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THE Northern United Cricket Association will continue next season with five teams.
The future of the competition was discussed at a recent meeting where it was decided to keep the competition alive, despite the departure of Bagshot that leaves just five teams left.
The NUCA will continue with Elmore, Calivil, Colbinabbin, Goornong and Heathcote participating.
The NUCA was down to six teams last season following the withdrawals of Dingee and Raywood, while Bagshot is now headed for the Emu Valley Cricket Association.
"We've come to the decision to go around again as a five-team competition," NUCA president David Dennis said at the weekend.
"Before our meeting I really didn't know what all the teams were thinking, but we're all wanting to do our best to help our communities and keep it going."
Dennis says the NUCA is hopeful that given there are no senior football competitions being played in the area this year that players looking for a sporting outlet over summer could be attracted to the NUCA, which only plays one-day games and has plans for a compacted season.
The NUCA plans on playing a 10-round home and away season where all teams play each other twice and have two byes, followed by a two-week finals series where 2nd plays 3rd in week one and then meets the top team in the grand final the following week.
The NUCA has set November 14 as a potential start date and intends to have its season completed by the end of February.
The NUCA is also considering a rule that would allow for players in a team that has the bye who are still keen for a game of cricket that weekend to play with an opposition side that is battling for numbers.
It's the NUCA's intention to again field a side in Bendigo Country Week in January.
* Decade of NUCA premiers:
2020 - Elmore
2019 - Dingee
2018 - Heathcote
2017 - Dingee
2016 - Dingee
2015 - Calivil
2014 - Heathcote
2013 - Heathcote
2012 - Calivil
2011 - Bagshot
2010 - Dingee
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