Group 11 clubs competing in this weekend's major and minor semi-finals will be able to breathe a sigh of relief after a late decision to re-schedule will allow the semi-finals to occur across two days as first planned.
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Group 11 Secretary Paul Loxley had expressed concern over scheduling clashes with Rugby Union finals games in Nyngan and Dubbo that had forced the Group 11 board to host minor and major semi-finals on the same day, but were relieved to be informed today that Dubbo Regional Council had made alternative arrangements.
"Once the councillors knew and understood what was going on, they wanted to shift the date, and the Mayor made the decision; now all the majors will be on Saturday and the minors will occur on Sunday," Loxley said.
The decision will give all the Group 11 clubs competing across the two days some much needed breathing room, and ease concerns over impacts on volunteer staffing and ticket sales.
"It was wonderful to see common sense prevail, as an ex-councillor myself I do understand the processes they have to go through when making these decisions," Loxley said.
"I would like to thank the councillors that supported John Ryan in his efforts, and the Mayor himself for making the captain's call to re-schedule, it is greatly appreciated."
The Wellington Cowboys won't be split across two places on Sunday as was the case at one time this week.
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Dubbo Regional Council's Director of Liveability Skye Price said the decision had been made after meeting with 'relevant stakeholders'.
"Group 11 games will be played on Apex Oval this Saturday, August 24, instead of Sunday, August 25," Price said.
She also reassured people that the Group 11 Grand Final would be held at Apex Oval as planned, on September 8.
While Rugby Union in Nyngan will go ahead at Larkin Oval, and keep the the minor semi-finals on Sunday, the junior Rugby Union finals to be played at Apex Oval on Saturday will now move to Dubbo's No. 1 Oval.
Dubbo Roos 17's Blue side Coach Jason Blake, who also serves as the Dubbo Junior Rugby Club president and Central West Junior Rugby Union vice president, was disappointed, but understanding of the need to switch.
"The first option was Apex and we would have liked to have played at the premier ground in the zone but we understand the circumstances," Blake said.
"We would have liked to play there but we understand the rationale."
"We now focus on putting on the best day we can and supporting the two Dubbo teams who are playing for a grand final spot, and ensure the oval is at the best it can be for all the sides."
