THE fate of Upper Loddon cricket is in the hands of clubs after an extraordinary meeting last week.
They will put plans for match formats, game growth and strategies to the current association executive within the month.
Clubs also succeeded in bringing forward the association annual meeting from September to July to give clarity to a new season starting in October.
The association was reduced to four teams in senior and junior competitions last season.
“We have to change the system,” Boort Yando president Al Knight told the meeting.
“Have a 12-game season and a 20:20 (competition) before Christmas. ... 20:20 could be the perfect hook for some ex-teams.”
Bridgewater told the meeting it was hopeful of returning to senior cricket with Dave Harrison also saying 20:20 could be the hook to get teams back.
Wedderburn captain Brad Holt said teams played each other too often in the current four-team competition.
“We have to think outside the square,” he said.
Reigning premiers Arnold told the meeting that a five-team competition was needed for the Redbacks to stay in the association.
Ben Metelmann said his club wanted at least one two-day round to help develop younger players. 
He said the club wanted to remain in Upper Loddon but had spoken with Maryborough and Emu Valley associations.
Wedderburn’s Ian Gould said re-introduction of two-day games would need clubs able to change players between days.
Metelmann said that the Horsham association allowed 16 players to be named for two-day matches.
Association president Wendy Murphy and secretary Michael Rose said changes in format and structure would require alterations to the constitution.
“If we can’t change the constitution, we can kiss (the association) goodbye,” said Wedderburn’s Will Holt. “We want to make Upper Loddon positive ... happy.”
Harrison said traditions had to be maintained but with flexibility.
Clubs also discussed future growth for the association and what teams could be re-established or enticed into Upper Loddon competition.
Gould said the shorter travel times for matches was “something we can sell”.
One former club at the Monday night’s meeting was Inglewood. Andrew Nevins said the club’s ground could be used for competition and supported the introduction of any 20:20 encounters.
- CHRIS EARL