A decision was made approximately midday today to cancel the under 18 Central Queensland carnival scheduled for this weekend.
Following heavy rainfall overnight after a few wet weeks, the grounds in Mackay were in no condition to host 3 games of football over the weekend. This was a tough decision to make, but the consensus amongst the three regions was reached at approximately midday, which was necessary with Townsville and Rockhampton having to notify accommodation and transport providers. With further rainfall expected it was highly unlikely the grounds would get up in time for Saturday afternoon. Bakers Creek ground at Etwell Park was looked at, but it was too wet to get near the middle of the ground which needed sand to cover the concrete pitch.
It is unfortunate for the squad of 22 and coaching staff that have been working towards this since the first week in November last year. I would like to thank Jason Kelly, Paul Chatfield and David Johnston for their time as development coaches working with the talented and committed group we had over the Summer period. Well done to all of the boys that were committed to giving themselves every opportunity to play representative football and be in good physical condition to play their best football.
Thank you to the North Mackay Football Club in particular Anne-Marie Riddle and Ray Long for making the facility at Zeolla Park available and accessible for training and making every attempt to get the ground up in time for this weekend.
The challenging task now is to select a squad from Mackay that will form part of the Central Queensland team that plays in Rockhampton next weekend. The boys that are selected from Mackay will be notified by the end of this weekend and the squad will be posted on the website Monday morning. Central Queensland will play two games against North and South Queensland. Further details for the boys that are selected are below:
Friday 20 February
7.00am Depart Townsville for Rockhampton
11.00am Pick up players in Mackay and Lunch
12.00pm Depart Mackay
5.00pm Arrive Rockhampton at Rockhampton Backpackers and YHA,
60 Macfarlane St, Rockhampton.
Bus driver booked in at Quality Inn Motel, 131 George St.
Saturday 21 February
12.15pm Bus will pick up team from YHA
12.30pm All players meet at Stenlake Oval
12.30pm Lunch (Glenmore Bulls)
1.00pm Testing
3.00pm Central V South
4.00pm Central V North
5.00pm South V North
6.30pm Dinner at Stenlake Oval (Glenmore Bulls)
7.30pm Bus to take North team back to YHA
Sunday 22 February
6.30am All players to be at Stenlake Oval for team meeting
7.30am Depart for Cairns
11.30am Drop off Mackay players and lunch
There will be a cost of $50 for every player that makes the Central Queensland squad which includes accommodation, transport and meals from Friday evening through to Sunday breakfast.
Last Modified on 19/07/2009 16:08