Disappointed Andy Raleigh is hoping a new date can be found to stage his testimonial clash.

A waterlogged Belle Vue pitch meant yesterday’s game between Raleigh’s Wakefield and former club Huddersfield was forced to be cancelled.

With the Giants hosting Hull KR on Saturday before they play their Super League opener at Wigan six days later, there’s no chance of the fixture being re-arranged in the short term.

But Huddersfield-born Raleigh is desperate to find a new date at some stage – if at all possible.

“This is really, really disappointing,” said Raleigh, whose first testimonial date will now be a benefit dinner at Wakefield’s Cedar Court Hotel on Monday, April 7.

“With the weather having been pretty bad for the past couple of days, this was always my worst fear.

“A decision wasn’t taken until a pitch inspection at noon yesterday, and with standing water on the playing surface it wasn’t a tough call to make.

“The fact another of yesterday’s pre-season fixtures was also cancelled summed up how bad it was.

“I just hope the two clubs can find a new date to play the game, because it’s such a big event in my testimonial calendar.

“As soon as the game was called off, (Giants managing director) Richard Thewlis phoned me to say his club would do everything they could to get the match re-arranged, and I really appreciated that.

“I remember a couple of years ago, Eorl Crabtree’s testimonial fixture was postponed on the original date because of snow.

“The game was played the next pre-season, and that’s something I’d be more than happy toconsider. At the moment, it’s a case of waiting to see.”

But Raleigh’s first major task was to contact all those who had booked hospitality packages for the day and try and sort out refunds.

“That took up an awful lot of my time yesterday, but it obviously had to be done,” added the 32-year-old forward.

“I’d sold all 11 of the hospitality boxes available, so it was a fair task ringing everyone to let them know.

“But I think everyone felt as disappointed for me as much as anything else, particularly as everything was totally out of my hands.

“The saving grace is that the bad weather over the last couple of days might have put a lot of people off turning up.

“It may be that if we find a new date, the weather might be a lot better and more might turn up. That would be the saving grace.”