the GVBBL revolution.
“It just made sense to jump in behind it and support the community that supports us,” Crane Aid business development manager Chris Parrott said.
“We have a branch in Benalla and have been operating throughout the (Goulburn Valley) area for the past 30 years.
“I have family all through the area and I know how big the cricketing community is.
“It seemed like an absolutely cracking idea to help further cricket in the area.
“Everyone loves Twenty20 cricket, and considering it's the first competition of its kind in the area it should generate plenty of excitement.”
Tomorrow's draft day is expected to run from 12.30 pm to 5 pm, with 109 players nominated in the pool.
The four franchises will need less than 50 selections to fill their squads, meaning competition for spots will be heated — especially as the draft reaches its later rounds and coaches look for a few diamonds in the rough to give their outfit an edge.
Those in attendance will be able to participate in a ‘‘Tip the Top 4’’ competition, with tipping forms, a list of nominees and instructions on how to enter available at the door.
Some possible top picks will include Northerners all-rounder Joel Brett, Katamatite slogger Ash Saunders, Kyabram captain Kyle Mueller, Central Park-St Brendan's stalwart Ramadan Yze, familiar face Layton McCann and a host of imports plying their trade across the region this summer.
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