An average of 45 millimetres drenched the region, with some venues deemed unsafe for play.

Stawell’s Wednesday night tennis grand final was postponed as the courts copped the beginning of the storm.

Cricket and outdoor swimming training across the region were cancelled on Thursday – when the highest rain totals were recorded.

The weather eased on Saturday – but it didn’t last for long.

St Arnaud Swimming Club, along with other swimmers throughout the Wimmera, travelled to Warracknabeal for an annual swimming carnival.

Public relations officer Belinda Burke said about six events were cancelled due to the weather conditions.

“Every swimmer was happy they didn’t have to swim. It came in very cold and no one wanted to dive back into the pool,” she said.

“One minute the sun was out, the next it was windy and cold.”

The weather interrupted Grampians Cricket Association’s Saturday fixture.

A Grade and B Grade matches were affected in different locations.

Association president David Turner said the committee wanted to ensure player safety.

“The A Grade game at Alexandra Oval between Aradale and Buangor-Tatyoon was called off in the morning. The pitch was wet and it wasn’t safe to play on,” he said.

“The umpire deemed the ground unsafe. Water got under the covers, which doesn’t help.”

Turner said the clubs were responsible for cancelling games.

“It’s up to the individual clubs to inform the association of cancellation of play due to weather and the grounds,” he said.

In B Grade, the Rhymney-Moyston game against Buangor-Tatyoon was called off before it started.

“The captain, along with some advice from players, deemed the ground and pitch unsafe to play. All other matches got started – although only one was completed,” Turner said.

On Sunday, rain-affected grounds put a stop to the under-13 competition.

“The rain we had overnight on Saturday put doubt over any game on Sunday,” Turner said.

Buangor and Tatyoon were able to get onto the field in the only match competed in round nine.

“The Country Week side to play in Ballarat on Sunday was called off on Saturday night,” he said.

Turner said while the weather was out of everyone's control, it was disappointing minimal cricket was played going into the final rounds before the mid-season break.

“Some players haven’t played for two or three weeks. Thanks needs to go out to the guys working on the turf wickets with all the rain during the week to at least try and get players a start on Saturday,” he said.

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