Local cricket has had a turbulent week but it now appears to be full steam ahead with some significant changes being made at a Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) Special General Meeting last week.
The meeting was called at the request of the Paynesville Cricket Club, Metung Swan Reach Cricket Club, Bruthen Cricket Club, Orbost Cricket Club, Buchan Cricket Club and St Mary’s Nagle Cricket Club’s under section 31 of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association rules.
The clubs saw the necessity to call the meeting after Orbost refused to participate in the “A” reserve competition, citing a complete lack of competitiveness at this level in 2024/25.
Orbost had been trying to get its grading reversed for some time, but it had fallen on deaf ears.
With the Blues not suiting up in “A” reserve, it left the BCA’s second grade competition with just five teams, several clubs not happy with the situation, which ultimately would see the players spending less time on the park and having several byes throughout the season.
Numerous scenarios were put to the special meeting, which at times saw voices raised and friendships tested, before a decision was made by vote for Paynesville and Metung Swan Reach to be elevated to the “A” grade competition, and the BCA to become a three grade competition – “A”, “B” and “C”.
Ultimately Paynesville and Metung Swan Reach have got their wish, with both keen to join the premier competition over the off season, but denied entry because they weren’t the premiers in last season’s “A” reserve competition.
The changing of the goal posts after the season had commenced saw the “A” grade draw
quickly revamped and the two lower grade competitions put on the back burner for another week while significant changes to the draws were made.
The “A” grade competition will consist of seven one-day matches, and the same number of two-day fixtures.
There was some talk the BCA may revert to a one-day competition for 2024/25, but this can’t happen at premier cricket level with the association rules stating there must be two-day cricket.
A number of scenarios were suggested by clubs in the way the competition could be structured, but with a quick turnaround required, it appears the BCA have done a great job in restructuring “A” grade and getting the draw out.
There seems to be little angst from the clubs and the only obvious anomally is that in a competition where sides don’t even play each other twice, Lucknow and Lakes Entrance will play three times before the Christmas break.