Tatura’s grounds locked in for big day

By Teo Pellizzeri

September 15 2009

Shepparton News

Goulburn North East Football Association has locked in its grand final venues for Sunday with Tatura's two soccer venues Tatura Park and Howley Oval being called into action.

The men's division one final will remain on the same pitch as previous seasons at Tatura Park, while Howley Oval will host two matches in the absence of a suitable second pitch at either venue.

The association had originally chosen Howley Oval to host all grades, but did a backflip after admitting the venue allocation had underestimated the number of fans that would attend grand final day.

Numurkah Showgrounds remained in the mix to host the grand final, but a pitch association president Frank Trimboli described as "ordinary" was a factor in the Moira Shire Council venue missing out on the hosting rights.

"We just didn't believe Howley Oval had the facilities to cater for our soccer population," Trimboli said.

"We wanted to reward the grand finalists on a premier ground.

"The pitch (at Numurkah) was certainly a big factor.

"It's not ready to host a grand final this year, but for 2010 it will definitely take some consideration for one or more of the finals rounds."

Trimboli said the lack of a spectator-friendly, soccer specific venue in the Greater Shepparton area had been displayed by the recent grand final predicament.

"Our sport is unique because we have so many grades playing on the one day," he said.

"We have a lack of venues to host a controlled carnival with appropriate facilities for players and fans."

To accommodate a full day's play, the men's division one grand final has been moved from its traditional 3 pm timeslot to 3.30 pm.