Ilkley's first fifteen and Wharfedale's seconds were left without a match on Saturday.

The decision was taken to preserve the playing surface of the first fifteen pitch for the rest of season.

Whilst a match of some sorts could have taken place it would have been a mud bath and could potentially have ruined the pitch for the rest of the season. The pitch had turned back to mud after recovering well during the preceding dry spell.

A week's rain, although not a huge amount, has rendered the back pitch unplayable and the main pitch on the brink of unplayable. The decision was taken to pull the match early on Saturday morning, much to the disappointment of both clubs.

The Ilkley ground maintenance team are now putting the summer remedial programme together to endeavour to get both pitches back to their previous high standard. A substantial unbudgeted expenditure is planned.

Meantime the draw for the Aire-Wharfe Cup has been made. That is always the first sign that spring is just round the corner.

Ilkley have been drawn to play away at Yarnbury, the match to be played between 27th and 30th March. Ilkley are the current holders of this trophy. In the case of Ilkley, it is played by teams made of players who have not played more than 50% of the club's league one matches. For clubs in league three and below first team players are allowed to play. Ilkley's second fifteen must be fancying their chances once again as they currently head the merit table following their 8 all draw at Wharfedale on Saturday.