GCA instructions coming with more rain predicted

Many GCA teams had an impromptu practice match at the weekend after the season start was delayed again, but there are fears the season may not begin next week.

GCA2: Torquay v Marshall. Cancelled due to heavy rain, not a ball bowled. Players shelter under the grandstand at Torquay before shaking hands and declared the game a wash out. Picture: Mike Dugdale

GEELONG Cricket Association vice president Sam Hall says he has “full faith” in curators around the competition, but he conceded that forecasted rain may stop the season from starting again.

The GCA has already restructured the fixture twice as persistent rain has forced five weekends of games to be abandoned, but many clubs around the region played practice matches ahead of the exclusively one-day competition starting next weekend.

Hall said it was great to see GCA teams taking the field and playing some form of cricket, despite not being for points yet.

“The boys were rapt to get out there and enjoy a game in the sunshine, even if none of the games were worth points,” he said.

“Wickets have been fine, the square out at Grovedale (where North Geelong played) was really healthy, they’ve done a really good job.

“From all reports grounds have been pretty good.”

The rain is expected to continue later this week, with another washout looming. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted more rain for the second half of the week, with 2-8mm expected on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, before increasing to 6-20mm on Sunday.

Hall said the fixture would not change again, with games already reduced from the two-day format to only one-day matches.

“The fixture is what it is now, if we get a washout then we get a washout,” he said.

“We’re taking it as a new season starting this weekend, hopefully all the grounds in time can get there and hold games.

“The state of some of the grounds is still a bit up in the air but we’re hoping that with some good weather over the next three or four days we can get them up to a point we can play on them, then hope the rain is on our side.”

No team has played a game yet this season. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We have full faith in the clubs and the curators, they know their squares and their grounds a lot better than we can predict, but I’d say the grounds committee will recommend the covers will come on at some stage, that call will come in the next couple of days.

“Clubs will get some sort of recommendation on whether they need the full square covered or what day to put them on, but they’ll look at the forecast and give notice about when they need to get put on.”

The GCA has scheduled six one-day games before Christmas, while the T20 competition is set to begin on November 15 and run through to Australia Day.

Originally published as GCA instructions coming with more rain predicted