Easter Saturday clash moves to Ocean Grove

THE Queenscliff community will miss out on its Easter Saturday fixture against Ocean Grove due to a scheduling conflict.

Queenscliff Football Netball Club (FNC) and AFL Barwon confirmed last week the Coutas’ Bellarine Football Netball League Round 1 fixture against the Grubbers will be moved to Shell Road Reserve in Ocean Grove, as the club could not obtain early access to its pavilion.

The new fixture has also moved to Good Friday on March 29, meaning Ocean Grove joins Portarlington and Modewarre as host clubs on the public holiday.

“The Queenscliff Cricket Club has advised that they have applied to host a Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association Grand Final this year,” Queenscliff FNC president Ali Waight said.

“If successful, this game would be on Saturday 23 March, with the ground required to be available for a reserve day being Saturday 30 March in the event of inclement weather.

“Given this, an arrangement to gain access to the facility early could not be reached and as a result we have come to an agreement with Ocean Grove FNC to swap rounds.

“We will play Round 1 at Ocean Grove on Good Friday, March 29 and they will play Round 11 at Queenscliff on Saturday, June 15.”

As it stands, the cricket club has access to Queenscliff Recreational Reserve’s pavilion until April 1. Easter is also much earlier this year compared to 2023, when Good Friday was on April 7.

“I want to be clear with members that we have worked hard since the fixture was released in November to have the Easter Saturday game at home,” Ms Waight said in a statement to club members.

“It is a day that all Coutas and visiting holiday-makers love. I hope to see you all there on Good Friday cheering on our teams.

“We have much to look forward to this season, so get on board. We are striving to reach our goal of 500 social members this year.”

Queenscliff played as the away club in 2023 as well due to the league’s Easter fixturing rotation, meaning the club’s last Easter fixture at home was in 2022.

The club hopes to host back-to-back Easter fixtures given the latest development.