THE West Somerset Cricket League have suspended the start of their new season until the first week in July before reviewing the situation.

The league, which consists of 50 teams, was set to start on Saturday, April 25, with a full programme of games on Saturday, May 2.

First division champions West Monkton were going to open their season with a match at North Curry, who only just avoided relegation, while runners-up and KO Cup winners Wiveliscombe were set to play at Bridgetown.

Wiveliscombe have been the most successful team in the league in recent years. They have been pipped for the league title by one point in the past two seasons, while they finished top in the previous two summers.

Wivey won the KO Cup final by hammering Bishop’s Hull by nine wickets in last season’s final.

Their record is such that they will start as pre-season favourites to win the title this summer. The decision to delay the start of the season will mean new fixtures, with the possibility of playing a team only once.

The 50 teams compete in five divisions.