No delays in Halifax League

An abnormally cold and wet spring has left many grounds in the area soaked and with little grass growth.

Players’ preparations have largely been limited to indoor nets and this weekend’s start to the Airedale and Wharfedale League programme has been delayed for at least a week.

The Halifax area has several valley bottom grounds and ser ial flooding victims Bridgeholme were under water on Easter Monday night.

However, Halifax League PR and media officer Paul Whiteley said the executive would probably not consider a late start.

“It is highly unlikely. We had a similar situation a few years ago and we didn’t do it then, so a precedent has been set.

“You can make yourselves look idiots if you call off the fixtures and then it turns out to be cracking the flags.”

Whiteley said that people like Keith Hudson at Bridgeholme would be moving heaven and earth to try to ensure his ground was fit for the opening fixtures.

His club should not suffer in the same way as others, who made less of an effort, if games were called off.

Meanwhile, the Halifax Junior League has announced a partnership with innovative sports equipment company ZWINGO® Beyond Balance.

League chairman Phil Sharples said: ‘The partnership is a very natural one with its ethos based on helping players of all levels of cricket to develop their game through the use of innovative products and coaching skills.”

He said it would play a crucial role in bringing young players to the sport through fresh ideas and innovative thinking.