Warrnambool's Big V teams' return in limbo due to coronavirus restrictions

WARRNAMBOOL Mermaids are sidelined for another week after their Big V clash against Mildura Heat was cancelled due to issues with coronavirus restrictions.

Warrnambool Seahawks will host Coburg Giants at the Arc at 7pm Saturday as planned.

Seahawks and Mermaids president Jacob Sobey said hurdles, such as Heat players being stuck on the New South Wales' side of the Murray River and constraints around hotel arrangements for people outside a household bubble, were reasons for the cancellation.

Sobey said the Mermaids would still finish the regular season with the same amount of games as their women's division one rivals.

He said discussions were still taking place about next weekend (August 7-8).

"We're still awaiting confirmation with the men's side of things (as they have a double-header in Melbourne)," he told The Standard.

"The girls' game will likely go ahead under the same sort of rules. The double-header away we have to discuss with the league, we have a meeting with them on Monday night."

EARLIER, 10.30AM:

WARRNAMBOOL basketball is awaiting a response from Big V after raising concerns about coronavirus restrictions which could impact its ability to return to the court this weekend.

The Mermaids were scheduled to play Mildura Heat in Mildura - a six-hour trip which would require an overnight stay.

The Seahawks were drawn to host Coburg Giants at the Arc on Saturday night.

President Jacob Sobey said the club was playing a waiting game.

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"I have expressed some concerns about jumping back in so quickly with little preparedness," he told The Standard.

"I don't think the league took into consideration a few rules before they announced their return.

"There's rules about not being able to stay with anyone outside your immediate household.

"What that would potentially mean is if we did play the game in Mildura, we'd need everyone to drive themselves up and stay in individual rooms which is not really a practical option for us."

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Sobey said Mildura had its own hurdles to overcome.

"I had a conversation with the Mildura coach yesterday," he said.

"He rang me because they have some concerns with some people on the New South Wales' side of the border and they are not able to get across, including himself."

Sobey hopes to hear from the Big V today.

"We have a pause on our side of things," he said.

"We're not going to make a decision until we hear that final feedback."

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