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THE Ovens and Murray is under mounting pressure to reverse its decision to change the draw after Wodonga and Wodonga Raiders yesterday joined the mounting number of clubs to condemn the move.
Raiders’ chief John Lewis and Bulldogs counterpart Richard Bence said altering the fixture to allow Yarrawonga recruit Brendan Fevola to play against Lavington on Easter Sunday set a dangerous precedent that could have major repercussions for the league.
Lewis said the decision to bring forward the round 17 clash between Wangaratta and Yarrawonga to March 31 to allow Fevola to serve his one-match suspension before the Easter Sunday blockbuster at Mulwala was a mistake.
“Our club’s not happy with it,” John Lewis said.
“Usually the board get things right and this time they have got it wrong.
“There are too many losers in this one.
“We have two teams starting early and they get the jump on the rest of the teams and the break before the finals which we think is unfair to the other sides.
“They have set a precedent where if one of us needs to change something in the future it may end up in court.
“We’re also very unhappy about there being no consultation.”
The comments come on the back of Wangaratta Rovers, Albury and Lavington writing strongly worded letters venting their dismay at the board’s decision.
Corowa-Rutherglen is also disappointed with the lack of communication.
Richard Bence said the board’s decision was out of character.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate and I think it’s unfair,” Bence said.
“We are a well run competition and a well promoted competition and I make that comparison against other competitions.
“I just don’t think this decision sits with the consistently that has existed in my previous experience with the O&M board.”
Lavington is expected to meet with the O&M today to discuss its grievances.
Yarrawonga president Glenn Brear yesterday refused to comment on the backlash.
O&M general manager Tom O’Connor has stood by the board’s decision saying the move is in the best interests of the competition and country football.
Fevola was suspended for a week while playing for Casey Scorpions last season.