Coronavirus threat has sport on lockdown in Benalla

By Meg Saultry

Mar 17, 2020

This story – and all stories on our Facebook and websites connected with coronavirus – is free to read as part of the Benalla Ensign's commitment to community health and safety.

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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on sporting leagues across the nation, with those same delays and setbacks slowly starting to trickle down to sport in regional areas.

Some of the biggest hit sports in the north-east include the postponement of all Basketball Victoria competitions, including the Big V competition and Victorian Junior Basketball League.

Football and netball in Benalla halted amid coronavirus threat

The North East Bushrangers Men’s and Women’s squads were expected to kickstart their Big V campaign last Saturday night, while dozens of local junior players line up in the VJBL.

An under-14 skills days in Wangaratta and the Aussie Hoops program have also been suspended, while the upcoming under-12 Championships, which Benalla Breakers had qualified a team for, has been postponed until further notice.

Last Friday, Benalla Little Athletics canceled its final meet of the summer season, while the postponement of state football leagues and talent pathways until May 31 means the Murray Bushrangers Girls team will halt their season, while the Boys’ season opener this weekend will not proceed.

● The current sporting landscape in the face of the COVID-19 threat is changing hour by hour. The above information is the latest on hand at the time of Tuesday afternoon. Please keep up to date with the latest information regarding which sports are impacted throughout the week at www.benallaensign.com.au/sport as well as on our Facebook page.

By Meg Saultry

Sports journalist