AFL matches postponed as field is treated

PORT Moresby AFL Association (PMAFLA) president Douglas Lai has expressed disappointment at the cancellation of matches over the weekend.
The matches were cancelled due to maintenance work to be carried out on the Colts Oval by the PNG Sports Trust venue management team, including watering and chemical fertilisation of the oval to enable the grass to grow which may take up to two weeks.
Lai said that missing two rounds of matches set the competition back and but the bigger concern was the safety of players with the use of the chemical fertiliser which could pose a threat to players and spectators.
“I am disappointed that the venue management team never gave us ample time to organise optional venues to run our competition,” Lai said.
“Under the venue lease agreement, the PNG Sports Trust was supposed to give us two weeks’ notice but they did not follow the agreement.”
He has called on the Pom AFL advisory board, headed by John Kali to intervene and amicably sort the issue out with the PNG Sports Trust and have the games played at the Colts Oval this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Pom AFL association meeting has been re-scheduled to this evening (Tuesday 05/06/18) at the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex conference room from 6-8pm.
Lai urged all club executives to the meeting as important matters would be discussed including the present situation at the Colts Oval.