Key Downs fixture cancelled

AUSSIE RULES: A key representative fixture on the AFL Darling Downs calendar has been cancelled due to a breakdown in communication.

The Darling Downs and Wide Bay Burnett sides were due to meet this weekend in Toowoomba, however the game will no longer go ahead.

“The Darling Downs had a full team and administration ready to go,” AFL Darling Downs president Leigh Riseley said.

“They are disappointed not to be playing.

“The reason for the cancellation is due to no response from the Wide Bay representative team coordinator.”

The match was important for players in the Darling Downs to push for their shot at selection in the South Queensland team.

The next opportunity to try and earn a spot will come in the City vs Country game later in the season, with no other room on the calendar for another representative fixture.

In place of the cancelled fixture, a full day of junior football will take place tomorrow at Rockville Oval.

Featuring teams from the U8s right through to the new U17s competition, hundreds of aspiring young footballers will get their chance to shine.

“It gives them a consolation and a carnival type of atmosphere,” he said.

“They will get the experience of larger crowds watching their game and better volunteer support.”