Glorious weather – but there will be no cricket

THIS Saturday would have seen the start of the cricket season in Warrington – but it is not clear if any matches will be played this summer, thanks to COVID-19.
All across the borough, work had started on preparing local grounds for the 2020 programme and the recent dry weather had enabled groundsmen to make a good start. Outfields had been cut and squares mown and rolled.
But the English Cricket Board (ECB) recommended that all forms of recreational cricket be suspended.
In a statement, the ECB said: “Following the Government’s advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended.
“This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.
“Sport plays an absolutely vital role in the nation’s mental and physical wellbeing, and it helps people find meaning where there is fear and uncertainty, so one of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways that we can support some levels of physical activity in communities – particularly at junior levels.
“Using our cricket community to support others could be one of the most important services we can offer during the difficult next few months.
“It will be critical that any decisions we do make are medically-led. And we will continue to work with Government and their advisors to ensure we are informed by science in our decision making.
“Over the coming weeks we will work with the game to understand what support is required across the cricket community, particularly local clubs and leagues – who will have such a huge role to play in our nation’s response to coming out of this situation.”
Grappenhall and Warrington cricket clubs are members of the Cheshire County League. Appleton, Stretton and Glazebury play in the Cheshire Cricket League.
It is hoped that some form of shortened competition may be possible towards the end of the summer.