» Skittles league cancels 2020-21 league season,

» THE Cheltenham Skittles League have cancelled their league season for 2020-21.

The decision was confirmed in a statement on the league’s website although they say a shortened friendly season could return in January 2021 culminating with the Front Pin in May.

The statement says that although pubs and clubs can now reopen, “if you read the small print of the Government guidance, you will see and know that there are many factors which are required to be considered and resolved for this to be accomplished as risk free as humanly possible.”

The statement continued: “We must consider the safety of everyone connected with the game. This includes all players, stickers, supporters and the staff within the pubs and clubs.

“After considerable thought and discussion, the Executive Committee have taken the decision that the league season for 20202021 will not take place.

“Taking everything into account, it is fairer to decide this now, rather than try to bring it back and be hampered by a stop start situation with a possible second spike/local lockdowns/ individual team illnesses.

“Registration fees will be held over for the 2021-2022 season. The Executive Committee will liaise with the management teams in pubs/clubs to see what their thoughts, advice, and guidance are, as to how to facilitate the safest return of skittles.

“Planning has started for a virtual AGM in the Autumn at which time we hope to approve a new constitution going forward.

“Once the constitution has been accepted, it is possible that a shortened friendly season could return in January - culminating with the Front Pin in May.

“It is our hope and intention that a full season of league and cup games will return in September 2021.”