Coastal Premier League round one matches postponed

Waterlogged sporting grounds across the Coffs Coast have forced the postponement.

North Coast Football action from the round 7 Coastal Premier League clash between Sawtell Scorpions and Taree Wildcats at Toormina Oval on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Photo: Mitchell Keenan

The 2021 Coastal Premier League season will not be kicking off this weekend, with recent heavy rains leaving the Coffs Coast’s sporting grounds unplayable.

Over 150mm of rain has been recorded in the region this week, adding to already waterlogged fields.

Coffs Harbour City Council has closed three grounds and the administrators of two other fields in the region have followed suit.

All CPL match week one fixtures scheduled for April 10 and 11 will instead be postponed to the June long weekend.

In a statement, CPL however said there was a chance they may be played earlier or later depending on agreements reached between clubs or due to the impacts of the FFA Cup.

This weekend’s opening round was set to feature a clash between Port United and Boambee Bombers, as well as between Coffs City United Lions and Port Saints. Sawtell Scorpions were set to host the Macleay Valley Rangers, and the Coffs Coast Tigers were set to clash with the Taree Wildcats.

Last year’s CPL was cut short after ten games due to COVID-19 restrictions, however the competition was stitched together after splitting into two conferences.

The CPL match week two will occur next weekend as scheduled, on April 17 and 18.