LEIGH RMI boss Steve Waywell has defended the decision to postpone last Saturday's scheduled home Conference game against Stevenage - the second successive home fixture that's fallen foul of the weather.

"It was obviously a big disappointment for us but you really couldn't argue with the decision," he says.

"The match referee had to come down to the ground at eight in the morning for the inspection as Stevenage were all set to travel up at nine.

"One or two people have said they were surprised he decided it was unfit because it looked perfect but he had to take everything into account, including obviously the weather forecast which wasn't good. He played safe which was best for all concerned, so you can't argue with that. I've certainly no complaints because we have no major backlog of fixtures.

"The rugby went ahead on Sunday and again I've no complaints about that either. We have had a situation for five years now of football and rugby sharing the same playing surface and it's a situation we have to accept and get on with it. It's never been a problem as far as I'm concerned. Sharing with the rugby never has been a problem and I can't see it being in future. I'm sure they are of the same mind."

RMI are confident that tomorrow's attractive Hilton Park clash with Conference title contenders Southport will get the go-ahead.

Waywell has made a move for much-travelled striker Graham Lancashire to temporarily plug the gap left by top scorer Tony Black who has had a hernia operation.

Lancashire, formerly with Burnley and Wigan, is recovering from injury at Rochdale. Waywell says: "He's just on his way back from injury and it could suit everyone for him to have a spell with us. He's pacy and a natural goalscorer."