The Victorian Turf Cricket Association confirms 2021-22 season plans

Two-day cricket will return this VTCA season with the campaign set to kick off in November, while the competition waits on vaccination advice.

Sunshine’s Charith Fernando celebrates a wicket. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association has confirmed a November kick-off.

The competition is set to begin on November 13 with a set of one-day matches before the Christmas break.

A much-anticipated return to two-day cricket is scheduled in the new year with as many as four matches to be held in an 11-game season.

Training is expected to be allowed as soon as Victoria reaches the 70 per cent double vaccination threshold, possibly October 26.

That will allow three weeks of training before the season begins.

Craigieburn’s Adam Davies. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“If there’s any problems throughout the season we’ve got a couple of reserve days slotted in,” VTCA chairman Steve McNamara said.

“We’re getting advice that (training) may come forward with vaccinations increasing, so hopefully that does happen.”

The Christmas break will begin on December 18 with play set to begin again on January 8.

A four-week finals series has been scheduled, with a two-day semi-final followed by the traditional four-day grand final.

The season is expected to finish March 27.

The VTCA season didn’t begin until November 28 last season due to COVID restrictions.

Just one week was lost to lockdowns, in stark contrast to the local football season, which was cancelled in September.

The VTCA is now waiting on advice from the Victorian Health Department and Cricket Victoria regarding player vaccination mandates.

McNamara said last season’s protocols would remain in place but the association was not in a place to make an independent call.

“It’s a bit of a juggling act at the moment, all the (COVID) protocols are still in place from last season, so that doesn’t change much,” he said.

“The only legal direction we’re waiting on from the health department and Cricket Victoria is whether you have to be fully vaccinated or not to play.

“We feel that’s not a decision for associations to make, it has to come from higher up.

“I don’t think you can ask volunteers to police vaccination status, it can get ugly otherwise.”

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Following the departure of Strathmore and Spotswood to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association, the VTCA has restructured its divisions.

Senior Division will remain a 10-team competition with Aberfeldie spared relegation.

Division 1 shrinks from 12 teams to 10 following the Woodsmen’s departure, Glenroy’s relegation, Craigieburn’s promotion to Senior Division and Altona North’s promotion from Division 2.

Division 3 will expand from eight to 10 teams with Laverton spared relegation and both Division 4 premier Sunbury and runner-up Footscray United stepping up.