GROUP 4 will start its 2019 season in early March after its clubs ratified a new plan to include three pre-season competitions at a general meeting in Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club on Saturday.
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Group 4 officials met with individual club officials for a review and forum on the 2018 season so far in what Group president Ray McCoy has described as a season of compromise. Next season is a season of consolidation, he said on Saturday.
Clubs then voted to stage a second Ladies League Tag Nines Knockout at Barraba on March 3 next year after its successful introduction at Barraba this year.
The following day a Group 4 men’s 9 competition will be held at Jack Woolaston Oval in honour of North Tamworth legend Jack Woolaston while the Steve Pepperell Shield will be held the following weekend (March 10) at Kootingal Oval.
The Steve Pepperell Shield was abandoned this year because of lack of numbers but Kootingal official, Kevin Storch, believes it will thrive when played as the Group 4 Knockout.
“It’s a fun day, more about raising money for cancer,” Storch said on Saturday.
The three round 2019 Group 4 season will then start March 16/17.
McCoy said clubs will have more time to prepare for 2019 and consolidate their player numbers after reviewing the current season and having a competition draw completed early.
“This open forum gives the clubs an early opportunity to address next season as well,” McCoy said.
“Our biggest hitch is the Ladies League Tag draw.”
Group 4 has 11 Ladies League Tag sides and, this season, has tried to match their games with their men’s teams as much as possible and they will endeavour to continue that next season.
Meanwhile, G4’s second round begins this weekend.
Dungowan celebrates an Old Boys Day with a Saturday home game against Werris Creek while Narrabri is also at home to Gunnedah on Saturday. Kootingal then host Boggabri on Sunday.
FIRST GRADE TABLE: Kootingal 14, North Tamworth 12, Gunnedah 10, Werris Creek 6, Dungowan 6, Narrabri 6, Boggabri 2.