Fifth-place finish for Reivers asseason comes to a conclusion

A midway berth for the Fjordhus Reivers ladies in their respective league table.

For the Borders Fjordhus Reivers Ladies first team, it means a fifth-place finish among 10 clubs in Women’s National League Two.

Scottish Hockey’s management committee considered all options to complete the 2019-20 season in full on the pitch, as well as partial completion of the season, in detail.

It reached the unanimous decision, endorsed by the Scottish Hockey Board, that it was sadly now not possible to complete all the remaining fixtures on the pitch.

The 2019-20 cup and plate competitions are also now completed.

There will be no winners awarded for season 2019-20, and no automatic promotion or relegation.

However, with the majority of leagues completing over 60 per cent of matches, there was clearly a wish for the endeavour of clubs to be recognised.

Therefore, teams were given a placing based on their performance up until hockey was suspended.

The final league rankings for 2019-20 season were determined using average points per match, based on the matches completed prior to competitions being suspended.

As of March 12, the Borders squad had amassed 18 points from 11 games, with a points average of 1.64.

Scottish Hockey is currently considering the most suitable approach for season 2020-21.

The board recognised the management committee was not established to operate in these unprecedented times – so it’s been determined that the management committee’s powers be suspended at present and a task force be created – hopefully by tomorrow (Friday).

It will include members of the board and the management committee.

It’s intended that the task force will consult with member clubs by July 10, with a view to building a route map, aligned to Scottish Government guidance, for the season ahead, with a decision due by July 24.

A spokesman added: “Due to the level of uncertainty around facilities, social distancing, teams’ access to players, universities and Government restrictions, it is not possible to confirm with certainty when hockey will resume.”

This break in continuity also meant any restart would not be a fair reflection of the teams who began the 2019-20 campaign, while it was deemed unfair to relegate any teams without all fixtures fulfilled .

“Next season will start afresh when it is safe and possible to do so,” said the spokesman.