In the first round of the week long event, the Grampians team will be up against the Portland and District Cricket Association.

After a stellar campaign last season in division three, claiming all matches and winning the final, Grampians made the move up into division two for this season.

Grampians Cricket Association senior representative coordinator Peter Latham said it is going to be a good opportunity for players.

“We are taking a mix of experience and youth,” he said. “We are restricted with availability at this time of year as well.”

The association will be without top players Chris Jerram and Jarrod Blanford this year, players who played crucial roles in Grampians’ success in 2018.

“Of course missing those players will mean we have to take a different approach,” Latham said.

“Moving up a division will pose a bit of a challenge for the boys but if we get off to a good start for the week we should be ok.”

Swifts-Great Western’s Sam Cocks will lead the team as captain.

“The positive attitude around the team has been really good in the lead-up,” Latham said.

“The younger guys will be getting a big opportunity and will gain a lot of experience being apart of the team.”

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