Format under review

CRICKET Far North’s decision to abandon two-day matches in the 2018-19 competition will be reviewed at the end of the season.

The association moved away from its longstanding two-day and one-day format in favour of a one-day and Twenty20 arrangement this season, which is scheduled to wrap up with this weekend’s grand final games.

President Peter Huey said a decision would be made on whether the new one-day and T20 format would continue in 2019-20, or if Cricket Far North would revert back to including two-day fixtures.

“It has been a bit of an up and down sort of season,” Huey said.

“We’ve had to work things out on the run and the rain has really hampered us in all grades, but we’ll have a review and see what we come up with moving forward.”

Mulgrave first-grade cricketer Barry Weare said this season had been “a bit different” with the shorter formats.

“I’m not sure if its been good for the game or not, but it’s been interesting,” he said.

“People thought they were going to get more of a hit, but I think it’s actually been less.

“There’s been a couple times, particularly in our team, where if you’re batting below six you’re not going to get a hit.

“It’s not much fun if you’re paying fees and not getting a hit.”

Following a week of wet weather, cricket finals scheduled for last weekend had to be abandoned.

As a result, Norths has won the second-grade 40-over title and Mareeba the third-grade 30-over title.

The first-grade 40-over title is scheduled to be decided this weekend. Mulgrave and Norths will have two fixtures at Griffiths Park to try and get a result.