Border Mail | COROWA-Rutherglen and Yarrawonga will play six matches of football in an epic “rumble on the river” on Sunday.
The Roos and Pigeons’ under-12, 14 and 16 teams, which compete in the Albury-Wodonga Junior Football League, will play either side of the three Ovens and Murray grades at John Foord Oval.
Corowa-Rutherglen and Yarrawonga have been advocates for more football and netball to be introduced into the Ovens and Murray as a way of stopping the flow of players to neighbouring district leagues which offer more grades of the two sports.
Roos junior vice president Paul Bartlett said the club was keen to renew the concept after first trialling it with the Pigeons in 2011.
“We just thought we’d try something and see if we can get a few more people to the game,” he said.
“We’d like to encourage another grade of football into the competition eventually.
“Yarrawonga were more than happy to give it a try.
“With the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday, kids don’t have to go to school and can hang around after the senior game to watch the under-16s under lights.
“It’s a good opportunity for us.”
The under-14s will kick off at 8.45am, before the thirds, with the under-16s to start at 4.45pm following the seniors.
We’d like to encourage another grade of football into the competition eventually
The under-12s will play at neighbouring Ball Park from 10am.
Albury, Corowa-Rutherglen, Lavington, North Albury, Wodonga, Wodonga Raiders and Yarrawonga are Ovens and Murray clubs which also field teams in the AWJFL under-16 competition
Ovens and Murray general manager Aaron McGlynn said the league had no immediate plans to introduce an under-16 football grade and, ultimately, any decision would be made by AFL North East Border.
McGlynn said the league, which also runs the AWJFL and controls its fixture, was happy to work with Ovens and Murray clubs in special cases.
Albury, North Albury, Wodonga and Wodonga Raiders’ thirds teams will play on Sunday, the same day as their AWJFL sides, ahead of the senior clubs’ Anzac Day fixtures on Monday.
“If there’s an opportunity where we can bring the senior and junior clubs together, we’re happy to try and do that,” he said.
