Golden Point were set to resume at 1-10, in pursuit of Darley’s 200. But the teams were met with a soft wicket which meant there was no play for the day, despite players giving the damp wicket until midway through the afternoon to dry out.

By 4pm it was beginning to improve, but given the amount of time that was already lost, play was abandoned with both sides receiving three points.

Golden Point skipper Josh White said it was disappointing to not get an opportunity to chase down the score as it searched for a victory which would have kept it on top of the ladder.

The Courier understands the pitch was given a sprinkle of water on Friday night after the junior match – which is not uncommon to do so.

Darley was contacted on Saturday night but will give comment to The Courier on Sunday to provide clarity to the situation.

Ballarat Cricket Association operations officer Greg Wakeling said it would look into the matter, inquiring as to why the pitch was in the condition it was on Saturday afternoon despite a week of sunshine.

IN OTHER round 7 matches, it was a case of so close, yet so far for Ballarat-Redan. 

But for North Ballarat, it was the continuation of an outstanding start to the season.

The Combine showed plenty of heart in its pursuit of 166, for what would have been its first victory of the season. 

However, it fell 21 runs short of North Ballarat as the Roosters celebrated its fifth straight win to start the season.

Ballarat-Redan resumed at 5-60 on Saturday and the afternoon did not get off to a good start as Ross Fenton departed without adding a run to the total.

The Combine needed something special if it was to find more than 100 runs with just four wickets remaining – and it nearly did.

Josh Dilworth (24 runs) and Chris Egan (15) were able to put on 38 runs before both fell in quick succession. Brendan Thomson, who finished unbeaten on 31, nearly guided his side to victory but the number nine batsmen ran out of partners. 

Although his 44-run partnership with Jack Thorton was the second highest of the match.

Prabath Priyankara picked up the final two wickets as the Roosters enter the Christmas break undefeated and – due to the Darley, Golden Point draw – on top of the ladder.

Captain Adam Eddy took 5-36, including nine maidens to lead the bowling attack.

AT WENDOUREE, a flurry of wickets in the middle of the day’s play saw Wendouree take full control of the match against Napoleons-Sebastopol.

Once again the Naps-Sebas top-order failed as the visitors saw a handy start of 1-45 turn into a match-defining 7-72 – Simon Ringin (43 runs) the only resistance at the top. 

Jacob Eyers made an unbeaten 54 to combine with a couple of teammates down the order to add some respectability to the scorecard, but it was once again a disappointing result for Naps-Sebas, all out for 183.

Red Caps skipper Gavin Webb was pleased with the day, saying his side did what it needed to do. Ryan Simmonds boasting the best figures in an even display, taking 3-25.

Wendouree sits third on the ladder with four wins and two losses, but Webb said it was only just acceptable, given it has two byes post-Christmas.

MEANWHILE, Mt Clear entered Saturday in a strong position and it didn’t take long to make the position even stronger.

The Mounties struck early in the Brown Hill innings to have the Bulls at 3-8 chasing 295. Paul White (63 runs) and Ryan Knowles (52) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Steve Nicholson backed up his 74 last week by taking 3-15 with the ball.

The win means Mt Clear hold onto fourth spot.