Date clash for Pride and GCL

A date clash between the fourth round of senior Gippsland Cricket League and the under 21 Country Cup final has not been resolved, with both matches to go ahead on Sunday, December 10.

While both Associations have multiple senior GCL players in the under 21 team, any move to change the GCL date has been opposed.

Gippsland Pride, who placed second in the southern zone of teams in the Country Cup, were elevated to top position and will now play the final against North East at Tallarook (south of Seymour).

Barwon region, which had won both of its matches more emphatically than Gippsland, have been deemed to have forfeited its round two match after self-declaring the inclusion of three over-age players. New rules introduced this year allow for two overage players.

All under 21 players have been encouraged to make themselves available for the Pride, however have been given a choice.

Western Park star all-rounder Sam Batson, Buln Buln wicket-keeper Jack Armour and Hallora off-spinner James Williams have been selected in the Pride’s team for the final, having featured in the Warragul and District senior GCL team this season.

Hallora batsman Sam Whibley has also been selected in the 13-player Pride squad.

The Wild Dogs will head to Sale needing victory to remain in contention for the GCL final.

Sale-Maffra will also miss star players for that match, with Jack Rietschel, Jayden Allison, Isaac Love and Cormac Hassett also selected for the Pride team.