Grassmere Cricket Association opts for one-day format in 2019-20

Association president Rhys Dews said its nine A grade clubs voted to overhaul the competition on Monday night, voting 6-3 in favour of replacing two-dayers with the one-day format next season.

It has played solely two-day cricket the past two seasons, having combined the two in the preceding seasons.

Dews said it was a decision made with the competition's longevity in mind.

"It's a bit to do with clubs struggling to field teams for two weeks; it's hard to get a commitment," he said.

"With juniors coming through we've found it's hard to get them to play two-day cricket.

"It's the way things are going everywhere. Big Bash is pretty popular these days with kids."

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Dews said while the two-day format was one for the cricket purists, the association had "to be proactive and adapt".

"Grassmere was the standout in favour of one-day cricket and everyone else would like to see two-day cricket but knows how hard it is," he said.

"The feedback was it would be too hard with half two-dayers and half one-dayers with the number of clubs and fitting byes in. We voted for either one-dayers or two-dayers."

The change was a surprise to Killarney captain Brayden Buchanan whose personal preferance is to play the longer format.

But the all-rounder was understanding of the change.

"We've got to go with the times I suppose. Cricket is changing," Buchanan said.

"I can see why. One-day cricket is easier for everyone to get sides, not having to have guys commit for two weeks, but I think two-dayers are the better format.

"It's not just one guy getting lucky and getting runs; it's more of a team effort. You need everyone to contribute."

Buchanan said competition powerhouse Panmure was an example of how highly-regarded the two-day premiership was.

He said the longer format was held in higher esteem even in seasons where the GCA had played for two flags.

"It's always been about winning the two-day flag and if this is going to be the last one, it makes it a bit more special," Buchanan said.

Grassmere captain Justin Coates believes the change will help attract players.

"Two-day cricket is good from a cricket perspective but if someone misses one week they might not get a bat for three or four weeks," he said.

"We came to the opinion that one-day cricket was a little more attractive to play and might help in recruiting players."

Coates said having one format was a "simple approach" which might appeal to some players.

He said the decision would also boost the association's chances in Bendigo Country Week next year when it moves up to division one.

The Crabs will host Yambuk in their semi-final this weekend, while top-placed Grassmere will welcome reigning premier Hawkesdale to Purnim.

Games will be played on Saturday and Sunday with the grand final scheduled for the following week.

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