Main Points:

• Training

• Gill Fraser Lights

• 2022 Masters Season

• 2022 Homes Games

Phellow Phantoms, it is fantastic to see such strong numbers on the track so far this season, and I hope everyone is getting something out of the sessions. Here’s just a few things you need to know about the next 4-5 weeks, and because some of the detail will be a bit vague, please keep an eye on the website for any updates, especially last minute. We are trying to communicate over a number of different platforms because not everyone is on Facebook or WhatsApp etc, so the website is your first port of call for updated information.

TRAINING

For the next fortnight, including tomorrow night, we are moving training forward to 5.30pm to try and make the most of the light. I know some of you won’t be able to get there for that time, but if you can get there as early as possible and jump straight in (within reason, we don’t want injuries) then we can do as much ball work as possible, and then finish with some running. We are hoping that we can still get by without lights on Wednesday the 30th but I think we will be pushing it. We have been offered the use of Fremantle Park by the City of Fremantle. We will have access to it on Wednesday nights from 7pm. This is obviously not ideal so we are looking at other options outside of the Fremantle city boundaries and have requested the city help cover the cost. I am waiting to hear back from them.

GIL FRASER LIGHTS

Unfortunately, beyond telling you there are no lights currently at Gil Fraser, there is not much I can add. I would assume, under much pressure from North Fremantle, that the council are moving as quickly as possible in trying to get a new contractor onto the job, but sometimes the wheels of government turn a lot slower than most people would reasonably expect. We have not been given any indication of when the lights are expected to be ready.

2022 MASTERS SEASON

The 2022 season opener has been delayed until May 1, with the hope that some of the restrictions we are facing will be further lifted. There is a conflict between the game being classed as community sport (no vaccination requirements) and the off field stuff being classed as a function. (double vaxxed, sit down inside with social distancing requirements etc). The association is also looking into the legalities of enforcing the requirement of being double vaxxed to play. There argument is based on the age demographic of our competition, with the want to protect our participants especially the older members.

2022 HOME GAME

I have been informed in the last 24 hours that we have been given our first request for our home game, and this will be played on the 12th of June.

Well done to Bushy and Johnno, and everyone else involved in the inaugural 20/20 cricket match on Saturday. Looks like it was a lot of fun and will become a part of the Phantoms calendar. See you all Wednesday night.

Regards, Steve Ross