Sport
27 January, 2026
Extreme heat forces MDCA to cancel matches
With the forecast tipping temperatures to reach nearly 40 degrees in Maryborough, the MDCA executive invoked its heat policy last weekend, which affected numerous matches in A grade and A reserve.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Maryborough maxed out at 39.3 degrees on Saturday.
Under the MDCA’s by-laws, games are called off if temperatures reach 38 degrees for safety concerns, with the decision made on Saturday morning to axe games set to be played in Maryborough and surrounds.
It’s the second time in three weeks that MDCA games have been cancelled due to extreme weather.
The alarming threat of bushfires postponed the association’s return following the Christmas break on January 10.
Maryborough’s homecoming to Princes Park against the Beaufort Bulls in A grade was one of the matches postponed in the cancellation, now reverted to a one-day match starting this weekend, as is Carisbrook’s contest against Colts Phelans.
A crucial match between A reserve finals contenders Maryborough and MKM, as well as Laanecoorie Dunolly’s clash against Carisbrook, were also cancelled, with the four teams splitting the points.
With the heat a touch cooler in Clunes and Beaufort, the Magpies started their A grade two-day match with Laanecoorie Dunolly as scheduled, while the Bulls played Clunes and Avoca at the Goldfields Recreation Reserve in A reserve.