The Twenty20 clash between Cessnock District Cricket Association representative team and the Mayor’s Eleven will take place at East End Oval from 12.30pm January 26.

It will follow Cessnock’s formal Australia Day citizenship ceremony and awards at East Cessnock Bowling Club and will also include a free community barbecue from midday.

Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said it is sure to be an exciting game with both teams evenly matched in talent and commitment.

“The Mayor’s Eleven will be captained by Nathan Stapleford, a strong all-round cricketer, who has played over 100 representative games for Cessnock and named Cessnock Cricketer of the Year twice,” Cr Pynsent said.

“The Cessnock District Cricket Association representative team, captained by Brent Watson, will draw on electric batting stocks and creativity with the ball to excite the crowd.”

Cessnock District Cricket Association president Robert Stapleford said the Mayoral Cup cricket match will be the highest quality cricket game played in Cessnock for many a year.

“The Cessnock District Cricket Association representative side is made up of some of the best players in the local competition, fresh from their third place in a NSW-wide competition up against a determined and strong Mayor’s Eleven,” Mr Stapleford said.

“The rivalries have already started and the Mayoral Cup will be very hotly contested.

“If you enjoy the Big Bash, don’t miss this game,” Mr Stapleford said.

The Mayoral Cup Cricket Match is an alcohol free, family-friendly event. The trophy presentation will take place at 3.30pm.

Nathan Stapleford (captain) – twice named Cessnock Cricketer of the Year, played over 100 representative games for Cessnock, strong all-round cricketer.

Andrew Nicolai – currently playing first grade for Toronto. Left-arm fast bowler, right-hand top-order batsman.

Nathan Hudson – currently playing first grade for Toronto, also in Newcastle representative team. Opening batsman, spin bowler.

Matthew Brodie – very promising under-16 wicket keeper and good batsman.

Jackson Redmond – currently playing for Stockton. Medium-pace bowler and middle-order batsman.

Peter Brennan – hard-hitting, left-handed opening batsman.

Chad Lewis – experienced batsman and spin bowler, played many games of representative cricket for Cessnock.

Jason Varoxis – opening batsman of Cessnock District Cricket Association representative team that finished third in NSW knockout competition.

Allan Heath – left-arm fast opening bowler.

Michael Gates – middle-order batsman, spin bowler.

Jamie Carter – import from England, wicket keeper and batsman.

Brent Watson (captain) – will need to be creative with ball and captaincy against a strong opposition.

Greg Andrews – hits the ball like a cannon, best eye in the competition.

Drew Olsen – has returned a more complete batsman after a stint in the UK.

Barry Richards – hard-hitting batsman, scored 172 this season.

Matt Hopley – Cessnock's ‘Big Show’, he will have a cult following on his home ground.

Josh Dagg – in career-best form with five fifties and one hundred in this current season.

Jason Orr – premier batsman in Cessnock District Cricket Association competition.

Steven Abel – pushing for the honour of best all-rounder in Cessnock District Cricket Association.

Robbie Sidebottom – best bowler in Cessnock District Cricket Association, will test out the Mayor's Eleven top batsmen.

Matt Tomlinson – Bellbird’s favourite son, who has the ability to rip through sides with ball in hand.

Cameron Ross – best spinner Cessnock District Cricket Association has produced in many years, also a capable batsman.