THE Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) came to a unanimous decision to cancel the first round of the new year due to the fires which devastated the nearby Longwood area last week.
The decision was made in mind of a number of clubs who were in fire-affected areas on Saturday, with residents in Yea, Alexandra and Avenel heavily impacted by the Longwood blaze.
In A grade, Yea was due to host Tallarook on Saturday, while Alexandra were due to host Seymour. Nearby, Avenel was also due to host Puckapunyal.
In a brief statement on social media, the SDCA said it was an easy decision.
“The SDCA and member clubs have unanimously agreed to cancel this weekend’s cricket,” they said.
“Several communities across the region are facing evacuation or have already been evacuated, many players are actively involved in their local CFA brigades and the catastrophic rating will make it impossible for grounds to be prepared despite the cooler forecast for Saturday.
“We thank everyone who is working tirelessly to keep our region safe and urge everyone to keep up to date with conditions via the VicEmergency website and app.”
Thankfully, at this stage, it appears that the fire has started to ease, with conditions downgraded to a Watch and Act for Alexandra and Yea, while Avenel’s fire rating has reduced to Stay Informed.
The weekend’s games at the moment sees Seymour due to take on Yea, Tallarook playing Avenel and Puckapunyal up against Pyalong.
