A few blocks up from Albert Hall, 11 of the North’s best cricketers will be representing the Greater Northern Raiders at UTAS Stadium for the first time.

Among them will be Westbury all-rounder Ollie Wood and South Launceston left-armer James Beattie, the Raiders’ most successful bowler to date.

Getting an early look at the UTAS Stadium wicket after a series of away trips, Beattie spoke of his eagerness to line up on a ground which has hosted the likes of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer.

“We’re getting used to playing on some pretty special facilities and I guess that’s what it’s all about,” the 20-year-old said.

“Ollie and I played here for the under-19 championships, and growing up coming here to see the Ricky Ponting game and the Aussie 15s, it’s a pretty good surface so we want to grab it with both hands.”

The Raiders kick off their maiden T20 campaign with a 1pm fixture against Kingborough, who will likely be without star paceman Gurinder Sanhu but should be skippered by Hurricane Clive Rose. 

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come down and see Clive Rose put on an absolute clinic I reckon,” Beattie said.

“It’ll be good for us to get some support but there’s some pretty good players on the other team to come and watch as well.”

Wood has played six Raiders matches this season for a return of six wickets and 122 runs. 

The 20-year-old started the season in good T20 form, scoring 31 and bowling four overs for 10 runs in the Shamrocks’ opening match against Riverside, and is confident he can translate that form to premier league cricket this weekend.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity - this surface is rated one of the best in the country for AFL so you take it with both hands to be able to play up here,” Wood said.

“I think the thing for us is that we’ve already had the opportunity to play T20 cricket for our clubs up here, so I think the preparation and the game plans that went into those games can probably be adapted here.”

The Raiders will also play a T20 match against Glenorchy at KGV Oval on Sunday. 

Entry is free both days.