BLACKBURN Hawks’ season is over after the NIHL Moralee Conference ruled that the club’s play-off second leg against Hull Pirates, postponed on Sunday due to the weather, will not take place.

Hull had won the home leg 12-1 on Saturday meaning the Hawks would have required a herculean performance to overturn the deficit and reach the semi-finals.

And, with the last four ties taking place this weekend, the league has opted to not rearrange the fixture allowing Hull to progress on the first leg result alone.

It means the Hawks will be unable to end the season on a winning note while also missing out on a home gate receipt.

Hull didn’t travel citing the adver-se weather conditions preventing them from assembling a team.

Telford Tigers’ clash with Whitley Warriors was also postponed with Tigers progressing based on their 5-2 first leg away win.

A league statement read: “The NIHL League Management Committee (LMC) met (on Sunday) evening to discuss the issues around two unplayed Moralee Playoff games at Telford and at Blackburn.

“In both cases the visiting sides, Whitley Warriors and Hull Pirates, did not travel citing inclement weather conditions and safety concerns. Both Whitley and Hull have been in contact with the LMC throughout the day.

“The LMC has been presented with evidence from the non-travelling sides supporting the claim that they could not travel. The LMC also notes in both cases the travel company cancelled the coach to travel away from home.

“Evidence has also been presented regarding the status of players and their ability to get out of their home locations to connect with onward coach travel to the game.

“Overall in terms of reports made to the LMC there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the accounts from non travelling clubs are invalid.

“Under the NIHL Rules of Competition, regional quarter final ties begin on 17 March and end on 18 March.

“The NIHL LMC therefore rules that in the case of the postponed fixtures on Sunday, March 18, Blackburn Hawks v Hull Pirates and Telford Tigers v Whitley Warriors, the games are void 0-0.

“Hull Pirates and Telford Tigers have therefore won their respective playoff ties and will advance to the regional semi finals.”