Team sports return to Tasmanian fields and ovals after COVID-19 shut down

The silence of winter has finally been broken by the sound of boots on balls as team sports return to Tasmania – albeit with some slight variations. SEE THE SOCIAL GALLERY >>

THE sound of winter regained some of its usual rhythm as team sports returned to Tasmania’s previously vacant sports grounds and fields.

It had been a bleak autumn and winter to date due to the COVID-19 crisis shutting down team sports but finally some normality is returning to Tasmanian life – even with new protocols to enforce social distancing, limited spectator attendance and the banning of half time kick to kick.

GALLERY: Out and about as footy returns

Hockey resumed last weekend and was joined this Saturday by TSL and Old Scholars football and men’s and women’s senior and junior soccer.

The TSLW returns next Saturday.

All three TSL games were at their 500-person capacity for the delayed opening round.

Family members of Lauderdale co-captain Bryce Walsh, from left, Tahlia Walsh, Kim Walsh and Rose Ewington at the footy to cheer on the Bombers. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Kim Walsh – the mother of Lauderdale co-captain Bryce Walsh – was thrilled to be able to return to Lauderdale with her daughter Tahlia and mother Rose Ewington to see the Bombers win against arch rivals Clarence, even though Walsh was out injured.

“It is a little bit different with all the rules and regulations, like we are not even allowed to sit next to each other but we’re a footy family, there’s nothing nicer than sitting out here in the cold, eating a meat pie and watching the footy,” Ms Walsh said.

“Community footy is what the community needs and it won’t be long until the junior footy starts as well.

“It does make life feel more normal, because we have been waiting over six months and watching the AFL on TV is OK, but there is nothing like being at the game at the ground and watching and hearing it.”

Clarence’s Brady Jones gets a handball away under pressure from his Lauderdale opponent. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires said it was exciting to see local sport back in action.

“I think it was a little bit different for everyone with the new protocols but I think a lot of the protocols will very quickly become second nature for people.

“I was at Lauderdale Oval and they did a great job, they had plans and processes in place to ensure everyone was following the protocols.”

Glenorchy TSLW players and family members, from left, Elise, Brie and Hollie Barwick at the game between Glenorchy and Launceston. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Soccer’s Lakoseljic Cup resumed on Saturday and will be followed by the National Premier League Tasmania next weekend while state league netball will resume the week after that alongside the Southern Football League.