Two of the season's most crucial games have been abandoned following the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League's decision on Friday morning to cancel round 13.
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Wangaratta was to host Albury in a top of the table clash on Saturday, while Myrtleford was away to Wodonga Raiders in a game vital to their respective top three chances.
Victoria's snap five-day COVID lockdown from Thursday night (July 15) forced all community sport in the State to be dumped for this weekend.
League general manager Craig Millar immediately canvassed the 10 clubs with the prospect of axing round 13 to finish the season on September 19, or retain the current round and extend the season.
"The SS&A Ovens and Murray Football Netball League would like to advise that Round 13 has been cancelled," chairperson David Sinclair said in a press release.
" ... consideration was given to the season being extended to make up for the loss of Round 13, however the League and the Clubs remain committed to the SS&A OMFNL Grand Final being played on Sunday 19th September.
"As the situation evolves further changes may be necessary."
The Border Mail reached out to all 10 clubs prior to the decision being made with a number suggesting they didn't want the season extended.
"Players make commitments after finals, so if you can't play a round, you put a line through it," Corowa-Rutherglen president Stuart Lingham offered.
Lavington president Mark Sanson agreed.
If you can't play a round, you put a line through it.
- Corowa-Rutherglen's Stuart Lingham
"If we lose a couple of rounds in order to get a season in, that would be our preferred option," he explained.
However, Wangaratta Rovers wanted the full season.
"We're keen to consider this a bye and then hopefully play round 13 next weekend," president Wally Pasquali said.
"We're keen to see all 18 rounds played, anything less than that, it compromises the competition."
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
When contacted later, Pasquali accepted the decision.
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