Tara Murray
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association is exploring whether to finish playing its grand finals this week, in light of a progressing COVID-19 pandemic.
Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria both recommended today that all local cricket competitions cancel this weekend’s matches and bring an early end to the season.
The VTCA is half way through many grand finals, while other competitions are yet to start theirs.
VTCA president Steve McNamara said they were still looking at everything in an ever-changing environment.
“We’re still talking to people of the governing bodies and the insurance companies before we make a decision,” he said on Tuesday afternoon.
“We’ve been on the phone all afternoon. We are closing in on making an absolute decision.”
McNamara said the association wanted to make sure it was looking after the health and wellbeing of its players, describing the COVID-19 situation as an “extremely difficult time”.
He said it was looking less likely that the games would go ahead.
There will be a few nervous teams awaiting the association’s decision.
While several teams have already secured first innings leads, other matches are still up for grabs.
In the senior division, Yarraville Club is 4-165 in reply to St Albans’ 260. Former Victorian player Will Sheridan is at the crease for the Clubbers.
In division 1 north, Westmeadows has already claimed a first innings win against Glenroy.
In division 1 west, Aberfeldie is 6-135 in reply to Spotswood’s 177.
In division 2, 3 and 4, Sunshine, Sydenham-Hillside and Grand United respectively, have all claimed first innings victories.
Sunbury needs just two wickets to lead in the first innings against Moonee Valley. Moonee Valley is in trouble at 8-78 in reply to 232.
It comes as the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association has called off their group finals.
Williamstown was due to host Werribee in the east-west group.
The Gisborne and District Cricket Association has followed suit with the higher ranked of the grand final teams being awarded premiers.
