Penrith’s trip to the Isle of Man this week has been shelved after advice from the RFU on COVID issues.
The Cumbrians were due to visit Douglas, who sit at the bottom of North One West but they have played less games than everyone else – three fewer in seven cases.
Kendal were there last week and came home with a 26-5 victory leaving the Manxmen with just one win and a draw against Altrincham Kersal from ten games.
Penrith are currently in fourth place, in a seeming four-way battle for second as runaway leaders Stockport appear nailed on for the title.
The game should be played at a later date, and February 5 has been suggested, but Penrith are mindful that Douglas have other catch-up games to fit-in.
In a statement, the RFU said: “As Christmas approaches, and concerns continue to grow around the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the RFU has introduced flexibility around this weekend’s Community Game fixtures to give clubs and players options.
“Matches can go ahead as normal this weekend if both teams are happy to play.
“Should either club involved in a scheduled fixture this weekend wish to postpone, they can do so without sanction. Both clubs must contact their respective organising committee as soon as possible, and at the latest by 1200 on Friday 17th December.
“The postponed fixture in the men’s league must be played on the next available weekend as determined by the organising committee.”
