Solely limited-over matches and a return to a top-four finals format in firsts grade headline the changes to a Ballarat Cricket Association season that will begin on November 6.
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BCA informed clubs of the new start date earlier this week, granted Victoria reaches its 80 per cent double dose benchmark as expected in early November.
On advice from Cricket Victoria, all the association's senior grades will only play one-day matches for a second season in a row.
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BCA had wished for two-day matches to return this summer but was made to change its plans after Ballarat's late-September lockdown, and public health directions saw the postponement of the season.
Before the latest outbreak, the association had hoped to start its season on the first weekend of October.
The firsts and seconds will return from the Christmas break on January 8, and the thirds, fourths, and fifths a week later on January 15.
Firsts and seconds will also play on Australia Day public holiday, Wednesday, January 26, to help fit a full fixture in.
Firsts will play their last home-and-away game on March 12, which will be the first week of finals for the other senior grades.
The BCA has clarified no matches will be played on Sunday, with the exception of finals.
First grade finals will return to a top-four finals format after a brief experiment with a top-six system in the 2020-21 season.
Last summer saw three qualifying finals, two semi-finals and a grand final. Reigning premier Darley finished fourth in 2020-21, and fellow grand finalists Golden Point finished fifth.
Seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths will stay with a top-six format, though the finals structure is yet to be confirmed.
The first round fixture is still to be confirmed, and information on the junior season is expected to be provided in the coming weeks.
Intraclub matches will be permitted from Friday when Victoria moves to eased restrictions after reaching its 70 per cent double dose benchmark.
Cricket Victoria has also said spectators will be permitted once competitive matches return, with density limits to be confirmed.
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