Garstang CC join other sporting clubs left in limbo

Garstang batsman Punit Bisht Picture: Tim Gilbert/Preston Photographic Society

There were hopes they could go one step better in the 2020 Northern Premier Cricket League campaign after finishing second to Leyland last year.

Garstang’s second season at that level saw them push Leyland all the way before they eventually clinched a fourth title in the last 10 years.

Walling’s players had been due to start the season on Saturday, April 18 with a trip to St Annes before hosting Leyland seven days later.

However, the suspension of cricket and the everyday restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic mean that everyone is now kicking their heels.

“We had friendlies coming up which we obviously had to cancel,” Walling said.

“We had been winter netting when the guidelines came in so we had to cancel those, so everything is in limbo.

“The league says there may be no cricket until July 1 but, in reality, we don’t know whether that’s going to be extended.”

The problems caused by coronavirus have also extended to clubs and their overseas players for the season.

Garstang had retained the services of Indian professional Punit Bisht after a highly successful first season with the club in 2019.

However, with flights in and out of the UK, as well as a start date for the 2020 season, proving problematic, his situation cannot be addressed either.

“He was in India sorting out his documents to come over in early April,” Walling said.

“Unfortunately we have no idea what’s going on with this because India is in lockdown as well.

“It isn’t just us either, lots of clubs are in this position as well.”