AMAZING CRICKET GROUNDS – PART -9  –  CHARTERS TOWERS GOLD FIELD, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Towards the end of the 19th century the City of Charters Towers , Queensland, was the centre of Australia’s richest gold field with a population of over 30,000 people.  The boom petered out long ago and today around 10,000 people are living there.

Photo : Goldfieldashes.com 

On a long weekend towards the end of each January that number is augmented by several thousand when cricket teams from all over the country come to the town to compete in the Goldfield Ashes, the largest competition of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

First held in1949, now over 200 sides take part.  Team names include A Fish called Wanda, Bigger than Jesus, Benaud’s Boys, Unbelievable and from the women’s team More Ass than Class.

Each team plays 3 matches and complicated rules are in place to effect a result even when the rain gods threaten.

The “A” Grade, which plays T20 Format is very competitive as are some of the other Leagues, which play over 50 over matches. But some sides are more laid back.  Though the organisers issue stern requests with lots of words for participants Not to take alcohol on to the field, especially if umpiring, in the lower leagues some have been playing with a beer bottle in one hand.

With over 70 grounds in play, from the main grounds to schools & private properties the playing conditions can be variable but it’s a good few days and Charters Towers welcomes the return of the bottom times, if only for the weekend.

OBJECTS OF CARNIVAL

To bring together from near and far fellow cricketers to participate with good sportsmanship and friendly rivalry in the King of Games.  They welcome you and ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable one.  The participants are encouraged to maintain the high reputation it now enjoys by conducting themselves with propriety at all times during the weekend.

2022 GOLDFIELD ASHES CARNIVAL

The Carnival is going ahead at this stage in 2022.

https://fb.watch/bo9FMvqNrG/ ( 2022 Competition video)

CARNIVAL DATES:

Friday 21st January, 2022

Saturday 22nd January, 2022

Sunday 23rd January, 2022

DRAW – once completed will be posted to the web page – www.goldfieldashes.com.au

‘A’ GRADE – Nomination Fee $660-00 (including GST)

Competition will be 20Twenty competition

Teams may be required to play 2 games in a day

All games will be on turf wickets (weather permitting)

Players to include cricket spikes in playing kits

Prize money & trophies awarded in this division

‘B1’ GRADE – Nomination Fee $660-00 (including GST)

Competition will be 50 over a side games

Committee will reduce this to 35 overs if grounds become unavailable due to excess water on playing fields.

Trophies awarded in this division

‘B2’ GRADE – Nomination Fee $550-00 (including GST)

Not a competitive grade

Games are 35 overs per side

Trophies awarded in this division

‘SOCIAL’ GRADE – Nomination Fee $550-00 (including GST)

Not a competitive grade

Games are 35 overs per side

Trophies awarded in this division

‘LADIES’ GRADE – Nomination Fee $550-00 (including GST)

Competition is dependent on availability of fields

Games will be run as 20Twenty games (20 overs per side)

Ladies teams are reminded that they must fulfil all conditions which includes the provision of cricket equipment and umpires for each game.

Trophies awarded in this division

2022 TEAMS PARTICIPATION 

•  SOCIAL Grade – LADIES) – 51 Teams 
•  B1                                      – 21
•  B2                                      – 125
• A                                         –  5 teams