Goulburn Murray Cricket has pencilled in November 7 as the start of its season, which will consist of all one-day games.
There is still uncertainty surrounding NSW-based club Moama’s immediate future according to GM Cricket president Jason Turner, although there is a report a further relaxation of border restrictions is expected soon, which could change this situation.
Turner also ruled out Victorian Murray Valley Cricket Association clubs joining GM Cricket for the season in a one-off situation due to COVID-19.
‘‘We extended them (Nathalia, Cobram-Yarroweyah United, Katamatite) an invitation but we have heard nothing back, so we are pressing ahead without them at the moment,’’ Turner said.
Turner said Moama had agreed to play in the Murray Valley competition for the season with NSW-based clubs if border restrictions would not allow sporting teams to cross the NSW-Victoria before the season starts.
‘‘We also have plans in place to extend our season by two weeks to accommodate Moama if the border crossing restrictions are relaxed,’’ Turner said.
Turner said organisers could have put an earlier starting time in place for the GM season, but with the AFL grand final and the Melbourne Cup being staged in late October and early November, the starting date for the new season would suit a lot players and families coming out of COVID-19 lockdown.
While the GM Cricket season won’t start until early November, Cricket Shepparton has pencilled in October 17 as a start for its season of one-day games to usher in the new season. But this still has to sanctioned by Cricket Victoria and will depend on the COVID-19 restrictions at the time.
Cricket Shepparton president David D’Elia said if the season got a start on October 17, the rounds on October 24 (AFL grand final day) and the following weekend (Melbourne Cup weekend) would be general byes, which would provide a chance for families to get away for a weekend, which hasn’t been possible for many during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Plans are to play to December 19 before taking a break until January 9 for the festive season.
The Australia Day weekend will also be a general bye.
The home-and-away season will end in the first week of March, with a three-week finals series ending with the season deciders being played in the last weekend of March.
D’Elia said Cricket Shepparton has appointed Brendan Reilly as its COVID-19 officer and all clubs had been asked to appoint an officer to keep their clubs updated on abiding by all rules and restrictions.
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