Announcements

THATTO Heath Crusaders have suspended all playing and training activities in the interests of health and safety of club members as Covid infection figures rise locally.

With junior players drawn from different schools, the club's committee felt it the correct course of action to keep players and their families safe.

And as the regular season would be ending now, they have also decided to call time on training for the time being - although they will review that situation and look forward to a resumption of activity in early 2021.

Chairman Mike Denning said: "On behalf of the committee of Thatto Heath Crusaders ARLFC it is with great regret that we have made the decision to suspend all training activities across the club and withdrawn from any playing opportunities at this time.

"With the high number of cases locally and the mixing of players from different schools it is our view that we should not put our members at any further risk than currently exists. As there would only be weeks of the normal season left now is the right time to cease training activity."

The club spelled out that they had not taken the decision lightly and accepted that this will be disappointing for some.

"We are aware of all the support our members have given this club since the start of the pandemic, but the health of our members and their immediate family and friends is paramount," .

"I'm aware that this decision will not be right for all, but this was made genuinely in the best interests of you all."

Pilkington Recs had already announced the week previously that they were not going to take part in any proposed games due to the high infection rates in the area, plus the inability to do contact training in a controlled environment leading to the risk of injury.

Recs chairman Ralph Rawsthorne said: "It was considered that with the rate of infection being particularly high in the north west region, it presents a high risk of transmission to allow games for some teams to go ahead.

"The possible outcome of players having to miss further education or parents possibly having to isolate and the impact on their employment are all real issues that we as a club must try and prevent or reduce."