An unwanted guest has cancelled a round of soccer in Moss Vale.
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Moss Vale Soccer Club has cancelled a round of the Summer soccer competition due to a copperhead snake on the premises at Church Road on Monday, February 1.
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Oz Style Reptiles, snake catcher Ray McGibbon was called in to get rid of the serpent and relocated the reptile.
"Once I located the snake on the construction site, there is new buildings going up around the soccer grounds and it was located in some excess building materials," McGibbon said.
"It was an easy catch and we relocated it safely."
Ray also had advice if you do witness a snake.
"Stand still and do not make large and threatening movements toward the animal," McGibbon said.
"After around 30 seconds to a minute, start to back off slowly in the opposite direction and stay clear of it.
"Don't confront it, don't try and capture it, and if you want it removed, call a licensed snake capture."
Ensuring the safety of their players and spectators was the main priority for Moss Vale Soccer Club.
President Krystal Meindl said it was quite the shock to find the snake while setting up.
"We were pegging the nets in and lines which we do every Monday," Meindl said.
"The snake was just sitting around two metres from the old canteen which now has construction being done.
"It reared its head up and we said some words I can't repeat and kept walking (laughs).
"We went back and forth with council on whether we did run the round, but with 700 players, spectators and kids, duty of care kicked in and it just wasn't worth the risk."
If you do see any snakes and want them removed, call Oz Style Reptiles, snake catcher Ray McGibbon on: 0400 734 225.
You can stay up to date with all of Moss Vale Soccer Club's news at: www.facebook.com/mossvalesoccerclub.
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