The recent surge of COVID-19 cases locally has played havoc on the sports front and forced the hand of several sports leagues, including Goulburn Murray Cricket.
Following a meeting of the league executive and clubs, the GMCA became the latest local cricket league to be embroiled in the worsening outbreak and decided to call stumps on last weekend’s cricketing action.
Scheduled to return last weekend for the first hit-out after the Christmas break, the GMC opted to postpone round six, with a league communication citing as many as “13 out of 16” clubs had been compromised by COVID-19-related player shortages.
As a result, the GMC ruled that last round’s A-grade matches would be rescheduled to the second reserve day set aside before the start of the season, which will be Sunday, February 13.
As for the remaining grades, B, C, and D grades will see their fixtures recognised as draws with points to be shared, while the league recommended that no training take place this week in line with the postponed fixtures.
“The executive will review the situation next Wednesday night and if further action is needed then the appropriate course of action will be taken,” the GMC said.
No fixturing implications have been outlined beyond last weekend’s postponed round.
This comes as the neighbouring Cricket Shepparton also opted to postpone its round seven fixtures, while its showcase T20 league Goulburn Valley Big Bash League has also had its round one opener pushed back.