Coronavirus AIC schools: Titles left hanging as sporting competitions called off

AIC school teams could be handed titles a week early after it was decided all sports with would be cancelled with one weekend to go due to the coronavirus pandemic.

THE cancellation of Saturday’s final round of AIC school sport will likely deliver early premierships in a bittersweet conclusion to competitions.

All volleyball matches were yesterday officially abandoned in line with Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing a ban on all non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people to help curb the coronavirus pandemic.

A hook-up yesterday morning between all eight schools in the private school competition across Brisbane and Ipswich quickly decided the indoor sport would no longer go ahead, just as the final rounds of cricket and AFL have been abandoned.

The seven-round AIC competitions had all been heading to a climax on this final weekend which will leave players, coaches and schools frustrated that potentially premiership-turning games will now not be played.

George Kelsall from Padua in the AIC cricket game between Padua College and Marist Ashgrove at Banyo. Picture: (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“A clear decision was taken in line with the Government announcement and all final round matches will be listed as ‘abandoned’ with no points awarded,” AIC executive officer Kerri Stariha said.

The likelihood is that all premierships across the school grades will be determined on standings after Round 6 last weekend, although two washed out rounds plus bye points have contorted the season.

A “no-season” decision is another possible call.

The scenario is especially tough to take for eager sportsmen in cricket and AFL who have had their peak Firsts’ seasons reduced to just four games because the opening two rounds of the competition were washed out during the big wet.

How the competitions are resolved will be debated when the AIC executive meets today to discuss ongoing strategies for the schools community during this health crisis.

All pre-season rugby union and football has been called off across the AIC schools leading into second term sport’s tentative lift-off date on May 2.

MORE VIRUS NEWS:

FULL LIST: All the QLD sports that have been cancelled

SHUT DOWN: All QRL leagues postponed until June

Cricket Australia said this week it “strongly recommended all cricket played in the community be cancelled”.

St Patrick’s College head the First XI cricket standings and the boys will have last weekend’s mighty win over Villanova College as their pinnacle moment.

Lachlan Hughesman (45) found worthy allies in Ben Clarke, Bailey Reed and Ben Buechler to revive a dire 5-24 situation.

The comeback kids overhauled Villanova (9-142) for a three-wicket triumph.

In Firsts volleyball, leaders St Laurence’s College are enjoying their best season since 2014 thanks to outstanding teamwork around Year 11 student Daniel Beitz, an Australian under-16 development squad member.

St Pats are on top in the fledgling AFL competition. Lauries finish undefeated, a point behind, with strong seasons from midfielders Zac Young and Sam Winterbottom, both Brisbane Lions under-18 Academy players.