Fields closed until Monday - Bulldogs game cancelled(updated)

The North Bay Bulldogs practice behind Rolly Fischer field on Thursday night. The North Bay Bulldogs question not only the cities decision but the quality of the weed-covered field. Photo by Chris Dawson.

Reports indicate that the city has shut down all city fields until Monday due to all the rain over the past week.

The call by Parks and Recreation will mean that the North Bay Bulldogs will likely have to postpone their NFC game against the Oakville Longhorns which is scheduled for Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at Rolly Fischer field.

"I'm only one voice and it's extremely disappointing," Bulldogs G.M. and city councillor Tom Graham told Cogeco North Bay News after hearing about the field closures.

Bulldogs head coach Marc Mathon brought his players to the south end, behind Rolly Fischer field to practice on Thursday night.

“I say disappointment is a light word,” stated Bulldogs head coach Marc Mathon.

“There is no grass, there’s nothing to destroy. If we play on it next week it will look the same way as it does this week, I just don’t see what the problem.”

Mathon attempted to re-schedule the games at both Chippewa and West Ferris but was unsuccessful. He thinks this is situation proves that the city needs better sports facilities, or a field with artificial turf.

He officially informed the NFC on Thursday that North Bay has no place to host a game on the weekend.

“I just can’t see why we can’t do it but from my perspective and it may sound a little political but money needs to be spent on facilities so that people can go and get exercise and not end up in the hospital so we can spend less on health care.”

Longtime Bulldogs Linebacker Randy Nodder was equally as disappointed.

“Like any football player you love to play in the mud – well, defensively you love playing in the mud, and it would be great to play, that’s what you practice all week for is to play on Saturday but if the weather doesn’t help you, it doesn’t help you,” he said.