The coronavirus pandemic delivered one final blow before the calendar ticked over to 2021 with organisers of Armidale's Walter Taylor Shield forced to make the tough decision to cancel the annual under-15s carnival.
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The 29th edition was to have commenced on Monday but in a post on New Years Eve on the Armidale District Cricket Association Facebook page, the WTS committee announced that "on advise from higher authorities amidst growing COVID-19 concerns combined with inclement weather forecast" they had "made the agonising decision" to cancel the 2021 Walter Taylor Shield.
Several Sydney-based teams were set to participate in the carnival with West Pennant Hills/Cherrybrook, North West Sydney Hurricanes, Hunters Hill Lions and Hornsby joining the Brisbane Bears, Tamworth, Far North Coast, Inverell, Ballina and the home side.
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"We trust that whilst this is disappointing news, particularly for players, supporters and sponsors, that people will understand the challenging circumstances of this decision," the post continued.
"The ADCA looks forward to bringing you a bigger and better WTS in 2022."
The news comes as a host of other carnivals scheduled for next week were also cancelled and for Tamworth's junior representative teams means they have played their last games for the 2020/21 season after the Central North and Northern Inland competitions wrapped up before Christmas.
The under-11s were due to head to Newcastle, the under-12s Lismore, under-13s Ballina and under-15s Armidale where they would have been looking for back-to-back titles.
At this stage the carnival in Newcastle the under-14s are scheduled to play in later in January is still going ahead.
As are the Northern Bradman Cup (male under 16s) and the Country Colts (male under 18s) carnivals. Both carnivals are being played in Tamworth and will commence on Monday.
It is the start of a busy couple of weeks with the women's country championships - for both under 16s and under 19s - to be played the following week. The 16s on January 11-12 and the 19s on January 13-14.