BORDER restrictions are set to play havoc with a proposed start to the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA) season in October.
The SCA has released tentative start dates for season 2020-21, with First and Second Division cricket to start on October 10, Women’s on October 16, and Third and Fourth Division plus juniors on the weekend of October 24.
But these are contingent on the easing of restrictions, including the border with New South Wales.
The SCA has told clubs it wants a minimum of three weeks’ lead-in time between the easing of restrictions and the start of competition.
Coomealla Wentworth skipper Justin Freeman, whose club is based in NSW – with its two grounds at Dareton and Wentworth, said more than half his club’s First Division list would be in that state.
“Out of our main list of First Division players, I would say four or five would live in Victoria, including (opening bowler) Liam Freeman and (top-order batsman) Darby McLean,” Freeman said.
“It is hard to say (club-wide) but I reckon it would be a 50/50 split.
“We feel like (the season) needs to be delayed if the borders are still restricted when main training normally starts, not being able to train together as a group before the start of the season will have a big impact.”
It has been suggested NSW-based clubs could play against other NSW teams in a state-based competition encompassing clubs from beyond Sunraysia, potentially such as
Balranald or further along the river, but Freeman said there would be a mixed reaction to that.
“I feel like there would be players all for travelling to keep cricket going, but for others it wouldn’t be achievable, with family and work commitments,” he said.
Meanwhile, last season’s grand finalists Workers Gol Gol have their main ground across the river at Alcheringa and play other games at Sarah Oval in Mildura and also stand to be affected by the border closures.
At least five walk-up starters to their First Division side live in NSW however, including reigning joint Innes medallist Wade Hancock, while two reside in South Australia.
The SA border restrictions do not factor into the SCA’s plans. The SCA has also asked clubs to appoint a COVID-19 officer and to be across all aspects of returning to play.
Clubs will also need to contact the council regarding use of their grounds.
