IN AN unexpected twist, Ballarat Lady Devils face a play-off game to stay in Football Federation Victoria’s state league one.
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The Ballarat Scrap Metal Lady Devils had thought a one-all draw with Brighton would keep them out of the relegation zone.
The Lady Devils finished in eighth spot on the ladder, avoiding the immediate drop to state league two, then found out early this week they faced one more match to fend off relegation.
State league two is divided into two divisions, north-west and south-east, and the winners of both are promoted.
However, the second-placed teams in each division enter a play-off on Friday night – the winner plays the Lady Devils in a challenge match a week later.
Lady Devils player manager Bernie Curtain said the club had been unaware of the clause, having never come close to relegation in its six state league seasons.
“It came as a bit of a surprise but the rule has been in place a long time – I guess you aren’t always aware of it until it affects you,” Curtain said.
“The girls will take it in their stride and training is back on the agenda.”
The Lady Devils will face either Eltham Redbacks or South Springvale, a former state league one team, on September 28.
