The Group 10 management committee held a meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the saturation of teams in the Lithgow area, which includes Group 10 club Lithgow Workies.

With the Lithgow Giants’ men’s side already dismissed, the Group 10 board, chaired by Linore Zamparini, looked at the possibility of a further cut to ensure a healthier spread of player numbers in the area.

But all four clubs produced sound financial statements and a strong player roster ahead of 2017, forcing Group 10 to allow the New Era Cup to continue with eight teams for 2017.

“Common sense has prevailed,” Morgan enthused.

“The four teams will still be in the competition, with restrictions, but we met all the criteria put to us to continue.”

Those restrictions include a cap on player registrations, with 22 allowed on each club’s books for next winter. It was 25 last year.

While players are also being encouraged to back up and play for Workies’ first division side should the club again battle to field a lower grade team next year.

Workies president Corey Osborne, however, is confident his club will be in a position to supply its own players for its first division outfit having been bolstered by “record” pre-season training attendance.

Osborne said his club was an easy target for others to “throw mud at”, but said it was a Group 10 decision to review the structure of clubs in the area.

Group 10 chairman, Zamparini backed up that claim.

“This is something we’ve instigated. Workies has nothing to do with it,” Zamparini said.

“We’re keeping an eye on it all. We believe a change to the 22 registrations will mean teams have ample players in that area too.”

Osborne was adamant a new direction for Workies would ensure his and all clubs in the area thrive.

“I spoke to Portland and Wallerawang, as late as (Wednesday), to reiterate to them we wanted to help ensure all clubs survive,” Osborne said.

“We’ve got all of our ducks in a line this season. We’ve had good numbers at training, over 40, which is a record for us in December over the last decade.”

He added it was obvious why Group 10 made the hard decision to look at clubs in the area, with Lithgow Giants beaten heavily each week, Lithgow Bears fighting for player numbers and his own club, Workies, battling in premier league and not fielding a first division side throughout last season.

“The mid-west competition was a shambles last year … and with Lithgow (Workies) not fielding a reserve grade and first grade battling to compete, the whole area looked like a shambles,” he said.

“It makes sense to have a look at it. It’s Group 10’s call. If they decided the best thing for Lithgow was to have nine teams, then we’d support it. We have faith in their ability to make the right call.”

The Lithgow Giants will still field a league tag side in 2017, with Morgan suggesting the club may be able to play in the lead-up top Blackheath games. The Blackcats don’t have a league tag team for next season.