A SIX-TEAM division one competition is predicted for the looming Grassmere Cricket Association season.
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Powerhouse clubs Panmure and Purnim have departed the association.
Panmure has merged with Allansford, while Purnim has rebranded as Northern Raiders and will also compete in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's division two, three, under 17, under 15 and junior female grades.
No further movements are expected in 2020.
Grassmere Cricket Association president Rhys Dews said early mail suggested Hawkesdale, Mailors Flat, Yambuk, Wangoom, Grassmere and Killarney would compete in top grade while Woolsthorpe would again field a division two side.
We'll assess all of our options moving forward and make sure we're prepared for whatever.
- Rhys Dews
"That's the feedback we've had at our last meeting," Dews said.
"We'll finalise things a bit more at our AGM.
"We'll be going to an online format for that as a result of (COVID-19 restrictions)."
Dews said his executive was looking ahead to this season.
"We're sort of just preparing for this year at this stage. We're planning to keep working with our clubs to make sure they're in the best shape possible for this season and onwards," he said.
"We'll assess all of our options moving forward and make sure we're prepared for whatever."
Dews said the association would continue to encourage its clubs to have discussions about their future.
"We've been doing that over the past six to 12 months. The pleasing thing is that clubs are sitting on their hands waiting for things to dwindle.
"If you're going to (do what Purnim has done) you need to do it properly. There's no point doing it half-arsed.
"You've got to have a decent crack. We wish Purnim all the best."
Warrnambool and District Cricket Association chairman Gordon McLeod said the introduction of both Panmure and Northern Raiders would be healthy for the competition.
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McLeod said about 15 teams would contest the division two competition - Allansford-Panmure could field two teams while Northern Raiders will field one - and expected the season to follow a similar schedule to 2019-20.
He said all current division one teams - Russells Creek, Brierly-Christ Church, Woodford, Wesley-CBC, West Warrnambool, Dennington, Allansford-Panmure, Merrivale, Nestles and Port Fairy - were expected to field sides.
McLeod said the WDCA was committed to the development of a senior female competition and would continue to invest resources into its junior grades to create a pathway for girls.
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