Macarthur Rugby League: Picton Magpies explain shock forfeit to Camden Rams

With a tradition dating back more than 100 years, the Picton Magpies’ decision to forfeit last weekend’s round of senior fixtures was a ‘dark day’ for the proud club. Here’s the details.

Player shortage: Picton were unable to field sides against Camden in round seven of the Macarthur Rugby League. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

Last Saturday was no ordinary day in the storied history of the Picton Magpies Rugby League Football Club.

With the gates locked to an empty Victoria Park an hour before the first grade clash with ladder leaders Camden, something on the home front was clearly wrong.

A quick glance at the club’s Facebook page revealed the ‘pain staking decision’ to forfeit both senior grades.

It’s not the first time senior matches in the Macarthur competitions have been canned, but faced by limited player availability, clubs typically sacrifice reserve grade in order to field a top grade side.

In more than 40 seasons as a Magpies player and coach, Picton club president Gary Dowse can’t recall the club ever pulling the pin in first grade.

“It was definitely a dark day,” said Dowse.

“We forfeited both grades because we didn’t really have the numbers in either grade. Even if we forfeited second grade and fielded first grade, there are a number of first grade guys who are playing injured, so it wasn’t going to be fair to anybody.

“There was no easy decision to be made and we took the option that meant our injury toll didn’t increase. Yes, we could have put a team on the field, but we would have put young guys on the field that weren’t physically up to it.

“The club is very grateful and appreciative of the support and understanding from the Camden Rams over the weekend’s events. And we look forward to meeting them in a few weeks.”

Formed in 1914, Picton are the most successful team in the region and after failing to qualify for last season’s finals hoped for a change of fortune under new coach Simon Woolford.

Picton Magpies club president Gary Dowse (right). Picture Warren Gannon Photography

“A lot of experienced players retired across the board last season. It left a big hole, we had 30 players in the third grade squad last year and now we can’t even put a team on the field,” Dowse explained of a turbulent season where he has taken on the roll as reserve grade coach.

“Twelve first graders were unavailable and another five were carrying injuries. Six reserve graders are already out for the season, so we would have been fielding young guys that weren’t up to it and putting them with guys that were already injured.

“The underlying issue was player welfare. I can’t remember it happening and I can’t recall the circumstances ever being that dire before. We’ve got to own our decision now, but we viewed it as the best way for us to finish the season with the playing group that we have.”

Scheduled to face cross town rivals Thirlmere away on Saturday, Dowse was confident of a strong showing.

Picton first grade coach Simon Woolford (right). Picture Warren Gannon Photography

“This will be our one and only forfeit, you can be certain of that,” he said. “We had injured guys willing to go out there and do it for the club, but given the circumstances there was no point putting them at further risk.

“Simon was willing to put a side on the field if we decided to, he was fine with it either way. He was also adamant that some of the injuries were only for one or two weeks, and with a week off we’d be right for next week.”

Having experienced the lows and highs of running a footy club, Dowse is confident Picton has a bright future.

“We’ve been in the comp for more than 110 years, and if this is our first forfeit then I’m sure it buys us a bit of leeway,” he said.

“The club’s not in dire straits, we’ve just copped a bad run with injuries and circumstances. Simon will most likely be at the club next year and none of the things that have gone pear shaped are any of his doing.

“We’ve had problems before. In 2012 we missed the finals for the first time in a long time, then in 2013 we won the comp. So it’s something that can turn real quick with the right people in the right places.