THERE will be no further men's league hockey in Somerset this season - the only possible exception being at Premiership side Taunton Vale 1st XI.

There have been no Verde Recreo Hockey League fixtures since December 2020, and the Covid-19 lockdown means that all grassroots hockey is suspended for the foreseeable future.

Now the league has made a decision for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

Its statement said: "Following a meeting of the league committee on Wednesday, February 3, it has been determined that, with the exception of the Premiership, the league 2020/21 season be abandoned.

"This follows clear feedback via a survey which the league conducted with clubs that this was the preferred option.

"The league administrator will be in contact with clubs to arrange a full refund of subscriptions paid for the season.

"Separate communications will follow to club league liaison officers about the potential to take part in a separate 'one-off' competition (subject to restrictions allowing).

"There will also be separate communications with those teams in the Premiership to explain how the season will be concluded.

"This will build on the majority view of the separate Premiership survey conducted.

"League subscription refunds will also be issued to Premiership teams."

The Premiership season needs to be concluded in such as way as to allow two teams to go forward to the England Hockey League (EHL) next year.

The West Clubs Women's Hockey League also sent out a survey to its member clubs, but it is yet to confirm whether its season will also be abandoned.