Cricket curtailed after Covid cases
ACCRINGTON Cricket Club were forced to postpone their first and second team games last weekend following an outbreak of Covid-19 among the playing squad.
The Thorneyholme Road side had been due to face Lowerhouse in the JW Lees Lancashire League’s 2020 competition last Friday, with the firsts and seconds scheduled to take on Nelson on the Sunday.
However, all the club’s games were called off after several players tested positive for the virus. In a statement on the club’s website, secretary Mark Taylor said: “Over the course of the last few days we have been informed that some of the senior playing squad have tested positive for Covid.
“First and foremost our thoughts are with those affected and as a club we will be doing everything we can to support them.
“In light of the above and after discussions with the League the decision has been made that all of the 1st and 2nd team games scheduled for Friday and Sunday will be postponed as a precaution.
“We have also taken the decision to close the clubhouse completely for the time being and carry out a deep clean, and also to suspend all other cricket activities at the club.”
The statement added: “The safety of all players, spectators and visitors both at our own club and at other league clubs is paramount and we hope everyone understands and supports the decisions that have been made.”
The club website confirmed in midweek the team would be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Rishton with five changes to the side which won at Rawtenstall two weeks ago.
Veteran Lenny Dewhurst had been called up and was in line for his first Lancashire League game since 2007 while second XI captain Richard Williams was poised to step up to first XI duties.
Regular first team players Matt Wilson, Jon Hayhurst, George Mills, Riley Armstrong and professional Lasith Lakshan were all confirmed to be unavailable, though there was no suggestion this had anything to do with Covid.
Accrington’s game against Nelson will now be played on Saturday July 3rd. The seconds game at Nelson will be played on the same day. The club’s 2020 game at Lowerhouse will now take place on Thursday June 24th.