The meeting confirmed that a 10 team Mid North Coast Premier League will start from Saturday, October 7. Three Manning sides, United, Wingham and Taree West will be involved, with the remainder coming from the Hastings and Macleay associations.

MNC Council secretary Craig Lobegeier said 30 people attended this week’s meeting.

“That’s an extraordinary number for a cricket meeting around here,’’ he said.

Mr Logegeier said the mood of the meeting was overwhelmingly positive.

“There were a couple of minor issues but nothing that we won’t be able to resolve,’’ he said.

The competition will be played over two rounds. There will also be provision to play T20 fixtures on Sundays around Christmas. These will be selection trials for the following season’s Regional Big Bash tournament, with players seeking a place in the Macquarie Stingers side.

Mr Logegeier said the format of the finals series has still to be determined.

“It hasn’t been decided yet whether it will be a four or five team finals,’’ he said.

He confirmed the premier league will be for first grade sides only and it will be run by the MNC Council.

The home associations will be in charge of the minor grades.

Mr Logegeier said the Mid North Coast under 19s and over 35s inter-district competitions will continue, however, the First XI will be scrapped.

He added that next season matches featuring Manning sides against those from the Macleay will be played at Hastings to cut down on travel. However, this will change once improvements to the Pacific Highway have been completed.

Mid North Coast development officer Martin Garoni missed this week’s meeting because he had commitments in Newcastle. He has been closely involved with planning for the premier league. Mr Garoni described the competition has a ‘huge boost for cricket.’

“The beauty of this is that it is player driven,’’ he said.

“Players can see the benefit of being involved in a strong competition.’’