The wet start to Canberra's summer has wiped out more than 60 per cent of local cricket fixtures with the capital enduring one of its most frustrating seasons off the back of a lockdown enforced delayed start.
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So persistent has the weekend rain been across the ACT, ANU and Weston Creek Molonglo have had all of their opening four fixtures in the one-day John Gallop Cup competition abandoned.
There was some respite two weeks ago with the majority of Twenty20 matches being played, while last Sunday's historic first round of the revamped top-grade women's competition also escaped the worst of the weather.
But ultimately it's been a sluggish start to the new season which had already been delayed by a month due to Canberra's lockdown.
"Just 38 per cent of fixtures local games have been played," Cricket ACT chief Olivia Thornton said.
Fortunately, the tide might just be turning.
Light drizzle is expected across Canberra at varying stages this weekend, but the forecast is bereft of the heavy rain squalls of recent times.
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That should facilitate a full round of one-day matches in the men's competition on Saturday, and the second round of the women's league on Sunday.
First-round winners ANU/Wests are away to Ginninderra/North Canberra-Gungahlin, while Eastlake/Queanbeyan will aim to remain unbeaten against Tuggeranong/Weston Creek.
"The clubs have put their money where their mouth is in terms of investing in this particular competition, as have we," Thornton said.
"To have the Meteors running around with the next generation of Canberra local players is so important for our pathways and that pipeline of talent coming through.
"I'm really pleased that collectively we've been able to actually follow through and have a quality product and competition."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
