The new competition, labelled the Lachlan Premier Competition, emerged following the demise of Morongla and Grenfell first grade sides and Young Blues rejoining the South West Slopes competition, leaving the Cowra District Cricket Association top grade with three sides – Bowling Club, Valleys and Canowindra.

Obviously a three-side competition is not capable of working so a competition involving club sides from towns in the Lachlan area was discussed at the Council’s annual general meeting.

“This competition’s been in the wings for two or three seasons,” Greg Nicholls indicated.

“I think it’s the way of the future for smaller towns. We’ve done well to survive as long as we have in Cowra with two competitions.”

Nicholls said when Young Blues informed Cowra they were returning to the South West Slopes competition, Lachlan Council decided to push Parkes to come up with two sides to form a five-side Lachlan Premier Competition.

“Last year Parkes had a nine or 10 side competition. That was really the catalyst. The first grade sides were playing against second grade and giving up 75 runs each game,” he said.

The competition will involve 15 rounds of 40 over matches with the minor premiers hosting the grand final and second and third playing off for the remaining spot in the decider.

One badged umpire will adjudicate each game. 

“I think it’ll be a strong competition. I would have liked a Forbes side but they weren’t in a position to have a side,” Nicholls said.

“Hopefully it generates a bit of interest. There’s opportunity for the competition to possibly grow by a few teams in the future.”

Teams: Bowling Club, Valleys, Canowindra, Cambridge Cats, Parkes Colts.

Round one will be October 14.