Wodonga frustrated as reserves game against Wodonga Raiders finishes early

The Bulldogs trailed their arch rivals by a goal and were within scoring range late in the final term at John Flower Oval when the game was suddenly called off with around seven minutes on the clock in order to prepare the ground for the traditional Anzac Day ceremony before the senior match.

Raiders were declared the winners, 4.9 (33) to 3.9 (27).

Wodonga reserves coach Sam Gosbell said the sides were informed beforehand there was a chance the game would have to finish early to keep the day on schedule, but it was certainly a source of frustration given how tight it was on the scoreboard.

"You understand there's a running sheet with times and there's bigger things than our game being called off," Gosbell said.

"But I think we were still in regular game mode and going off what we could see on the clock.

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"To still think we had a bit of time up our sleeves to try to implement what we needed to and be cut short was certainly frustrating, but it is what it is.

"Not knowing exactly what the league rules are and the protocol for Anzac Day, but had we been aware of that from a coaching point of view, it would have been great to start a little bit earlier so we didn't have to factor that in.

"That's out of our control and we'll move forward.

"If we were ahead, I guess we wouldn't be too concerned, but we shouldn't have got ourselves into that position.

"We can't complain, we need to be better next time and make sure we're ready to adapt and be ready to go."

It was Raiders' first win of the season and left Wodonga with two wins and two losses.

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