Two sporting codes have clashed over the use of the Centennial Park Oval on February 11.
Neither will give way, passing the buck to the owners of the ground, the Waitaki District Council, to make the decision when it meets on Wednesday.
Three sporting codes use the oval - cricket, rugby and athletics.
In the past, they have managed to resolve any clashes but the situation which has developed has been looming for years as traditional summer-winter sporting seasons overlap.
In particular, rugby's Super 15-Heartland rounds have encroached into the summer sports' seasons.
Community services group manager Thunes Cloete, in a report for Wednesday's meeting, said the council now had to weigh up the merits of the Hawke Cup cricket defence from February 11 to 13 or the Highlanders-Crusaders rugby match on February 11 and decide which should get the oval.
Last month, a meeting between the sporting codes and council staff discussed various options, but no resolution could be reached.
"Both codes need the best-quality playing surface available, as well as the best facilities - changing rooms, spectator accommodation, corporate opportunities and food and beverage facilities," he said. The date of neither fixture can be changed.
After considering alternative facilities, including sports grounds, the Centennial Park No 2 ground was the most suitable, with the council having to decide which match should go there.
North Otago Cricket could play the cup defence at an out-of-town venue, but would lose the home town advantage.
Mr Cloete said the Hawke Cup would be played over three consecutive days, the opposition staying three nights and bringing an unknown number of spectators.
The Highlanders-Crusaders teams would stay one night.
Ten to 12 All Blacks could be involved and as many as 5000 people could come from outside Oamaru.
Mr Cloete has not recommended one option or another, putting up opposing recommendations to shift either the cricket or rugby match to the No 2 field.
