Fixtures are off again as freeze continues

Both rugby and hockey’s organising bodies in Ulster decided on Wednesday to call off fixtures in both the O’NE 1918 Premier League and the All Ireland League.

That meant that Banbridge’s hockey firsts, who were due to travel to Donegal to face Raphoe, were left without a game for the third week running, while the town’s rugby team, have also had three fixtures called off with two Ulster League games against Instonians and Malone both being called off as well as Saturday’s game with Wanderers.

A statement on Banbridge RFC’s website read: “The period of cold weather that is still gripping the country has led the IRFU to take the decision to postpone all AIL matches this weekend. And Rifle Park has not been spared, where, for the second week in a row all matches have been called off.

“The grounds staff, under the stewardship of Noel Thompson, will be keeping a keen eye on the temperatures next week in the hope that a thaw will eventually set in.

“Updates will be posted on the website as and when they are available.”

Dromore RFC’s Firsts, who had been on a great run of form, have also been counting the cost of having games against Coleraine and Carrick called off.

Meanwhile in football the cold weather did affect Dromara Village’s Premier League tie with Abbey Villa.

The entire Mid Ulster League was also called off with Banbridge District Council closing pitches across the district.

A Council spokesperson said, “The Council took the early decision to cancel matches across the district on Saturday (9 January) due to the exceptionally adverse weather conditions which resulted in the playing surfaces and immediate underground soil conditions actually being frozen.

“At all times the Council is mindful of the need to ensure the health and safety of all leisure facility users.

“It is hoped that a normal service will resume once weather conditions improve and the grounds thaw out.”

Meanwhile in Gaelic James McCartan will have to wait until this weekend to make his debut as Down manager after their game with Armagh at An Riocht was called off due to the inclement weather.

They will try to play Queen’s at Pairc Esler on Saturday at 7pm.