The Rushworth v Ardmona Round 1 football and netball games tomorrow have been shifted from Rushworth to Ardmona due to the condition of the Rushworth playing surface after a ground assessment conducted last night.
Members of the League Executive, the Reserve’s Committee of Management and Rushworth FNC inspected the ground yesterday and in consultation with Ardmona FNC the weekend’s football and netball games have been relocated.
Rushworth Public Park Reserve Committee of Management Chairperson Marion Riley identified that it is entirely regrettable that the playing surface hadn’t come up to standard after the regular pre season works. "Almost three weeks ago we conducted our regular oval maintenance schedule with fertilisation, gypsum, harrowing and re-seeding to transition the ground from cricket to football season" she commented.
"Despite an intensive watering program we just haven’t had enough recent rain to supplement it and the ground isn’t in the condition that it normally is at this time of year."
"We have never had this issue before and it is a really unfortunate situation."
"Player safety is paramount at all times" added Rushworth President Stephen Kealy "when we realised the ground was not likely to be ready in time we consulted with Ardmona and the League for a change to occur."
"After a challenging off season we are geared up to go and while disappointed we don’t have a home game first up we are now focused on taking on Ardmona at their ground."
KDFNL President Wayne Ryan acknowledged the attitude of both clubs in resolving the situation "Rushworth could have left it to the last minute and hoped that the ground would be ready for Saturday but fortunately they got on the front foot and we have avoided a potential player safety issue."
"Ardmona should also be acknowledged for their willingness to host the game, especially when they have also suffered this week with a break in to their rooms."
"In the end the League is comfortable with the change and the attitude of both clubs to work together has ensured that a solution was reached quickly and in the right spirit."
Last Modified on 22/04/2015 15:33