Falcons game postponed

By Jason Harris
January 12 2003

Saracens' Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter final first leg game against Newcastle Falcons was postponed just one hour before kick-off after the referee ruled the pitch was unplayable. The re-arranged fixture will take place on Monday 13 January at 7.30pm. Admission to Vicarage Road will be free.

The under-soil heating system at Vicarage Road discovered faulty only on the morning of the game was to blame for the frozen playing surface.

The episode has been a very embarrassing one for Saracens as they had been confidently predicting that the match would take place in the days running up to the event and talking up the merits of having the £600,000 system which was installed five years ago.

A disappointed Fez will have to return to the Vicarage which will have only the Rous Stand open for the re-arranged game and the club are advising that it will be first come, first served at the gates which open at 6.30.