More changes have been made to the Grampians Cricket Association fixture, with multiple A Grade matches being brought forward to this Saturday.
The second day of the fixtured round six two-day game was abandoned last week to allow the annual Henry Gunstone Cup to be held over the weekend of December 16 and 17.
The GCA then made the call to push the scheduled round seven December 23 games to January 6, which was protested by most A Grade clubs.
Teams have been given the option to bring the round seven one-day game forward to this weekend, allowing for an additional week off after Christmas.
Three of the four A Grade matches have been shifted to this upcoming Saturday, while one game is yet to be confirmed.
Pomonal and Swifts-Great Western are at an impasse, with the Combine looking to move the game to this weekend while Pomonal is content with the scheduled January 6 date.
Pomonal vice-captain Lee Oliver said it is not possible for his side to play this weekend.
“Being so close to Christmas we have a lot of players unavailable,” he said.
Association president David Turner said the Pomonal and Swifts-Great Western match is the only cause of concern so far.
“All the other matches have been ticked off and are good to go ahead on Saturday,” he said.
“At this stage we are still in discussions with both Swifts and Pomonal to try and come up with a solution.
“It is difficult being so close to Christmas and the new year.”
Swifts-Great Western captain Sam Cocks said he hopes to see the game be played this weekend to remain consistent with the other teams.
“I think it would be best for all teams to play in the same week,” he said.
“The conditions change a lot so it impossible to tell if one match was to be played at a different time if it would rain or be too hot.”
The GCA said they will continue discussions with both clubs to come to an agreement before Saturday.
Starting times for Saturday’s A Grade games are subject to change depending on the agreements between competing clubs.
The B Grade fixture has remained unchanged at this stage, with matches to resume on January 6.
Junior cricket is on hold until the start of February, with the Central Highlands country week competition resuming from January 2.
CONFIRMED DECEMBER 23 A GRADE FIXTURES
- Aradale v Youth Club at Alexandra Oval, Ararat
- Tatyoon v Halls Gap at Tatyoon Rec Reserve
- Navarre v Buangor at Navarre Rec Reserve
Here’s what your club had to say…
Aradale v Youth Club
“It suits us a lot better to play this weekend... everyone was in agreeance.” – Aaron Kilpatrick, Aradale president
“We talked to them (Aradale) and agreed it was best to move the match date...” – Cam Kimber, Youth Club captain
Navarre v Buangor
“It is too late (in the year) to be playing cricket. It is a bit disappointing but it had to be done.” – Chris Jerram, Buangor captain
“The club booked a trip away on January 6 so Buangor has done us a favour to move the match.” – Gary Hannett, Navarre president
Tatyoon v Halls Gap
“We thought it would be best for both sides...” – Leslie Pyke, Halls Gap captain
“They were happy to play this week and we are too... It gives us an extra week off after Christmas which is nice.” – Michael Harricks, Tatyoon captain
Pomonal v Swifts-Great Western
“Being so close to Christmas we have a lot of players unavailable.” – Lee Oliver, Pomonal vice-captain
We would prefer to play this week but we will wait and see what happens.” – Sam Cocks, Swifts-Great Western captain
