West Gippsland cricket to start new grading structure in 2021-22
The WGCA will introduce the first stage of a competition restructure in season 2021-22. And two-day cricket remains on the table.
South East
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The West Gippsland Cricket Association will undergo a shake-up of the competition, with changes starting this coming season.
It will move from three divisions to a new two-tier model, with two First XI divisions, Premier and District.
A new Premier 2 grade will be made up of Premier grade’s 2nd XIs.
Promotion and relegation will remain.
Season 2021-22 will be the first stage of a grading restructure, with the “finished product” to come in for season 2022-23.
“It was voted upon at this year’s AGM that a restructure is needed for the upcoming season, as has been discussed for many seasons,’’ a WGCA statement said.
Eight teams will compete in Premier — Cardinia, Tooradin, Koo Wee Rup, Merinda Park, Pakenham, Cranbourne Meadows, Clyde and Carlisle Park.
But only six sides will play in District — Upper Beaconsfield, Officer, Devon Meadows, Pakenham Upper, Emerald and Lang Lang.
The association hopes Gembrook and Nar Nar Goon will climb into District in ‘22-23.
A four-piece cricket ball will be used in the top three grades, Premier, District and Premier 2.
WGCA president Rob Hansen said fixtures were close to being finalised for the 2021-22 season.
“We are working with our senior cricket committee at the moment so we can produce a fixture, using the new grading scheme that is going to be initiated,” he said.
Hansen said the feedback to the new grading structure had been positive.
“People are happy to give it a go and I think some would argue it’s the way forward for the cricket association,” he said.
Hansen said the WGCA was hoping to start the season in November, subject to community sport being allowed to resume.
He said two-day games were still on the agenda, even though most suburban competitions had already locked in a season of one-day games.
“We’re still hopeful of getting in our minimal four two-day games to justify a two-day finals series,’’ Hansen said.
“If we can’t do that then we’ll revert to one-day cricket for the rest of the season.
“We don’t want to just rush down the one day path.’’
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