Tamworth's annual York Cup and Kim Small Shield has finally fallen victim to the coronavirus menace.
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The popular under-11s tournament was originally due to go ahead in July but was pushed back to October.
However, following recommendations from NSW Health to 'avoid large, inter-regional championships' the Tamworth Hockey Association has made the tough decision to cancel the 2020 event.
In a letter to the wider hockey community, association president Mark O'Connor said it was "incredibly disappointing" not to be able to host what would have been the 18th edition, but the health of the association's members, visitors and the community at large was the utmost priority.
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"This very difficult and regrettable decision has become necessary in light of the issue of recent expanded NSW Government public health measures targeting inter-region travel and community sport events in a further effort to assist reducing the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus," he said.
"We had previously moved the York Cup and Kim Small Shield from July to a new date in October this year in the hope that at this time the prevailing conditions would have been more favourable and safe, but it is now clear that unfortunately this is not the case."
He added that the decision was "doubly heartbreaking" for the association as they were looking forward to showcasing their new world-class and expanded facility.
