THE increased popularity of pre-season football and netball competitions has prompted the Cobden Football Netball Club to light up the night.
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The club has re-ignited a night series, which will pit four local football and netball teams together under lights mid-week.
Club president David Buckle said a similar series was run about 10 years ago, but petered out.
“It used to be really popular. We had good support from the clubs and there were good numbers coming to have a look, but it just petered out for whatever reason,” he said.
“Last cricket season I was talking with presidents from district footy clubs who said how hard it was to organise practice games.
“So we decided that we could try and get the night series up and running again.
“Pre-season competitions have become popular, the Warrnambool and District league and Hampden league both have them now, but we have the one advantage of having the lights.
“It means we can be a little bit more flexible with timing and play mid-week.”
Buckle said invitations had been sent to eight clubs and four had signed on for the series.
Nirranda, Old Collegians, Timboon Demons and Simpson will compete in football and netball over two Tuesday nights starting on March 11.
Buckle said Cobden football and netball club players and officials would help out officiating the matches.
“Four is a good number for our first one back. We are happy with the response,” he said. “In the first game on March 11 we will have Nirranda playing Timboon Demons in football and netball.
“Then the second game on March 18, Old Collegians will play Simpson. The canteen and bar will be open and it will be free entry for people to get down and have a look.”
He said the club had put up a $500 cash prize for the overall winner of the competition.
Buckle said they were hoping to start the games at about 6.20pm on both nights.
“We’d love to see it become a regular thing again.”
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au