THE Football Mid North Coast Premier League looks certain to revert to 10 clubs again next year following Wauchope’s application to join the competition.
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FMNC chairman Mike Parsons said the board has yet to ratify the club’s return to the premier league, however, he doesn’t foresee any problems.
“We spoke to them about joining earlier this year when Old Bar dropped out. While they said they weren’t ready then, I can’t see any worries about next year,’’ Mr Parsons said.
The Axemen have been out of the premier league for more than a decade. However, the club made a belated be included in the 2016 season. This was was overruled by FMNC as the club’s application was submitted well after the June 30 deadline. This was before Old Bar’s withdrawal in January that left the premier league with a nine club competition.
Wauchope Axemen currently leads the northern all age competition, with a second team, Wauchope Sawmillers also involved. Mr Parsons said this should ensure the club has the required roster to field two teams in the premier league in 2017.
Mr Parsons expects that Wauchope would satisfy the remaining criteria. He said it will be a major boost for the premier league to return to a 10 club competition.
“That’s what we’ve been working towards,’’ he said.
Should Wauchope get the green light the club will be the fifth from the Hastings area to be involved, joining Port United, Port FC, Port Saints and Camden Haven. Taree Wildcats will remain the sole club from the Manning, with two from the Great Lakes and two from the Macleay.
Mr Parsons said that all the incumbent premier league clubs have all nominated for 2017.
As reported in the Times on July 1, Old Bar hope to apply to rejoin the premier league in 2018. The Barbarians dropped back to the southern all age competition this year, where they are unbeaten. However, club president Warren Steedman told the Times the Barbarians will look to further consolidate in 2017 and hope to field two sides in the all age premiership, with an eye to returning the following year.
“I’ve spoken to Warren and other club members and I support their plan,’’ Mr Parsons said.
“They’re looking to build up their senior and junior player base.’’
This could mean Old Bar has to survive a promotion/relegation match next year to secure a spot in the 2018. FMNC’s board has previously stated that 10 is the preferred and maximum number of clubs it wants in the premier league.
“We have a bit of time before we have to deal with that,’’ Mr Parsons said.
