This season though, things are a little different for Ulladulla United, who won’t have a team in Shoalhaven District Cricket Association’s first grade.

United have been a regular in first grade since it’s formation in 1968/69, claiming three first grade premierships during that time.

But as club president Tony Lavelle explained, this is for the good of the club, long-term.

“In recent years, the club hasn’t been as successful as we would have liked,” he said.

“And with six of our first grade team leaving the club since last season, we probably don’t have the strength in the club to field a competitive first grade side.

“Last year’s captain Aaron Wester has moved onto greener pastures in Tasmania, Jason Linke has moved to Sydney for University and Harley Bell is playing in a higher-level competition in Canberra.

“We have still got a handful of fringe first grade players but will look to consolidate those players this season in second grade.”

Overall though, Lavelle said the club’s numbers were up from last season, with them rolling out one second grade, two third grade and two fourth grade teams.

“Personally, I am against the idea of not having a first grade side, as I think every club should have one,” he said.

“But this will allow us to make the club stronger, be more successful in the short-term and hopefully bring some more players to the club.

“Thankfully our major sponsors the Commercial Hotel, Milton Ex-Servos, Ulladulla Capital Chemist, IPS Security ,BSP Accounting, Bakers Delight and Sports Power Ulladulla have remained committed to the club.”

With Wester moving on, Scott King, who was the second grade skipper last season, will take over the reigns of the club’s number one side.

“Scott is a great leader and a key bowler for our team this year,” Lavelle said.

“Rob Thompson, Joel Turner and Steve Bond are other key bowlers, while Steve Bond, Bradley Field and Terry Dorrell should lead the way with the bat.”

United start the season on the road against Nowra.