GCA2 pondering three-title season proposal

THE Geelong Cricket Association’s Division 2 clubs could play for three premierships in one season under a fixture proposal being discussed by clubs.

With a Twenty20 and twoday premiership already up for grabs each season, GCA2 clubs believe the unique nature of their competition allows them to also play for a one-day flag.

The eight-team GCA2 is the only division with the “perfect” fixture where each team plays each other twice over a 14round season — once in a oneday game and once in a twoday game.

Division 2 clubs have informally discussed possible changes to the structure of the fixture in past months, with a push to play all seven one-day matches before Christmas.

Not only would those seven matches still count towards the overall two-day ladder, there would also be a separate oneday ladder.

The top two one-day teams after seven games would play off in a grand final, earmarked for Saturday, December 21.

Based on an October 5 season start, there are 12 Saturdays before Christmas.

That would allow for two two-day matches (four Saturdays), seven one-day games (seven Saturdays) and a oneday grand final.

The one-day grand final would not affect ladder positions, club championship points or league averages — it would simply determine the one-day premier.

The fixture proposal was raised several months ago for clubs to consider in the offseason.

The proposal will be considered at the Geelong Cricket Association’s annual general meeting next Wednesday, which will also feature a board election.