THE Bolton Cricket League season has been formally ended early due to the increasing coronavirus restrictions.

In a hastily-arranged meeting league officials decided that the final two rounds of matches in the Premiership and Association divisions will not be played due to the Covid-19 situation both locally and nationally, the season declared null and void.

Junior cricket will also be halted.

A statement read: “After careful consideration the Bolton Cricket League executive have unanimously decided to terminate the 2020 season.

“The season will be considered null and void at both senior and junior levels.”

Westhoughton led Walkden by one point at the top of the Premiership with Little Lever a further three points back in third but no honours will be handed out for 2020.

Astley Bridge were closing in on the Association crown.

The delayed league season begun on July 25 with the aim being for teams to play each other once, rather than twice as is the case during a normal summer.

The league’s T20 competition had also reached the quarter-final stage but only one game went ahead last weekend as clubs were given the choice whether they played or not.

Darcy Lever won at Golborne to progress but finals day will now not take place.