By Tyler Lewis
Sunday’s Outer East Premier Division second semi-final has been relocated from Gembrook Cockatoo to Woori Yallock.
The shift comes as a consequence of the facility at Gembrook Recreation Reserve remaining unfinished after two years of ongoing development.
Outer East Chief Executive Officer Aaron Bailey revealed the complexity of the alteration that was announced on Wednesday evening.
“We tried to source multiple venues,” he explained.
“Due to the conditions of grounds or capital works projects starting, we were unable to use those venues… we have gone to Woori Yallock as a neutral venue.
“(it’s been) extraordinarily challenging, we had the Yarra River go through Yarra Glen’s ground last week, which meant we had to move that game last week.
“To have this occur again is certainly difficult, we’re really disappointed for the Gembrook Cockatoo Football Netball Club, because they certainly needed this boost.
“From a league perspective, trying to access venues at the moment – with a number of capital works projects and a lot of grounds in poor condition due to rain – has been really difficult.
“Trying to reach a neutral venue that allows every team its chance at success also provides its own challenges.”
Despite the relocation of the second semi-final, Bailey remains eager to see the Premier Division grand final at the home of the Brookers in just over a fortnight’s time.
“Our full intention is to still play the game at Gembrook Cockatoo,” he said.
“However, if they are still not in by next Wednesday, we will look to provide at least nine days of notice for all participants on where the grand final is.
“We have provisions in place should we need to move, but our aim is to continue to work towards having that grand final at Gembrook Cockatoo.”
SUNDAY’S MATCHES NOW AT WOORI YALLOCK:
FOOTBALL
UNDER-19s: Upwey Tecoma v Narre Warren – 10:10AM
RESERVES: Upwey Tecoma v Narre Warren – 12:10PM
SENIORS: Narre Warren v Wandin – 2:20PM
NETBALL
17U BLUE: Narre Warren v Seville – 9:35AM
C GRADE: Narre Warren v Wandin – 10:40AM
B GRADE: Narre Warren v Monbulk – 10:40AM
A GRADE: Narre Warren v Olinda Ferny Creek – 12:00PM
D GRADE: ROC v Narre Warren – 3:00PM
The remainder of junior netball fixtures have been moved to Beaconsfield.
