THE Aire-Wharfe League have drawn up contingency plans if the start of their 2021 season is delayed.

If the campaign is postponed until May, the league will still complete a full programme of league and cup matches.

League secretary Matthew Grimes stated: “If the season is to be delayed until May, the following will be adopted: A full season and cup programme will be contested.

“The first game of the season, scheduled for April 17, will be moved until the week after the last scheduled game of the season (therefore being played on September 18).

“Matchday two will be moved to the late May Bank Holiday (Monday 31). Subsequently the Eddie Nelson competition will be moved to the Tuesday.”

The league management committee are not due to hold a meeting until next month but will meet sooner if necessary.

Meanwhile, the league have added the Oxbridge Windsor to their approved list of cricket balls for the 2021 season.

Grimes adds: “This ball is an upgrade from the Oxbridge Buckingham, which is on the list of approved balls.”

It will be available at a cheaper price than that in sports shops and is also more affordable than the Dukes County, one of the more popular balls in the league.

The performance of the Oxbridge Windsor will be reviewed by the management committee at the end of the season, as they will do for all of the balls used, as there has been discussion that some are of poor quality for a senior league.

Ilkley and Olicanian will host the Eddie Nelson under-13 six-a-side competition, and former members Ben Rhydding are being invited to participate even though they have joined the Nidderdale League for the 2021 season.

Clubs are requested to get in touch with the Aire-Wharfe League by April 30 to indicate whether or not they want to enter a team in the ‘Eddie Nelson’.

The Peter Rowney Competition for under-nines will be held on Sunday, July 25 at Rawdon CC.