Ladder stays ‘as is’ if there’s a ‘heat out’ on Saturday

IT’S going to be uncomfortably hot this Saturday for the last round of the Leongatha and District Cricket Association competition with a lot on the line in many games.

But not hot enough at this stage, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, for the LCDA’s ‘Heat Policy’ to come into effect.

The bureau is predicting 35 degrees as the top temperature in Wonthaggi on Saturday, the same in Leongatha and you would expect something similar at Pound Creek.

That’s less than the 38°C required for games to be called off.

If, however the forecast is predicted to get to 38°C or above, or it gets to that mark during the day on ‘Pound Creek’ observations via the BOM website, the positions on the ladder in A Grade Division 1 would remain the same.

Imperials, presently on 78 points, would get 12 points for the win on the first innings over ladder leaders Phillip Island who would nonetheless stay on top with 114 points.

Wonthaggi Club, which amassed 4/404 against Korumburra would still stay second if their result was converted to a draw, moving up from 90 points to 96 after getting 6 for the draw.

Leongatha Town, also on 90 points would get 6 for the draw but would still trail Club on percentage and remain third and OMK would stay in the four, increasing from 86 to 92 with the 6 points for the draw.

The hapless team in that scenario would be Imperials. While they would get the full whack of 12 points for a win on the first innings, after their heroics on Saturday, despatching the ladder leaders for just 37, they would fall 2 points short of making the finals, increasing their premiership points from 78 to 90.

There’s also interest in which team out of Nerrena and Inverloch will be relegated to A Grade Division 2 next year.

As it stands, Nerrena have set Inverloch a 181-run target at the Thompson Reserve to avoid relegation but even if these teams don’t play, Inverloch will stay out of eighth place on percentage, with both clubs finishing the season on 60 points.

It’s an interesting scenario but unlikely to kick in on the present predictions of a top temperature of 35°C on Saturday.

Players should, however, monitor for the effects of heat stroke and consider extra drinks breaks and also placing water at square leg for fielders, batters and umpires.

It is important to be aware and react quickly to the following symptoms of heat injury or heat stroke:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headache
• Confusion and
• Light-headedness.

Emergency plan (1.) Lie the victim down. (2.) Loosen and remove excessive clothing & cool by fanning. (3.) Give cool water to drink if conscious. (4.) Apply wrapped ice packs to groins and armpits. (5.) Seek medical assistance. These symptoms indicate players should stop playing, drink more fluids and cool down. Seek medical treatment if these symptoms don’t improve rapidly. Also remember to keep an eye on other players or officials who may not realise they are suffering from dehydration or heat stress.