WAGGA Wagga Netball Incorporated have thrown the doors open to a handful of teams left stranded by their clubs' decision not to play in the AFL Riverina Championship.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After having the bye in week one, Farrer League regulars North Wagga got their B-grade campaign underway with a 43-30 win over Kooringal Orange on Saturday.
Mangoplah-Cookardnia United-Eastlakes are also fielding an A-grade team, the Tumbarumba Fliers have also entered B-grade and under-18 teams after the Upper Murray Football and Netball League was cancelled and Tumut are playing in under-14s division one.
WWNI president Rosemary Clarke said they had no hesitation accommodating players looking for a game after just six Riverina League teams opted to play this year, with all Farrer League clubs withdrawing.
"Like Tumbarumba they (North Wagga) approached us and we made a decision based on what our draw was like and whether there was a spot available for them," Clarke said.
"Mango (MCUE) are playing in our A-grade competition. It's not the team they have playing on the weekend (AFL Riverina Championship) but it does bolster our A grade.
"Looking around the competition we've got at least eight players who would play in the footy leagues that have come back to their home clubs, which is great for us.
"That's what we're here for, if we've got spaces available we don't care which teams are playing, we just want to get the girls back on court.
"It's just opened a few pathways for the girls to get a game if the want to."
Marrar coach Matt Scofield said he was disappointed when the Bombers chose to withdraw from the season, but can understand the decision.
Scofield was set to embark on his first year as Bombers coach, but said the club is doing what it can to keep the players together and playing.
"I'm organising games on a Thursday night with just the club to have fun, keep the ball in their hands and keep the fitness up," he said.
"We'll be doing that every week or fortnight, and it's good to have them still around the club rather than having a complete break.
"It would be a long break after everything that's happened to not have anything. I think it would do a bit of damage so that's why we want to run some games and keep them interested, keep that club bond going so next year we're not walking into it blind."
Scofield said they may look at organising scratch matches against other clubs, depending on the COVID-19 situation.
READ MORE
