Eastern Counties final called off

Dexter Smith

Created: Sep 02, 2023 10:40 AM (Updated: Sep 03, 2023 10:15 PM)

The Voice of Summer commentary area at Sea Breeze Oval took a big hit from Idalia. The Eastern Counties final between Bailey’s Bay and Cleveland was called off shortly after 10am (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

The Eastern Counties Cup final has become the first sporting casualty of the 2023 hurricane season.

Strong overnight winds from post-Tropical Storm Idalia left the grounds at Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club in a dishevelled state this morning, giving organisers little choice but to cancel the much anticipated match between holders Bailey’s Bay and Cleveland County.

The Voice of Summer commentary area at Sea Breeze Oval took a big hit from Idalia (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

Confirmation was made on social media just after 10am, the scheduled start time, by Bay president Stephen Outerbridge.

Damage from Idalia at Sea Breeze Oval (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

The Eastern Counties Cricket Association had earlier posted that spectators should not attempt to head to the venue until 11am.

As is traditional at the end of county season, the draw for the next year was made.

Cleveland will have an early opportunity to make up for lost time when they face Bay in the first round on July 20. St David’s await in the second round on August 17, with Flatts in the final on August 31.