Saturday’s Gippsland League round 12 fixture between Maffra and Leongatha was cancelled due to flooding at Maffra Recreation Reserve.
Heavy rain overnight on Tuesday left the football oval underwater and despite best efforts from ground staff and Wellington Shire Council, it was determined unsafe and playing on it this weekend would cause severe long-term damage to the surface.
With the assistance of AFL Gippsland and the affected clubs, the Gippsland League board made every effort to have the games moved to an alternate venue.
However, despite contacting various clubs, local councils and grounds committees and inspecting multiple potential venues, a suitable alternative was unable to be secured.
Gippsland League chair Greg Maidment was satisfied the proper process had been followed and all reasonable alternative arrangements considered.
“The safety of our players is paramount and given the amount of rainfall in Gippsland this week we can appreciate few clubs are able to provide us with a suitable replacement venue,” Maidment said.
“The board consulted the netball sub-committee throughout the process and they have agreed to cancel corresponding netball fixtures.
“The board would like to thank all parties that have assisted us in reaching a fair and sensible outcome to a difficult situation.”
Maidment said the league board retained the right to reschedule the affected fixtures, prior to the end of the home-and-away season.
In the event an agreed date and venue cannot be secured, all effected football and netball matches will be declared draws, with each team issued two premiership points and no change to their percentage.
