Nidderdale League backtracks over decision to rearrange opening matches

The Nidderdale League has made a U-turn over its decision to reschedule the opening round of fixtures to the end of the season.
The Nidderdale League had originally moved the opening day fixtures to September 17The Nidderdale League had originally moved the opening day fixtures to September 17
The Nidderdale League had originally moved the opening day fixtures to September 17

The first weekend on April 16 was postponed until the end of the summer with several clubs behind on groundwork preparations due to the wet winter.

However, the league’s managing committee has now opted to cancel all fixtures from the first Saturday and play the season over the course of 21 weeks.

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A League statement read: “Due to the poor weather conditions in the run up to the start of the 2016 season, the League Management Committee consulted clubs and groundsmen and decided to cancel all fixtures on Saturday, April 16 and for them to be played at the end of the regular season.

“After a period of reflection and feedback from clubs and players, the League Management “Committee has reviewed their decision to reschedule Week One fixtures to Saturday 17th September. All fixtures due to be played on Saturday, September 17 are cancelled and will not be played.

“The 2016 season will be contested over 21 weeks only.”

The decision received a mixed response on social media.

The official Burton Leonard account tweeted: “When are we going to be consulted?”

Pete Townsend said: “@Nidderdale1894 I am struggling to see the logic here... in 4 of the last 5 years, div one has been won by 5 points or less! 1 game...”

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The Wetherby League and Aire-Wharfe Leagues both followed Nidderdale’s lead in postponing their first round of fixtures.

The Wetherby League season will continue until September 17, while the Aire-Wharfe League rescheduled matches for the May Bank Holiday.

Cancelled Division One fixtures: Birstwith v Bishop Thornton; Burton Leonard v Helperby, Hampsthwaite v Darley; Knaresborough Forest v Spofforth; Pateley Bridge v Alne; West Tanfield v Ouseburn

Share your thoughts on the decision. Tweet @HarrogateSport or email [email protected]

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