Grand final venue up in air
The venue for Saturday’s Ellinbank District Football League grand final was still in doubt as the Warragul-Drouin Gazette went to press yesterday.
With the condition of Warragul’s Western Park an ongoing concern (the Gippsland League chose to move its first semi final from Warragul to Sale last week), the EDFL board of management had sounded out Garfield and Yarragon’s Dowton Park as possible alternatives.
EDFL general manager Ken Moore said the board of management hoped the grand final would remain at Western Park.
A meeting between the board of management, shire representatives and other key figures was held at the ground at 4pm yesterday to determine the best course of action.“It was probably 50-50 yesterday, but we are yet to meet with shire management,” he said. “My gut feeling is it will be okay. “I believe there are plans in place for 30 cubic metres of sand, use of a heavy roller and bigger covers to help protect it.”
Moore said while both Garfield and Yarragon grounds were available, the preferred option was to play at Western Park.
He said arranging resources at short notice could be difficult, especially with Garfield volunteers required at Wonthaggi for their under 18 West Gippsland Football Netball Competition grand final.
“We might also get less crowd if we have to move it,” Moore said.
“Hopefully it won’t move.