TAMWORTH Premier League’s exciting new McDonald’s Twenty20 cricket competition picks up pace this week when the “Pick the Player Gala Night” is held at Tamworth Cricket House on Friday night.

Last Thursday night the four team sponsors – McDonald’s, Chris Paterson Stock & Station Agency, Imperial Hotel and Joblink Plus – all selected

captains.

Jeff Cook will captain McDonald’s, Josh Hazlewood skippers Joblink Plus, Don Lewington leads Chris Paterson Stock and Station Agency and Tim Kensell spearheads the Imperial Hotel.

This Friday it is the turn for the captains and their sponsors to pick players from what TPL officials hope is a growing pool of players.

“We’ve got good numbers at present,” spokesman Dave Ison said of the individual

nominations.

“But the more the merrier.”

Nominations are open until Friday.

Players can nominate at a cost of $40 which pays for their registration and all their coloured trousers, shirts and caps.

Players can nominate at Struddys Sports Store, Psarakis Accounting or by contacting Ison (0438 625805).

The TPL begins Friday, October 10 and runs six weeks before a final.

All games will be played at Dick Edwards Oval and Riverside 2 on a Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, England took a 4-0 series lead with a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the rain-affected fourth one-day international at Lord’s.

Set a revised total of 137 in 20 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis system, England made 3-137 in 17.4 overs with Owais Shah unbeaten on 44 and Andrew Flintoff scoring 31 not out from only 12 balls.

South Africa made 6-183 in 32.1 overs after rain delayed the start of play by two hours.