BETWEEK A ROCK AND A HARD-WICKET: THE STORY SO FAR

LAST SEASON — Hard-wicket clubs like Bannockburn, Teesdale and Inverleigh played in an eight-team competition that also included turf clubs Corio and Waurn Ponds-Deakin. All teams were first XI sides. It was unofficially the GCA’s third division. GCA1 and GCA2 both had 12 clubs. APRIL, 2017

— GCA confirms plans for a complete competition restructure.

— The region’s 26 turf clubs are carved into three divisions (GCA1 10 teams, GCA2

eight teams, GCA3 eight teams). — Hard-wicket clubs left in limbo. JUNE-JULY, 2017

— Amid heightened uncertainty about their fate, hard-wicket clubs Little River, Winchelsea and Inverleigh move to BPCA.

— GCA forced to revise synthetic competition structure. THIS SEASON

— Bannockburn and Teesdale’s first XI sides put into “Synthetic 3”, the division for the third XI sides of GCA2 clubs.

— As expected, the two clubs dominate opposition sides that are filled with juniors and veteran players. Strong media coverage of saga. GCA calls a meeting this week to propose a plan to move the two clubs into GCA3, effective next round.

GCA3 clubs unanimously reject proposal, based largely on ladder, fixture and club championship implications

GCA3 clubs urge GCA to consider putting Bannockburn and Teesdale into “Synthetic 1”, the division for the third XI sides of GCA1 clubs