Expensive wasted trip (From Warrington Guardian)

Expensive wasted trip

WARRINGTON Wizards' away match against Essex Eels was called off minutes before kick-off on Saturday after the home side were only able to muster eight players.

Wizards made a 10-hour round trip to Basildon for the National League Three clash but despite their efforts Essex, who are bottom of the league, were unable to fulfil the fixture.

Wizards administrator Dave Whalley said: "It was a real sickener. The lads had all got changed and were warming up when we were told that they only had eight players.

"We've lost money because we paid £750 for the coaches, and some of the lads had to miss work to go down to Essex."

Wizards are almost certain to be awarded the points from the fixture rather than be asked to travel to Essex for a rearranged match, although National League management are expected to meet at the end of this week to make a final decision.

A fair scoreline may also need to be determined, but there is no precedent for such a scenario in the three-year history of National League Three.

The league's media manager Phil Caplan said: "We have several options available, although devising a suitable scoreline may be the preferred option, and that has happened before in the Rugby League Conference.

"We will need to gather evidence from both sides before making a decision."

Wizards, who are not in action this weekend, may also seek compensation for travel expenses incurred and Caplan suggested that they were likely to receive some reimbursement.

He said: "Teams do get an allowance for the year for travel and we will have to decide if it is already covered by that.

"But clubs were compensated for going up to Carlisle before they dropped out of the league, so there is a precedent."