ONE of the biggest annual sporting events in Coffs Harbour has had to be postponed due to this month’s wet weather.

Originally scheduled to be played last weekend in Coffs Harbour, the 2021 NSW Oztag Senior State Championships have been postponed until 14 May.

The decision was made by tournament director Bill Harrigan to postpone the State Championships due to the large amount of water still on the ground from this month’s rainfall, combined with last weekend’s expected rainfall which would have made the fields water logged and unplayable.

Harrigan took the considerations of those players travelling to Coffs Harbour into account when making the decision to postpone the State Championships.

“After considering the weather forecast and liaising with Councils Stadium Team and Greenkeepers, Australian Oztag believes the only decision in the best interest of all, is to postpone the tournament now before anyone begins their travels,” he said.

“It would be reckless to roll the dice and travel to Coffs only to then call it off when the rain falls.

“By making this decision now we hope to minimize the impact and allow teams to make arrangements with accommodation & travel.”

Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor Denise Knight thanked Harrigan for the foresight of his decision.

“Coffs Harbour has been the home of Oztag for many years, and of course while it is disappointing to reschedule, we understand,” she said.

“Over the last year we have become much more adept to change, we are experiencing a huge amount rain of late and there are still flood warnings in place.

“We thank Bill and the Australian Oztag team for their foresight in making a decision to postpone to a more optimal time.

“Thanks also to all our tourism and accommodation providers for their flexibility in rescheduling bookings for the revised dates.

“We look forward to welcoming players officials and their guests again in May.”

The 2021 NSW Oztag Senior State Championships will be held over three days on 14 May-16 May.

 

By Aiden BURGESS