Cricket: Fingers crossed for some play after Tamworth first and second grade major semi-finals called off

In consultation with the council and in light of the condition of Riverside 2 and 3, the TDCA made the decision on Friday afternoon to cancel the first and second grade major semi-finals in the hope of council being able to prepare the grounds for the two minor semi-finals.

More than 100mls has reportedly fallen in the city in the past week.

TDCA president Ben Middlebrook walked the grounds on Friday and told The Leader the outfield at Riverside 2 "was soaked" (there was also some issues around the wicket) and Riverside 3 was wet-as".

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The decision to call-off the major semi-finals comes after it was decided at Wednesday night's TDCA meeting that if grounds were unavailable, rather than call off the game scheduled for that ground they would call off the major semi-final first.

"The teams that are going to get eliminated we've given them the best chance to get a game," Middlebrook said.

North Tamworth skipper Adam Greentree had spoken last week after they wrapped up the minor premiership about how important it would be with the weather that was forecast.

"We've missed a fair bit of cricket the last few months and to be sitting in the box seat, we're extremely happy," he said.

As the higher-finishing team, in both grades, they go straight to the decider with City United to play either Old Boys or South Tamworth in the the two preliminary finals next weekend.

At this stage the third and fourth grade semi-finals are set to proceed as scheduled, although there will be an inspection of all the grounds on Saturday morning.

Play is scheduled to start at 1pm with games continuing on Sunday.

"It hasn't been the greatest week for preparing wickets, but fingers crossed we'll see a ball bowled," Middlebrook said.

His Old Boys side are due to face South Tamworth in the first grade minor semi-final at Riverside 1.

After winning the minor premiership the last four seasons it is a bit of a different scenario but Middlebrook is confident they can build on their legacy.

"I still believe we're as good a chance as anyone to win the competition," he said.

Souths though, should they get on, will be tough to get past.

"They're a darkhorse, they've got a good bowling attack," he said, adding that the toss will be crucial.

"Winning the toss will be very important, it will go a long way to deciding the match."

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