Footy cancellation questioned

•   Auskickers after presentation with certificates and pre party pies. Front: Alexander Fenton, Ruby Meek, Charlie Howlett, Max Keefe. Back: Lewis Moore, Oscar Brennan, Jayden Slater, Ollie Gerke and Noah Johnston.

By Tony Scott,
August 04, 2021

There’s controversy and some questions still being asked about the decision by the NTFA to call off all of last Saturday’s games in the Division One competition.

Bridport was set to play its final home game against Meander Valley.

But Club secretary Cara Howlett said the Association had told Bridport just before three o’clock last Friday afternoon that it had invoked its by-laws to call the whole round off after two games had been cancelled.

It’s understood the matches were to have been played at Invermay Park and the NTCA, both controlled by Launceston City Council, which had declared they were unsuitable for play.

The Lilydale and Old Launcestonians game was cancelled last Wednesday, but Mrs Howlett said they weren’t told which was the second game called off, simply that the whole round was off.

“It was very disappointing to just be told like that.

“Our ground is wet, but the club and council have spent a lot on drainage and it was quite playable.

“The game against Meander Valley wouldn’t have made any real difference to the ladder but after the time and effort you put into organising a home game it’s disappointing to miss out on the revenue that a home game brings.”

Bridport’s final game for the season is set down to be against St Pats at Prospect.

The cancellation of the East Coast Swans game against Old Scotch had more implications for the ladder, as the Swans still had a chance of securing a double chance in the finals race with a win.

They were due to play at the NTCA, but could have switched to a home game at St Helens, which has not received anything like the rainfall as Launceston, and the ground is in excellent condition.

Bridport’s final Auskick for the year did go ahead and the participants were treated to a presentation of medals and certificates along with chips and party pies afterwards.

Mr Howlett said it would have been a disappointment for the youngsters as well that there was no competitive matches on the ground after their kick.

“We try to make the experience make them part of the club,” she said.

 Bridport’s annual ball did go ahead on Saturday night with a Covid-limited crowd of 90 celebrating into the night.

• King of the ball Nick Sutton, Queen EJ McCarthy and Princess Ellie Moore.

• Adam and Cara Howlett having a ball at Bridport.