FRUSTRATIONS with Mother Nature continue for the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA), with rain affecting play for the third consecutive weekend.
Despite the SCA leaving a final call as late as possible, no senior cricket got under way at Sunraysia venues, while only some junior teams made it on to the ground on Saturday morning.
On Friday night two of the four Premier Women’s matches were completed, while the others were rain-affected draws. Red Cliffs Cricket Association (RCCA) had a bit more luck, with all A Grade matches completed, but just one of three B Grade results being confirmed.
With week one of the two-day matches wiped out, clubs will play in a shortened format under two-day rules on Saturday. For First Division, this will mean 40 overs maximum per batting side.
With the start of the season having been scheduled for October 2, restrictions had already held action back for five weeks before rain played its part.
In the opening round of the SCA First Division campaign, only two games brought results the previous week, with Mildura West beating Coomealla Wentworth by three wickets and Gol Gol defeating Merbein South by nine wickets.
The completed Premier Women’s games were headlined by a thriller at Mildura Senior College, with Merbein South winning by just five runs over Settlers-Gol Gol.
Led by knocks from Rachael Longeri (33 retired) and Tara Martin (30 retired), the Saints finished their 20 overs at 1/105.
In response, the combined side fell just short at 6/101, with Abby Collihole retiring at 32 and Adrienne Fielding making 26. Stephanie Neaylon took 2/10.
Nichols Point Green managed a 58-run win over Coomealla Wentworth, with Annie O’Rourke (34 not out) and Kayley Cross (30 retired) leading the way.
Blues skipper Katelin Kemp had a good all-round game in defeat, making 34 retired and taking 2/18.
In RCCA matches, Robinvale Euston got their first win upon their return to the competition with a five-wicket victory over Ouyen Rams, with Jesse McGinty taking 4/13. A knock of 72 from Scott Clark led Millewa to a 109-run win over Cardross, and Nursery Ridge won their grand final rematch with Tempy, led by Shannon Bowen (65 not out) and Jarrod McGlashan (4/18).
