The Newcastle district cricket season has been cancelled with only the finals to play after a recommendation by Cricket Australia to stop all competition in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
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In a press release on Tuesday, Cricket Australia "strongly recommended" that all amateur cricket in Australia - from club cricket through to premier cricket - stop immediately.
Newcastle District Cricket Association responded quickly with a statement outlining the decision to abandon finals because of the "much publicised coronavirus pandemic".
"The safety of our community supersedes any sporting competition, as such we have taken the advice of our governing bodies to cancel all competitions effective immediately," it read.
"Club champions, minor premiers and any competitions completed to date will stand. However, our major premiers for each grade will be recorded as *No finals played 2019-20.
"We encourage the community to stay safe and follow all instructions and advice in a fast moving and unprecedented situation."
NDCA chairperson Paul Marjoribanks said the cancellation was "unfortunate for the players but there are bigger issues at play".
"You've got to take that advice at the moment, and it's just moving so quick," Marjoribanks said. "Every hour, every day, it's a new set of rules we're playing with."
He said the NDCA were contemplating the abandonment of finals before the CA recommendation.
The Maitland association, which had its grade deciders this weekend, later confirmed it was also adhering to the CA recommendations.
Also Tuesday, NSW were declared Sheffield Shield champions after the season was abandoned with one round left. NSW were 12 points clear atop the table from next-best Victoria.
"By effectively cancelling the remainder of our season, Cricket Australia is playing its part in protecting fans, players, staff, volunteers and match officials during this unprecedented global health issue," CA chief Kevin Roberts said. "These are difficult decisions, but the right ones in the circumstances.
"As organisations around the world rally to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it's important that we also provide decisive leadership."
** Newcastle Men's Hockey Association announced on Tuesday the suspension of training and competitions until May 2, in accordance with Hockey NSW advice on dealing with the coronavirus. The Newcastle district women's association postponed their activities on Monday.
** Newcastle Basketball Stadium was closed and its competitions suspended indefinitely on Monday.
