But in the face of this all-out attack, Benalla Bushrangers has steadied its middle order, announcing all members of its executive board will continue in their roles ahead of the 2020-21 season.
During its recent annual general meeting club president Mark Saunders and other key executives all happily signed on for another season.
“I was happy to be president again. We have a proactive committee, and we’re a relatively new club in the scheme of things,” Saunders said.
When the first COVID-19 shutdown hit in March, the Bushrangers had already finished the 2019-20 season — with the best result an under-16 premiership. But even that lost a little fizz when the club's awards night had to be cancelled due to restrictions.
“There have definitely been challenges and issues this year with COVID-19, which I’m sure all sporting bodies are dealing with,” Saunders said.
“If you said to me in January there would have been very little in the way of football this year, I would have laughed. But here we are.
“It’s made planning difficult, and with this second lockdown we’re still unsure how things will play out for us.
“It could get worse before it gets better.”
With a number of new faces gracing its general committee, the club is also on the lookout for a senior coach to lead the Bushrangers next season.
“They can be playing or non-playing, but I think the most important thing for us is to have a sound, strict framework for games and training — particularly for the senior A-grade and A-reserve end of it,” Saunders said.
With regional Victoria in stage three lockdown until at least September 13, a cricket season by mid-October seems unlikely, with Saunders predicting a shortened campaign.
“We’re still making plans to play but there is no need to rush into a season, especially when there are still protocols to be nutted out,” he said.
“The (Wangaratta District Cricket Association) has tabled scheduling one-day and T20 games rather than a full season.
“But all options are on the table. We’ll wait and see when this lockdown ends.”
Saunders said the biggest priority for the league and its clubs was making sure training and match days were COVID-19 safe.
“We need an on-ground protocol — for example, do umpires still take hats and glasses from the bowler? Things like this still have to be worked out,” he said.
“If we can’t do that, we can’t do a season.”
In the meantime, Saunders encouraged local cricketers to get outside and continue their training.
“Everyone is keen to play some cricket. We’re encouraging everyone to get the cricket ball and have a throw outside, whether it’s in the backyard, or going down to the nets for a hit.”
Breakout box:
Benalla Bushrangers Club Executive for 2020/21:
President: Mark Saunders
Vice-president: Kerrilyn Arendt
Secretary: Josh McCallum
Tresurer: Matty Hales
General committee members: Dale Stratton, Conor Brodie, Greg Hoysted, Steve McCallum, Steve Brodie.
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