The Plan B Regional Bash T20 competition enters its fifth season on Sunday, October 13, with 16 teams from around the state, including four from the South Coast, playing off for a place at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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The Sixers and Thunder conference finals and Regional Bash final will be held on Australia Day next year.
The winners of the Tamworth and Central Coast/Newcastle Pools will compete for the Sixers Conference Title in January, while the South Coast and ACT Pool winners play off for the Thunder Conference Title.
Every preliminary round match will be played during October and early November across four weekends.
The second weekend of competition will feature North Dalton Park's first night fixture after being a regular Wollongong venue for the competition.
The Illawarra Flames host the South Coast Crew on Friday, October 18, starting at 7pm.
Cricket NSW general manager of community cricket, Ivan Sprydz, said the Regional Bash is again creating a real buzz throughout NSW and the ACT.
"As the excitement builds towards the fifth edition of the Plan B Regional Bash, we are hearing more and more about how much each team has increased their preparation and focus on taking out the title," he said.
"In a season where we are leading into two T20 World Cups in Australia, short form cricket continues to grow in regional NSW.
"To claim the Plan B Regional Bash title is becoming more important to those regions."
Through the sponsorship of Transport for NSW, the tournament promotes the importance of those in rural and regional communities having a Plan B when drinking, as opposed to driving.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, encouraged friends, families and enthusiasts to get out and watch their favourite teams.
"In the bush, players and supporters often travel long distances for matches - and we want to ensure gets home safely," he said.
"Last year 347 people lost their lives on NSW roads, 234 of them were tragically lost in regional areas.
"We want to see people get out and support their favourite teams and players and to see what this great state has to offer in the regions.
"However, make sure you plan ahead and have a Plan B in place should you want to have a few drinks, or have a long distance to drive."
The South Coast pool replaced the old Bathurst pool, and includes the Illawarra Flames, South Coast Crew, Central West Wranglers, and Orana Outlaws.