After missing out on the 2020 carnival due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 event saw 24 teams make their way to the region for four days of cricketing action.
Event co-ordinator Gary Semple said it had been excellent to return to the community for the tournament.
“From our point of view it couldn't have been better,” he said.
“The feeling from the players is that it was one of the best events we have had, and we can't wait for the opportunity to get back here again.
“We couldn't do the big social functions we have done in the past, but when you'd walk down the streets in the town you would run into other players that you weren't playing against.
“Going around other towns was an experience of meeting all these people who were up here to be involved again.
“We basically took over the town and it was a really enjoyable time for all of us being here.”
After a long lay-off, players relished the opportunity to get back on the field for the event.
And Semple said a great deal of thanks was owed to local communities.
“The quality of the cricket was really good, the clubs and the ground were all fantastic and the people of those towns were so good to us,” he said.
“I played at Nathalia, Rochester, Kyabram and Echuca in the space of four days, so I got to visit some great communities with wonderful people.
“As a competition we cannot thank the locals enough for their hospitality.”
Planning has already begun on what is expected to be an expanded competition in 2022.
“We are going to struggle to keep it to 24 teams,” Semple said.
“We have a lot more interest so I would expect at least 28, possibly more than that to be with us when we come back next year.”
MORE LOCAL SPORT
“Surreal”: City of Echuca claim midweek pennant premiership, cements three-peat
Carlton teammates to face off as Echuca meet Doncaster East
Winter preview: Annual Easter tennis tournament set for Echuca stage
13°C