This was confirmed at a recent meeting of the Mid North Coast Cricket Council.

There had been speculation that up to 11 sides would be playing, with the addition of teams from the Great Lakes and Laurieton/Bonny Hills. However, there was no application from the Great Lakes while the Laurieton/Bonny Hills nomination was withdrawn.

“We’re happy with nine teams,’’ Mid North Coast secretary Craig Lobegeier said.

The competition will be underway from Saturday October 13. Manning clubs Wingham, United and Taree West will again be involved along with Port Panthers, Macquarie Hotel, Wauchope RSL and Port City Panthers from the Hastings and Nulla and Rovers from the Macleay.

However, there will be a slight change to the format next summer. Mr Lobegeier confirmed that games featuring sides from the Manning and Macleay will be played on a home and away basis. Last season these matches were played at grounds in the Hastings to cut down travel.

“The clubs have all agreed to this now the highway upgrades are complete,’’ Mr Logegeier said.

A T20 competition, to be played in northern and southern conferences, will be added to the competition and played when cricket resumes after the Christmas break in January. The Manning clubs along with Wauchope will play in the southern conference. Conference winners will meet in the final to be played on Australia Day at a venue to be determined.

Mr Logegeier confirmed a weekend will be set aside for the grand final if there is a washout, as occurred last season. There was no play possible in the game that was to feature Macquarie and Wingham, with Macquarie, the minor premiers, declared premiers. The problem arose when the original draw had to be changed to accommodate the Regional Big Bash round after it was cancelled at Coffs Harbour because of wet weather. This meant the premier league grand final fell the week before Easter.

The Easter weekend traditionally marks the transition from summer to winter sports.

Meanwhile trials for the Macquarie Stingers T20 side to play in the Regional Big Bash will be played in tomorrow at the Wayne Richards Field in Port Macquarie starting at 9.30. Mid North Coast will play Lane Cove.

Wingham’s Michael Rees will captain the MNC side and also the Stingers at the Big Bash. Other Manning players involved tomorrow are Tom Burley (United), Sam Whitbread (United) and Ryan Williams (Taree West).

The Big Bash will be conducted in Port Macquarie the weekend of October 6 and 7.