Early call on Sunday games '˜justified'

League officials made an early call yesterday with most pitches frozen ahead of the evening snow.

Chairman Ivan Davies said today’s conditions meant the decision was justified.

“It made sense. It saved everyone having to travel and clubs would have to pay half fees to referees,” he said.

Only two matches went ahead in the Haslem Sheppard Halifax AFL yesterday, both in Division Two.

Illingworth St Mary’s and Denholme United Reserves fought out a 1-1 draw on a 3G pitch while Shelf FC edged out Hebden Royd Red Star Reserves 7-6.

Ealandians lost 4-0 at home to Huddersfield YMCA in the third round of the West Riding Challenge Cup at Elland Cricket Club.

A growing fixture backlog is becoming a worry for some Calderdale amateur sides. Many are only a third of the way through their league programmes and some haven’t played for two months.

Brighouse Town’s Evo Stik League match away to Clitheroe yesterday was another casualty.

The Hove Edge club will be hoping the forecast of very cold temperatures until at least midweek is incorrect. They are due to have a home game on Monday against Warrington.