The Albion and Kookaburras second graders square off at McAndrew Park while the other second grade match is at Longmuir Oval, and the third graders start their season the following weekend.

This Saturday will be the first of three consecutive Saturdays involving one-day matches before the season involves a mixture of one-day and two-day fixtures.

One interesting element will be the inclusion of several Gunnedah cricketing stalwarts as umpires, with Kevin Wicks, Kevin Miller, Russell Weston and Stan Beasley to officiate in first grade.

ALBION v KOOKABURRAS

Albion will seek to start its first grade defence on a strong note while the Kookaburras should be equally determined to show that they will be a force to be reckoned with.

The vastly experienced Shane Reardon and all-rounder Cameron Milne are among the continuing players in the Kookaburras line-up, although the team’s depth will be tested this Saturday due to a few absentees.

Leading bowler Troy Sands will be missing due to a wedding commitment in Perth, and Paddy Paul will also be away while Ian Gardiner may also be absent.

Albion has indicated that its player numbers are strong, with James and Andy Mack sure to again be key players while opponents will be wary of Ryan Cooper’s talents.

COURT HOUSE v MORNINGTON

After having a great 2015-16 season before losing the decider, Court House will leave that in the past and focus on a strong start to its 2016-17 campaign.

Talented all-rounder Sam Doubleday and strike bowler Farran Lamb will be just two players keen to help Court House regain its winning ways.

Mornington meanwhile is a bit of an unknown quantity, with Peter Hughes away this weekend while Jamie Mitchell has joined the Tamworth competition.