Domestic cricket was due to have made its annual appearance this weekend – but due to the suspension of all games due to the coronavirus situation it is unlikely there will be any action until after June 1.
By that time, Cricket Scotland will have conducted a review of the situation.
Even then, there is no guarantee of getting back to normal, leaving players and officials to reflect on what might have been had play started in the various competitions in the north and north-east.
Paul Gray, the secretary of the Aberdeenshire Cricket Association Grades is particularly disappointed play will not commence on the scheduled date. He said: “After some great weather and equally great cricket last year, it would have been good to see if Bon Accord could successfully have defended their Grade 1 title.
“It was, after all, a highly competitive league with five teams in contention for the title at one point, including second-placed Aberdeen Grammar, Knight Riders, Crescent and Inverurie – who gained compensation in the shape of winning the prestigious Aberdeenshire Cup.
“But hopefully there will still be an abbreviated season which will be no less exciting.”
Gordonians, who were the unlucky losers in the thrilling cup final played at Mannofield, might well force themselves into the championship race.
That said, the ambitious Countesswells club will likely have their main focus on getting their first team promoted from the Strathmore Union where one of their opponents will be Aberdeenshire, who were relegated from the Eastern Premier, leaving Stoneywood-Dyce as the sole representatives in the top flight of Scottish club cricket.
In Grade 2, Ellon Gordon will be keen to bounce back from the disappointment of going down in 2019. But they will find eager challengers in Methlick and Fraserburgh, while newly-promoted Portcullis and Crathie could be the surprise packages.
In Grade 3, relegated Banchory will have similar aspirations of going back up but will be pushed all the way by 2nd Grampian and Dunecht.
Gray added: “Throw in the various cup competitions and you have all the ingredients for another great season.
“All we now need is for the suspension of play to be lifted. We can only hope.”
l Cricket Scotland is waiting until May 7 to decide on the season.