Dungog Cricket Association secretary Karen Sanders said the call was made on Friday to cancel all games as air quality was so low because of the smoke.

Sanders said there were some complaints but the overwhelming majority of players realised that it was simply a safety issue.

"We have a duty of care to players and officials and given the air quality it was going to be dangerous for anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions to be out on Saturday, let alone playing cricket," she said.

Sanders said by cancelling the entire round all teams were treated the same and would receive equal points for draws.

Maitland junior and senior cricket was also called off affecting Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford and Paterson junior sides as well Paterson in the A and D-grade competitions.

This week's games are the final round for junior cricketers before the extended school holiday break. Saturday morning cricket returns on February 1.

The Maitland senior competitions have two weeks to play before a break for Christmas.

This Saturday is the last round for the Dungog competition before the Christmas break with the competition to resume on January 11.

Sanders said it was one of the most even competitions in recent years with new side Stroud hitting the ground and making a strong start.

Bunnies and Gresford are the two teams which have struggled to date, but the other five have all shown they are capable of being very competitive.

With one round to play before the break, Karuah are on top of the table with 30 points followed by Stroud on 28.

Clarence Town and Wallarobba are third and fourth equal of 23 points and Stockmans are just outside the top four on 21 points.

Round 9