GRAFTON United FC have been the standout team so far in this year’s Men’s 3rd Division North competition.
But they haven’t been able to display this form as much as they would have liked, through no fault of their own.
Grafton United has played just two games this season due to their home grounds at Rushforth Park and other grounds throughout the Clarence being unavailable due to this year’s wet weather deluge.
Grafton has been impressive in their two wins, beating the Iluka Redbears 8-1 and the Westlawn Panthers 6-0, as they sit at the top of the ladder.
United president Lynn Rudder explained this year’s wet weather had been a disruptive force.
“We still haven’t trained on grass, and they’ve been playing futsal at the New Life Church in Grafton,” she said.
“It’s been so disruptive this year, and everyone has been as resilient as possible.
“Rushforth Park is still not open, and we were so lucky to have the new club house as its taller than the old one which would have been flooded.”
The wet weather and its ramifications made for a tough decision prior to the season.
“We were going to nominate both a men’s second and third division team in February, but due to the flooding and upheaval we reconsidered,” she said.
“We weighed up the pros and cons and realised that if we tried to keep two teams, we’d only have 8 or 9 players per team.
“This meant 12 men not being able to play for the club.
“A great deal of search searching went into making the right decision for the greatest number of players, with the knowledge that we would not get it right for everyone.”
While winning is a great feeling in itself, Rudder said the ultimate goal was actually getting on the pitch and enjoying the beautiful game.
“To get everyone on the field and smiling is definitely the goal,” she said.
“Just getting back on the field and having a good time, and everyone enjoying themselves after all the upheaval.”
