There will be plenty of big hitting on the cards when a record number of teams take to four fields for the 2024 Musgrave Roadhouse Super 8s competition. Photo: Supplied.
The Weipa Crocs will be looking for an about-face of the team’s 2023 form when cricketers take to the field at Musgrave Roadhouse this weekend.
But they will have to fend off a record number of teams all seeking Cape York cricketing bragging rights when they contest the 2024 Musgrave Super 8s with the historic homestead as a backdrop on 4-5 May.
Crocs captain and stalwart Aaron Johnson said the annual competition had created a lot of interest in the western Cape York township, with several Weipa teams expected to make the trip down the Peninsula Developmental Road.
“I think there’s three teams coming from Weipa,” he said.
“It’s excellent.”
Mr Johnson said local pride would be on the line when the Weipa teams took to the field after a disappointing result 12 months ago.
“We didn’t perform all that well last year, so hopefully one of the Weipa teams does well this year,” he told Cape York Weekly.
“Weipa Crocs has always been about giving everyone a run.”
“We definitely need to focus on the cricket a little bit more this year than we did last year.
“No one likes to get beaten; we got beaten in every event, and we need to improve on that.”
The Musgrave Super 8s fields have possibly the most unique backdrop of any cricket venue in the country. Photo Supplied.
When asked how many Super 8s showdowns he had left in him as a key member of the Crocs line-up, Mr Johnson remained coy.
“I’ll definitely play one game and see how it goes after that,” he laughed.
“I’m 60 this year, so I’m slowing up.”
Musgrave Roadhouse boss Adam McDowall said the fourth pitch had been installed ahead of the weekend’s on-field action, meaning spectators will have plenty of cricket entertainment options over the two days.
While getting a few wins on the board will be a priority for the Crocs, Mr Johnson said he believed the social element of the competition would always be the biggest drawcard for players.
“A lot of the time, it’s the only time we see people [from across Cape York] we only see once a year,” he said.
“It’s a really, really good feel about it; it’s a good, enjoyable, relaxed catch-up for everyone.”
Teams from across Cape York and Far North Queensland will make the trip along the Peninsula Developmental Road for two days of Super 8s action on 4-5 May. Photo: Supplied.
