Hampden league team forfeits 2019 reserves match

Port Fairy cited insufficient players as the reason behind its decision.

The Seagulls were to face South Warrnambool at Friendly Societies' Park.

The Roosters, who sit second on the reserves ladder, will receive the four premiership points and percentage, as directed in the competition's by-laws.

Port Fairy president Noel Black said it was "a tough decision" with injuries and player unavailability forcing the club's hand.

"The fact of the matter is we basically had a whole side within the club unavailable this week," he told The Standard said.

"We've already got under 16s and under 18s struggling for numbers, just because we're land-locked.

"Every grade is propping up each other grade and I think we have about five or six injuries in the seniors and five or six injuries in the reserves and we had five or six unavailable in the reserves."

Black said it was difficult to find players. He said the club would meet next week to discuss the issue and hoped to field a team next weekend.

Port Fairy posted a note to its fans on social media.

"Unfortunately this round we have had to forfeit the reserves game due to lack of numbers," it read.

"Injuries and short numbers have impacted on our ability as a club to field a team.

"Good luck tomorrow to all sides playing against South Warrnambool."

The under 18.5 game will remain at its usual time of 10.30am and the seniors will kick off at 2pm.

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