A cut above: Undefeated Butchers secure Cricket Illawarra title

Following Cricket Australia's recommendation that all amateur cricket be suspended due to the spread of coronavirus, Cricket Illawarra announced on Wednesday that their grand finals would be called off.

It's understood Cricket Illawarra wouldn't have been guaranteed insurance cover if the fixtures went ahead.

The Butchers were set to play University in the first grade decider at Keira Oval.

Northern Districts were declared champions after going through the regular season undefeated. Captain Jackson Stewart admitted it was a "strange" way to win but said it was the right call.

However, Stewart said he wasn't even sure if players would be able to get together to toast the victory.

"It's a bit of a hollow feeling if anything but it's just reward for the season that we've had. I think it's the right call in the end, you've got to reward teams being consistent throughout the year," Stewart said.

"A couple of English guys that we've got are getting out the country as soon as possible. Elliot Hooper, who took a lot of wickets for us this year, is leaving on Friday, as is another guy we've got playing in lower grades. We're going to try see them tomorrow [Thursday], but we're not sure in these uncertain times."

The decision to hand the Butchers the title falls in line with other cricketing organisations, with NSW named the Sheffield Shield champions after the final, due to be played at North Dalton Park, was also called off.

In the other Cricket Illawarra grades, Keira are second grade premiers, Wollongong White receive the third grade title and Keira Red are fourth grade premiers.

Northern Districts finished the regular season undefeated, 22 points clear of second-placed University.

Stewart said he looked back on the Butchers' effort this season with pride.

"It was a great bunch of blokes to play with who were committed week in, week out," he said. "You don't go undefeated on the back of a couple of guys, it's a real team effort. I'm really proud of everyone involved."

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The South Coast District Cricket Association has also cancelled their finals series, set to begin this weekend.

The minor premiers in each grade will be named as 2019/20 premiers.

Lake Illawarra topped the first and second grade ladders, Kiama Gold finished first in third grade while Kookas topped fourth grade.

The association's president Grant Tilling said it was a disappointing way to finish the season.

"It's been called off, but that's what's happened right across the state and country," Tilling said.

"But at the end of day, it's just one of those things. What do you do? You've got to prevent it [Coronavirus] more than anything else... if everyone does the right thing and chips in, I'm sure we will beat the battle."

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