The Kimba Cricket Association was informed on Friday evening that Great Flinders was unable to field a team for the Saturday match, following a similar notification for B Grade earlier that day.

Kimba Cricket Association spokesman Danny Horgan has voiced his “disappointment” at the decision.

“To forfeit both A Grade and B Grade association games is unbelievable and an easy cop out, not only denying your own players the chance of meeting the next challenge but also that of the opposition.

Horgan compared the move as “akin to Great Flinders Football League forfeiting a Mortlock Shield game”.

“Not only has Great Flinders damaged their own reputation, putting at jeopardy their players representing Eyre Peninsula, but have effectively denied Kimba the chance of defending the A Grade Henderson Shield trophy which they have won for the past three years.

“A Great Flinders Cricket Association problem has now become a Kimba Association and EP cricket problem - we sincerely hope something can be done to rectify this situation.”

In contrast, Great Flinders Southern Eyre Junior Cricket Association was out in force at the weekend to play Kimba at Kimba, with strong support from both home and Great Flinders crowds.

“The Kimba Association thanks the Great Flinders U16 team and their supporters for making the effort to travel to Kimba to play their allocated game - a game which Great Flinders succeeded in winning.”

A spokesman for Great Flinders Cricket Association was unavailable for comment at time of printing.