RUGBY TOWN: World of sport playing the waiting game

Action from Rugby Town's final game before the enforced coronavirus break, in which they beat Sleaford 2-1 away from home Picture by Martin Pulley

Rugby Town sit in the same boat of uncertainty as the rest of the sporting world, as the government continues to ramp up its efforts to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking before Monday evening's announcement of a three week national lockdown, Town Director Neil Melvin had said: "In terms of when we are able to recommence playing again, it's just a waiting game for us now.

"We have followed the guidance issued by the various authorities with regards to such things as closing the clubhouse facilities and the academy, and we will have to wait and see what plans are eventually put forward by the leagues at a later date."

The United Counties League had joined the rest of the non-league footballing pyramid in announcing a suspension to its activities last Monday with around three quarters of the campaign already completed.

Melvin continued: "It's clear that there are more important issues for this country to deal with at the moment, but ultimately I would hope to see this season finished off at some point in the future.

"Again in accordance with the advice of the authorities, the players stopped training as a group last week but they have been asked to keep themselves as fit as they possibly can in the mean time - ready for any potential resumption of matches."

At the point of suspension, Valley sat in third place in the UCL Premier Division table seven points adrift of leaders Quorn - but from three less games played.

With a top two finish guaranteeing either automatic promotion or a chance of doing so through a play-off match, Town's current points per game ratio of 2.11 is frustratingly just short of Quorn's 2.13 - with current second berth incumbents Shepshed just four points behind the table toppers with five games in hand and far superior ratio of 2.4.