HEAT HEAVY HITTER UP FOR NORTH EXPOSURE
BRISBANE Heat opener Grace Harris wants to bring the big bash to Townsville despite the Northern Australia capital missing out in the summer scheduling again.
The Heat will travel to Mackay to play at Great Barrier Reef Arena as part of a threeyear deal between the Queensland side and the Sugar City’s council.
Mackay will host a WBBL double-header when the Hurricanes and Renegades open the day’s action before the Heat clash with the Sydney Thunder.
It is understood Townsville is being considered for higher level cricket, but with a lack of satisfactory lighting at premier venue Riverway Stadium, the city has struggled to attract the most exciting domestic cricket format.
Harris, who has a special connection to North Queensland after visiting the region multiple times, was in Townsville to promote the WBBL and said it was time to bring the game north.
“I would love to see WBBL come to Townsville,” Harris said. “My sister worked at Charters Towers, so we have been up here a few times.
“We have relatives from the country and we love getting back to the country and regional areas of Queensland.
“I can’t see why not. It looks like you have really good facilities around Townsville. The only thing holding us back will be the heat.
“We are looking forward to the Mackay trip. We love travelling.”
The WBBL season starts in October, while the Heat is expected to start pre-season training camps in the coming weeks.