Ovens and Murray and Goulburn Valley leagues postpone interleague clash

The rivals were scheduled to meet in 2020, but matches were called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and season cancellations that followed.

Both leagues were working towards a new date for 2021, but have agreed to postpone these matches to 2022 due to the constantly changing nature of the rules around the pandemic.

Ovens and Murray chairman David Sinclair said the league had eagerly anticipated the chance to play for the Ash-Wilson Trophy and test itself against the best from the Goulburn Valley league.

"It's disappointing to lose that opportunity in 2021, however the primary focus of the board is to deliver a season for our clubs and players," Sinclair said.

"The ability to be flexible in the current environment will be paramount to achieving this.

"We'll continue to collaborate with the GVL throughout the year and look forward to reigniting the rivalry in 2022."

Goulburn Valley league chairman David Roff was also excited about the planned interleague clashes.

"We were all looking forward to the opportunity to renew the rivalry between our two great leagues, both in netball and football," he said.

"Our leagues have played each other 18 times since country championship football began in 1978 with the leagues split at nine wins each.

"The snap lockdown last week reminded us of the continued threat of the pandemic and how quickly things can change.

"We agree with the O and M that the interleague round will now be scheduled as a general bye and will provide us with the flexibility to move any games that may need to be rescheduled to that weekend."

The Ovens and Murray season opens with a twilight game on March 27 between Albury and Yarrawonga at Albury Sportsground.