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Tropical Cyclone Marcia has wreaked havoc on a big weekend of sport planned in south-east Queensland, with the cricket World Cup next on her hitlist.
Already, Friday night’s A-League clash between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory has been called off – and given the deteriorating weather conditions, it will be a minor miracle if much else goes ahead.
At the biggest risk is Australia’s World Cup match against Bangladesh on Saturday at the Gabba, which appears destined to be washed out.
Rain is expected to tumble all through Saturday and rob Brisbane spectators of their only chance to watch the Australian team in person at the tournament.
World Cup regulations state a minimum of 20 overs must be bowled per side to constitute a match.
In the event the cricket is abandoned, the points will be split as only World Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final have scope to be rescheduled.
Suncorp Stadium officials are monitoring conditions ahead of Queensland’s first Super Rugby match of the season against the Western Force on Saturday night, which at this stage will go ahead as planned.
Melbourne Victory players and coaches have already gone home, with the game now rescheduled for Wednesday, April 15.
“We received consistent information that we would be putting players, fans and staff at risk if we played the match,” A-League chief Damien de Bohun said in a statement.
“Residents in south-east Queensland are being advised by Queensland police and emergency services to stay indoors so it is inappropriate for us to play a football match tonight in these circumstances.
“We are also mindful of taking emergency resources away from the disaster areas in south-east Queensland and feel it is the appropriate action to take in the interest of public safety.”
The Brisbane Lions were forced to cancel an internal trial on Friday at Burpengary, and rugby league has not been spared either.
A trial between the Brisbane Broncos’ under-20s and Intrust Super Cup side Norths Devils has also been called off.
But the Broncos’ senior trial against the Redcliffe Dolphins will go ahead, albeit without the two scheduled curtain-raisers beforehand.
“All three games playing tomorrow would potentially ruin four months of work on the playing surface,” Dolphins operations manager Grant Cleal said.
“Though wet weather isn’t ideal for viewing, to the Dolphins and Broncos fans, I’d simply like to encourage supporters to prepare themselves with wet weather clothes, umbrellas and their own seating.”
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