Backlogs expected as fixtures pile up

Jan 24 2008 by Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE local soccer scene will be decimated for a second consecutive weekend.

Despite the weather forecast showing an improvement for the rest of the week, Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services and HOCHTIEF School Fields have cancelled all fixtures for this weekend on their grounds.

Only two West Riding County Amateur League matches and two Huddersfield Minor FA Cup matches were played last weekend after heavy rain forced the Council to cancel all football and rugby games on council-managed and school pitches.

District, Works and Sunday League officials have now postponed this weekend’s programmes while Kirklees Sunday League fixture chief Geoff Hyde says that any teams playing on private fields can play at the referee’s discretion.

District League secretary Margaret Whitaker, said: “It’s such a shame but we have had no option but to cancel our games for a second weekend.

“We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that games can be played soon because it will pose a real headache for our fixtures secretary if not.”

RCD Junior League secretary Eric Kershaw said there would be no blanket postponement of their fixtures, but it will be left to referees to rule on whether any matches can be played on private pitches.