SA sports clubs play waiting game amid continuing virus ban, hopeful they’ll soon resume competition

The state’s sports players – young and old – will have to wait at least another week before they can resume community sport.

Sturt District cricket coach John Ranaldo with his sons Lachlan, 13, and Ben, 9, are hopeful the competition will resume soon. Picture: Dean Martin

The state’s sports players will have to wait at least another week before running out to play the games they love, with only school sport given the nod to resume.

On Saturday, the State Co-ordinator, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, confirmed no community sport – indoor or outdoor – could start before December 1.

“Community sport is much more organic in terms of who participates … (it) involves a range of people coming from different community groups, different families, different locations to participate in close contact activity whereas school sports involve a very discreet group of children,” Mr Stevens said.

However, clubs are remaining positive, hopeful they can get their competitions back on track despite the most recent COVID-19 glitch, resulting in a two-week suspension in training and matches.

SACA premier cricket manager Steven Busbridge said his sport had proven it was flexible and resilient and would amend its fixtures as needed.

“At this stage, every possibility is on the table with all our competitions to ensure that men’s women’s and junior programs are played as quickly as possibly with minimal interruption,” he said.

“Once we get a confirmed start date we will come together with all our premier cricket clubs to work out all competitions from the (junior) Ray Sutton Shield to our general one and two-day competitions.

“Fingers crossed, we get a finals series for this season but that is still a long, long way away.”

Mr Busbridge said he was intensely proud of premier cricket’s response to the latest restrictions, including in the support given to players and their families.

“I really think the whole cricket community has worked closely together from (the day finals were called off last season) until now, to ensure they are looking after each other, whether that is within their own club or mates they play against … I couldn’t be more happy or proud of premier cricket and the cricket community in general.”

Sturt District Cricket Club junior coach John Ranaldo is one who hopes competition missed due to the restrictions will be rescheduled.

He is coaching his club’s Ray Sutton side which includes son Lachlan, 13, a short competition for players in Year 6 and 7, which has had two of its five games suspended.

“It is a prestigious competition and our boys were looking for a place in the finals,” he said.

Netball SA chief executive Bronwyn Klei is remaining upbeat.

“I am confident the netball community can work around a two-week glitch ... I think we are adaptable enough to work around two weeks, and hopeful we can go back and get on with it.”

Basketball SA, too, is looking forward.

“While we are disappointed not to be returning to the court sooner, we look forward to resuming December 1 and celebrating the last two weeks of our 2020 season in a year that’s been like no other,” CEO Phil Sinnott said.

Football South Australia is remaining stoic as it “monitors the situation”.

“We have come so far and are committed to completing the season and will do so if permitted,” a spokesperson said.