Cannonballs remain upbeat for 2019 season despite two teams withdrawing

The Grafton Redmen and Wauchope Thunder both decided to withdraw from the competition, instead they will play in the Northern and Southern leagues, respectively.

“It’s a shame to see them go, Grafton were a strong side and we had developed quite a rivalry with them, especially after Cannons player Jarrod Lipscombe spent two seasons playing for them,” Thurgood told the Argus.

“Wauchope were forever improving and I wish them all the best in their move to the Southern competition. If they continue to improve I believe they can give the competition a real shake up down there.”

Thurgood concedes the competition takes a hit with only five teams but remains upbeat about the 2019 season.

“Only having five teams in the competition is a shame, however it’s going to make for a very close and competitive year,” Thurgood said.

“Four of the five teams have played in or won a grand final in the last three years. It’s going to be a tough season and it’s very important to start the year well.”

While adding competitive teams to the competition is necessary, Thurgood believes there’s no easy solution.

“It would be hard to imagine any new teams forming as the pool of players is already small when you take into account those already playing other sports such as rugby league, football and Aussie Rules,” Thurgood said.

“The only viable option to increase the number of teams would be to join with the Lower North Coast (LNC) competition.

“It then becomes difficult though as many of the LNC clubs only have the one men’s grade (no reserve grade) and then scheduling would be an issue.”

However, despite facing less opposition in the competition this year, Thurgood said the Cannonballs remain focused on next season.

“Regardless of the number of teams in the competition the Cannonballs are looking forward to the 2019 season,” he said.

The competition is expected to commence in the first week of April, with the official draw released in the coming weeks.