It’s in clubs’ hands

August 17 2007

Shepparton News

Cobram and Cobram Victory will not be told by North Eastern Soccer League to put a merger back on their respective agendas, according to president Frank Trimboli.

The Tigers failed to field a senior team on Sunday after injuries, suspension and holidays reduced the squad to just 12 registered players.

At the start of the year a number of Tigers walked out on the club to play for new side Cobram Victory after the collapse of a proposed merger between Cobram and MurrayBorder Cobram United.

But despite Cobram's forfeit Trimboli said it wasn't the league's position to impose itself on the situation.

"The status of both clubs is entirely up to them," Trimboli said.

"Our position is to administrate the competition, not to instruct clubs on what to do."

Trimboli said the coexistence of Cobram and Murray-Border Cobram United as separate teams prior to this season meant there was no reason Cobram would have to be a oneteam town.

"They've had two teams for 10 years and I see no reason to shut one of them down," Trimboli said.

"I don't see where Cobram is going to benefit from having one team, the local derby is important for the region, and having enough places for juniors in the area."

Trimboli admitted the men's league had been damaged by Cobram's decision to field a reserve team rather than a senior side against Hanwood on Sunday.

"Cobram's decision has damaged the integrity of the competition," Trimboli said.

Hanwood accepted the 3-0 forfeit result, but currently sits second with a worse goal difference than its top two contenders Shepparton and Yoogali, who scored four and 10 goals respectively in their most recent matches against Cobram.