President of the Blayney Bears Rugby League Club, Adam Hornby, said that the club would have been facing dire financial circumstances if this Sunday’s match against Oberon had been shelved.

“We use the money that we raise from gate takings, raffles and the canteen to subsidise the cost of jumpers and insurance for the players,” he said, “We would have lost upwards of $8,000 if the grounds didn’t open.”

Director of Infrastructure Services, Grant Baker, thanked all clubs for their patience and support and understands the impact closing the fields has put on all clubs.

“Council respects the importance of teams playing at home, which creates spirit and positive team and community moral,” he said, “Therefore, council has decided that King George Oval and Blayney Showground will be reopened, as it is crucial for winter sport weekend fixtures to be played.”

Mr Hornby said that this Sunday’s match featured NRL cult-hero George Rose, and along the girl’s league-tag, the community needed this weekend’s sport to go ahead.

“It’s do or die for us this weekend, points wise, we really need to beat Oberon,” he said, “And with great weather predicted, we’re expecting a bumper crowd.”

Danielle Oresic, organiser of Saturday’s Pink and Purple Day, where junior players wear coloured jumpers, said that the day was one of the biggest home games of the year.

“It’s a real community day where a business like Akehurst bakery donate pink and purple cakes and we promote road safety through the Grace and Jessica Road Smart program,” she said.

Mr Baker said that council was allowing the ovals to be used for matches only and that training would have to continue in Carcoar.

“This will minimise the impact on the main fields in an attempt to maintain quality playing facilities for all codes,” he said, “Council reminds clubs the use of machinery for any preparation works on these fields would also be detrimental to the ground and further delay any return to normal use.”