THE early decision by the Wirral Borough Council to close all grounds was fully vindicated as the heavy rain turned pitches into shimmering ponds and prevented teams and match officials from wasting their time in attending unplayable, waterlogged fields.

Alas, it also caused the loss of many scheduled cup competition semi finals and league fixtures which of course will impact on future fixtures and the scheduling of final tie games.

However, the month of February sees many of our teams involved in Cheshire and Wirral FA cup semi finals and we wish them all the very best of luck, especially youth team Vauxhall Colts who carry the league banner into the Cheshire Youth Cup semi final versus Heath Rangers on the 9th February.

On another note, I must report that the league chairman and secretary attended the early organised event relating to the 50th anniversary of the Birkenhead Sunday Football League, which was held at Vauxhall's Social Club, and was a successful occasion attended by many faces from the past and present.

The guest speakers of John Stiles (ex-Leeds United) and Steve Daley (ex-Wolves) were thoroughly entertaining and a treat to watch.

On behalf of our league I would like to congratulate their league secretary – Mr John Davies – and his hard working committee for organising such a memorable event and wish them all well for their jubilee season of 2014-15.

The need for teams to attend grounds early and ensure they are fit for purpose, providing the council have not closed those facilities, is a necessity, especially regarding cup competitions.

Early inspections should take place if deemed necessary and contact with opponents and match officials is a requirement for all fixtures.