ORANGE City president Steve Stone is hopeful of being able to find time in the busy Blowes Clothing Cup schedule to replay last Saturday’s postponed Mudgee Wombats clash.
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But he concedes he may not be able to.
The Lions were scheduled to travel to Jubilee Oval for their round 11 clash with the Wombats, but record rain fall forced Mid West Regional Council to close Mudgee’s main rugby field on Friday.
Lions officials asked the Wombats club if they were able to make the trip to Orange to play the game instead, but the short notice put paid to that notion.
Stone says his club will explore all options to have the game played, but the two hour distance between Mudgee and Orange is likely to pose the greatest hurdle.
A mid-week clash at a half-way point – like Wellington – might be Orange City’s only chance of having, at the very least, first grade played.
“I’ve got a feeling both clubs will want the game to be played … it’s just a matter of finding the best time to do it,” Stone said.
I’ve got a feeling both clubs will want the game to be played … it’s just a matter of finding the best time to do it
- City boss Steve Stone
“With the competition the way it is, points are pretty valuable to everyone.
“I think we’d be keen to play, but it’s hard to see an opportunity to do so.”
As Stone alluded to, points are at a premium in this year’s Blowes Clothing Cup race.
Without their game being played last Saturday, Orange City slipped to fourth on the 2016 ladder.
Mudgee, too, are at a loss after having their home ground closed by council, with the Bathurst Bulldogs’ commanding, bonus-point win over Cowra shooting them five points clear of the Wombats, who currently sit sixth.
If both teams’ finals trajectories continue in this manner for the rest of the eight remaining regular season rounds, Orange City could have to beat Mudgee to secure a top three spot.
While the Wombats may have to beat the Lions to qualify for the finals.
It’s a crucial clash.
“It’s a bit disappointing it wasn’t able to go ahead,” Stone said.
“We’ll have a meeting and work out what we can do.”