Newdegate pull the pin saying the season is not “financially viable” to leave Ongerup Football Association premiership season in limbo

Newdegate will not play in the Ongerup Football Association this season, saying the season is not “financially viable” given the uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions — and that is likely to result in any form of season that is conducted not being played for premiership points. The OFA announced last week it would return to the field on Saturday, June 27 after a meeting with club presidents. However, a spanner has been thrown in the works since that decision, with one of the five participating clubs pulling the pin. That withdrawal could mean the season will be played, but not for a premiership. Newdegate Football Club president Ian Lloyd confirmed his club had withdrawn after the meeting last week due to volunteer overload and restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. “At this point we are done for the season,” Lloyd said. “We had a few paid players sitting in limbo and we couldn’t keep holding them without knowing what’s going to happen. “I think it was only fair to let them go. “It wasn’t going to be financially viable (this season). “It’s not just about the footy club though, it’s about running the whole day — the bar, canteen, hockey and netball as well.” One of Newdegate’s major club fundraisers, the Newdegate Field Days in September, has been cancelled. Lloyd said it would be tough for his club to find enough players, even if restrictions were eased further in the coming weeks, given several of their travelling players had found new clubs for this season. “We are looking forward to going again next year, we definitely aren’t done all together,” he said. “The (travelling) players indicated that they could return next season. But when other leagues are going ahead this year and they go and play for them, it’s always a wait-and-see as to if they come back.” OFA president Royce Taylor said they were planning to conduct a senior competition without Newdegate. Last week the OFA planned a 10-week regular season, playing each other twice before a top three finals series. That was set to start on June 27 with the grand final scheduled for September 12. “Everything is still a bit up in the air so we will wait and see what happens,” Taylor said. “With these restrictions it is too hard for these communities. “Boxwood Hill are a little bit in the same position with the volunteer burnout. “We are waiting for the next phase of restrictions to come in, to see what we do.” The junior competition will also go ahead, but the reserves grade is likely to be scrapped.