DALES Council League chairman Colin White has urged players, clubs and scorers to allow more time to get to fixtures due to snarl ups in Bradford city centre.

At May’s league executive meeting at Pudsey Congs, White talked of road closures, roadworks and lane closures affecting the ability of people transiting through Bradford.

He said: “Umpires, players and scorers should allow extra time to get to matches. For example, it took me 45 minutes the other day to get from Low Moor to Thornbury to umpire a match.”

Two clubs in particular have had problems due to the wet weather.

League secretary Ron Mackenzie said: “West Bowling (who play at Woodhall Playing Fields in Thornbury) and Halifax Direct (who play at the Karmand Centre on Barkerend Road) have both had issues with heavy equipment on the outfield.

He added: “Fortunately, Halifax Direct are not at home now until May 28.”

Leeds Super Kings, who play at East Keswick, are also having drainage issues.

However, the first XI showed initiative by playing a ‘home’ match against Baildon at Studley Royal Park, near Ripon on May 4, while the second XI did likewise by playing a ‘home’ match against St Chads Broomfield on May 11 at Normanton MIB (Men In Black).

Dales Council Umpires’ Association representative Paul Whiteley said that the captains’ meeting at Pudsey Congs had gone well.

He said: “We ended up with a full room, despite it being Eid, and got good feedback.”