This weekends first team fixture at Kingscote Park against Orrell St James A has been forfeited by Orrell as they are unable to raise a team.

Due to all our spare weekends being taken up by re-arranged fixtures needed as part of the drainage works and the scheduling of other events on the remaining fixture free dates the fixture couldn’t be postponed until a later date. Mid week dates were considered but many of the Stanley squad have work commitments in to the evenings during the summer months.

Chairman, Simon Hornby, commented “it’s disappointing all around, the club was looking forward to it’s first double header at Kingscote Park, a big day for the club, and from a Rugby League perspective it is concerning that a club of Orrell St James standing can’t fulfill a fixture. Orrell have just received significant funding from The RFL and yet can’t fulfill fixtures. Whilst we will be awarded a 24-0 win and that will count on the league ladder we would have preferred to play, after all that’s why we exist.”

The scheduled Merit League fixture with Tameside Knights will take place at 12:30.