Scorching weather hits Yass sporting clubs

The Yass District Cricket Association (YDCA) published a statement cancelling all senior and junior cricket rounds. It cited other associations—including the ACT Premier Cricket, Cricket Albury and Wodonga, Wagga District Cricket and Monaro District Cricket— as taking the same precautionary measures.

“While disappointed to cancel matches, together the YDCA, the cricket club committee and team captains have duty of care for participants and are responsible for player welfare, which we can't guarantee in these circumstances,” the statement reads.

Despite the cancellation, the Bowning Buffaloes hosted a catered marquee for its sponsors at Bowning Oval. This included a social Twenty20 game between an All Stars team and the Buffaloes in which the Buffaloes secured a narrow 10-run victory.

Meanwhile at the Yass Golf Club, the Yass Open Four-Person Ambrose on Saturday, February 11 was greenlighted after a short deliberation.

The club arranged for additional golf carts and scheduled them accordingly to ensure all 92 players could use them. Player and organiser Sam Porter said the carts were the main factor for approving play.

“I presumed many players wouldn’t have played if not for the carts.”

“About 85 per cent of the participants used carts, which is more than usual. A few groups played earlier than normal so that the other guys could use them in the afternoon,” he said.

Porter also said the players consumed more water than usual. “We’ve got a few taps around the course to keep everyone’s fluids up.”

The Yass Football Club also cancelled its fixtures on Friday, February 10. It said the decision was based on consideration of players, referees and volunteers and personal health and safety was the top priority in the extreme weather conditions.

The limited sporting events aligned with the guidelines by the Southern NSW Local Health District, which advises people to stay indoors between 11am–5pm and minimise physical activity.