Sport
1 March, 2026
‘Insurance cover loss dictated’ T20 decision
EXTREME heat that would have voided insurance coverage caused the cancellation of this season’s T20 cricket grand final, according to the Upper Loddon Cricket Association.
The final, scheduled between Boort Yando and Kingower on January 24, was abandoned on the eve of the match when the official forecast temperature for Saturday was 41 degrees.
As a result, the Loddon Herald Trophy was awarded to Boort Yando as the Magpies had topped the T20 ladder.
Kingower officials launched an appeal against the decision after noting that it had been prepared to play the match.
However, the association executive said in an email to clubs last week: “The match was unable to go ahead due to extreme heat conditions which prevented the required insurance and safety compliance from being signed off prior to play.
“Without confirmation of compliance and coverage, the association cannot lawfully permit play to proceed.
“This requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable.”
The executive said provisions existed for reserve days and rescheduling for one-day and two-day finals, but there was no clause covering a T20 grand final.
It recommended adding a clause for T20 grand final contingency to the by-laws at the next annual general meeting.
“The executive acknowledges that the outcome is disappointing; however, compliance with player and volunteer safety and insurance requirements must take precedence over all other considerations,” the email said.
“The association will not authorise matches to proceed where these requirements are not satisfied.”
In an email sent to the association immediately after the decision to call off the final, Kingower’s Wendy Murphy, a former Upper Loddon president, wrote: “Very disappointing considering the rules say the heat rule does not apply to finals games.
“Disappointing the clubs have not been consulted directly to discuss the decision.
“Kingower are willing to play the match and understand that it will be warm but being a T20 there isn’t the need to be in the field for long and rotation of players on and off while in the field.
“No discussion of bringing the game forward to play in the morning.”
The Loddon Herald trophy was officially presented to Boort Yando last Saturday by managing editor Chris Earl.