Wimmera Netball Association has been forced to withdraw the under 15 netball competition for the up coming season.
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The under 15 B competition has been on the decline in recent years but with just three teams a definite to play this season it was deemed “not viable”.
Wimmera Mallee Netball Manager Nikki Ervin said she was disappointed to see the competition fold.
“The bi-laws state that there must be five or more teams for a competition to go ahead,” Erwin said.
“It was disappointing, but there isn't a whole lot we can do. There just wasn't enough numbers to see the competition go ahead.”
For the Stawell Warriors that means they will be unable to defend their title from last season.
Stawell Warriors president Debbie Bach echoed the thoughts of the executives of the league.
“The Stawell Football and Netball Club are proud to have been one of the main instigators of the 15 and under B competition which has run now for 13 years and we are extremely disappointed that the competition has now ceased,” she said.
“We feel bitterly for the junior Stawell netballers who will not have the opportunity to play netball, at our club. The most important thing is that they continue to play netball and we wish them well if they decide on another path.”
The Warriors will keep their training sessions open for those that are unable to play on a regular basis due to the changes in format.
Stawell Warriors take comfort in the fact they have done all they can over the past 13 years to keep the competition running.
“This is a decision that is out of our control and I know that we have done as much as we can,” Bach said.
The Stawell Warriors have completed their tryouts and the teams have been selected taking the under 15 B situation into concern.
Stawell will kick off its season on Good Friday when they host Ararat at North Park.