An injury to the competition's leading run-scorer Kyle Taylor soured City's win over Hillgrove in their first grade cricket clash on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Taylor was on 102 when an attempted run out forced him to retire hurt.
"Matt Schaefer went for a run out which hit him on the wrist and actually fractured his wrist," City captain Karl Triebe said.
"It was just an unfortunate event.
"At least we have the bye, and a bit of time and we will see how he feels coming into the first round next year."
Taylor opened the batting alongside Ash Clee, after Triebe won the toss and elected to bat and set a total for Hillgrove to chase.
Clee departed on 37 followed by Chris Brennan on 11.
Kieran Dennis "batted really well" for 65 while Andrew Skinner added 24 as City were bowled out for 279.
In the chase, Hillgrove lost Schaefer for nine but they got on a roll with Dave Schmude and Matt Baillie posting a partnership of 126 before Schmude left on 45.
Then Matt Baillie was caught on 100 in what Triebe described as the "turning point" of the match.
"An extraordinary catch Elijah Barnes took on the boundary of Matt Baillie when he was on 100 and he was looking like scoring more," he said.
"Up until that point, Hillgrove were on top and looking at chasing the runs easy.
"One handed, right on the boundary.
"It was a good catch."
Then, bar Brad King's innings of 69 runs, Hillgrove collapsed, with three ducks towards the tail end, and City managed to topple them for 255.
Andrew Skinner was City's leading bowler with 4-39 from his nine overs.
Arran Kenna snared two wickets, with Triebe, Pat Gilbey, Michael Baumgartner and Andy Sawyer chiming in with one each.
"Skins bowled really well, he was at his best, swinging the ball around," Triebe said.
"We fielded really well which made all the difference."