MOTHER nature could have a say in how the Sunraysia Cricket Association finals shape up, with the formation of the First Division top four still up in the air.
The trusty Casio calculators will be running hot as run rates, percentages and bonus points all play a part as to who makes finals, however if the mercury sits too high then the final day of the home and away season for senior grades will be called off, which will also have an impact on standings.
Predicted temperatures have flip-flopped between 39 and 40 degrees for Saturday, with one number ensuring play continues and one abandoning the remaining overs.
If Saturday’s predicted temperature is forecast to be 40 degrees or over via the Bureau of Meteorology at 4.30pm Friday, play will be abandoned under the recently amended extreme heat rules.
Normally junior action would also be cancelled, however SCA president Mick Thomson confirmed this weekend’s under-16 and under-14 grand finals will still go ahead over two days, but likely with an earlier start time.
Women’s cricket semi-finals are scheduled for Friday night, which appears more likely to go ahead with predicted temperatures below the threshold.
“Obviously it’s frustrating being the last day of the home and away season but as we’ve said the whole way through, the safety of the players and umpires is our priority,” SCA president Mick Thomson said.
“The last thing we need is someone falling over now.
“With only a few games that have already produced results across the division ladders are pretty unlikely to change.”
While there is little clubs can do to combat the weather, the result will benefit some more than others.
About 4.5 points is all that separates fourth-placed Mildura West from fifth-placed Nichols Point in First Division, meaning West would be playing finals if play is called off.
Reigning premiers Irymple are in second position but still only 14 points clear of the Pointers, meaning there is still much to play for.
If all goes ahead as normal, third-placed Mildura East are a strong chance to move ahead of Irymple and earn a home final as they currently lead Merbein by 321 runs thanks to a record 260 from import Liam Naylor.
Second division sees a similar situation with fourth-placed Mildura East 4.5 points ahead of Coomealla Wentworth, however the Blues already have first innings points against Nichols Point.
Fourth division, being a one-day only grade, still have round 17 remaining, however third down to sixth are currently on the same points total and only separated by net run rate, while seventh-placed Curlwaa could potentially still make the four should they win and other results go their way.
If play was to be abandoned, Tempy and Nichols Point would join Mildura East Blue and South West in the finals.
