JACK HUDSON

GAWLER Eagles’ bid for promotion into State League 1 soccer hit a massive snag as the COVID-19 shut down brought sport to a screeching halt.

The Eagles were due to play Eastern United in a cut-throat preliminary final on Saturday, but due to the lockdown, that game has been either postponed or cancelled.

Gawler Eagles secretary Peter Broelman said the club still hasn’t heard what the latest is, and the alternative is not a good one for the club.

“Everything’s postponed until we hear,” he said.

“Their preference is to finish off the season proper with finals, which is good for us as it gives us one more chance to play Eastern United in a preliminary final.

“However, the downside is, if this COVID continues and the federation decides to wipe the season off, they’ll top the top two teams which doesn’t include us.”

The Eagles have been in electric form in recent weeks, beating Mount Barker United 10-0 on the eve of the finals to seal their spot, before stunning Modbury Vista 3-1.

Gawler is now one win away from a grand final and promotion to State League 1, after it upset Adelaide University a fortnight ago 2-0.

For the Eagles, the lockdown couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“It’s frustrating because our boys are on a bit of a run, I don’t think we’ve ever won two finals in a row before,” Broelman said.

“They’re pretty upbeat at the moment.

“It’s been an awkward season.”