Latest news with #NPL
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Nepal take cricket to new heights with T20 league
Nepal Cricket gets a major boost with NPL which is an effective ground for its domestic talent. PHOTO: REUTERS Glamorgan all-rounder Dan Douthwaite was not alone among the foreign players in being unsure what to expect when he headed to the Himalayas to take part in the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) late last year. Taking up a playing contract in the mountainous nation of 30 million was always going to be a novel challenge for the Englishman, not least because the Twenty20 league was staged at a ground some 1,350 metres above sea level. "I thought I was going to be constantly out of breath or struggling, but it wasn't actually as bad as I thought it was going to be," the 28-year-old recalled of his time playing for the Kathmandu Gurkhas. "I think I noticed it more so with sixes. When they got the ball it absolutely went miles. A lot of balls ... kept going and going and going. "When you think you've hit one straight up and it's a 70-metre six." Apart from the extra flight of the ball at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground near Kathmandu, Douthwaite's other big takeaway from the experience was the enthusiasm of the Nepali fans. "Cricket in Nepal is probably like the Premier League in England ... there's a kind of almost Indian cricket feel about the way people appreciate and love the game," he told Reuters. The NPL hopes the passion of the fans, combined with the country's unique geography and society, will carve out a niche in a landscape dominated by the likes of the IPL and Australia's Big Bash League. "We're rich in terms of nature," said Sandesh Katwal, the chief executive of the Gurkhas, one of eight NPL franchises. "It's a beautiful country and we're a friendly, welcoming people. The weather, the hospitality suits international players." Former England batting all-rounder and IPL veteran Ravi Bopara, who turned out for Chitwan Rhinos, said it was a great experience, even if he turned down the offer of a helicopter trip to Everest Base Camp. A modest budget meant the NPL could not attract the really big names in the sport. All eight NPL franchises fetched a combined price of under 169 million Nepali rupees ($1.23 million) at an auction held last September. Prize money for the champions, Janakpur Bolts, was around $81,000. A rushed first season also made it difficult to recruit international players, Katwal said. Nevertheless, the NPL proved to be an effective proving ground for Nepal's domestic talent. Katwal said he hoped the NPL would provide that valuable competitive experience, as the IPL has done for young Indian talents.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Cricket-Nepal takes game to new heights with T20 league
(Reuters) -Glamorgan all-rounder Dan Douthwaite was not alone among the foreign players in being unsure what to expect when he headed to the Himalayas to take part in the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) late last year. Taking up a playing contract in the mountainous nation of 30 million was always going to be a novel challenge for the Englishman, not least because the Twenty20 league was staged at a ground some 1,350 metres above sea level. "I thought I was going to be constantly out of breath or struggling, but it wasn't actually as bad as I thought it was going to be," the 28-year-old recalled of his time playing for the Kathmandu Gurkhas. "I think I noticed it more so with sixes. When they got the ball it absolutely went miles. A lot of balls ... kept going and going and going. "When you think you've hit one straight up and it's a 70-metre six." Apart from the extra flight of the ball at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground near Kathmandu, Douthwaite's other big takeaway from the experience was the enthusiasm of the Nepali fans. "Cricket in Nepal is probably like the Premier League in England ... there's a kind of almost Indian cricket feel about the way people appreciate and love the game," he told Reuters. This was the third attempt by Nepal, which became an ICC associate member in 1996 and has qualified for the T20 World Cup twice, to follow in the path of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by launching its own Twenty20 league. The NPL hopes the passion of the fans, combined with the country's unique geography and society, will carve out a niche in a landscape dominated by the likes of the IPL and Australia's Big Bash League. "We're rich in terms of nature," said Sandesh Katwal, the chief executive of the Gurkhas, one of eight NPL franchises. "It's a beautiful country and we're a friendly, welcoming people. The weather, the hospitality suits international players." Former England batting all-rounder and IPL veteran Ravi Bopara, who turned out for Chitwan Rhinos, said it was a great experience, even if he turned down the offer of a helicopter trip to Everest Base Camp. GROWING PAINS A modest budget meant the NPL could not attract the really big names in the sport. All eight NPL franchises fetched a combined price of under 169 million Nepali rupees ($1.23 million) at an auction held last September. Prize money for the champions, Janakpur Bolts, was around $81,000. By contrast, India's Rishabh Pant, the highest-paid player in the IPL, commanded over $3 million in the league's player auction for the 2025 edition. A rushed first season also made it difficult to recruit international players, Katwal said. "Everything happened within a one to two-month period ... most international players were already occupied. Many didn't know about this tournament," he added. "Since Christmas was near, many overseas players were in a hurry to return. From the second season I think we can plan to start a bit earlier, October or November." Nevertheless, the NPL proved to be an effective proving ground for Nepal's domestic talent, Bopara said. "There was a group of players who were full of potential but lacked experience," he added. Katwal said he hoped the NPL would provide that valuable competitive experience, as the IPL has done for young Indian talents. "It's a dream come true for Nepali players ... sharing practice sessions with the foreign players, they definitely learned a lot. We also had coaches from India, Sri Lanka, England and elsewhere," he said. "Since the IPL has started, you can see young players getting opportunities and it has paid off. The NPL is also an opportunity for Nepali players, a starting point." (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
$2 million in funds announced by Governor Morrisey for environmental cleanup in part of Fayette County
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — $2 million in funds for the start of an environmental cleanup in Fayette County was announced by Governor Patrick Morrisey. According to a press release, the $2 million in funds announced by Governor Morrisey will go towards starting an environmental cleanup of the Arbuckle Creek Superfund Site, also known as the former Shaffer Equipment Company property, in the Minden area of Fayette County. Milton man reels in record-setting blue catfish This cleanup is a long-overdue investment in the health and safety of Minden residents. Thanks to the collaboration among federal, state, and local partners, we are taking meaningful steps to protect West Virginians from dangerous chemicals. Governor Morrisey West Virginia House of Delegates member and representative for District 50, Elliott Pritt told 59News that, while some residents may remain skeptical after similar promises from public figures in recent years, the development is a positive step on the path forward for the area. I think anything that we can do for these people is positive. I know that some of them feel like all the different cleanups that have happened over the past few years have been unsuccessful and they may have somewhat of a 'well, we'll see' attitude. But I do think ultimately this is good for them. Elliott Pritt The press release stated that the contamination at the site came from damaged transformers placed by Shaffer Equipment Company between 1970 and 1984 that caused polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to seep into Arbuckle Creek and soil in the area. The press release also mentioned that studies showed that exposure to PCBs can be connected to a higher risk of cancer and reproductive issues. MAP: State-owned shooting ranges that are open to the public in West Virginia According to the press release, although cleanup efforts began in the 1980s and early 2000s, continuous concerns resulted in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessments in 2017, and the location was added to the EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) in 2019, which helped it qualify for Superfund resources. The press release stated that the $2 million in funding was secured by Governor Morrisey's office and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), and that in April 2025 a formal contract was completed between EPS Region 3 and the WVDEP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
State commits funding to Superfund site cleanup
West Virginia officials have secured $2 million in funding to complement federal monies for a phase of environmental cleanup at a Superfund site in Minden. In a May 19 press release from Gov. Patrick Morrisey's office, the state announced the funding for the environmental cleanup of the Arbuckle Creek Superfund site in Fayette County. According to the release, the federally-matched funds were provided for as part of the 2025 budget and will go toward cleaning up decades-old contamination stemming from industrial activity at the former Shaffer Equipment Company property. 'This cleanup is a long-overdue investment in the health and safety of Minden residents,' said Morrisey. 'Thanks to the collaboration among federal, state and local partners, we are taking meaningful steps to protect West Virginians from dangerous chemicals.' Contamination on the site stemmed from damaged transformers placed by Shaffer Equipment Company between 1970 and 1984, resulting in polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) leaking into the surrounding soil and Arbuckle Creek. According to the release, exposure to PCBs has been linked through numerous studies to a heightened cancer risk and reproductive issues. While initial cleanup actions were taken in the 1980s and early 2000s, ongoing concerns led to further assessments by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2017. In 2019, the site was added to the EPA's National Priorities List (NPL), making it eligible for Superfund resources. Over the years, Minden residents and others have voiced concerns with the health effects of the PCBs on local residents and the environment, as well as the effectiveness of earlier remediation efforts. 'Community input is critical to the Superfund cleanup process and is always welcomed,' said an EPA spokesperson. 'Feedback from residents helps shape the EPA's cleanup plans, ensuring they meet community needs, protect the land, air and water, and support meaningful site reuse that drives economic growth and revitalizes communities. 'Formal public comment periods throughout the Superfund process allow communities to provide input. For the first phase of the cleanup at this site, there was a public comment period from March 13-April 12, 2023 and a public meeting on March 21, 2023.' That allowed the public to comment on the proposed plan for cleaning up the soil at the Shaffer Equipment Company property. 'We are expecting to have another public comment period and public meeting towards the end of 2025 to allow the public to comment on the proposed plan for the second phase of cleanup that will address the remaining contaminated soil and sediment areas,' the EPA spokesperson said. 'The EPA prioritizes community input and welcomes it at any time.' Bi-monthly community updates are provided, the spokesperson said. Morrisey's office, in coordination with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), successfully secured the required $2 million state match. A formal contract between WVDEP and EPA Region 3 was finalized in April 2025, the release noted. According to the agency spokesperson, the state funds will be utilized for construction/cleanup activities for the first phase, which will address soil contamination of the former Shaffer property. 'This requires an intricate design planning phase that takes time to implement; however, the goal is to complete the plan and begin activities in about two years.' Minden resident Steve Hayslette Monday said that he, for one, has largely abandoned hope in the fight to get complete PCB remediation or satisfaction in the form of an opportunity to be awarded funds to be able to move away from Minden, which several years ago was incorporated into the City of Oak Hill. He said that, to his knowledge, most of the community's residents were in favor of a hoped-for buyout by federal officials so they could relocate out of the damaged area. 'From Day 1, they said EPA don't buy out people,' said Hayslette, a former Oak Hill city councilman and the owner of Hayslette Towing and Recovery. 'It never was on the table.' 'The EPA rarely relocates residents and does not consider relocation unless the environmental data supports it,' the agency's spokesperson said. 'At this time, the environmental data/risk does not show that relocation is an appropriate response action. 'Permanent relocation is only considered in cases where contamination poses an immediate threat that cannot be mitigated or remediated, implementation of remedial measures would require the destruction of homes, or the cleanup requires residents to be temporarily relocated for over one year.' On its website, the EPA highlights, among other things, the history of the Shaffer Equipment property, various abatement efforts, community involvement opportunities, testing sampling and information on future cleanup or other activity. According to the timeline, a fourth removal action was initiated in October 2019 and was completed in February 2020. That featured excavation of soil from an area adjacent to a capped area and minor repairs to the capped area. Since the Minden site was added to the NPL, EPA officials have been working with the WVDEP to review data, engage with community members and local officials and conduct remedial investigation (RI), according to the website. A second phase of RI sampling occurred from July 2021 through September 2022. That effort included the installation of monitoring wells in addition to collection of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater samples. In March 2023, a proposed cleanup plan to address soil contamination on the former Shaffer site was released for public review and comment. A Record of Decision was filed in July 2024. Officials are currently determining if there are additional areas requiring cleanup. 'The EPA sampled the site from 2019 through 2022 as part of the Remedial Investigation phase of the Superfund process,' the spokesperson said. 'After collecting enough data to establish an understanding of the nature and extent of contamination, our team was ready to advance in the Superfund process. We shifted our focus to planning the first phase of cleanup at the former Shaffer Equipment Company property, which was proposed in 2023.' According to the EPA website, sampling results to date 'show that there is no immediate threat to human health. Accordingly, no immediate action is necessary.' Hayslette, who lives one row of houses removed from Arbuckle Creek, says he is one of several Minden residents who signed up for a potential flood buyout involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the process for which was initiated in the fall of 2023. That program was not related to the PCB situation. A lifelong local resident, the 55-year-old said it's doubtful the toxic chemicals of the past can be completely eradicated from local soil and waterways. 'How are you going to find all that and clean it up?' he asked. The ongoing project 'may remediate the site.' Giving residents a financial way out would be a better remedy, he said. 'This is an exciting moment for West Virginia and the Minden community, marking continued progress in the cleanup of the Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Superfund site,' the spokesperson said. 'The EPA looks forward to working alongside WVDEP and local residents to fulfill our commitment to provide clean air, land and water for all Americans.' To learn more about the Arbuckle Creek Superfund Site, visit
The Advertiser
16-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
'Very frustrating': Some teams yet to play as rain deluge forces more changes
Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground. Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground. Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground. Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground.
