The Macleay Valley Mustangs are in serious danger of folding.
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The club, which was founded in 1995, has been forced to endure a tumultuous season with senior player numbers decreasing. The Mustangs dropped their reserve grade side a month ago, but the situation has continued to worsen.
A week after forfeiting a road match against the Forster-Tuncurry Hawks as only five players were available, the side managed to field 15 in a 82-8 loss against the Wingham Tigers at home.
The Mustangs were aided by two Under-18.5s and two South West Rocks Marlins players, with only 11 Mustangs senior players available.
Mustangs president Tim Moorehead has strong fears the club won’t be able to survive.
“We need more support from players, supporters and volunteers or there is potential for the club to fold,” Moorehead told the Argus.
“Unless we get the support, it doesn’t look good for the future."
For the first time this season, the Mustangs were in the red for their home game.
“With the small crowd numbers and lack of volunteers, we lost money hosting a home game – it isn’t viable for the club,” Moorehead said.
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The Mustangs face the challenge of consecutive road games over the next fortnight, but Moorehead remains hopeful the first grade side will finish the season.
Following the two road games, Macleay Valley finish their season at home.
Moorehead is hopeful the community will rally around the club.
“We need people to show their support by attending the final home game and putting their hands up to volunteer,” Moorehead said.
“The club needs the community for its survival.”
The Mustangs were able to celebrate the Ladies League Tag result on Saturday.
The side leapfrogged the Tigers into fifth place. The two teams are equal on competition points but the Mustangs hold the superior points differential.
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