2024 Zone League 1

[Jonka]

No it was by an NPL team that being Maitland who would probably do the same to most of the NL 1 teams

[Zonal Marking]

Made public not that I know of - decision been made behind closed doors I?m told it has but they will pretend to consult with clubs etc but won?t listen anyway

Big mistake if true. Majority of Zone League clubs who can successfully maintain 3 grades are going to be ripped apart and have so many loyal and long serving players and even youngsters lost to the club.

[The Hacker]

If the Suns strengthen on their stocks for next year, they will be a top contender in NL1 no doubt.

Any truth they will lose a few players cause they have no interest in going up. Few of the senior players. I could be wrong

[Zonal Marking]

Probably time to dry the tears and move into the 2000s. 3rd grade is a laugh.

If you cant keep the kids moving through or have the older players running away crying because a grade is changed than than the club is already a joke.

Theres junior grades now! There's all age now! Theres even o35s now.

You might have to try moving forward out of the Jurassic time. I know Newcastle people struggle with this.

The only joke around here is you. Clearly you have never had any real connection to a football club and it seems the concept of loyalty is lost on you. Not surprised at all that you are from outside of Newcastle.

[FlatScreen]

No it was by an NPL team that being Maitland who would probably do the same to most of the NL 1 teams

Ahh fair enough then! Thank you

[Taffy]

Probably time to dry the tears and move into the 2000s. 3rd grade is a laugh.

3rds is nothing but glorified all age, and no reason why these players still can't go and play all age for their club and remain loyal if needed. If these players don't keep playing for the club then clearly they aren't really loyal

[northern_swan]

3rds is nothing but glorified all age, and no reason why these players still can't go and play all age for their club and remain loyal if needed. If these players don't keep playing for the club then clearly they aren't really loyal

No reason the zones couldn’t provide some flexibility and have one or more AA divisions for ZL clubs that allow for a fixture that can be played across the weekend. Currently AA teams nominate for either a Friday night or a Saturday comp.
If clubs could nominate for a comp that has a floating day/time, it could alleviate some of the issues being raised.

Another issue which hasn’t been raised to my knowledge is that in ZL, clubs can draw from AA teams at their club to cover from injuries etc. NL1 clubs can only draw from their youth set up to my knowledge, so if Suns didn’t run PYL teams in 2025 (working on the assumption they get promoted), they would either have to run a squad where players miss out on a game when all players are available, or potentially struggle to field a reserve grade side if/when injuries, suspensions or other unavailability occurs.

[Lofty]

Probably time to dry the tears and move into the 2000s. 3rd grade is a laugh.

If you cant keep the kids moving through or have the older players running away crying because a grade is changed than than the club is already a joke.

Theres junior grades now! There's all age now! Theres even o35s now.

You might have to try moving forward out of the Jurassic time. I know Newcastle people struggle with this.

You've obviously never been part of a club that utilises the opportunity to create a longstanding culture of 50 players. That's why it's common to see the same clubs at the top end of the table, because they cherish it.

There's a reason why the Zone Leagues are the most enjoyable competitions in our region. Players feel part of a club which has been taken away from the top 2 divisions being forced to be more professional. Take a look back to how strong clubs were in the old NBN league when you had a proper reserve grade and then under 18's side within one club. That's the last time we saw players regularly spending most of their careers at one club.

How does it benefit football in our region if you strip back clubs again? You have 20 clubs (ZL1 and ZL2) who will have their squads trimmed from approx 50 players to 30-35 players. So that translates to 300-400 players removed from these comps. Where do they go? Some stop playing, some have a flutter in O35's, some may play AA if they can be bothered. At least within the Zone Leagues most clubs have proper structure around actually training, better facilities, being part of a senior competition with chances to progress through the grades and a chance to for 17/18 year olds to have their first taste of senior football for those not up to the top 2 divisions.
We should be trying to focus a bit more on the community based football rather than what Football Australia is trying to do with NPL around the country. It doesn't suit everyone. Yes, third grade can take a toll on clubs when you have a bad injury ravaged season, we have all been there. But I would think anyone that supports the game of football in our region can see that the pros most certainly outweigh the cons.
Stripping clubs back to two grades from NPL down to ZL3 isn't the answer.

[Taffy]

Take a look back to how strong clubs were in the old NBN league when you had a proper reserve grade and then under 18's side within one club.

All of the clubs bar one in NPL and NewFM do have a reserves and Under 18s already. I notice that the old NBN League structure you mentioned had no thirds though to create this strong league.


Where do they go? Some stop playing, some have a flutter in O35's, some may play AA if they can be bothered.

They'll play third grade but won't play all age A grade, which has good competition and play better than most thirds teams?


At least within the Zone Leagues most clubs have proper structure around actually training, better facilities

Not sure why clubs with zone teams couldn't provide this to an all age side.


and a chance to for 17/18 year olds to have their first taste of senior football for those not up to the top 2 divisions.

Forward thinking zone league clubs would enter teams into the U25 comps and use that as a stepping zone, even speak to the zones about allowing the U25 games to be played before reserves.


But I would think anyone that supports the game of football in our region can see that the pros most certainly outweigh the cons.

Except when you have teams going up and down and don't have third grade sides, will you also be happy with byes?



No reason the zones couldn?t provide some flexibility and have one or more AA divisions for ZL clubs that allow for a fixture that can be played across the weekend. Currently AA teams nominate for either a Friday night or a Saturday comp.
If clubs could nominate for a comp that has a floating day/time, it could alleviate some of the issues being raised.

It's a good point wonder if the question was ever asked during the working group meetings or consultations with zone clubs (which did happen).

[FlatScreen]

The thing I want to know about is, what happens to the club that gets demoted from NL1 to ZL1.... Do they have to throw away their entire junior system? All that work for a JDL license etc just gone? Seems to crazy to be real! What's the end game? That all the clubs will be playing for A-League license's?

[anfield]

Currently as it stands Zone League offers players 22 games plus finals. All Age offers 14 games plus finals. 8 games difference, which is huge.

A few comments about moving thirds into all age simply isn't the answer. Players would probably move to other clubs to get more football, which isn't great of you want to build loyal clubs.

I have thought the structure is wrong and it's been proven this year with some big shorelines in each of the Zone divisions.

It should be in my opinion.
NPL 12 teams (debatable it should be 10)
NL1 10 teams
ZPL ( Yes that's what it should be still called) 10 teams
ZL1 10 Teams
ZL2 and ZL3 Split the difference for what works. This year ZL2 should have 8 teams, Zl3 6 teams.

Importantly
I think the competition didn't need to go to 12 teams, In ZPL Suns, Dudley etc have only got stronger. Yet there is only so many players of a certain stand to go around, so the player talent has been diluted. Weaker teams are finding it too hard to attract players, less teams will increase the standard.

[Zonal Marking]

You've obviously never been part of a club that utilises the opportunity to create a longstanding culture of 50 players. That's why it's common to see the same clubs at the top end of the table, because they cherish it.

There's a reason why the Zone Leagues are the most enjoyable competitions in our region. Players feel part of a club which has been taken away from the top 2 divisions being forced to be more professional. Take a look back to how strong clubs were in the old NBN league when you had a proper reserve grade and then under 18's side within one club. That's the last time we saw players regularly spending most of their careers at one club.

How does it benefit football in our region if you strip back clubs again? You have 20 clubs (ZL1 and ZL2) who will have their squads trimmed from approx 50 players to 30-35 players. So that translates to 300-400 players removed from these comps. Where do they go? Some stop playing, some have a flutter in O35's, some may play AA if they can be bothered. At least within the Zone Leagues most clubs have proper structure around actually training, better facilities, being part of a senior competition with chances to progress through the grades and a chance to for 17/18 year olds to have their first taste of senior football for those not up to the top 2 divisions.
We should be trying to focus a bit more on the community based football rather than what Football Australia is trying to do with NPL around the country. It doesn't suit everyone. Yes, third grade can take a toll on clubs when you have a bad injury ravaged season, we have all been there. But I would think anyone that supports the game of football in our region can see that the pros most certainly outweigh the cons.
Stripping clubs back to two grades from NPL down to ZL3 isn't the answer.

Well said lofty. Some of the ignorance posted recently is incredible.

[Zonal Marking]

Furthermore are there any clubs who actually do want to cut down to just the two grades?

Minmi & Westlakes maybe but outside of that everyone else seems to be operating quite well in terms of maintaining squad numbers. Of course there might be the odd week or two where it?s a struggle and naturally thirds take the biggest hit.

[jessepinkman]

i wonder if there could be some sort of combined third grade comp where matchdays with two clubs who both have third grades (who are in the same first grade comp) are pioritised to be scheduled together.

the issue is that its not a professional comp and lads are paying to play. Whichever grade is the 'lowest' is going to have this problem - people dont want to pay to be an unused sub in ressies when everyone's fit so it's going to have the same issues. Ive been part of a club that had an AA/O35s when we were in a firsts and ressies only comp - the AA boys didnt want to play 'up' because those that were never getting a call up from thirds felt like they were being abandoned by their best players on the 2 or 3 weeks a year they were actually required for ressies. Its a whole different comp - it does drive disconnect regardless of what the suits say and the players in it want to win it, but dont feel connected to ressies. When a player goes up in thirds to play ressies in a connected comp, it doesn't feel like theyre going off to help someone 'else'.

Its as simple as this for me - you sign up for thirds knowing that you're going to have some forfeits. In the UK for sunday league, if you have a forfeit opponent, they jump online in a registry and find out someone else in the same scenario and they play a friendly since refs and fields are allocated. Thats what we should do here - across the grades and AAs there would be teams who have had a forfeit who would love a chance for a kickaround. Give them a chance to do that.

Either that or you charge 3rds less rego with the knowledge that some of their games will be pulled. Maybe washouts for thirds after a certain amount are just 0-0 draws as well to justify the lower rego. Maybe thirds get a refund at the end of the year for missed games under this method. Most blokes are there for the friendships anyway and dont want to play on a wednesday night - but I agree with Lofty, for those saying scrap thirds, you simply havent been part of a club with a good culture. One where the young fellas get to be blooded in mens football, one where NL1/NPL kids who miss out on 18s and reserves can stay at the club, one where your best mates who need the stability and contact with mates can have an easy way to get it. Thats how you build solid clubs that dont rely on parents and paid staff like some NPL and NL1 clubs do.

Just find a way to make thirds work. Most thirds players would be realistic if you told them their comp isnt the most important thing in the world and would accept washout draws and forfeit friendlies etc. However on a classic Saturday or Sunday game day, those blokes are an important part of what makes things tick - and to tell them to come along and be loyal anyway whilst simultaneously not being loyal to them by scrapping the thing they enjoy doing and telling them to deal with it (but please still help) is a seriously dumb decision.

[The Postman]

Friday Night 3rd Grade is the solution for me.

It gets the old boys/young kids a game and still apart of the ZL squad, frees up their weekend if they don?t stand by for ressies/volunteer on Saturday.

I think it would improve the standard, I know plenty of people who went to Friday nights because playing Saturday became impossible due to work/family.

[Jardelsimage]

You've obviously never been part of a club that utilises the opportunity to create a longstanding culture of 50 players. That's why it's common to see the same clubs at the top end of the table, because they cherish it.

There's a reason why the Zone Leagues are the most enjoyable competitions in our region. Players feel part of a club which has been taken away from the top 2 divisions being forced to be more professional. Take a look back to how strong clubs were in the old NBN league when you had a proper reserve grade and then under 18's side within one club. That's the last time we saw players regularly spending most of their careers at one club.

How does it benefit football in our region if you strip back clubs again? You have 20 clubs (ZL1 and ZL2) who will have their squads trimmed from approx 50 players to 30-35 players. So that translates to 300-400 players removed from these comps. Where do they go? Some stop playing, some have a flutter in O35's, some may play AA if they can be bothered. At least within the Zone Leagues most clubs have proper structure around actually training, better facilities, being part of a senior competition with chances to progress through the grades and a chance to for 17/18 year olds to have their first taste of senior football for those not up to the top 2 divisions.
We should be trying to focus a bit more on the community based football rather than what Football Australia is trying to do with NPL around the country. It doesn't suit everyone. Yes, third grade can take a toll on clubs when you have a bad injury ravaged season, we have all been there. But I would think anyone that supports the game of football in our region can see that the pros most certainly outweigh the cons.
Stripping clubs back to two grades from NPL down to ZL3 isn't the answer.

At the 1st ZL meeting this year, 80% voted to keep 3rds where they are, not sure why this new discussion, on what one person has heard, has once risen again.

To me it's a no brainer, 3rds stay.

Posty, sorry but couldn't think of anything worse than playing Friday night or any night actually, week in week out.

It does work for some and some actually love it, but not for me, it was started because there were to many Sat AA sides.

[Premy]

Friday Night 3rd Grade is the solution for me.

It gets the old boys/young kids a game and still apart of the ZL squad, frees up their weekend if they don?t stand by for ressies/volunteer on Saturday.

I think it would improve the standard, I know plenty of people who went to Friday nights because playing Saturday became impossible due to work/family.

Friday night doesn't work for everyone.
Last thing I want to do on a Friday night is put the boots on.

[magician]

Others opinions are ignorance? Cant give an opinion with insulting others? Bit immature ay, might need to grow up.
So theres only one way & everyone is a jerk etc etc. Standard Newy sentiment, usual IQ of 3.
I understand the mentality on here.
BTW 3rds is unnecessary. :lol::lol:

But you?re right hey. Dopey

[Alton]

This content all points towards no one wanting to be promoted so they don?t lose thirds and the overall culture of the club

[2ndclasscitizen]

Funny how there's a lot of talk about club loyalty and culture but as per that letter from Dudley that said loyalty and culture seems very one way from the playerbase. i.e. we get what we want otherwise we're gone.

[Jardelsimage]

One person? ok you must be more important than everyone else.
Maybe you should concentrate on trying to maintain a decent footy club that actually has juniors rather than just taking their ground.
Cant play fri nights? Thanks tough guy. Time to quit champ.


Trying to maintain a decent footy club, hard somedays.
Important me, no far from it, but this discussion started again started from one person's comment again and ends up in the same place as last time, people getting offended because someone has a different view.

Set the record straight, we never took their ground they ****ed themselves up and folded...

dont play anymore anyway, but not playing Fridays nothing to do with toughness, rather be having a beer after a working week and relaxing for the weekend games.

Always happy to discuss over an ale or 2...

cheers all have a good weekend.

[biscuits]

Back to the games

Uni v Olympic 2-5
Mayfield v Cardiff 3-3
Minmi v Azzurri 1-3
Swansea v Suns 0-5
Kotara v Westlakes 3-1
Dudley v Warners Bay 3-1

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

[QUOTE=biscuits;274695]Back to the games

Uni 3-1 Olympic
Mayfield 1-4 Cardiff
Minmi 2-2 Azzurri
Swansea 0-6 Suns
Kotara 5-1 Westlakes
Dudley 2-0 Warners Bay

[Jardelsimage]

Mayfield V Cardiff
3rds 0-1
reg 0-3
1st 0-3

[Wandering]

Minmi VS Azzurri
3rds Minmi Forfeit
Ressies 1-2
Firsts 2-3

[Swanky]

Are the Suns throwing off to avoid promotion so they can keep 3 Grades?

[Zonal Marking]

Are the Suns throwing off to avoid promotion so they can keep 3 Grades?

Im not for one second suggesting Suns did throw it however I thought this could become a problem. Do Dudley want to go up? Are Newcastle Olympic even allowed to go up?

Such a simple solution. Make promotion between the zone leagues and NPL optional. This ensures no clubs are limited from being ambitious but also allows others to remain where they are and compete within their needs.

[Guthorina]

looks like the suns team must?ve read all of the predictions of them winning by 4 or 5 goals to nil against us today because they simply didn?t turn up!

The swans dominated the first half, copping two unlucky goals before the break.

The dressing room was extremely relaxed at half time though as we knew we were the better team and the second half proved it. 2-0 is the most dangerous score line in football after all.

I?d like to say the referees were excellent today. Kudos to them.

Key lesson here for the Suns is never take your opponent for granted, especially in this comp?

Cheers,
Gutho

[MCG_1997]

Suns has been successful for a few years with their current coaching staff. By promoting to NewFM, the coaches must have certain licences, which they don't have. Nothing to do with their coaching abilities but forced to have those badges. It could be another challenge they face

[Jardelsimage]

Im not for one second suggesting Suns did throw it however I thought this could become a problem. Do Dudley want to go up? Are Newcastle Olympic even allowed to go up?

Such a simple solution. Make promotion between the zone leagues and NPL optional. This ensures no clubs are limited from being ambitious but also allows others to remain where they are and compete within their needs.

What they need to do is:
1: ask for a side to nominate to fill the spot in NPL2, having a bye is just ridiculous at that level.
2: ZL1 champ doesn't have to go up if they win the comp, it should be option.
3:Last in NPL2 does not get relegated if this happens.(if they choose to drop down, it goes back to option 1.)
4: promotion between ZL comps as per usual.

[Jim]

1st Uni 1-2 Newcastle Olympic
Res Uni 2-1 Newcastle Olympic
3rd who cares

triggered the chest beaters :grin::grin::grin:

[ForeverRed]

Mayfield V Cardiff
3rds 0-1
reg 0-3
1st 0-3

Go the real tigers

[Toaf]

Kotara play tomorrow sir

[The Hacker]

What they need to do is:
1: ask for a side to nominate to fill the spot in NPL2, having a bye is just ridiculous at that level.
2: ZL1 champ doesn't have to go up if they win the comp, it should be option.
3:Last in NPL2 does not get relegated if this happens.(if they choose to drop down, it goes back to option 1.)
4: promotion between ZL comps as per usual.

Common sense. That?s exactly how it should be

[Jardelsimage]

Correction for Jardel and those other suckholes pretending to own this comp
1st Mayfield 0-3 Cardiff
2nd Mayfield 0-3 Cardiff
3rds Drank 15 beers cooked 20 sausages and kept club afloat apparently
:grin::grin:

Ps get some juniors and pretend to improve the club

**** your a funny guy......

[ZLWB]

1st Uni 1-2 Newcastle Olympic
Res Uni 2-1 Newcastle Olympic
3rd who cares

triggered the chest beaters :grin::grin::grin:

Firsts was 3-1. Late penalty to Olympic took them to 3 in what was a really good match. Uni lost their captain to a hamstring injury mid first half. Both teams played good football in less than idyllic conditions.

Both teams likely to play finals football and both deserve to.

[Eastwest]

But you?re right hey. Dopey

This cadet joins the other triggered Newy champions.

Keep going Rodders they all be sharing bed consoling each other because someone said something about their precious 3rds.

This is funny and pathetic. Perhaps why theyre in ZL as they havent the balls to step up is most likely.

[WWFC25]

Kotara vs Westlakes
3rd 4-0
Res 4-1
1st 3-1

[Taffy]

At the 1st ZL meeting this year, 80% voted to keep 3rds where they are, not sure why this new discussion, on what one person has heard, has once risen again.

To me it's a no brainer, 3rds stay.

Not sure if it really matters what ZL1 clubs voted on.

But really the solution is make 3rds optional.

Was speaking to a ZL2 club president yesterday, he said he is pushing hard that it be abolished, reckons it will make his zone teams stronger.


It does work for some and some actually love it, but not for me, it was started because there were to many Sat AA sides.

And now outnumbers Sat AA by a large number of teams.

[Taffy]

Alternatively maybe nominate an AAge team where players can play up in the ZL should injuries occur.

Croatia does this well with their AA Friday night team, dual register players.


An u18s is a good idea but not sure if ZL can get the numbers.

The zones allow for an U25 competition and one one running last year. If it is true that zone clubs want to use thirds to get young kids in, then zone clubs can easily put their younger kids in there and dual register.


Funny how there's a lot of talk about club loyalty and culture but as per that letter from Dudley that said loyalty and culture seems very one way from the playerbase. i.e. we get what we want otherwise we're gone.

Correctly said, apparently all these people are loyal to the club but only if they get to play a glorified all age competition.

[Taffy]

Are the Suns throwing off to avoid promotion so they can keep 3 Grades?

Starting to look that way, but if there are getting rid of 3rds anyway, that's not the reason, just want to remain big fish in a tiny pond.

[Taffy]

Suns has been successful for a few years with their current coaching staff. By promoting to NewFM, the coaches must have certain licences, which they don't have. Nothing to do with their coaching abilities but forced to have those badges. It could be another challenge they face

It's not that hard to get spend a few days listening to someone offer an alternative way to coach then walk out with a piece of paper at the end of it.

[BuzzRothfield]

What?s the benefit of getting rid of third grade?
Is it magically going to make the struggling clubs better in first grade?
Teams that struggle in 3rd grade seem to also struggle in first grade.
Surely cutting back to a 10 team comp would be better for everyone. That should be the focus.

[Killa]

It's not that hard to get spend a few days listening to someone offer an alternative way to coach then walk out with a piece of paper at the end of it.

Finding the time and or in some cases money, to do so can be though

[Taffy]

Surely the clubs have a spare $800 to spend on it. Only need the head coach to have it

[Source]

Where do the Mayfield tigers sit on the ladder in all three grades ?

[tenschooners]

Where do the Mayfield tigers sit on the ladder in all three grades ?
8th in firsts and thirds. 4th in seconds.

[The Hacker]

Any catch up games this week. I saw Suns and Uni tonight. Should be a good clash

[straightred88]

Any catch up games this week. I saw Suns and Uni tonight. Should be a good clash

Uni to win.

[Zonal Marking]

Uni to win.


Unless Suns are purposely throwing games than no chance. They will be fired up after the Swansea setback.

[Zonal Marking]

Any catch up games this week. I saw Suns and Uni tonight. Should be a good clash

Kotara vs Azzurri
Olympic vs Warners Bay

Both on tonight as well

[Avocadomexican]

Any catch up games this week. I saw Suns and Uni tonight. Should be a good clash

Minmi and Swansea played lastnight
1st 0-1
Reserves 0-2
3rds forfeit

[ZLWB]

Unless Suns are purposely throwing games than no chance. They will be fired up after the Swansea setback.

The result is showing on Squadi as uni 1 Suns 0


Suns don?t strike me as the types that would throw games. Are they just down on troops or is something else going on?

Edit - I’m told it was 2-1 Suns

[Lofty]

There’s been some interesting takes in this forum over the years. But clubs throwing games is utter nonsense. I think for the sake of everyone, let’s just put a line through that one.

[ZLWB]

There?s been some interesting takes in this forum over the years. But clubs throwing games is utter nonsense. I think for the sake of everyone, let?s just put a line through that one.

Fair call

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

There’s been some interesting takes in this forum over the years. But clubs throwing games is utter nonsense. I think for the sake of everyone, let’s just put a line through that one.

Suns socials suggests plenty of injuries. Aside from Swansea, commendable results considering you have been fielding a majority reserve grade line up recently.

It?s a testament to your depth. You certainly won?t be out of sorts up a division in 2025.

[straightred88]

There’s been some interesting takes in this forum over the years. But clubs throwing games is utter nonsense. I think for the sake of everyone, let’s just put a line through that one.

Nice try lofty.

[Lofty]

Nice try lofty.

Ah you got me! We didn't mean to win last night, complete accident.

[straightred88]

Ah you got me! We didn't mean to win last night, complete accident.

Maybe not last night but you will have a few ?accidents? before the season is out.

[ForeverRed]

Maybe not last night but you will have a few ?accidents? before the season is out.
lol

[WWFC25]

Ah you got me! We didn't mean to win last night, complete accident.

Wish that accident could have happened against the Cats Lofty!

[Addios]

What?s the benefit of getting rid of third grade?
Is it magically going to make the struggling clubs better in first grade?
Teams that struggle in 3rd grade seem to also struggle in first grade.
Surely cutting back to a 10 team comp would be better for everyone. That should be the focus.

Maybe if new clubs entered ZL ZL1 then players might go back to these clubs. The big clubs now might not be so strong in the future. Not sure many on here would like that.
Helps with smaller clubs not having to recruit more players at the lower end. Can focus on 2 grades of quality.
Less games to program and less catchups for wet weather.
3rd grade can be optional is a decent opinion from a previous post.
Less admin time for volunteers.

I cant see why we are so triggered on keeping a very average comp football wise.
The only reasonable excuses ive heard is the mates community/connections.
Pretty sure you can do that off a football field.
My 2c.

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Olympic 1-4 Dudley
Mayfield 1-1 Uni
Swansea 1-2 Kotara
Westlakes 1-5 Cardiff
Suns 8-0 Azzurri
Warners Bay 7-0 Minmi

[The Hacker]

Olympic 1-4 Dudley
Mayfield 1-1 Uni
Swansea 1-2 Kotara
Westlakes 1-5 Cardiff
Suns 8-0 Azzurri
Warners Bay 7-0 Minmi

Is there that big a gap between 2nd and 3rd with your prediction

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Is there that big a gap between 2nd and 3rd with your prediction

The reverse fixture was 4-0.

[Jardelsimage]

here comes the rain again!!!!

[The Hacker]

The reverse fixture was 4-0.

Very true. So in that case Olympic have improved 😂😂. Should be a belter of a game if on

[magician]

Very true. So in that case Olympic have improved 😂😂. Should be a belter of a game if on
Off

[The Hacker]

Off

Any games get on?

[Vincent]

Cardiff and west lake cats had 2 grades 3rds and ressies play, deemed fine. No further rain from then. Their first grade team hid under the shelter to a non raining day whilst tigers warmed up. Expect a forfeit of points to go to the tigers. Unreal behaviour. Never seen a team of 9 not want a game. President kitty cat made the call. Refs were happy to play but overruled. West lakes cats

[outsider]

Cardiff and west lake cats had 2 grades 3rds and ressies play, deemed fine. No further rain from then. Their first grade team hid under the shelter to a non raining day whilst tigers warmed up. Expect a forfeit of points to go to the tigers. Unreal behaviour. Never seen a team of 9 not want a game. President kitty cat made the call. Refs were happy to play but overruled. West lakes cats

sounds like a forfeit to me

[The Postman]

Cardiff and west lake cats had 2 grades 3rds and ressies play, deemed fine. No further rain from then. Their first grade team hid under the shelter to a non raining day whilst tigers warmed up. Expect a forfeit of points to go to the tigers. Unreal behaviour. Never seen a team of 9 not want a game. President kitty cat made the call. Refs were happy to play but overruled. West lakes cats

Sounds like the trip back to Cardiff was a salty one.

Explain to me if the Refs called it off, it?s a forfeit? Don?t believe the rules work like that.

[Vincent]

If you can read mate, you would see referees didn?t call it. The president / groundsman called it.

Massively salty, considering the year we have had with the weather, when you get a chance to play a fair game, you take it. Not call it off coz you have no players and 2 of 3 grades of been beaten. Poor form.

Forfeit loading..

[Incognito mosquito]

Rains all night the night before the match. Rains during 3rds and reserves (of which our side had multiple back up).

A ground that was soft and slippery before a ball was kicked getting worse after heavy traffic and likely becoming hazardous.. unheard of.

If we were going to cancel because of low numbers we definitely would have done it before a ball was kicked but we pushed on as long as we could. During ressies it was becoming clear it was hard for players to stay on their feet (keeper unable to keep feet when kicking from hands).

It?s dissapointing not to get on especially having 2 games played before but this is pretty silly. If the game had gone on and players got injured I?d imagine the refs would?ve been copping it for playing in dangerous conditions.

Can?t please everyone I suppose.

[magician]

Rains all night the night before the match. Rains during 3rds and reserves (of which our side had multiple back up).

A ground that was soft and slippery before a ball was kicked getting worse after heavy traffic and likely becoming hazardous.. unheard of.

If we were going to cancel because of low numbers we definitely would have done it before a ball was kicked but we pushed on as long as we could. During ressies it was becoming clear it was hard for players to stay on their feet (keeper unable to keep feet when kicking from hands).

It?s dissapointing not to get on especially having 2 games played before but this is pretty silly. If the game had gone on and players got injured I?d imagine the refs would?ve been copping it for playing in dangerous conditions.

Can?t please everyone I suppose.

Ah always 2 sides to a story
Vincent carrying on like a pork chop like usual

[Lofty]

The game wasn’t played, not sure what the big deal is. Surely you’d rather play for 90 minutes instead of being given 3 points?
Every game in the comp was washed out today. Not the first time this season two grades played and then firsts got cancelled.

[Jardelsimage]

Rains all night the night before the match. Rains during 3rds and reserves (of which our side had multiple back up).

A ground that was soft and slippery before a ball was kicked getting worse after heavy traffic and likely becoming hazardous.. unheard of.

If we were going to cancel because of low numbers we definitely would have done it before a ball was kicked but we pushed on as long as we could. During ressies it was becoming clear it was hard for players to stay on their feet (keeper unable to keep feet when kicking from hands).

It?s dissapointing not to get on especially having 2 games played before but this is pretty silly. If the game had gone on and players got injured I?d imagine the refs would?ve been copping it for playing in dangerous conditions.

Can?t please everyone I suppose.

Sorry Mosy, the ground was playable, no water, little bit of wear and tear, but in the end your Pres/groundsman was more concerned about trashing the ground than player safety..his words not mine.

[Incognito mosquito]

Sorry Mosy, the ground was playable, no water, little bit of wear and tear, but in the end your Pres/groundsman was more concerned about trashing the ground than player safety..his words not mine.

I was there, I saw the condition and the ground was giving way underfoot in the goal mouths and heavily trafficked areas. If a 3rd game had been played it would have both been unsafe and caused further damage to the field. I have no doubts that both were a concern to our Pres when the call was made in conjunction with the refs.

At the end of the day a sensible decision was made even if not everyone agrees.

[Toaf]

Can i ask theres more then 1 field out at westlakes was there any option to play on the other one, the juniors played therr today

[Incognito mosquito]

Can i ask theres more then 1 field out at westlakes was there any option to play on the other one, the juniors played therr today

Juniors were on it with last game kicking off at 2:30. Bottom ground got called off about 45mins before the top field got called off due to same season. The away teams from the juniors didn?t seem to have any issues.

[Vincent]

Go jump on Cardiff Facebook page and make your own mind up.

Send those 3 points over

[WWFC25]

If you can read mate, you would see referees didn?t call it. The president / groundsman called it.

Massively salty, considering the year we have had with the weather, when you get a chance to play a fair game, you take it. Not call it off coz you have no players and 2 of 3 grades of been beaten. Poor form.

Forfeit loading..

Looking forward to the midweek catchup.

Be sure to let us know when you?re available.

I have no doubt having that extra catchup compared to Cardiff will be tough on us but we will power through :)

[northern_swan]

If the referees deemed it safe & the club overruled, the association should, at minimum, sanction the club.

[straightred88]

If the referees deemed it safe & the club overruled, the association should, at minimum, sanction the club.

If refs deemed it safe, should have entered the pitch and blew whistle.

[Lofty]

What if Cardiff and Westlakes just play a game for 90 minutes and decide who gets the 3 points.

[Vincent]

We tried to play, but they had their blokes hiding under a tin roof while the sun was out. We had one ginger fella go throw some spf50+ on. Then after game was called, they kids running around having a kick on the oval. Thinking back to it now, I Really hope they pulled through hazardous conditions

[northern_swan]

If refs deemed it safe, should have entered the pitch and blew whistle.

Good point

[outsider]

Sounds like the trip back to Cardiff was a salty one.

Explain to me if the Refs called it off, it?s a forfeit? Don?t believe the rules work like that.

Says refs were happy to play which means the pitch was ok and game should have gone on.One team refuses to play/forfeit

[riverboy]

Sorry Mosy, the ground was playable, no water, little bit of wear and tear, but in the end your Pres/groundsman was more concerned about trashing the ground than player safety..his words not mine.

My mate had a team playing all age at cardiff a couple of seasons ago. Said the club called off games if a dog pissed on the field. He said it was that bad, they left. Treated all age like 3rd class citizens.

Maybe, Don't throw stones from glass houses.

[Lofty]

Honestly who cares. If Cardiff want a forfeit, it says more about the club rather than wanting to just play the game.

[Toaf]

They did want to play the game

[Kicktheball]

Poor form from the Westlakes committee. If 30 guys are kitted up ready to play and the previous 2 teams have played... then you play the match.

I am a neutral but looking at the CCFC Facebook page the video that they uploaded makes it clear that the field was playable and the sun was shining??

Questions need to be asked

[Jardelsimage]

Ok all before this really gets out of hand, here is what happened.

Pres during ressies, 2nd half, says i'm pulling the flags out, game will be off.(yes it did rain)
Cardiff went out and did there up, no rain during this as the rain had stopped.
Westlakes waited and eventually did their warm up.

both teams entered the field of play ready to start, but were told after 5, the games off, Pres has called, when i spoke to him he sat on the fence as there were others there.

Depending on who you talk to, the ref agreed and disagreed the game shouldn't be played.

yes, Cardiff will be salty and pissed off, as we believe there is a process to calling games off which we don't think has been followed. (yes, Westlakes know how their ground handles the weather better than outsiders) and if we have to travel one Tuesday night so be it.

During the 1st round very similar weather when we played Swansea, flogged down 2 lower grades played, with the rain coming and going that day. During the warm up it belted down and didnt stop for quite a bit, same ref as yesterday pulled both clubs into a discussion and called it off, both agreed, and everyone went home believing the correct decision had been made.

If this process had been followed, yes still a bit pissed we didn't get to play, but process has been followed.

Yesterday was farcical at best, as we now believe the rules on calling games has changed, no longer up to the ref as i think most thought, we were told yesterday a club can call a game at anytime
and if you don't like it send an email on it and we will decide later if the decision was correct, has a new precedent been set for calling games off?

Thats the issue, we have swapped games several times this year, even when our ground was only just playable just to get games played and to watch this play out yesterday was disappointing.

cheers

[Vincent]

intelligence doesnt seem to be your thing on this subject lofty. Its not about wanting forfeit points for the sake of it. Cardiff had their 1s warming up while Westlake cats were under the shed hoping their prez would call it. I get they didnt have a full team and needed players from ressies but thats not Cardiffs problem.
So it is about a club calling a ground off that referees were happy to play, and it is about not going back to Westlakes on a Wednesday night in a competition already backlogged with games to play a game that was 100% already playable.

Forfeit loading

[Zonal Marking]

intelligence doesnt seem to be your thing on this subject lofty. Its not about wanting forfeit points for the sake of it. Cardiff had their 1s warming up while Westlake cats were under the shed hoping their prez would call it. I get they didnt have a full team and needed players from ressies but thats not Cardiffs problem.
So it is about a club calling a ground off that referees were happy to play, and it is about not going back to Westlakes on a Wednesday night in a competition already backlogged with games to play a game that was 100% already playable.

Forfeit loading

Westlakes are too far behind from making a finals charge but also safely ahead of a relegation battle. So what benefit did they have of not playing yesterday? We seem to be hearing a lot of finger pointing from a Cardiff point of view but I think I will reserve judgement until I have heard more from Westlakes side of the story.

Not like Cardiff to carry on or overreact when things dont go their way either? You especially Vincent tend to carry on like a two year old and exaggerate when any situation doesnt completely favour the orange tigers. So you can understand why neutrals on this forum are a little hesitant to take your constant little rants and complaints seriously.

[Vincent]

As I said. All you need to do mate, jump over to the Cardiff city Facebook page.
There?s no two sides to a story when there is actual proof. Have a look at the videos. They were taken at 230pm.

They had 9 warming up. The rest were playing ressies. So not being able to field a fully fresh 1s team makes it more benificial for them to wait until a midweek game where only 1 game is being played

Mind you, Cardiff 1s had 6 first graders out. So they were depleated also, but an added fixture to an already massively backlogged season wasn?t needed if the game could have easily been played. They need to be held responsible.

Forfeit loading

[Zonal Marking]

As I said. All you need to do mate, jump over to the Cardiff city Facebook page.
There?s no two sides to a story when there is actual proof. Have a look at the videos. They were taken at 230pm.

They had 9 warming up. The rest were playing ressies. So not being able to field a fully fresh 1s team makes it more benificial for them to wait until a midweek game where only 1 game is being played

Mind you, Cardiff 1s had 6 first graders out. So they were depleated also, but an added fixture to an already massively backlogged season wasn?t needed if the game could have easily been played. They need to be held responsible.

Forfeit loading

And as I pointed out Westlakes are not making finals and wont be getting relegated so why would they care about it being more beneficial for them to wait and play at a later date? If anything this might suit the Tigers as you could have come of those 6 first graders back for the rescheduled match?

[prawnhead]

As I said. All you need to do mate, jump over to the Cardiff city Facebook page.
There?s no two sides to a story when there is actual proof. Have a look at the videos. They were taken at 230pm.

They had 9 warming up. The rest were playing ressies. So not being able to field a fully fresh 1s team makes it more benificial for them to wait until a midweek game where only 1 game is being played

Mind you, Cardiff 1s had 6 first graders out. So they were depleated also, but an added fixture to an already massively backlogged season wasn?t needed if the game could have easily been played. They need to be held responsible.

Forfeit loading

Vincent you need to take a Bex and go and have a lay down.

[anfield]

The referee has authority on a match, sounds pretty simple to me. Whatever he says stands.

[Vincent]

Has nothing to do with promotion or relegation mate,

their starting 11 won?t have 2 blokes that played a full game of ressies if games are played at a later date, and yes Cardiff will hopefully have players back but Westlake cats wouldn?t of know they had players out.

They never wanted to play, they stayed under shelter while the sun was out and ressies were playing on a perfectly fine field. I?ve never seen 9 blokes less keen to warm up to play in my life

If you weren?t there on the day. All you need to see is the state of the ground via videos on Cardiff city Facebook page. Video is all the proof you need.

3 forfeit points loading

[Nou Camp]

Suns vs auzzri was washed out

[Parochial Supporter]

The referee has authority on a match, sounds pretty simple to me. Whatever he says stands.

So whilst can't comment on yesterday but did notice they closed grounds again today. So i am sure there is more to it than one game not wanting to be played.

i have been an admin of a club for a lot of years and have not seen where a ref has the right to continue a game if the host club deems ground unfit.

if you take responsibility away from clubs who are licensee of park then the Refs have to take on all liability.

at our club we have been warned about damage by council but if referee association take on all liability we would not even inspect our park and wait for a refs call.

[The Postman]

Finally heard back from an actual Westlakes player! He tells me they had 10 in their warmup, with the 11th arriving right on kickoff time, which was well known to them beforehand.

So no, they weren?t scared to play. Infact what Jardel says lines up with what I was told. Westlakes waited maybe an extra 5 minutes for the rain to stop, because why bother getting wet if you don?t have to. They then warmed up with the intent to play.

As to the conversation between the refs and club officials, that?s between them and the reports that get sent in.

All this drama has surely turned the replay into a much watch game now!

Vincent, how bout you load up a break from the keyboard.

[Zonal Marking]

Finally heard back from an actual Westlakes player! He tells me they had 10 in their warmup, with the 11th arriving right on kickoff time, which was well known to them beforehand.

So no, they weren?t scared to play. Infact what Jardel says lines up with what I was told. Westlakes waited maybe an extra 5 minutes for the rain to stop, because why bother getting wet if you don?t have to. They then warmed up with the intent to play.

As to the conversation between the refs and club officials, that?s between them and the reports that get sent in.

All this drama has surely turned the replay into a much watch game now!

Vincent, how bout you load up a break from the keyboard.

I dont know who this Vincent is but he has made Cardiff look like a bunch of mugs on more than one occasion now. Picking fights with other clubs. Maybe its time someone from the Cardiff hierarchy has a word because quite frankly the actions of this poster are just embarrassing.

[Taffy]

My mate had a team playing all age at cardiff a couple of seasons ago. Said the club called off games if a dog pissed on the field. He said it was that bad, they left. Treated all age like 3rd class citizens.

Maybe, Don't throw stones from glass houses.

They did it this year to an AA side, ground closed, games postponed but all three games of zone league still played that day.

[Macca]

This has been an entertaining read haha. It rained all morning, with the grounds being wet but playable, so thirds and ressies went ahead. It then came down pretty solid for at least 15 minutes or so during the second half of ressies. At this point the bottom field was closed (the ongoing junior game was abandoned at half time) while ressies game was completed on the top field. Presumably refs wanted to finish that game then make an assessment before starting firsts. We were told as were cardiff players that first grade was most likely off. So no, we didn't go out and warm up as the rain was finishing off.

As the sun came out it looked like we might end up playing, so we went out to warm up. I was told just before kickoff time that the refs had made the decision to call it - I didn't speak to a ref directly.
Is it frustrating to walk away without playing when the sun was now out, yes. The players were ready to play from both teams. However there were multiple areas on the ground that had turned to mud, its not that hard to see why it was called. Whether you can see it on whatever video cardiff recorded, I have no idea and doesn't really bother me.

Suggestions of a conspiracy to call the game off due to low players are laughable - I think there was only one bloke going to play firsts that had already played that day. The lower grades were thin on Saturday, and as Moz said, if some call to wait for a date with better numbers was going to happen then it would make way more sense to have the ground would be closed from the start with the whole day called off, like many other games were that day.

My teacup is looking a little stormy this morning..

[Vincent]

If the videos were not enough proof, unsure why it wouldnt be enough tho, but Go on westlakes Facebook page. Read comments from parents saying it was also fine. Not sure what else you guys want to read. Would hate to see you on jury duty. Before you get high on that horse. Go read comments from both pages. Should be enough ammo for this argument.

Forfeit loading almost complete

[ForeverRed]

My son played reserve grade and said it was terrible, couldn?t keep your feet, he?s an honest lad.

[Addios]

If the videos were not enough proof, unsure why it wouldnt be enough tho, but Go on westlakes Facebook page. Read comments from parents saying it was also fine. Not sure what else you guys want to read. Would hate to see you on jury duty. Before you get high on that horse. Go read comments from both pages. Should be enough ammo for this argument.

Forfeit loading almost complete

Are you after the 3pts or is it the disappointment of wasting your time not playing at last minute?

I cant see either team making the semis tbh.

[Bon]

I'm still not quite sure where to view videos, or where the Westlakes boys were sitting before kickoff.... :gent:
Let us all know how that loading bar is going too..

[Jardelsimage]

They did it this year to an AA side, ground closed, games postponed but all three games of zone league still played that day.

Thats because all AA games are sanctioned to play on No2 ground, we move onto No1 when possible, our outlook on this it easier to reorganize 1 standalone washout game than 3 grades.
This happened last Wednesday night when AA played there catch up No1 as No2 is still very soft.

cheers

[WWFC25]

So it?s been established that we are a disgraceful club who would never be people that valued the safety of all players and preservation of the field. Following our duty of care to humans and council property seems a ridiculous idea.

Hopefully Kotara Ressies and Thirds appreciate our decision to not destroy the field further now we have given them a chance to play this Thursday catchup.

I?ll be sure to instruct our first grade coach to have all players standing in their position 5 minutes before kick off so everyone is certain we are ready to play the catchup.

Hopefully the resident Cardiff videographer has improved his skills by the next video and knows to capture the entire field and not a 10m x10m corner section.

Hopefully this clears up any issues from the weekend and I can enjoy watching a midweek catchup between these two teams.

Resetting game in progress

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

So it?s been established that we are a disgraceful club who would never be people that valued the safety of all players and preservation of the field. Following our duty of care to humans and council property seems a ridiculous idea.

Hopefully Kotara Ressies and Thirds appreciate our decision to not destroy the field further now we have given them a chance to play this Thursday catchup.

I?ll be sure to instruct our first grade coach to have all players standing in their position 5 minutes before kick off so everyone is certain we are ready to play the catchup.

Hopefully the resident Cardiff videographer has improved his skills by the next video and knows to capture the entire field and not a 10m x10m corner section.

Hopefully this clears up any issues from the weekend and I can enjoy watching a midweek catchup between these two teams.

Resetting game in progress

The video must have been captured on a 2006 Motorola flip phone. Clear as mud.

[Toaf]

Tigers vs bay tonight res n 3rds tomorrow 1sts big games final places up for grabs hopefully the tigers are fresh and clean after their big game on the weekend

[Zonal Marking]

So it?s been established that we are a disgraceful club who would never be people that valued the safety of all players and preservation of the field. Following our duty of care to humans and council property seems a ridiculous idea.

Hopefully Kotara Ressies and Thirds appreciate our decision to not destroy the field further now we have given them a chance to play this Thursday catchup.

I?ll be sure to instruct our first grade coach to have all players standing in their position 5 minutes before kick off so everyone is certain we are ready to play the catchup.

Hopefully the resident Cardiff videographer has improved his skills by the next video and knows to capture the entire field and not a 10m x10m corner section.

Hopefully this clears up any issues from the weekend and I can enjoy watching a midweek catchup between these two teams.

Resetting game in progress

To be fair it has mainly been the Cardiff posters implying this. The neutrals were all waiting patiently to hear someone present westlakes side of the events which you have now done.

By the sounds of it Cardiff have overreacted a bit and a forfeit will not be loading much to the disappointment of a certain tigers member on this site.

[ForeverRed]

Vale Russell Henry, sad news

[Taffy]

Despite what some on here may have said he did do a lot for Newcastle Football over the years. RIP

[The Hacker]

Did Kotara and Swansea play last night or was I mistaken

[Jardelsimage]

Did Kotara and Swansea play last night or was I mistaken

Cardiff v Warners Bay
3rds 2-2
res 1-2
1st 3-1

[The Hacker]

Cardiff v Warners Bay
3rds 2-2
res 1-2
1st 3-1

Good result for the Tigers. Really pushing for the top 5

[Lofty]

Good result for the Tigers. Really pushing for the top 5

Battle of the orange tigers next week will be a big one.

[Taffy]

Good result for the Tigers. Really pushing for the top 5

Be even better for them once that incoming forfeit loads

[Zonal Marking]

Be even better for them once that incoming forfeit loads


It would appear that everybodys favourite resident tiger has had a quiet word to him to pipe down on this platform. Never thought I would say this but I actually kind of miss his delusional outtakes.

[Bon]

It would appear that everybodys favourite resident tiger has had a quiet word to him to pipe down on this platform. Never thought I would say this but I actually kind of miss his delusional outtakes.

Don't worry mate.. Plenty of other crazy-snakes around here to cover it..

[Vincent]

Sorry lads, been busy. But Shout out to the blood bath call for the tigers and warners bay fixture a while back, they were spot on. 6 points to the tigers.

Not to mention in wet and rainy conditions, full credit to the curator for allowing the game to play in a light drizzle.

Shame the warners bay lads couldn?t make it back to the pub that we took off them for some vodka sunrises (mocktail version).
we also had half price pizzas pumping

Got to watch the boys play, they did well. Warners bay had a couple out I heard but tigers still played well together.

Will be a great push for coming games.

[djjones]

Don't worry mate.. Plenty of other crazy-snakes around here to cover it..

Listen to this bozo pretending to of normal nature....:rof::rof::rof:

[Bon]

Listen to this bozo pretending to of normal nature....:rof::rof::rof:

Don't see how my comment has alluded to me being "of normal nature"? haha..
But good for you, feel a bit better? :thumbsup:

[Eastwest]

Listen to this bozo pretending to of normal nature....:rof::rof::rof:

clown took the bait :lol:

[Zonal Marking]

Top 5 race is really starting to heat up. Top 3 looks to be sorted but who are we thinking takes the other 2 places?

[Kicktheball]

Westlakes has been called off tomorrow

[Taffy]

Westlakes has been called off tomorrow

Someone go take a video.

Vincent can check how many players are missing.

[Macca]

Everyone knows that cats don't like the wet weather. We sat huddled under the shed all week.

[The Hacker]

Top 5 race is really starting to heat up. Top 3 looks to be sorted but who are we thinking takes the other 2 places?

I haven?t looked at each teams run home but Cardiff and Kotara seem to have the better form at the minute but Uni or WB could have a soft run

[magician]

I haven?t looked at each teams run home but Cardiff and Kotara seem to have the better form at the minute but Uni or WB could have a soft run
27pts Cardiff- Swansea, kotara,suns,Uni and forfeit loading
26pts Kotara- suns,cardiff,uni,dudley,uni,bay
26pts Uni- west lakes,swansea,kotara,Cardiff,kotara,mayfield
24pts WBay- Azzurri,suns,olympic,mayfield,kotara,west lakes

[straightred88]

westlakes has been called off tomorrow

lol

[Toaf]

Tigers vs swans
1st 1-2
Res 4-2
3rds 5-3

[riverboy]

Dark days at warners bay. Losing to Cardiff is probably expected atm, but loosing to Azzurri yesterday when your season is on the line is a new low.

Grand Finals last year in first grade to only 1 point in 3 grades yesterday. Ouch

[Jardelsimage]

Dark days at warners bay. Losing to Cardiff is probably expected atm, but loosing to Azzurri yesterday when your season is on the line is a new low.

Grand Finals last year in first grade to only 1 point in 3 grades yesterday. Ouch

not sure if i read the squaddie app correctly, but did Suns lose all 3 grades today?

[straightred88]

not sure if i read the squaddie app correctly, but did Suns lose all 3 grades today?

Correct must of been by ?accident?

[Toaf]

Sure did tigers rein supreme 9 point day
Rumours will be starting up again suns throwing?or can we just give credit to the other team when they win

[Guthorina]

Not here to stoke the flames of any rumours about suns throwing the game because I think that’s a disgraceful thing for any team to do in a competitive atmosphere.

With that said… as far as I’m aware the suns fielded their third grade keeper. I’ll put this very politely, the keeper, who is not physically up to first grade level, had a ****ing STINKER. Why would they do this? On their old boys day too… hmmm…

I actually think the loss to us triggered a bit of a collapse at the suns… plenty of arguments, in-fighting, etc.

Can’t be arrogant against any team in this comp… otherwise you will LEARN the hard way…

Cheers,

Gutho

[The Hacker]

Not here to stoke the flames of any rumours about suns throwing the game because I think that?s a disgraceful thing for any team to do in a competitive atmosphere.

With that said? as far as I?m aware the suns fielded their third grade keeper. I?ll put this very politely, the keeper, who is not physically up to first grade level, had a ****ing STINKER. Why would they do this? On their old boys day too? hmmm?

I actually think the loss to us triggered a bit of a collapse at the suns? plenty of arguments, in-fighting, etc.

Can?t be arrogant against any team in this comp? otherwise you will LEARN the hard way?

Cheers,

Gutho

Well did the normal first and reserves keepers play lower grades? If so that didn?t help either. Or do they have injuries?
What it has done is made Olympic v Dudley Wednesday a massive game

[Nou Camp]

He was the clubs only fully fit keeper for the day

[Gelato]

One keeper fit across all three grades and that being the thirds keeper.
Anyone who remotely thinks games are being thrown should wake up to themselves.
Suns were bad, Kotara were just too good on the day. Simple

[Guthorina]

Not saying you’re lying but why was the reserve grade keeper subbed on if he wasn’t fit?

[Toaf]

Looking at squaddi youll find the res keeper today is usually their striker been scoring goals for fun, his old boy paul is the usual keeper

[Guthorina]

Looking at squaddi youll find the res keeper today is usually their striker been scoring goals for fun, his old boy paul is the usual keeper

Interesting… didn’t know this thank you for the correction

Cheers

Gutho

[Nou Camp]

Wasn?t fully fit and was only there as emergency as the ressies keeper was an outfielder

[Taffy]

Kotara a very strong side but every suns loss against a weaker opponent will be viewed with suspicion.

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Kotara a very strong side but every suns loss against a weaker opponent will be viewed with suspicion.

The 3rd grade keeper starting, being replaced by an injured goal keeper, as per above, sounds murky.

[Jardelsimage]

So here is scenario for you all.

Suns throw a couple more games, hahaaha {if you believe that your delusional also}
Dudley throw a game or 2, hahaha once again delusional thoughts.
Olympic pip both at the post, gain promotion, do they go?

[Zonal Marking]

So here is scenario for you all.

Suns throw a couple more games, hahaaha {if you believe that your delusional also}
Dudley throw a game or 2, hahaha once again delusional thoughts.
Olympic pip both at the post, gain promotion, do they go?

Would Olympic even be allowed to go? Do we even know if promotion is 100% compulsory for the team who finishes top?

[Game_over]

Would Olympic even be allowed to go?

This is from the promotion/relegation FAQs

"With relation to NPL Men’s and Northern League One, no club will be permitted to have a team in Northern League One if they already have a team competing in NPL Men’s. As there is a play-off series which links both competitions on the pitch, this will ensure there are no competition integrity issues within the promotion and relegation structure of these leagues".

So unless NNSW decide to change the rules the answer would be no.

[Taffy]

Do we even know if promotion is 100% compulsory for the team who finishes top?

Yes it is, otherwise what would be the point in having promotion/relegation across all 5 tiers.

As for Olympic, if they finish first then they may just push 2nd up anyway as they want HitFM to become a 10 team comp.

[Zonal Marking]

Yes it is, otherwise what would be the point in having promotion/relegation across all 5 tiers.

As for Olympic, if they finish first then they may just push 2nd up anyway as they want HitFM to become a 10 team comp.

Worst case scenario for suns. Sacrificing a premiership to stay in the competition only to be sent up anyway

[ZLWB]

Dark days at warners bay. Losing to Cardiff is probably expected atm, but loosing to Azzurri yesterday when your season is on the line is a new low.

Grand Finals last year in first grade to only 1 point in 3 grades yesterday. Ouch

It?d be easy to blame the disruption from the weather this year, but everyone has faced the same issues there. We have not taken enough of our chances and haven?t been ruthless enough when we needed to be.
Gonna be tough from here.
Recent results have made the comp look interesting. The last round has a couple of huge clashes
Shame they?re all on at the same time

[The Hacker]

It?d be easy to blame the disruption from the weather this year, but everyone has faced the same issues there. We have not taken enough of our chances and haven?t been ruthless enough when we needed to be.
Gonna be tough from here.
Recent results have made the comp look interesting. The last round has a couple of huge clashes
Shame they?re all on at the same time

Is it a federation thing they all on same day?
I reckon some games won?t have refs with all games Saturday.
Kotara are usually Sunday but are Saturday

[straightred88]

Don?t think there will be any more accidents - hearing Suns have done a 180 and will go to NL1

[Taffy]

Don?t think there will be any more accidents - hearing Suns have done a 180 and will go to NL1

Still got to win it first.

[The Hacker]

The 3rd grade keeper starting, being replaced by an injured goal keeper, as per above, sounds murky.

I saw on their socials Aiden Palozzi was players player in Reserve grade. One of the club?s best players. That adds to the debate of how much do they want to win

[biscuits]

I saw on their socials Aiden Palozzi was players player in Reserve grade. One of the club?s best players. That adds to the debate of how much do they want to win

Pretty sure he just came back from an injury

[The Hacker]

Pretty sure he just came back from an injury

Fair enough then

[Taffy]

1856

[Toaf]

Good to see game out at westlakes get on tonight vs azzurri in res 2 1 win for azzurri keeps the finals hunt alive

[WWFC25]

Good to see game out at westlakes get on tonight vs azzurri in res 2 1 win for azzurri keeps the finals hunt alive

First grade has been moved to there tonight at 8pm as well due to trashed Heaton Park.

[Kicktheball]

Good to see game out at westlakes get on tonight vs azzurri in res 2 1 win for azzurri keeps the finals hunt alive

Finals? That team are not making finals. Should be winning by 3 plus against westlakes and looking at the ladder they are dreaming of playing finals

[Toaf]

But westlakes are a different breed at home

[magician]

Olympic vs Dudley off tonight

[ForeverRed]

Olympic vs Dudley off tonight

Why 🤷*♂️

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Why 🤷*♂️

https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/explore/recreation/sportsground-closures

[WWFC25]

Westlakes vs Azzurri
1st 3-2

[straightred88]

https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/explore/recreation/sportsground-closures


Yeh and ?

[Jardelsimage]

Yeh and ?

the pitch in the middle has been the problem all year, when we were at No2 we had similar problems but under Lake Mac we could choose when we played, sometimes pushing the boundaries a bit, but Newy council choose which grounds are out and generally do a blanket closure.

[Jardelsimage]

Kot v Uni
1st 2-5
Res 3-1
3rds didnt play

[Taffy]

Yeh and ?

Clearly it is because the ground is closed.

[straightred88]

the pitch in the middle has been the problem all year, when we were at No2 we had similar problems but under Lake Mac we could choose when we played, sometimes pushing the boundaries a bit, but Newy council choose which grounds are out and generally do a blanket closure.

Yes but Newy council also allow clubs to overrule and do their own assessment. I wonder if this was done.

[straightred88]

Clearly it is because the ground is closed.

Council ground closure in the morning doesn?t mean game can?t go ahead that night if club inspects it later that day.

[Taffy]

Council ground closure in the morning doesn?t mean game can?t go ahead that night if club inspects it later that day.

It was closed at lunchtime, but it does mean that.

[Kicktheball]

Westlakes have closed their grounds for tomorrow. Catch up date TBC

[mge61]

Westlakes have closed their grounds for tomorrow. Catch up date TBC

Mmmm...after playing two nights midweek.

[Chips]

Westlakes have closed their grounds for tomorrow. Catch up date TBC

Surely joking

[Taffy]

Westlakes have closed their grounds for tomorrow. Catch up date TBC

Either you or Westlakes are having us on

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Westlakes have closed their grounds for tomorrow. Catch up date TBC

Time for a new joke buddy.

[Toaf]

Olympic loss to azzuri does this now mean they're throwing games

[ZLWB]

Olympic loss to azzuri does this now mean they're throwing games

They don?t need to. The competition rules prevent them going up regardless of where they finish, so they have no reason to throw off

[The Hacker]

They don?t need to. The competition rules prevent them going up regardless of where they finish, so they have no reason to throw off

Olympic have been the surprise packet this year. Not sure many picked them top 5

[ZLWB]

Olympic have been the surprise packet this year. Not sure many picked them top 5

Fair call, and they deserve to be there too. Their discipline is a bit loose but they?re strong in the middle, got some speed up front, and they press relentlessly.
We?ve got them next week and we will need to be at our best to knock them over.

[Toaf]

Fake tigers vs real tigers
1sts 2-5
Res 2-0
3rds 5-0

[Avocadomexican]

Fake tigers vs real tigers
1sts 2-5
Res 2-0
3rds 5-0

i thought Mayfield played Minmi? haha

[Jonka]

Looks like Cardiff got the forfeit from Westlakes

[Toaf]

I guess forfeit complete vincent

[The Hacker]

Any games midweek

[Taffy]

Looks like Cardiff got the forfeit from Westlakes

Everyone laughed at him and called him names for claiming that Westlakes shouldn't have called off a dry ground and should be classed as a forfeit. And here we are. I guess those that laugh last laughs loudest.

[ForeverRed]

Will we see an apology 🤷*♂️

[Vincent]

Never in doubt. Massive game vs suns this weekend

[Jardelsimage]

Everyone laughed at him and called him names for claiming that Westlakes shouldn't have called off a dry ground and should be classed as a forfeit. And here we are. I guess those that laugh last laughs loudest.

well said Taffy...

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Never in doubt. Massive game vs suns this weekend

Suns seem to be out of form.
Injuries? Suspensions?
A Cardiff result would not surprise.

[Jardelsimage]

Suns seem to be out of form.
Injuries? Suspensions?
A Cardiff result would not surprise.

Na,suns throwing the comp....:whistling::whistling:

[straightred88]

Na,suns throwing the comp....:whistling::whistling:

Correct until they found out second place wouldn?t save them either. Sssshhhhh

[Jardelsimage]

Correct until they found out second place wouldn?t save them either. Sssshhhhh

so, 2 teams going up now?

[The Hacker]

Correct until they found out second place wouldn?t save them either. Sssshhhhh

Suns and Dudley should go up and Wallsend come down. Then Minmi down and Croatia and Stockton up to ZL1

[straightred88]

so, 2 teams going up now?

Hearing northern are moving goal posts to remove the bye

[straightred88]

Suns and Dudley should go up and Wallsend come down. Then Minmi down and Croatia and Stockton up to ZL1

Hearing it will be 2 up and Wallsend down
Then winner of zone 2 up and make it 10 team comp same as NL1 will be.

[Taffy]

Hearing northern are moving goal posts to remove the bye

No goal posts being moved, it's always been said end of 2024 one goes up to NL1 and none comes down to make it a 10 team comp. Only from 2025 does bottom of NL1 go down.

[Alton]

Have Duns confirmed they will go up?

[Alton]

Suns

[Zonal Marking]

Everyone laughed at him and called him names for claiming that Westlakes shouldn't have called off a dry ground and should be classed as a forfeit. And here we are. I guess those that laugh last laughs loudest.

Word on the grapevine is that the forfeit is taking place because westlakes have a full match schedule and with the seasons end very close have ran out of time for the game to be played.

So yeah nothing to do with punishment for calling the match off with a dry pitch.

[Jardelsimage]

Hearing northern are moving goal posts to remove the bye

So, what you're saying is Northern expect 2 teams from ZL1 to go up and Wallsend to come down?

Thats the 1st I have heard of that scenario being thrown about, you must have some good info if that is true, maybe someone should tell Dudley this, pretty sure they have no plans to go up.

[Swanky]

If Wallsend pull the pin my tip is no promotion and relegation between NL1 and ZFL1 this season.

[straightred88]

So, what you're saying is Northern expect 2 teams from ZL1 to go up and Wallsend to come down?

Thats the 1st I have heard of that scenario being thrown about, you must have some good info if that is true, maybe someone should tell Dudley this, pretty sure they have no plans to go up.

That?s what some don?t get - it doesn?t have to be in your plans - that?s the system now with the pyramid - don?t like it then dont enter zone football it?s simple as that

[ForeverRed]

There?s a lot of people on here that make stuff up,

[straightred88]

If Wallsend pull the pin my tip is no promotion and relegation between NL1 and ZFL1 this season.

Maybe they are hence why 2 up is being floated coz they don?t want 8 team comp

[straightred88]

There?s a lot of people on here that make stuff up,

lol

[Zonal Marking]

There?s a lot of people on here that make stuff up,

What is that old saying about the pot calling the kettle black?

[The Postman]

2 up to NL1 and 1 down, now leaves ZL1 and ZL2 both with 11 teams provided pro/rel still happens between those grades.

I think the goal should be 10 team comps all the way through. Might take another season to get there but I think it would be best long term in terms of quality.

[Taffy]

Have Duns confirmed they will go up?

Well they haven't won it yet, so no it's not confirmed until we see who finishes top as to who will move up

[ForeverRed]

What is that old saying about the pot calling the kettle black?
I must have hit a nerve 😎

[Zonal Marking]

I must have hit a nerve 😎

I was just thinking the same thing 😎

[ForeverRed]

I was just thinking the same thing 😎
No second prizes

[Vincent]

Word on the grapevine is that the forfeit is taking place because westlakes have a full match schedule and with the seasons end very close have ran out of time for the game to be played.

So yeah nothing to do with punishment for calling the match off with a dry pitch.

You dont get a forfeit loss for a back log of games mate. You get a forfeit loss for being soft and not playing in playable conditions

[Toaf]

Wouldnt that just be classed as a 1 all draw not the home team losing 3 nil because they *ran out of time to play it* i think the grapevine is telling porkies happy to be wrong though

[anfield]

2 up to NL1 and 1 down, now leaves ZL1 and ZL2 both with 11 teams provided pro/rel still happens between those grades.

I think the goal should be 10 team comps all the way through. Might take another season to get there but I think it would be best long term in terms of quality.

Hand this Postman a golden letter, well said. 10 team competitions will provide greater quality and have sustainable clubs. The move to 12 teams in the old ZPL just diluted playing talent as it just spread the quality. 18 rounds is a good amount.

[FlatScreen]

That?s what some don?t get - it doesn?t have to be in your plans - that?s the system now with the pyramid - don?t like it then dont enter zone football it?s simple as that

Were Clubs consulted with the changes? Did they get a vote? When I was playing there was no promotion! Mainly because we were looked at as trash! Also, because it was just a bunch of blokes that wanted to be competitive without the hassle of 3 night s a week training. Along with a MUST be there commitment. I'm not convinced this is actually what the members want. Teams like Dudley, Mayfield, Kotara, Swansea etc all have been "stable" for a long time, you risk a lot of stability with promotion relegation.

I agree with what the postman said about 12 teams in ZL1. It's too many!

[Alton]

Were Clubs consulted with the changes? Did they get a vote? When I was playing there was no promotion! Mainly because we were looked at as trash! Also, because it was just a bunch of blokes that wanted to be competitive without the hassle of 3 night s a week training. Along with a MUST be there commitment. I'm not convinced this is actually what the members want. Teams like Dudley, Mayfield, Kotara, Swansea etc all have been "stable" for a long time, you risk a lot of stability with promotion relegation.

I agree with what the postman said about 12 teams in ZL1. It's too many!

Too many 10 is better

[Lofty]

Suns v Azzurri off tonight

[straightred88]

Suns v Azzurri off tonight

No surprise with the photos I?ve seen of Myer park going around.

They are kidding themselves if they think they can hold GFs there again

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

No surprise with the photos I?ve seen of Myer park going around.

They are kidding themselves if they think they can hold GFs there again

When does this get announced? Teams have to organise shuttles to Kurraka.

[Jardelsimage]

No surprise with the photos I?ve seen of Myer park going around.

They are kidding themselves if they think they can hold GFs there again

going to NPL club again I hear.

[straightred88]

going to NPL club again I hear.

Apparently same as last year for all zone GFs

[Lofty]

ZL1 is at Darling Street

[The Hacker]

As it should be

[Lofty]

As it should be

Absolutely. Will be a fantastic day there

[The Hacker]

Absolutely. Will be a fantastic day there

Currently looking like Dudley and Suns in all 3 grades. What teams can we see upsetting that in any of the 3 grades

[Toaf]

The way kotara ressies are coming home i wouldnt rule them out
but being biased Cardiff will make a run hopefully

[FairPlay2022]

ZL1 is at Darling Street

Any chance of Olympic moving their finals matches to Darling St? With all due respect to Islington oval a finals game deserves better if a more suitable venue is available.

[FairPlay2022]

The way kotara ressies are coming home i wouldnt rule them out
but being biased Cardiff will make a run hopefully

Watched a bit of Kotara ressies on Tuesday night and they are pretty impressive. Definitely a good chance of going all the way I reckon.

[Taffy]

Wouldnt that just be classed as a 1 all draw not the home team losing 3 nil because they *ran out of time to play it* i think the grapevine is telling porkies happy to be wrong though

Yes 0-0 draw would be declared.

[Taffy]

Were Clubs consulted with the changes?

Yes extensively, including Zone team representatives on the sub-committee that looked into it. That the zone leagues still have a finals series for 1st grade is proof of consultation as the end of the season was going to look very different.

[Taffy]

As it should be

I'd rather the money go to a ZL1 team rather than into the hands of NPL. Yes it might be good but why are they getting the coin from ZL1 supporters?

I know NOFC have a team, that's fine, but Suns put on a great day last year and deservedly shown that ZL1 clubs can host finals and get the coin that go along with it. I'm sure clubs like Cardiff, Dudley, WB would all be able to host a good grand final day, and supporters dollars can then end up back in teams involved in the league.

[Lofty]

I'd rather the money go to a ZL1 team rather than into the hands of NPL. Yes it might be good but why are they getting the coin from ZL1 supporters?

I know NOFC have a team, that's fine, but Suns put on a great day last year and deservedly shown that ZL1 clubs can host finals and get the coin that go along with it. I'm sure clubs like Cardiff, Dudley, WB would all be able to host a good grand final day, and supporters dollars can then end up back in teams involved in the league.

I don't disagree with the sentiments of your post, however there was only one club that nominated for ZL1 and only one club that nominated for ZL2/3.

I don't doubt that other clubs could host, they just don't want to. There lies the issue.

[GO AWAY]

I'd rather the money go to a ZL1 team rather than into the hands of NPL. Yes it might be good but why are they getting the coin from ZL1 supporters?

I know NOFC have a team, that's fine, but Suns put on a great day last year and deservedly shown that ZL1 clubs can host finals and get the coin that go along with it. I'm sure clubs like Cardiff, Dudley, WB would all be able to host a good grand final day, and supporters dollars can then end up back in teams involved in the league.

NL1 GF / Playoff gone to NPL too. My belief is semis and GF should be hosted by a ground within the said comp.

[Taffy]

I don't doubt that other clubs could host, they just don't want to. There lies the issue.

Well that's a shame, no doubt part of it is the amount of volunteers required to run a grand final day as well which many clubs don't have enough of.

[Lofty]

NL1 GF / Playoff gone to NPL too. My belief is semis and GF should be hosted by a ground within the said comp.

Most pitches in the comp currently are trash. But if clubs aren't putting their hands up to host, then there's not much you can do.

Has a club within ZPL/ZL1 other than Olympic or Suns put their hands up to host a grand final in the last 10 years? I don't know the answer, genuine question.
My guess is that there hasn't been, so I'm not sure what more you can do. If clubs aren't willing to do the work, then you can't really force them to.

There's probably a couple of main reasons and that would be clubs don't want to host a day they aren't a part of and clubs don't want to have the burden of working on a day that they are a part of.

[Lofty]

Well that's a shame, no doubt part of it is the amount of volunteers required to run a grand final day as well which many clubs don't have enough of.

It's a big day. There's a lot of planning and prep in the lead up. There's risk in hosting too. You need to order enough stock to last the day to keep everyone happy and also not over ordering and having wastage since it's your last game for 6 months.
On gameday you really need at least 20-30 people working the whole day. Much earlier start for volunteers to finish for the day too.

[ZLWB]

Watched a bit of Kotara ressies on Tuesday night and they are pretty impressive. Definitely a good chance of going all the way I reckon.

Yeah they were sharp and came out of the blocks at pace.
Their press was consistent and high.
It was 3-1 after 15mins, Bay?s goal being off a free kick that was a generous call, but really well taken.

[Jardelsimage]

I'd rather the money go to a ZL1 team rather than into the hands of NPL. Yes it might be good but why are they getting the coin from ZL1 supporters?

I know NOFC have a team, that's fine, but Suns put on a great day last year and deservedly shown that ZL1 clubs can host finals and get the coin that go along with it. I'm sure clubs like Cardiff, Dudley, WB would all be able to host a good grand final day, and supporters dollars can then end up back in teams involved in the league.

Cardiff did think about throwing hat into the ring, but ground condition this year, turned us off, needs to be a better surface than ours at the moment.
The GF should be on a neutral ground i believe, in its own comp preferably, but if this cant happen NPL is the best choice.

Not a big fan of ZL1 & ZL2 GF's at the same ground, sort of distracts a bit from the games being played, this is meant to be the pinnacle and should be kept separate.

[straightred88]

Cardiff did think about throwing hat into the ring, but ground condition this year, turned us off, needs to be a better surface than ours at the moment.
The GF should be on a neutral ground i believe, in its own comp preferably, but if this cant happen NPL is the best choice.

Not a big fan of ZL1 & ZL2 GF's at the same ground, sort of distracts a bit from the games being played, this is meant to be the pinnacle and should be kept separate.

You mean ZL2 and ZL3 and yes should be separate.

[Jardelsimage]

You mean ZL2 and ZL3 and yes should be separate.

yeh stuffed that up

[anfield]

100% agree they all should be separate. My way of thinking is that if Zl1 was 12 teams as I can't see that changing and the other grades were 10 team then the ZL1 competition could finish a week after the other Zone league finals on a Saturday.

Which could be something like

First week Saturday ZL3
First week Sunday ZL2

Following Week Saturday ZL1

As for grounds Darling Street could have ZL1. Keen to host, good facilities

Myer park ZL2, run good grand finals last year deserve another GF

As the ZL3 Competition is very well spread with a few hunter valley teams I wouldn't be against somewhere like Carmichael Park at Bellbird getting a start. As of last week pitch was up there with most grounds in Newcastle. Excellent surface and club run a good match day

[biscuits]

Why not have ZL3 and ZL2 on the Saturday.

Kickoff times: 9, 11, 1, 3 and 5?

Then ZL1 on the Sunday