Cricket proves no match for fire ant find
The discovery of fire ants on a Gold Coast oval threatens to shake up the Taper Premier League Division 1 cricket competition.
The round 14 two-day fixture between Helensvale and Mudgeeraba has been abandoned after fire ant nests were found and sprayed at Hession Oval on Tuesday.
The council extinguished the nests by 2pm on Tuesday but because of the biochemicals, the ground was not able to be used for at least seven days.
With one day to go of the two-day game, Cricket Gold Coast has forced the game to be called a draw.
It has left a negative taste in the mouths of the competition leaders, Mudgeeraba, who were sitting comfortably at 0-31 chasing 140.
Mudgeeraba president Matt Gill said it could hurt his club over the next few weeks.
“It means Palm Beach could jump us as we have the bye in a couple of weeks as well,” Gill said.
“We have this game, then one more two dayer, then the one day final then the bye. “So a win would have been nice and we were sitting in a very strong position.
“I have spoken to the council and they explained to me that nests were found and they have been sprayed.
“Apparently it takes seven days for that area to be able to be used again.”
Mudgeeraba has been a dominant force in Division 1 this season, having lost just two games.
It was the first time fire ants have caused a cricket match on the Gold Coast to be called off, raising concerns over just how bad the fire ants issue is in South East Queensland.
Gill also confirmed Mudgeeraba had made one of its grounds available for Helensvale’s juniors for Saturday, January 20, if the oval was still unavailable.
Helensvale Cricket Club were contacted for comment.