Fixture headache eased for local clubs as Wildcard weekend put back

The fixture headache facing local clubs has finally been eased with the news that the IHL Wildcard play-off weekend has been put back four weeks.
Banbridge now have a month more to complete their league season. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye.Banbridge now have a month more to complete their league season. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye.
Banbridge now have a month more to complete their league season. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye.

Banbridge were facing the prospect of having to play nine Ulster Premier League fixtures between now and the 7 March but, with that amount of fixtures almost impossible to fulfil, Irish Hockey have finally confirmed that they have postponed the wildcard weekend.

“The men’s IHL Wildcard target date of 13th - 15th March has already fallen foul of the weather as it will not be possible to get all 3 leagues completed prior to the date,” they confirmed.

“The IHLWG are now targeting a double up with the IHL Finals weekend (10th - 12th April), but please note this is subject to weather over the next few weeks and also that a team does not end up in the Finals and the Wildcards.”