THREE clubs have joined cricket's premiership fraternity after coronavirus fears forced Warrnambool and District Cricket Association leaders to abandon grand finals.
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Brierly-Christ Church's division one side, East Warrnambool YCW's division two team and Wesley-CBC's division three outfit have been recognised as premiers and champions following their first-place finish in the season proper.
Cricket Australia on Tuesday cancelled its premier state competition - the Sheffield Shield - while premier cricket finals were also deserted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The top body urged all community competitions to follow suit.
"We expect local community cricket and school competitions to take the same leadership position and cancel all cricket playing and training activity for the remainder of the season in response to this unprecedented global health issue," Cricket Australia said via a statement.
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"This expectation also applies to competitions that are just starting or about to commence in some parts of the country."
It also recommended community clubs cancelled end-of-season functions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Warrnambool and District Cricket Association chairman Gordon McLeod said his board was following Cricket Australia's advice and had scrapped its grand finals and regular presentation night.
He said, however, the association would host a streamlined presentation evening in its place.
The Standard understands a select group of club representatives and players - those expected to poll well - will attend to minimise coronavirus risks.
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