2022 Ash Wilson Interleague Venue Announced
The GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League (GVL) and the SS&A Ovens and Murray Football and Netball League (O&M) are scheduled to play Interleague matches on Saturday 28 May 2022.
After reviewing submissions from GOTAFE GVL Clubs to host the matches, the Board of the GOTAFE GVL are pleased to announce that these games will be played at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
GOTAFE GVL Board Chairman David Roff said, “The Board was pleased to receive several submissions from GOTAFE GVL Clubs to host these matches. It was a difficult decision but the submission from Mooroopna FNC was selected after lengthy discussions.”
Interleague matches to be played are Under 18 football along with Open and 17 & Under netball. The Senior football teams will once again play for the coveted Ash-Wilson Trophy, currently held by the SS&A O&M.
The leagues have competed against each other since 2001 with the trophy being named after former Shepparton and Albury legend Stephen Ash and Wangaratta Rovers champion Mick Wilson.
GOTAFE GVL Operations Manager Josephine Spencer is excited about the planned Interleague clashes. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to renew the rivalry between our two great leagues, both in netball and football. Our leagues have played each other eighteen times since Country Championship Football began in 1978 with the leagues split at nine wins each.”
O&M General Manager Craig Millar said, “The O&M has a strong history with representative football and netball, and we look forward to playing against the GVL for the Ash-Wilson trophy. Our League holds this trophy in high regard.”
Roff continued by saying, “After having to cancel Interleague matches the last two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are eagerly anticipating these games and the return of the Ash Wilson Trophy that is currently held by the SS&A O&M. The rivalry between our two leagues is alive and well.”
O&M Board Chairman David Sinclair said, “We look forward to resuming the rivalry between two very proud country football and netball leagues. We also look forward to crowds getting back to watch the best country football and netball players.”
Planning is well under way with the GVL and the O&M set to make its coaching announcements in coming weeks.
