By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
EXETER chairman Julian Smith has explained that lingering Covid issues were behind the club’s decision to cancel tomorrow’s crucial Premier Division game against Heathcoat.
It’s the final day of the Devon League season tomorrow and the outcome of the game between Heathcoat and Exeter would have had ramifications at both ends of the table.
Heathcoat needed six points from the match to be sure of topping the Premier table ahead of long-time chasers Sandford. Because Heathcoat will be awarded average points for the un-played game, Sandford can’t do enough against Cornwood to snatch top spot.
At the other end of the table Exeter, Cornwood, Hatherleigh and Exmouth are all sweating on last-day results to see which of them stay up… and which don’t! Exeter’s points haul against Heathcoat would have impacted on their struggling rivals.
Smith said Covid was the reason last Saturday’s Premier game against Paignton was cancelled and the problem has not gone away as three new cases have come to light.
“This is a continuation of where we were last week and right now we have six players who would otherwise be available were it not for Covid,” said Smith.
“I am uncomfortable about calling a game off because we all want to play and it is not a good situation to be in.
“We tried for as long as we could to get a side out, which is why the reluctant decision to cancel was made so late.”
Exeter hope to fulfil their second and third team games against Braunton and Whimple 2ndXI respectively. Smith said filling the first team with players from lower divisions or old boys was not a viable option.
“If we are not able to put out a representative side because of Covid we are shooting ourselves in the foot fielding a side of people making the numbers up or dragged in off the street,” said Smith.
“We are playing by the rules and have not made this decision lightly.”
Smith said he would be more comfortable had the league decided against implementing promotions and relegations this season.
“In a bizarre way the rules discourage playing cricket and no one wants that to happen.”
David Sheppard, the league secretary, has had official confirmation via email from Exeter that they have pulled out of the game against Heathcoat.
Sheppard said Exeter can expect a vigorous response from the league management, who want further and better particulars of why they cannot get a side out?
Proof of positive tests or track-and-trace notifications is likely to be asked for by the league as a first step.
Over the border in Cornwall it is mandatory to provide at least three Covid proofs before being allowed to withdraw from a game. No similar policy has been enforced in Devon until now, although clubs were warned in a general circular that it was an option the league would implement if it felt it was necessary.
