The Goulburn Valley League and Ovens and Murray Football and Netball League will not play against each other in 2021 after a decision was made to leave the weekend free in case the two competitions’ respective fixtures needed restructuring due to the pandemic.
Due to be hosted by the GVL, matches would have included senior and under-18 football along with open and 17 and under netball.
The senior football teams would have once again played for the coveted Ash-Wilson Trophy, currently held by the Ovens and Murray league.
GVL chairman David Roff explained why players would not get to represent the league this year.
“The snap lockdown last week reminded us of the continued threat of the pandemic and how quickly things can change,” Mr Roff said.
“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.”
Ovens and Murray chairman David Sinclair said the decision had to occur to give the two competitions the best chance of getting through the season.
“The ability to be flexible in the current environment will be paramount to achieving this,” he said.
“We’ll continue to collaborate with the GVL throughout the year and look forward to reigniting the rivalry in 2022.”
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