A forfeit has taken the gloss off Greater Northern Raiders' first-ever women's and men's double-header at UTAS Stadium.
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Scheduled to meet Glenorchy at 11am and 2.30pm on Sunday, the Raiders were informed on Friday morning that only the latter fixture would go ahead after the Magpies' women's side was forced to pull out.
Two of the Magpies' squad were unavailable due to firefighting commitments, which was a contributing factor in the decision to forfeit.
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The Raiders women's side will instead play a super-eights intraclub match, allowing vice-captain Caitlyn Webster to play on UTAS Stadium for the first time.
"It's a really nice ground and it would have been an amazing opportunity to play on it for points but we know that we can't really help it," the keeper-batter said.
"It's a bit unfortunate we can't play the game but in the end cricket's a sport to get out and about and have some fun but obviously there's bigger things going on with what's happening across Australia with the fires.
"So from us at the Raiders we really appreciate these girls' work and all volunteers and fire services."
The two sides had enjoyed contrasting fortunes leading into their first clash of the season with the Magpies winning just once against bottom side Brighton and the Raiders dropping just one T20 against ladder-leader New Town.
Playing their inaugural season, the Raiders have shocked many a Southern opponent to sit second from top at the midway point of the campaign.
"It is a bit surprising but at the same time I'm also not surprised," Webster said.
"We have a very skilful bunch of girls and key to our performances has been coming together as a unit and playing together.
"It's certainly been nice to get a few wins. We weren't sure what was going to happen, especially coming up to our first game against a stronger competition, so it's been nice to come away with a couple of results."
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