Victorian Turf Cricket Association decides against playing on amid crisis
After initial hopes it could complete its grand finals, the Victorian Turf Cricket Association has cancelled the season due to the growing COVID-19 crisis, leaving grand final results in the air.
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The Victorian Turf Cricket Association has decided against playing on amid the growing coronavirus crisis.
The competition had initially hoped it could complete its grand finals, which are mid-way through their four-day formats.
However, after ongoing consultation with “the chief medical officer, councils, our legal and insurance practitioners” the call was made the halt all play.
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“On the advise obtained, it is unfortunate that we will also be calling off the conclusion to our grand final matches immediately,” a statement from president Steve McNamara said.
“Some of the information suggested some of our stakeholders they being; clubs, players, umpires, officials and spectators could be at risk if play proceeded.
“It has always been the VTCA’s duty of care to our stakeholders which would determine our final decision. Under no circumstance would we put any VTCA stakeholders at risk.”
The move puts the VTCA in line with Victorian Premier Cricket and other suburban competitions such as the Sub-District, Gisborne District and Eastern cricket associations.
Several grand finals are still to be decided, including the Senior Division decider between Yarraville Club and St Albans.
Minor premier Doutta Stars crashed out in the semi-final and while Yarraville Club finished the season higher on the ladder it was behind at stumps on Sunday.
The premiership and promotion is also still to be decided in Division 1 West.
“I understand this decision may be a bitter pill to swallow for some however safety to all must be the final and immediate factor,” McNamara said.
“Any decisions on the awarding of premierships will be made in coming days as will the distributions of player awards as our presentation night will also be cancelled.”
The response to coronavirus and measures to limit its impact has been fluid for several weeks.
McNamara had hoped to play out the season with strict regulations.
“We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely but at this point we will look to continue to play on the weekend albeit under strict regulations,” McNamara said on Tuesday.
“Players will bring their own afternoon tea, own water bottle and refreshments, no bodily fluids on the ball whatsoever, no tight huddles, no bar and canteen facilities – all those measures will be put in place.
“Predominantly there was (support), two clubs expressed a negative response, but no club will be forced to play,” he said.
“If we do proceed, they’ll have the option of pulling out.
“We spoke to football clubs as well, they’re not allowed to play but can train. That wouldn’t be dissimilar to what we’re putting on the park – 14 players and if we’ve got 20 spectators, we’re doing well.”
The VSDCA has made the decision to halt the season before this weekend’s grand finals, while the Gisborne and District Cricket Association are expected to follow suit.