Wintry conditions again cause cup delay
Wintry conditions have again seen the postponement of all Carnegie Challenge Cup preliminary fixtures scheduled for the weekend of January 9th-10th.
In all ten fixtures involving BARLA clubs have been rearranged for Saturday 16th January.
Three other fixtures, involving university sides, were already scheduled for that weekend.
If grounds are unfit on that day then games will be rescheduled for Sunday 17th, and if the situation has not improved then for the following weekend.
In a statement on the Hatton’s Solicitors National Conference website David Lowe assured clubs that the Rugby Football League will do all it can to minimise disruption.
“The RFL understands that this is a particularly distressing time for all concerned and that further delays will inevitably mean other cup competitions and backlogged League fixtures being adversely affected,” he said.
“Clubs are nonetheless thanked for the patience and understanding of a situation which neither the RFL nor its administrators can realistically control.
“The RFL by constantly communicating with everyone, will do everything possible to ensure that disruption – now unavoidable – is kept to an absolute minimum.”
Clubs are beginning to feel frustration at not being able to play, as York Acorn coach Alfie Hill told a local newspaper prior to this second round of postponements.
“Every time you look at the forecast you think it is going to be difficult all through January,” he said. “It’s the same for everyone – it’s not as if there are teams getting games in.
“It’s just at a standstill, but we don’t want a backlog. Everyone is keen to get back. You just want to play rugby.”
Carnegie Challenge Cup Preliminary Round:
Sat 16th Jan:
Egremont Rangers V Oulton Raiders (2.30)
Leigh Miners V Millom (2.30)
Nottingham Outlaws V Hull University (1.30)
Oldham St Annes V Wigan St Judes (1.30)
Orchard Park & Greenwood V Wath Brow Hornets (1.30)
Sharlston Rovers V Leigh East (1.30)
Waterhead V Drighlington (1.30)
West Bowling V Normanton Knights (1.30)
Widnes St Maries V Myton Warriors (1.30)
Wigan St Patricks V Broughton Red Rose (2.30)
York Acorn V Skirlaugh (1.30)
Sun 17 Jan:
Leeds Metropolitan University V St Mary’s University College (1.30)
Warrington Wizards V Birmingham University (3.00)
