THE region's cricketers will have to wait an additional week before taking to the field this season after the decision was made to delay the season.

Weeks of heavy rain have left many of Wirral's cricket grounds unplayable with groundsman struggling to ready sodden pitches in time for the scheduled April 20 start to the campaign.

A spokesman for the Cheshire County Cricket League (CCCL), which includes Neston, Oxton, Maritime, Port Sunlight and Upton, said: "After consultation with clubs and a Grounds Chair assessment received this week, the first round of fixtures (20/04) will be postponed to Sunday, September 15. 

"The final weekend of the 2024 season will now be a 'double header' as the record rainfall in February has left a significant number of clubs with pitch preparation issues.

"The 3rd XI schedule for April 21 is similarly affected, David Gane will be making alternative arrangements and will communicate these separately.

"We hope that the early communication of the one-off postponement allows clubs extra preparation time to resume the normal schedule on week two and thank the officials involved for their assistance in reaching the decision in the interest of all the CCCL clubs."

It is understood the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition (LDCC), which contains Wallasey, New Brighton, Birkenhead Park, Caldy and Parkfield Liscard, will confirm a similar decision in the coming days. 

A spokesperson said: "The L&DCC's Management Committee have now confirmed that the league season will not begin on Saturday, April 20 due to the wet weather all clubs have experienced. Alternative arrangements for the start of the season will be confirmed at a league meeting on Tuesday."