This is the first win the Combine have had over Tatyoon in the last four starts, and was the first of a double header at Central Park. The other match saw Youth Club defeat Pomonal in a low scoring game.

Players and officials were delighted to be on Central Park for the first match of the year, where the new wicket played extremely well.

I was talking to one official and he complemented the Northern Grampians Shire on the completed project saying it was an absolute bonus to have Central Park ready so early and gave the Grampians the confidence to apply for a match under CV Premier Competition's Country Round which this year is on October 26.

While at Alexandra Oval Ararat, after a month of inactivity at the oval, the Ararat City Council decided to top dress the oval with sand in the week leading up to the commencement of the season, forcing the Aradale v Buangor game to Buangor and a delayed start to the use of a great facility.

One Short is sure that officials were disappointed that not one "C" Grade match was played, suffering a malaise that has extended into another season.

I contacted GCA president Anthony Martin who was extremely disappointed that all the planning pre-season hadn't altered the fact that the modern day player had no commitment to their club.

He said at a meeting on Thursday night the Association might consider scrapping the "C" Grade competition and integrating it with the "B" Grade, thereby freeing up a number of players to join "B" grade teams and avoid forfeits. Even powerhouse clubs, Tatyoon and Swifts/Great Western, had many players missing from their line-up due to, of all things, football trips.

I even heard that one recently appointed captain chose a football trip over captaining his side.

Some of the old players must wonder over this sort of priority.

A little aside from cricket, many would be unaware that AFL premiership coach Alistair Clarkson from Hawthorn, once played a game for the Crowlands Cricket Club. This occurred when Alistair and Liam Pickering were both playing football for North Melbourne and "Pickers" invited Alistair home for a weekend in the cricket season, and Crowlands were short of a player. Both went on to play for separate AFL clubs and nowadays Alistair is a triple premiership coach and "Pickers" his agent. Both doing very nicely, thank you!

One Short was sorry to hear of Ararat City Council's Recreational Officer, Barkley Vincent, leaving his job for another appointment. Barkley has been a strong advocate for cricket and its facilities and from all reports easy of approach.

The GCA is in his debt and the cricket fraternity wish him well in his new employment.

It may even see a re-emergence of the Pathfinders.