Though usually thought to be up for a good time, Wanganui's cricketing fraternity have apparently turned party-poopers.
What was billed as the sport's biggest end-of-season party - the two-day Cricket Sixes competition - has been scrapped due to lack of entries.
Organiser Petera Hudson said he had hoped to attract 16 teams for the Easter weekend bash at Victoria Park, and needed at least 10 to break even. There had been good support from out-of-town teams and from Station United but other clubs had not put their hand up.
"Also, the support from Cricket Wanganui wasn't there," he said.
"It's a disappointment because we had a great reaction from the business community and sponsors, and there was a buzz about the event among the non-cricketing community."
He admitted a fee of $40 per player might have impacted on entries for the competition, which offered 10 games over two days for six-a-side teams.
So the beer tent, barbecue and DJs have been cancelled and cricket enthusiasts will miss out on seeing former Black Cap Mathew Sinclair and Central Districts players Bevan Small, Dane Cleaver and Roald Badenhorst, who had all been lined up by Marton skipper Dominic Rayner for his invitation team.
Away from the parties and back on the pitch, the season nears its climax with the final round in the premier 1 grade on Saturday before the knockout stages.
Marist and United lead the way in the 50-over competition, with the eventual table-toppers going straight through to the final on March 17.
Second and third placed teams contest a playoff on Sunday at Vic Park.
Should rain wipe out play on Saturday yet again, Marist will finish top of the table with a slightly superior net run rate.
Positions:
Marist 26 points; United 26; Saracens 22; High School 14; Tech Old Boys 14; Collegiate 4.
Marist play High School on Saturday, while United face Marton Saracens, who seem assured of a playoff spot.
In the premier 2 competition, it's semifinal time with leaders HSOB playing Saracens 2 and Renegades tackling United 2.
The winners meet in a March 17 final.