Bunyip State Forest fires force cancellation of Yarra Valley Cricket Association round
With bushfires threatening communities in the Upper Yarra region, the Yarra Valley Cricket Association executive came down on the side of caution and decided to abandon Saturday afternoon’s play.
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With bushfires threatening communities in the Upper Yarra region, the Yarra Valley Cricket Association executive came down on the side of caution and decided to abandon Saturday afternoon’s play.
That decision came just weeks after ceremonies marked the 10th anniversary of the Black Saturday fires that raged through the same region.
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Although frustrating for avid cricketers, it allowed them to do what they needed to do to safeguard their communities.
The decision has intensified the spotlight on the race for the finals, with just one round of the home-and-away season remaining.
The abandonment has added extra intrigue going into the final round of the DJ Strachan Shield season.
Mt Evelyn locked away top position some time ago and has been treading water waiting for the finals.
The Mounters have stumbled with the bat in recent weeks and will be looking to the final round to recapture some much needed form. With the ball however, they have rarely missed a beat and teams have struggled to post significant totals against them all season.
After being elevated to the top grade a month into the season, Wandin quickly found its feet.
The Bulldogs are now locked in the middle of a log jam for finals positions. A loss to Mount Evelyn could see it miss finals, while a win could secure a home final.
Seville remains undefeated since Christmas, and look the most likely to clinch a home final.
A final-round clash with Yarra Junction looks likely to be a cracker and a precursor to what can be expected come finals time.
Although fourth, Yarra Junction could easily catapult themselves into a home final with a leg up in the semi-final should they win this clash comfortably.
Warburton-Millgrove was probably the biggest loser with the cancellation of the round as it was in a position to beat Mt Evelyn, a win that would’ve catapulted the Burras into the top four.
A win over Healesville in the final round might just lock in a finals berth.
And while the Bloods haven’t managed to find top gear this season, they are still a mathematical chance of making finals.
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