RED Cliffs Cricket Association players just want to get out and play, but wet weather has been conspiring against them so far this season.
With recent rain either having been heavy or hitting close to the weekend, across the opening six rounds of the 2022-23 season just 11 of the 38 scheduled games have been completed.
That’s five of 17 in A Grade, three of which have featured Robinvale Euston, and six of 21 in B Grade.
The extended rainfall, which wiped out the opening two rounds of the campaign, actually has venues around the competition in good nick. However, continued showers in the days before play, or on Saturdays itself, have affected most contests.
RCCA secretary Geoff Christensen said there is some frustration from clubs which are just keen to play.
“It’s all been a bit out of everyone’s control,” he said.
“We’ve been ready to go and we want to play but the timing of the rain cycle being near the weekend has made it hard.
“There’s definitely some frustration because everyone is keen to play. Now with everything going on it’s going to affect some players further. We have a lot players involved in the pumping industry, a number of farmers who are trying to get their crops off and a number of rural properties where sheds have been affected.”
Christensen said multiple grounds were in fantastic condition, making it more annoying that rainfall has intervened.
“Especially with the turf wickets they’ve been prepared well and the tracks look beautiful, and the grounds have been well sculpted by council,” he said.
“Just the conditions come game day have been hard. Even the grounds with hard wickets have had issues with water around the fields.”
RCCA teams are ready to hit the field this week after knocking on wood for the past few days. Scheduled contests see Robinvale Euston at home to reigning premiers Ouyen Rams, Fire Brigade hosting Millewa, and Tempy hosting Cardross.
