Aweekend meeting of club delegates of the new Millicent Naracoorte Cricket Association has determined the remaining draw for the inaugural 2021/22 season.
The original draw had another four minor rounds but the COVID virus has restricted player availability in a number of clubs.
There was support from some quarters for bringing the season to an early end by reducing the number of home-and-away fixtures but this possibility was unanimously rejected by the delegates from the nine clubs.
The minor round will now finish on February 19 as originally scheduled and will be followed by two weekends of finals.
Regarding the round nine matches played in oppressive heat on Saturday, the Millicent Black Hats had their first match since early-December and went down in a thriller to the visitors from Robe.
Batting first, the home team posted 97 from their 20 overs with teen Kobe Gibson top-scoring with 30.
The seasiders struggled but reached the target with the last pair at the crease.
It was the last time the main oval at McLaughlin Park will be used this season as the concrete wicket will now be covered to allow AFLW matches to be played.
There was no action on the adjoining Norm Facey Oval as Millicent Footballers forfeited to Naracoorte Townies.
Lucindale travelled to Wortley Oval at Naracoorte to meet the Warriors.
Batting first, the visitors made 6/190 off their 40-over allocation.
In response, the home team fell 22 runs short with two wickets in hand at the end of their 40 overs.
The match of-the-day had undefeated ladder leader Rendelsham head to the home ground of second-placed Mount Burr.
Rendelsham was boosted by the return of star recruit Jacob Carger and he made 37 not out and took 2/15.
The game began at 11am to “beat the heat” and was restricted to a 30 over contest.
Rendelsham posted 3/155 before the compulsory closure with ex-skipper Dylan Clough top-scoring with an unbeaten 47.
In reply, Mount Burr was dismissed for 115.
Meanwhile, the prestigious Smith-Walker Trophy was also due to be contested after the regular game at “Mick” and Jean Walker Oval at Mount Burr on Saturday.
However, officials from bah clubs have conceded that COVID had reduced the availability of eligible older players and so the 2022 twilight match was cancelled.
It will now be held at Mount Burr next season.
