MERBEIN South Cricket Club will miss the already delayed opening round of the Sunraysia Cricket Association season on Saturday after a COVID-19 case was detected at the club.
SCA president Mick Thomson confirmed the that Saints’ teams had been pulled from action in all grades as club members awaited test results.
All other scheduled games will go ahead this weekend, and with senior grades playing two-day matches against Gol Gol, the current plan is for players get on the field next week, with each side batting 40 overs instead of 80, still under two-day rules.
Thomson said Merbein South president Aaron Walder made the decision “with safety of the community in mind”.
It adds another layer of frustration to local cricketers and fans, with the SCA season opener already pushed back from the intended October 2 start due to COVID restrictions on competitive sport.
The first five rounds of senior cricket, which were all scheduled as one-day games, have been classified as draws and won’t be rescheduled.
Premier Women’s matches took place on Friday night, with all other matches taking place on Saturday and Sunday around the district. The Red Cliffs Cricket Association (RCCA) also begins its season on Saturday.
In other First Division contests, Irymple is at home to Mildura East, reigning premiers Mildura Settlers host Nichols Point, and Mildura West clash with Coomealla Wentworth.
SCA First Division season preview, Pages 44-45
