Cobden’s South West Cricket division one match against Heytesbury Rebels will be played as a day-night fixture at Cobden Recreation Reserve.

Cobden captain Leigh Walsh said it wasn’t a first for the club, which played a match for premiership points under lights a couple of seasons ago.

The two sides played a division two match at Timboon under lights last month.

Walsh said part of the agreement between the clubs was that the Rebels would reciprocate at Cobden.

He said the 3pm start for the 50-over-a-side game was designed to boost the profile of both clubs.

“It’s a bit of a novelty,” Walsh said.

“Hopefully we will get a few more people up at the ground.”

The timing of the fixture couldn’t have come at a better time, with Cobden and the Rebels locked in a fierce battle for finals berths.

The Bombers are third, just 9.1 points or less than a win ahead of the fourth-placed Rebels.

Walsh said the stakes were high.

“We can’t win during the day. We thought we would go day-night instead,” he joked.

Cobden has lost its past two matches after appearing to be safely ensconed in the top four. Walsh said a win against the Rebels would give his side breathing space on the chasing rivals.

Under the playing conditions, a pink ball will be used instead of the traditional red during day games and white for day-night games.

As part of the initiative, both clubs will field a women’s side to play a curtain-raiser.

grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au