Tungamah and Katandra faced Picola league suspension threat after meeting about new competition

Two Picola and District league footy clubs felt they were at serious risk of not being able to play each other on Saturday.

Tungamah and Katandra have overcome a threat of being suspended from the Picola and District league for attending a meeting about plans for a new competition in the region.

They were among a group of clubs to speak with the Murray league about a new competition to start next year that will include Tocumwal, which left the PDFNL on the eve of this season.

Following the midweek meeting, The Weekly Times understands Tungamah and Katandra had access to the PDFNL’s online administration system blocked.

Katandra is sitting fifth on the Picola league ladder. Picture: Sheryl Elliott

The clubs interpreted the move as a suspension that could have had dramatic consequences given both teams are on track to play finals.

Late on Friday, following the threat of a court injunction opposing the perceived suspension, they were given the green light to play each other the following day.

Tungamah president Josh Buerckner and Katandra president Paul Harry declined to comment beyond confirming they remained committed to playing in the PDFNL for the rest of this season.Murray league general manager Dale Norman said it met with Tungamah, Katandra and Picola United.

Katamatite was also invited, but was a late apology.

Mr Nornan said the proposed new league would be governed and administered by the MFNL for an initial two-year period.

“The main aim of the Murray league is to find Tocumwal a home,” he said.

“They can’t go back to the Picola league in the current environment.

“The league is able to speak to unaffiliated clubs so we invited clubs in for a chat to see what they wanted to do next year.

“No commitments were sought.”

Tungamah beat Katandra on Saturday after the two clubs believed they had been suspended by the Picola league. Picture: Supplied

At the end of last season, Tocumwal was suspended by the PDNFL.

In 2018, when the PDFNL previously didn’t sign an AFL affiliation agreement, Tungamah and Katandra joined the MFNL before returning to the PDFNL.

PDFNL operations manager Shane Railton played down the threat of suspension of the two clubs late last week.

“It is a significant process and as you would be aware we’ve gone through that process (with Tocumwal),” he said.

“It’s a requirement that it comes from the league and there has been no letter, no nothing.”