TWENTY-TWO cricketers were unimpressed at being turned away from Overland Reserve on Saturday.
The cream of the north division crop were greeted by a blazing sun for the start of the Keilor and Doutta Stars grand final in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
So you can imagine their surprise when they were told the opening day had to be cancelled due to a water-logged pitch.
This was in stark contrast to most other grounds in the VTCA, which got a start without an issue.
Keilor coach Nigel Freebairn told the Weekly it was a “frustrating day” for all involved.
“The covers blew off on Thursday night and the wicket was way too wet to play,” he said.
“It was a real travesty when you look at the weather we had.
“But it was a factor out of our control and both sides agreed the toss of the coin was an unfair way to dictate the result.”
The decision to play the high-profile game at the home of the East Keilor Cricket Club was questionable.
Some sources within the clubs believed there were better options to host a grand final.
Freebairn would not buy into the argument.
“I won’t comment on the venue,” he said.
“We’ll play a grand final anywhere.
“It’s a special occasion wherever you play.
“We’re happy to play where the VTCA dictates we play.”
Keilor used the cricket-free Saturday to hold a secret training session back at its home venue.
The final two days of the game will be this weekend.
“We wanted to get a training session out without them knowing and get the jump on them,” Freebairn said.
“We’re up and ready to go.”
There is definitely a bit of spite each time these sides meet and that is heightened on the occasion with a flag and promotion to the top flight on the line.
“It’s a blockbuster,” Freebairn said.
“They’ve been two arch-rivals over a long period of time.”
