North Albury president Chris Barrott believes Cricket Albury-Wodonga erred by not contesting Saturday's grand final due to coronavirus outbreak.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The passionate Barrott launched a spirited defence after CAW followed a Cricket Australia directive to cancel all matches.
Wodonga claimed the premiership as it was the higher ranked team.
"I know they (CAW) have recommendations from Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW, but they are only recommendations. AlburyCity Council has the same recommendations," he said.
"As far as I'm aware, at this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 on the Border.
"At the time the decision was made (Tuesday) we had four days before the grand final and that is, as far as I'm aware, enough time to test for the virus.
"Come Saturday if the players are clear, we play."
Like all fair-minded people, Barrott understands there are far more pressing issues.
"I understand that it's a very concerning virus, but why is the NRL still playing this week, without crowds?," he asked.
"Our players can all go to work, the supermarket, their children can go to school.
"Why not play without crowds or without handshakes?
"What do we, as sports lovers, have if our local grand final is null and void? I would understand it two months ago when players ranging from four to 70 were playing.
"But this is four teams (first and second grade) playing for what they have played for all year."
In 2017-18, the second day of the grand final was rain-affected and Lavington claimed the title.
It leaves the Hoppers with three straight grand finals, no losses, yet only one flag.
"Two years ago we lost a grand final due to rain and I can accept that," Barrott said.
"If there is no game why is there a premier?
"The hours a committee and the playing group spends over the year has to be taken into account.
"We have players that have put their lives and their families' lives on hold to be told that, after all that work, it's done without a ball being bowled."
Despite his bitter disappointment, Barrott had enormous praise for Cricket Albury-Wodonga.
"CAW has a fantastic board and could make this work," he said.
MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS:
"Our players, sponsors and supporters need a game like this to boost morale.
"We are Australian and we stick together."
ALSO IN SPORT:
CAW's Heath Naughton said on Tuesday the board had no choice.
"The directive came through ... that all cricket is to cease," he said.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here