Title deciders cancelled

The Mount Gambier & District Cricket Association officials did everything they could but, in the end, the weekend heatwave won the day, forcing the cancellation of the three senior cricket grand finals and the awarding of the 2023/24 titles to the highest finishing teams that had won their way through to the grand final weekend.

The association’s heat policy had to be invoked on all three days of the Long Weekend as each day the mercury reached the tipping point for the health and safety of players and officials.

The competing teams were all prepared to be flexible, opting to move the two day fixtures to Sunday and Monday and also then moving to a one day format, in a bid to actually have the two grand finalists decide the eventual champion on the field.

In the Barber Shield, minor premiers West Gambier were crowned premiers, with North Gambier’s valiant run from third stymied by the unseasonal hot weather. The Roos finished two wins clear during the season, won the majority of the team and club association awards and had Bill Whitty Medal winner Sam Willis in their ranks.

In the Crouch Shield, it was second ranked Gambier Centrals who were presented the silverware with fourth ranked Penola, who had toppled minor premiers Kongorong in the semi finals, having to settle for runner up status. Gambier Centrals also advance from their semi final after an abandoned contest.

The Cox Bros Shield saw undefeated Yahl , who finished three wins clear on top of the ladder, crowned 2023/24 premiers with second ranked Tarpeena not having the opportunity to try and inflict that first loss.

The three winning teams were presented at Frew Park at 12noon on Monday.