THE Bolton League has been forced to abandon this year's indoor cricket competition.

Teams have competed for the Anthony Axford Trophy every winter at Bolton School sports hall, and last week played the opening round of this year's event.

However a problem with the matting laid over the hall floor means that the competition will not continue.

Fred Elmore, the competition organiser, explained: "The floor has recently been relaid but when we lifted the matting we discovered the adhesive needed to keep it in place had marked the surface.

"We need to use adhesives otherwise the mat could lift and pose a problem for the players and the last thing we want is to pose any injury risk for the them.

"The school have advised us that they are hoping to bring in a more heavy duty matting, which would not need adhesive, but that cannot be done for this year,

"What the school have done is only right and proper. Their decision is both understandable and reasonable."

Walkden, winners of last year's competition went on to win the Lancashire and regional finals and reached the national finals at Lord's.

They defend their Lancashire title next month but with the abandoned local event unable to produce a winner, it is not yet known whether the Bolton League will have another representative, although last year's runners-up, Astley Bridge, may get the vote.