Bradford Bulls’ first pre-season friendly of the month has been cancelled due to an unsafe playing surface.
A young Bulls side were due to take on Dewsbury Rams this afternoon at the FLAIR Stadium in what would have been a stern test for those involved.
There had been hope that Dewsbury’s stadium would be able to avoid the worst of Storm Goretti and the freezing temperatures that have coincided. But a pitch inspection following the cold conditions overnight in West Yorkshire has led to the game being called off.
It comes as a blow for Dewsbury, who had hoped to put the finishing touches on their preparations for the start of the new Championship season, which starts next weekend. Bradford’s youngsters will be disappointed too, given they have missed out on the chance to put their best foot forward, catch the eye and give Kurt Haggerty some food for thought.
A senior Bulls side is due travel to South Yorkshire to take on Doncaster tomorrow at the Eco-Power Stadium. However, given Doncaster Rovers’ home game against Luton Town was postponed last weekend due to a frozen pitch, there is a chance Bradford Bulls’ clash with the Dons could meet the same fate.
There is no undersoil heating at the Eco-Power Stadium and that ensures that more freezing conditions tonight might just put the Sunday afternoon game in jeopardy.
Elsewhere, Wigan Warriors are in action today and they have the benefit of playing on an artificial pitch when they take on North Wales Crusaders, meaning that game should be in a position to go ahead.
St Helens are due to travel to Swinton Lions and the Championship club expressed optimism on Friday that the game would be able to go ahead.
The opening round of the Challenge Cup is set for chaos, too, it seems. Three games were called off on Friday and more were deemed to be at risk.
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