HALIFAX League chairman Anthony Briggs has thanked clubs for their co-operation in what he called "the most challenging season we have faced in modern times".

However, he has singled out the efforts of league secretary Tim Helliwell, who has proved a "rock" in his communications between the clubs and the league's executive committee.

In an end-of-season message to clubs, Briggs said: "On behalf of the Halifax Cricket League management board and executive, I would like to extend a huge thank you to every club for the way in which you have all supported our league throughout this season.

"It has been, without a doubt, the most challenging season we have ever faced in modern times and we have probably as a league never had to deal with something so unprecedented since the two world wars.

"This is the first season that the Parish Cup has not taken place since its inception in 1888 for example.

"We should, however, all be immensely proud of what we have achieved together this year to get the game on and to have played as much cricket as we did."

Briggs added: "I would like to thank all the officials, players, groundstaff, umpires and volunteers that have made this happen across all our clubs.

"On the occasions where matches have had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 cases, every club has accepted the situation without question and acted efficiently to deal with the matter and keep people safe.

"The fantastic support and positive feedback we have received from all clubs has been most welcome and made our job much easier, because there has been a lot to do behind the scenes to make cricket happen this season.

"Congratulations to all those clubs who have won their respective leagues this season but this year is not about winning silverware - just getting cricket played across the senior leagues and junior leagues has been a massive achievement.

"We are delighted that we achieved almost half a season of competition. All matches were played in an excellent spirit and we have had no major disciplinary incidents for the entire season, which is a credit to everyone involved."

Praising Helliwell, Briggs said: "There is one person who has done a brilliant job co-ordinating all of this. He has been the key channel of communication between the executive and clubs and has led from the front across the season.

"He is a very modest individual and will not like to be singled out for any special mention but I am going to anyway because he deserves the highest praise for his contribution this season.

"That is our league secretary Tim Helliwell, who has been an absolute rock and I am sure you would all join me in saying a big collective thank you and well done."