Update on Fixtures for Saturday 18th December 2021

Dear Friends,

Following an announcement by the RFU yesterday, please be advised that the 1^st and 2^nd Team fixtures against Rossendale and the 3^rd Team fixture against Winnington Park have all been postponed from tomorrow and will be played at the earliest possible date in the New Year, this is likely to be 5^th February. Details of the announcement are provided below;

Update on Community Game fixtures scheduled for 17/18/19 December

As Christmas approaches, and concerns continue to grow around the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the RFU has introduced flexibility around this weekend’s Community Game fixtures to give clubs and players options. The below applies to level 3 and below in the men’s game and level 2 and below in the women’s game, for the weekend of 17-19 December 2021.

Fixtures scheduled for the weekend of 17/18/19 December

• Matches can go ahead as normal this weekend if both teams are happy to play.
• Should either club involved in a scheduled fixture this weekend wish to postpone, they can do so without sanction. Both clubs must contact their respective organising committee as soon as possible, and at the latest by 1200 on Friday 17th December. (Clubs must not postpone their fixture via Electronic Matchcard).
• The postponed fixture must be played on the next available weekend as determined by the Organising Committee.

Rossendale confirmed their intention to request a postponement yesterday and we have made the necessary arrangements to cancel the home fixture at Beechwood. Confirmation of the postponement of the Winnington Park fixture was received earlier today.

These would have been our last Senior fixtures of 2021 and it is so very disappointing that they will not go ahead, thwarted once again by Covid-19!!! Our senior teams will be celebrating at the club tomorrow afternoon and the bar will be open, so if you feel like a drink with friends, it would be great to see you there. Revised Covid protocols are in place to reflect the latest guidance regarding face coverings. Details are posted in the entrance area and your compliance with these guidelines is very much appreciated.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support during what are proving to be quite difficult and frustrating times for all of us and to wish you and your families a Happy Christmas and fantastic New Year for 2022.

Keep safe and well.

John Cartwright, Chairman