Clouds Gather Over Round Of One-dayers

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday December 3, 2005

By LUKE KEENAN

INCLEMENT weather is threatening to scrub out another round of Illawarra first grade cricket.

All five scheduled one-dayers were washed out last weekend and this week's extra rain has left ovals pretty damp.

With storms forecast overnight, more wash-outs today are certainly a possibility.

However, Wollongong City Council grounds staff did begin preparation on all turf wickets yesterday.

Weather permitting, University will be looking to get back on track against Corrimal in the first day of their two-day clash at University Oval.

The students had a great start to the season, boasting an unbeaten record after four rounds.

But successive losses to Balgownie and Port Kembla, coupled with last weekend's wash-out, means it has been a month since the hosts last tasted victory in the Illawarra competition.

Not helping the cause is the absence of regular keeper and Illawarra skipper Michael Knight, who is out with a broken thumb sustained during the NSW Country Carnival.

"He's obviously probably the best keeper in the comp, a good talker on the field and he's a handy batsman so he'll certainly be missed," University skipper Wayne Livermore said.

In other matches, in-form sides Balgownie and Port Kembla clash at Judy Masters Oval, Wests host Keira at Figtree Oval, Helensburgh travel to Hollymount Park to face Northern Districts and Wollongong host Dapto at North Dalton Park.