Magpies to host four night games
• Lochie Cox heads goalwards in a recent practice match.
By Peter Fish
February 24, 2021
Scottsdale has had its first win for the season with its request for early season roster matches to be played under lights, supported by the NTFA.
The club’s first four home matches on April 10, May 1, May 15 and May 22 will all be played at night.
In past years the club’s application for night games had to be agreed to by the visiting team, and not all NTFA clubs were happy to cooperate.
Now the NTFA makes the call, and it has stated that if a club’s lights are up to standard, then night games will be promoted.
The season will commence after Easter on April 10, and the club will host Hillwood under lights.
The 2019 premiers have never played in the evening at Scottsdale. On May 1 South Launceston will be the opposition; on May 15 it will be George Town; and on May 22 the Magpies will host Longford.
Finals for seniors, reserves and Under 18s commence on August 21.
The grand final is on September 11.
The roster for the women’s team is rather more complicated because the competition involves teams from the Premier League, Division 1 as well as Launceston.
And the proper roster does not begin for the Magpie women until May 8 with gala rounds and a bye preceding the season opener.
The girls will have two Friday night matches at home on May 28 against Old Launcestonians, and on June 4 against last year’s statewide premiers Launceston.
And they will be at home with their male colleagues on May 15 against George Town; on July 3 against Deloraine; and on August 7 against Meander when the men meet Bracknell.
The women’s finals start on August 14 with the grand final on September 4th and a state final a week later.
Club president Cameron Moore said he was very happy that the club would be hosting six night games, including the popular Friday night matches for the women.
“The club, the Dorset Council and the State Government, have invested heavily in our lights which are now first class, and our board is delighted that the NTFA has supported our request for some early night games,” he said.
The practice match planned for Friday night has been cancelled as opponents Old Scotch have insufficient numbers at this stage of the pre-season.
The club will now train on Thursday instead.