With the season already underway, the Port Douglas Muddies cricket club have set themselves realistic expectations.

They are currently a couple of rounds into the current season, which had a delayed start due to the AFL season running late.

In assessing their prospects for the season, club secretary Darren Killeen said the junior teams will compete quite strongly with Kai Wall making his maiden ton (103 from 84) and Hamish Batterham making 158 not out last week.

“Our 2nd grade side is quite young and will struggle a little this season but given time they'll compete strongly.

“Our 3rd grade side is very experienced and will be a chance for premiers. They were on track for a spot in the finals last season until Covid hit prematurely ending the season,” said Killeen.

On the players’ front, he said there are number of returning players that are bolstering both grades.  

“Ryan Doble, Bronson Ryan, Simeon Miglioranza, Craig Pitt and Gary Postans are all back for the season after having varying amounts of time off.”

There is also a lot of T20 action.

“The Marano's Fuels T20 Big Bash competition is a community-based competition aimed at providing an opportunity to play cricket for those who may not want to play competitive grade cricket.

“It's very much a fun competition with teams consisting of a mix of males, females, adults and younger people, and playing under modified rules,” said Killeen.

Games are played at the Port Douglas Sports Complex (The Mudpit) under lights on a Friday night with one game at 6pm and another at 8pm.

This year the teams competing are PD Gym, NFP, Camo's and newcomers Douglas Desperados. This year Camo's, who were runners-up last year, are expected to give the PD Gym stiff competition. 

Douglas Cricket Association Inc's Port Douglas Muddies compete in the B and C Grade of Cricket Far North fixtures.

It also has junior teams that compete under modified formats. The objective is to promote, foster, develop, manage and coordinate the game of cricket and cricket facilities at all levels of junior and senior cricket in the Douglas area, encompassing Daintree, Rocky Point, Wonga, Miallo, Mossman and Port Douglas.