The only variable that could spoil the party is one he has no control over: rain. None of the six teams in the Southern Lands first grade competition have played this month, and second and third division matches in Goulburn have featured inconsistently since Christmas.

The cricket-less theme continued on Saturday for some.

A Friday night storm soaked the Seiffert wicket prepared for Tully Park and Wingello, while a wet Bradman Oval was deemed unplayable for Coolavin-Bowling Club and Bowral cricketers on Saturday morning.

Second and third grade contests were completed on synthetic wickets, although a portion of junior matches were abandoned before the toss.

This week’s weather forecasts offers hope for cricket teams desperate to make a last-ditch attempt for a semi-final berth. And, provided the weather Bureau’s prediction is correct, nothing should stop either Mik Webber or Andrew Benson from taking the new ball in Goulburn on Saturday.

“The pitch will be fine, provided the rain stays away,” Mortimer said. “It should be a good deck actually, a bit challenging.”

Merely playing could prove a challenge for those who haven’t rolled the arm in match conditions for 29 days.

Saturday could be the last chance Tully Park has to press for the minor premiership, a decisive advantage if rain intervenes when semi-finals start on March 17. The clash 80km northeast at Bradman Oval is equally important.

Bowral and Coolavin share third position on 70 points. The weekend’s victor has a leg-up in the race for third place. At the same time cricketers in the Highlands bemoan wet weather, Tully Park paceman Tom Skelly stakes a claim for national selection.

The Scots College student who features in the BDCU Cup occasionally is at an under 18 talent camp at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

Skelly received an invitation after impressive performances for New South Wales at the under 17s national cricket championships in Hobart. It’s a massive opportunity, says Cricket Australia Talent Manager and former Test captain Greg Chappell.

“State talent managers will be in attendance and I have no doubt they will be looking for stand-out performers to potentially fill rookie contracts next season.”