FROM premiers to wooden spooners in 12 months.
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That will be the unfortunate bottom line for Toronto Workers when they assess the Newcastle district cricket season of 2019-2020.
The season came to an anti-climactic end for the Kookaburras on Saturday when rain forced a draw in their match against Stockton and Northern Districts at Lynn Oval.
Aaron Gray (42) and Josh Westwood (42 not out) had helped Toronto to 3-100 from 23 overs, and heading towards a competitive score when rain intervened.
No play had been possible on the first day's play, either.
Toronto captain Corey Brown said it was a disappointing way to finish the season.
"We were on track for a decent score," he said.
But persistent rain ruled out any chance of a result.
"At the end, the pitch was under water."
The skipper had earlier put in phone calls to premiership winners Gray and former skipper Adrian Chad to fill vacancies in the team.
"We were a bit short [for players] with injuries and guys being unavailable, so I checked if those two guys were available to help us out, and they were both happy to play," Brown said.
"And it was great to have them back in."
Gray had been playing in the masters (over-35s) competition for Toronto this season, while Chad had been unavailable for much of the season.
Gray made the most of his return to the top grade, scoring an aggressive 42, from 48 balls, at the top of the innings on a wicket that was difficult early.
Chad wasn't required.
Westwood, meanwhile, continued his strong form.
"Westy has been our best bat this season, by a long way," the captain said.
His innings included two sixes over mid-wicket, and one six struck down the ground.
Brown said the club would benefit from having its young players fast-tracked as first graders this season.
"Take Connor Lupton. He's a genuine first grader now," Brown said.
There were, however, plans to recruit some players for next summer, he said.
A wicket-keeper, opening bowler, spinner and an experienced batsman were on the wish list, he said.
On Tuesday, Newcastle District Cricket Association announced the finals series had been cancelled after a recommendation by Cricket Australia to stop all competition in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Brown had tipped the winner of the University versus Wests semi final, that had been scheduled for this weekend, to win the title. Wallsend were set to take on Merewether in the other semi final.
