MANNING Cricket hopes to have a better idea on when the 2021/22 season can start by next Wednesday's association meeting.
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In a normal year the senior cricket competition would get underway on the first Saturday after the October long weekend. That would be Saturday week.
However, this is far from a normal year, association president Michael Steinmetz said, with community sport still not permitted due to the ongoing pandemic.
"We're still waiting to hear something definite from the State government or NSW Health,'' Mr Steinmetz said.
"It's frustrating. I know the players just want to get out there.''
Deputy premier John Barilaro said earlier this week players involved in community sport will have to be fully vaccinated and Mr Steinmetz said the logistical problems this will present will also be discussed by the association.
Some clubs have already started training under strict COVID-19 regulations.
Mr Steinmetz said Newcastle Cricket Association has stated their new season will be underway from Saturday, November 6 and he expects Manning Cricket would work to a similar time-frame.
"But if we can get going before then we will,'' he said.
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As previously reported six sides will contest the open grade competition when cricket finally gets underway. Mr Steinmetz expects there will be at least 12 in the tier 2 grade. This will split at the completion of one round to make a third grade.
Mr Steinmetz added that the association will ensure players get as many games as possible, despite the later-than-usual start.
"We can play up to Saturday, December 18 before we have to break for Christmas,'' he said.
"We could look at resuming earlier in January... the board will be looking at a few alternatives.
"But we also have to work in with council and when they want to start preparing the fields for winter sports.''
He confirmed that Pacific Palms will again be represented after the club made a return to Manning Cricket last season after a lengthy absence. Palms will play in tier 2. Bulahdelah, the third grade champions last summer, will also be back.
Mr Steinmetz hopes the open grade grand final will return to Manning Cricket's spiritual home, the Johnny Martin Oval. This was traditionally the venue for all major matches in the association and generally hosted A-grade grand finals in the past.
However, the establishment of the Mid North Coast Premier League and an emphasis on playing lower grade grand finals at the home ground of the teams winning the major semi-final saw the Martin Oval shunned for the bigger games.
"I'd like to see the open grade grand final there,'' Mr Steinmetz said while adding there will have to be some input from the open grade teams.
