If clubs in the Kernow Stone St Piran League think they are going to experience a chaotic end to the season facing up to the huge number of fixture postponements over the past few weeks, then just spare a thought for all the league fixture secretaries who have to make sense of rearranging all those games, writes Leon Prynn.

David James, who is responsible for West divisions two, three and four, will have to sort out the strategy to complete those games, but unfortunately for him he has other factors to consider beyond his control.

Ahead of him in the pecking order for first choice use of a ground are the more senior leagues such as the The Pitching Southern League division one (South), the Toolstation Western League, the South West Peninsula League and the premier division of the Kernow Stone St Piran League.

David takes up the story: “Until February 4th I had to rearrange around 120 games, mainly due to county cups or our own cups not being played at the first attempt.

“Rearranged fixtures in higher leagues also take priority when using home pitches and that meant I had to move games already scheduled for those days – it’s one of the biggest hazards of being the league at the bottom of the pile!”

Over the last four weeks 58 of 70 games have been lost to the weather and a similar picture exists in all the other leagues.

“We are all fighting for the same pitch,” continued David “and in some weeks that’s right up until the end of the season. Where clubs have two or more teams that’s when my job becomes really difficult.

“After April 6th cricket will be my next headache when some grounds are not available on Saturdays due to the cricket league beginning. A few clubs might be able to play midweek games, but then travel and light becomes an issue if some of the postponed Saturday games involved long journeys.”

To try and overcome that situation David has suggested to some clubs who still have many home games to fit in that they try and go for an early kick off. Another team could then play afterwards otherwise it would have to be another evening match. “I’m waiting for replies on that one,” said David.

“Regarding referee coverage,” said David “it has got better since the last referees’ courses, but some of them also play cricket so may not be available which won't help the situation.

“That’s when clubs have to agree to a stand-in referee to take charge on the day and get the game played or face penalties from the leagues as well as matches becoming void. Nobody wants that to happen, but that’s the way the rules are.

“April will be a busy month for everybody and I'm sure we will get games conceded along the way due to player unavailability during the week.

“It has not been a great last month that's for sure and if we have another bad week we could really be in trouble.

“I am always happy to talk to the clubs and try to come up with a compromise where possible, but sometimes there is nothing I can do if pitches are already being used.

“The next eight weeks could be fun!”