"That's summer in Australia, isn't it?"
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With those words Tamworth District Cricket Association president Ben Middlebrook encapsulated what a rare breed cricketers are: when most people try to hide from the heat, these summer gladiators expose themselves to what is an increasingly harsh sun blast.
Despite temperatures for Tamworth forecast to be in the low 40s on Saturday and Sunday, first-grade matches will go ahead.
Middlebrook, the captain of Old Boys, said the start times of matches had changed to reduce the sting of heat.
On Friday he said: "We are currently working on a policy before tomorrow's games. It can be viewed like a rain delay to simplify it.
"So games won't be called off since matches are staggered and [they are] not in the heat of the day."
Middlebrook said playing in hot conditions was a reality for cricketers.
"You know, if you don't want to stand out in the heat, you may as well not play cricket in Australia," he said.
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Old Boys sit comfortably atop the table, ahead of their clash against Bective East at No 1 Oval on Saturday night. The match will start at 8pm.
Old Boys play second-placed North Tamworth at No 1 Oval on Sunday. The match starts at noon.
Reigning premiers Old Boys have seven wins and one lose - their sole defeat coming at the hands of Norths in a one-dayer in round three. Old Boys have won five-straight matches.
Middlebrook said: "We're going OK; having a few wins, which is good. And the guys seem to be gelling really well.
"We've got a good group, and we've had the core of that group for a long time.
"But there's some fresh blood in there that doing really well. Josh Smith is back, and he's playing some really good cricket at the moment."
Middlebrook said other new additions to the side, Will Gell and Hayden Baker, "are bringing a new level of enthusiasm" to the playing group.
He added: "I think we can play better. But at the end of the day we're getting the wins, so that's the main thing at this stage of the season.
"This weekend will be a good test. We're a bit short with guys away for Christmas and that sort of thing. And we're playing two tough teams."
In other matches on Saturday, West Tamworth and City United clash at Riverside 2, while North Tamworth and South Tamworth meet at Riverside 1.
On Sunday, City confronts Souths at No 1 Oval in the morning, and Wests encounter Bective at Riverside 1.
