Christmas cup finals

Christmas cup finals

2 December 2020

NEWCASTLE League officials have put in place what they say is “one final attempt” to play last season’s Harry Clarke Cup and Bobby Dalzell Cup finals.

The Harry Clarke Cup final between Celtic Bhoys and Ballynagross has been rescheduled for Ballyhornan on Tuesday, December 29, with a 3pm kick off.

The Bobby Dalzell decider between Killough and Ballynahinch Olympic Town is to be played at the same venue the following day with a 6.45pm kick off.

It’s the latest attempt by the Newcastle League to play the fixtures, which have been postponed on a number of occasions owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Bobby Dalzell final is traditionally played on Boxing Day, while the Harry Clarke final is usually held over the Easter period.

League secretary Alan Craig said he hopes the finals can at last get go ahead.

However, he warned that there will be no further rescheduling if the matches are unable to be played.

He said: “Discussions have taken place with the clubs concerned and agreement has been reached that should we find ourselves in a further lockdown, or unable to play the finals on these dates due to further restrictions, then we are at a stage that the finals will not be rescheduled.

“We as a league have tried our utmost to give the players an opportunity to be involved in a cup final, but there comes a time when we need to make a decision on the values of the cup. We feel this is the last opportunity for these finals to take place.”

Barry Mullan has been appointed to referee Harry Clarke Cup final, with Anthony Russell and Damien Laverty assisting.

Anthony Russell will take charge of the Bobby Dalzell Cup final, with Barry Mullan and Damien Laverty on the line.