Tara Murray
The rain has struck again for local cricketers across Melbourne.
For many competitions, it’s the fifth straight week they have been called off due to rain and many grounds being unplayable.
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association was the first to make the call, notifying clubs early Thursday afternoon that constant rain meant it had no choice but to cancel play.
In a message to clubs, association secretary Deanne Trewin said it had been another frustrating week of wet weather.
“I am advising that all VTCA games for this weekend Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October have been called off,” she said.
“We understand how disappointing this is for clubs, players, officials etc, but please be patient. We will continue to touch base with clubs and ask for weekly updates on grounds-wickets.
“As far as fixtures go, moving forward we have a lot to consider, we will endeavour to keep clubs updated.”
The Victorian Premier Cricket competition cancelled all men’s and women’s matches not long afterwards.
The Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association made the call Thursday night. There has been no play in the VTCA and VSDCA at all, while only women’s premier cricket has gone ahead in the first five weeks of the season.
The VSDCA last week reviewed its fixture with all games before Christmas to now be one-dayers.
“The feedback received from clubs since the washout on Saturday is, whilst all clubs would like to play two-day cricket, the clear majority want to play the 15 rounds,” VSDCA secretary Ken Hilton said. “Club representatives feel it is important that we endeavour to achieve this if we can.
“So with this in mind, the board has decided on the following changes to the first and second XI fixtures.
“The original fixture had first and second XI playing a mix of one and two day games ( nine rounds) up to the Christmas-New Year break. The board has decided that we still retain the nine rounds but convert them all to one-day games.
“In the new year we proceed as per the advertised fixture.”
All matches before Christmas will be played on Saturdays, except for round five which will be held on a Sunday.
The Western Region Junior Cricket Association called off matches scheduled for Friday night, while those on Saturday are in doubt.
The games being called off came as Brimbank council shut sporting grounds last week. In a statement which was posted on social media, it said most sportsgrounds and reserves were currently experiencing surface flooding.
“Communications continue with clubs and public of the closures and while they are disappointed that their training has been paused, they do understand and are keen to use the grounds during the long weekend,” the statement said.
“Sportsgrounds will continue to be inspected and clubs will be updated if ground closure is lifted should weather and/or ground conditions improve.
