MPCA committed to playing as much cricket as possible in 2020-21
The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association has drawn up a fixture, unveiled rules changes and released the latest cricket clearances as the season nears.
South East
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The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association has put together a fixture for 1st and 2nd sides as the 2020-21 season edges closer.
Comprising 14 one-day games, with sides playing each other twice, it is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
MPCA general manager Ian Benson said the main aim was to ensure 14 rounds.
“It’s a just simple one-day fixture, you’re not trying to juggle where you play your two-dayers and one-dayers,’’ Benson said.
“We don’t need to take into account Melbourne Cup weekend and all those sort of things. We haven’t really got that issue. Australia Day is probably the only issue but the holiday is on Tuesday for Australia Day.
“So it’s pretty straight forward.’’
The MPCA hoped to get the season underway on November 14, although Sunday’s State Government announcements about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions could bring the start forward by a week.
The MPCA told clubs at a president’s meeting on September 17 it was committed to getting as much cricket played as possible.
Benson said a couple of clubs, though, wanted to start after Christmas.
“Most have accepted the 14th (of November) as the starting point (of the season). A couple want to start later,’’ he said.
The plan is to play up until December 19, have a three-week break and then resume on January 9.
The season must be finished by March 28, to allow football to start.
Clubs were also told that in all finals — for this season only — the higher placed side would host the game due to COVID-19 protocols.
“We don’t want to put the impost on another club who aren’t in the finals having to look after two other clubs,’’ the MPCA said.
Meanwhile, cricket clearances continue to be lodged with the MPCA.
The latest player movements:
Pending: Andrew Schonewille (Rosebud to Sorrento), Peter Edwards (Heatherhill to Long Island), Trent Tucker (Ballam Park to Frankston YCW), David Simmonds (Pearcedale to Somerville), Ravi Palleguruge (Sorrento to Rye).
Granted: Ben Bradley-Bridge (Dromana to Delacombe Park), Tim Clarke (Mt Eliza to Delacombe Park), Matt Whelan (Mt Eliza to Delacombe Park), Oscar Pratt (Pearcedale to Tyabb), Matthew Lafontaine (Pines to Frankston YCW), Zacc Klan (Dromana to Baden Powell), Jasper O’Neill (Baden Powell to Mt Eliza).
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