First it was the rain, now it’s COVID – a double-whammy that has nobbled the ever-popular Challenge Cup at Nambucca Heads for 2021.
The tournament regularly attracts teams from across the NSW coast and inland to Armidale, as well as squads from Sydney and South East Queensland.
It’s traditionally held at the Coronation Park complex in the North Coast Football pre-season – but the incessant rains put paid to that.
Not to be denied, the Nambucca Strikers elected to move the competition to the October long weekend.
But the stubborn and concerning COVID situation across NSW has forced them to this week pull the pin on Plan B.
In a message to members on the club’s Facebook page, club president Jenna Welsh said: “With the current COVID-19 outbreak and the unpredictable nature of the situation, the committee have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Challenge Cup.
“Apologies go out to those who had intentions to enter a team for this year’s tournament.
“We as a committee are just as disappointed that we cannot hold our annual competition. However the health and safety of our community, members and family is paramount.
“We are in the early stages of planning the return of the Cup for its regular March weekend.
“Bring on Challenge Cup 2022! Go Strikers!”
Image: Action from the 2019 Challenge Cup
