Sunraysia Football Netball League to lend a helping hand

THE Sunraysia Football and Netball League (SFNL) will consider subsidising the cost of umpires for this week as a return to competition has taken another sharp left turn.

It is also believed the AFL Sunraysia Commission is prepared to chip in to help clubs with costs for this weekend’s matches.

With all involved in sport having constantly been on their toes for the season, clubs have had to take another jump sideways with all matches having been reverted back to their original Victorian locations without spectators.

The tightening of the Victoria and New South Wales border bubble means crowds from the more southern state will not be allowed across the bridge as spectators as previously hoped.

Matches will now return to regular Saturday scheduling without spectators for the weekend, with hopes restrictions will ease next Tuesday to allow for patrons to return for the final round of the home-and-away season.

With less cash coming through the gate and money being handed over at the canteen and bar, home clubs will likely be operating at a loss.

Home clubs are responsible for the payment of officials from the Sunraysia Football Umpires Association and, as a result, SFNL president Paul Matheson has asked fellow board members to consider subsidising the payments for this week.

It is hoped restrictions will have eased enough by next week to allow for spectators to return to matches.

“It is a significant cost to clubs so I am hoping the AFL Sunraysia Commission may also assist,” Matheson said.

“I am also hopeful we can negotiate a reduced rate with umpires because I’m sure some footballers will be playing for nothing this weekend.

“It is a temporary hope so we can return to community sport as soon as possible and also hopefully get some crowds as soon as possible.

“The SFNL, like the clubs, are not immune to the financial strain and game day overheads.”

SFNL matches were initially scheduled to take place in NSW from Friday night through to Sunday, however restrictions to crowd numbers have led to games being returned to their original round 7 fixtures.

Imperials and Merbein’s top-of-the-table clash will take place at Brian Weightman Oval, South Mildura will play at Sarah Oval as their home venue for the final time against Wentworth, Irymple host Ouyen United at Henshilwood Park and Red Cliffs face Mildura at Quandong Park at the slightly earlier start time of 2pm, instead of the usual 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, the schedule for the weekend’s Millewa Football League, Millewa Netball Association and Sunraysia Women’s Football League matches will also undergo a change.

Matches between Meringur and Nangiloc and Cardross and Gol Gol will still take place at Gol Gol’s Alcheringa Oval, while Sunday’s contest between Bambill and Werrimull has now reverted back its original Saturday slot at Mildura Senior College.

This weekend’s football schedule

SFNL

Imperials v Merbein – Brian Weightman Oval

South Mildura v Wentworth – Sarah Oval

Irymple v Ouyen United – Henshilwood Oval

Red Cliffs v Mildura – Quandong Park

Robinvale Euston – Bye

MFL

Meringur v Nangiloc – Gol Gol Oval

Cardross v Gol Gol – Gol Gol Oval

Bambill v Werrimull – Mildura Senior College