Early openers

THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association's draw has been updated. November 6 is now the target to start the season with a double–header of T20s to be played in Wangaratta. Advice received from the Victorian Government has indicated that the 80 per cent double vaccination rate will happen earlier than expected, projected for November 1. B and C grade will start the same day playing one day games, while Under 16s and 14s will kick their season off with a two–day match. Under 12s will start the following week. WDCA president Greg Hoysted said he's pleased the league should be able to start a week earlier. "Following the government announcement that the state should reach 80 per cent double vaccination by November 1, we're now able to play on November 6," Hoysted said. "We'll play two T20s each in the A grade and A reserve as the first two rounds of the season. "The A grade will centre in Wangaratta, playing at the showgrounds, WJ Findlay Oval, Barr Reserve and Wareena Park. "A reserve will be played in Benalla at Gardens Oval, Benalla Showgrounds and the two new grounds at Arundel Street. "We'll then play another round of T20 double headers the first weekend after Christmas with a T20 final to be played at the end of February between the top two teams." The majority of the season will still consist of one–day games, bar two two–day games in the final two rounds of the season with finals to be played in the longer format. "The advice from Cricket Victoria was that they'd prefer us to play one–dayers and T20s," Hoysted said. "We've still managed to fit a couple of two–day games in because we know that clubs want to play two–dayers and it also gives us a point of difference from many leagues such as Cricket Albury–Wodonga who don't play them. "Playing the two–day games also allows us to convert them to one–dayers if a lockdown does occur." Hoysted also flagged the potential of the governing bodies to make double vaccination mandatory for players to play. "We haven't heard anything official but there are whispers that players may need to be double vaxxed to play," he said. "In the initial stages that may be only for senior cricketers because juniors are still in the process of getting their jab but it's definitely a possibility."

Early openers

Beechworth Wanderers Cricket Club announces experienced coaching duo for 2026/27 season

Beechworth Wanderers announce 2026/27 volunteer committee

Grand final losses for Beechworth C grade, under 16s

Ending on a high note

Bracing for postseason

Ovens & Murray Advertiser, Friday, 18 September, 2026

Help shape the future of your health service this spring

Community bank celebrates milestone birthday

Students bring wonderland to life

Most popular stories