In circumstances way beyond our control, we were forced to forfeit our final game of the season against the Northumberland Vikings.
On the day in question, an event was taking place at our venue and unfortunately traffic measures, jams and parking problems got out of control. The traffic and lack of parking for visitors caused mayhem at the venue and the surrounding areas, as we were told that we had to arrive and find a spot at 12pm (which by the time the teams and officials arrive there wouldn’t be any, parking was full by 9.50am), this was rendering getting to the game impossible, nevermind playing the game.
Everything was in place beyond that, groundsmen doing amazing work once again, pitch was immaculate, however if we can’t get into the venue…how can we play the game?
There have been reports about this and it has been all over social media. In what was a successful event for the venue, it has unfortunately impacted the club as we have been punished with a fine (moved to a bond of £500) and we have now been relegated to Division Two.
We are very disappointed by the position we were put in and are devastated to have to call the match off. We would like to thank the Northumberland Vikings for their support whilst we were dealing with this. This is NOT how we wanted to end our first foray into Division One football, we have been very organised and have delivered in all of our seasons in BAFA. However having to reschedule the Rams game earlier in the season, and to forfeit the final game leaves a very bad taste in our own mouths.
The committee are working hard behind the scenes on supporting the 1st Team, coaches and players and we will be back for the 2024 season.
Darlington Steam Committee
