MPCA keen for an October start to the 2020-21 season

Will local cricket be played in early October? The MPCA hopes so. Local cricket and football officials have had discussions.

Moorooduc’s Rashimal Mendis cracks a cover drive as Pearcedale keeper Glenn Ferguson looks on. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The MPCA is standing firm on an early October hit off as pressure mounts to delay its season to allow football to push into October.

The local cricket season traditionally starts on the first Saturday in October — and that’s the way the MPCA wants it to stay.

But, should the local football season go ahead, the MPNFL is requesting the MPCA push its start date back two or three weeks.

MPCA general manager Ian Benson said he had an “amicable’’ discussion with AFL South East’s Shaun Connell about season dates.

“I think he wants two weeks,’’ Benson said.

It’s understood Cricket Victoria is close to making a decision on the dates of the 2020-21 season.

Jayde Herrick bowling for Somerville last season. He’s joined Langwarrin for 2020-21.

Benson said if the cricket season was shortened, the MPCA might look at playing more one-day games to ensure clubs still played each other twice.

He said, if that was the case, the association would consult clubs about the scheduling of the season.

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Benson said he hasn’t had many queries from clubs about season starting dates.

“No, not a lot at this stage, because probably time’s on our side,’’ he said.

Benson said a tentative fixture for season 2020-21 had been done, but it was likely to change.