Community sport to stop in Rochester

The tightened restrictions will see community sport shut down along with indoor sport and recreation, swimming pools and most outdoor recreation facilities.

Golf will survive the new restrictions, as will the likes of fishing, boating and tennis as long as they take place with only one other person or members of the same household.

Rochester Football Netball Club president Jeff Bright said it was a disappointing but understandable decision.

“You do feel for everyone who put in a lot of hard work to get a season off the ground, even if it was in a modified format,” he said.

“I'd personally like to thank the coaches, players, supporters, sponsors and volunteers who all put in a lot of effort over the past few months.

“It's taken a whole club effort and I want everyone to know I appreciate what they've done.

“I can ensure everyone we are sound as a club and will be roaring back in 2021.”

Rochester Basketball Association is another local organisation who will miss out on more action, just two weeks after its winter season had resumed.

Secretary Meagan Keating said the news was hard to break to players from the club.

“It's very disappointing because the kids were so excited to get back on the court last month,” she said.

“Hopefully our players can go away and keep on improving their skills at home.

“We understand it's not the same as playing with your friends but we have to make the best of a bad situation.

“It's great we were able to get at least two games in and hopefully we come back bigger and better.”

On Sunday, the Rochester Netball Association also confirmed it had been forced to postpone its season.

“Following the government update, RNA has cancelled all Monday games for term three. So glad we snuck in two games before lockdown. Stay safe everyone,” a post said on the organisation's Facebook page.

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