Finals series modified, full rounds abandoned, and uncertainty around when play will resume.
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Sporting officials around the western area were made to scramble on Wednesday after it was confirmed the Dubbo local government area would enter a one-week lockdown following two positive cases of COVID-19.
Local and regional sporting competitions have been affected after the seven-day lockdown was implemented from 1pm on Wednesday.
Central West Rugby Union and Central West Junior Rugby Union have been forced into the most changes as both were set to have finals matches played this weekend.
Matt Tink, the chief executive officer of Central West Rugby Union, confirmed the changes in his competitions.
"What we are looking at now is the New Holland Cup grand final has been pushed back one week," he said.
"For Blowes [Clothing] Cup, we've changed the finals format.
"So, in all grades, first place will play fourth on the 21st of August and second will play third the next day."
"The Saturday games will be at Cowra and the Sunday game will be at Orange Emus."
Originally, Cowra was set to host Emus in a first grade major semi-final on Saturday while Bathurst and Forbes were going to meet in the minor on Sunday.
There has also been more planning should the lockdown need to be extended any further.
"If the lockdown is extended, on the 28th of August we will play grand finals in Blowes Cup and that will be first against second in all grades in Cowra," Tink said.
Tink feels it is frustrating to have the season altered after the finals set up just days out from the opening match.
"Given the standard of the games this year and the crowds we have been able to attract it's very disappointing," he said.
"There have been some great rugby which has been well refereed, well-coached, well played and well supported by towns.
"It's very disappointing to miss out on this weekend in what would have been so massive days with Saturday at Parkes and Cowra as well as Sunday at Bulldogs were going to be great days for the spectacle of Rugby."
After speaking to all the clubs in the region, Tink knows the right decision was made to postpone the games and is stoked that all the stakeholders understand the situation.
"I've spoken to every club and they are all supportive of the decision which is incredibly pleasing," he said.
Both the WPL and AFL Central West could have matches involving non-Dubbo teams still go ahead.
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