THE Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA) had no play on the weekend, with heavy rain on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning forcing the league’s hand.
Cricketers now face a nervous wait to see if this coming weekend will also kickstart the season, with rain currently forecast on Saturday, meaning a frustrating day of reporting to grounds could be on the agenda if Melbourne’s fickle spring weather plays its part.
If the season successfully gets underway in the GDCA, it will see Eastern Hill host Romsey in its first McIntyre Cup home game at Kings Park Reserve.
Wallan would face a difficult trip away to reigning premier Woodend, while Gisborne and Sunbury United would do battle, as would Macedon and Rupertswood.
In Johnstone Shield, Kilmore would travel to Sunbury to take on the Kangaroos, while Lancefield would open up its season against Eynesbury after having the bye last week – ironically, this gives the Tigers the early lead in the competition, taking full points while everyone else was washed out.
Broadford is set to host newcomers Merrifield at Harley Hammond, while East Sunbury and Diggers Rest Bulla round out the action. Riddell will have the bye.
The women’s competition is also due to get underway on Sunday.
Reigning champions Wallan is scheduled to open its season against Bacchus Marsh, while Lancefield will travel to Melton Centrals. Gisborne and Macedon will also take on one another.
In B grade, Broadford will travel to Diggers Rest Bulla.
Jensen Shield and Club Grade will also get underway this weekend, as will the league’s junior competitions tonight.
In the Seymour competition, it is a Twenty20 extravaganza this weekend, with all A and B grade teams playing in the format.
Puckapunyal will host Yea, while Pyalong will host Alexandra. The blockbuster game of the round will be the rematch of last season’s A grade grand final, with Seymour looking to enact a modicum of revenge for losing in heartbreaking fashion in March when it hosts Tallarook.
In B grade, the Seymour 59ers will travel to Avenel, while the fixture remains the same for all other games, with a double-header at all three locations.
