Wagga Wagga in line for Sheffield Shield match

The likelihood of Sheffield Shield cricket returning to Wagga Wagga this season has taken a significant step forward.

Wagga Wagga City Council resolved at its 24 September meeting to enter into an agreement with Cricket NSW to host Shield and Futures League matches in the city.

Council is having discussions with Cricket NSW to determine matches and possible dates.

Those talks can now progress following Council’s approval to move forward with the partnership.

Wagga Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson said it was a positive move and allows Council the opportunity to secure a first-class Shield match this season.

“This is fantastic news for cricket fans across the Riverina and comes just weeks after Wagga Wagga partnered with the Canberra Raiders for an NRL game next year,” Mr Thompson said.

“We’re now keen to lock in some dates and take an event for Wagga to the next level of talks.

“Shield cricket was extremely popular when it was played here in 2015. We’re confident people will get behind any promotion that comes to the city and show their support.”

Wagga Wagga hosted its first ever Sheffield Shield match in February 2015 which was attended by 8000 spectators over the course of the match.

The match was memorable for NSW’s 156-run win against Victoria and also Blues paceman Doug Bollinger’s hat-trick.

Wagga Wagga also hosted a Women’s Big Bash League double-header at Robertson Oval in January this year.