“The Season Moves On” was apt at the time but today “the season grinds to a halt” might be more appropriate. I anticipate later this week the RFU and PRL will suspend all top flight rugby and the mandarins of European rugby will call a halt to their two main competitions. Where that leaves the grassroots game is unclear. Yesterday I said the Haywards Heath fixture was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. Actually Thanet Wanderers didn’t travel due to the fear of the coronavirus. The precedent has been set so it would be wise for the RFU to call a halt to all games to avoid any confusion and frustration.

The implications of such a move from Exeter down to us at Crowborough and across the country whatever the level are huge. Clubs are already struggling to make ends meet and bills will still have to be paid. At the top flight will sponsors who will also be very badly hit pull the plug? Obviously match day revenue goes out of the window. At the top flight wages will have to be paid but it won’t take longe before swinging cuts will have to come into force. Clubs with a secondary income might be better off as long as the government doesn’t put us into lockdown with many events being being cancelled. Yes lives are at risk but I still struggle to make the numbers add up versus the panic, and I certainly fail to see why the long term implications versus the panic are being ignored. I can see a time when deaths from people’s livelihoods being destroyed outstripping the deaths from this virus by a long way........ but what do I know.

It is not just sport of course. Whilst the climate change zealots will be jumping for joy as the airline industry collapses and factories and businesses close and we go back to the dark ages many millions of people who would have had a bit of a cough and a cold and a slight fever will be out of work for a long time. The health implications of that will be horrendous. Be careful what you wish for.

Lots of conspiracy theories out there manly about China testing a super weapon of mass destruction, or testing a euthanasia virus killing off the old and sick, or the ultimate in climate protection. Is there any link between the Chinese defence laboratory and the Wuhan outbreak. I don’t know but.........

What is really frustrating is Mrs Bleater wants to go panic buying again. Not only for sherry but also Sauvignon Blanc and her favourite snack: Hula Hoops. “What about toilet roll” I shout. “That’s all a load of crap, its sherry we need” she replies.

Thank heavens for Castleford Tigers v St Helens yesterday. Live sport. It’ll be the last however. I still have some RWC 2019 games on Sky+ so that’ll keep me going for this week. Other than that it will be like yesterday evening: wall to wall Father Brown.

I don’t want to labour the point and I accept I am really, really thick but the numbers still don’t make sense. Please can someone tell me why the panic? I would like to know how many people have died in road accidents since this all started, how many have died of the flu, how many have died of heart disease and so on. The number of infected people is 0.002% of the population. The number of deaths is 0.00005%. I am serious. Can someone please help me understand what is going on here.

My second request is for ideas and comments. Tomorrow I will give my views on what is right and what is wrong with our great game. I would welcome any help and guidance on this. After that it will be plane spotting. Literally trying to spot any planes whatsoever.

Finally congratulations to the Friday Club and our minis and juniors. We actually got games on at Steel Cross yesterday. I don’t care about the results, what is important is a load of kids and a bunch of parents had great fun at our great club playing our great game. Put it in the memory banks. It could be the last for some time.

By the way the wine and cheese tasting was excellent fun.

Sunday 15th Mar: 09:00

What a miserable day yesterday. Just a couple of Super Rugby games then hours of Midsomer Murders. Self isolation or worse forced isolation will be a nightmare.

There were some games played yesterday however but not at Haywards Heath as planned. I assume this was down to a waterlogged pitch rather than Covid-19 related. Deal & Betteshanger did play losing to Gravesend 13-21. Gravesend are now 7th.

A massive well done to our 2s who also played. They came away from Plumpton with a fine 15 - 26 win. I forgot this was on as it would have been better than watching another advert begging for your £3 a month.

Well done to Old Colfeians who beat Charlton Park in the Intermediate Cup. They now are one win away from Twickenham. They play Wellington from Somerset in the semi-final. IF it is allowed to go ahead.

Wimbledon remain in the hunt for automatic promotion in the Premier division after beating our neighbours Tunbridge Wells 10-40 at St Marks.

It comes as no surprise Bridgnorth v Newport (Salop) was postponed. I believe their pitches are still under water.

Not much else in the sports news for obvious reasons.

Some of the behaviour of people panic buying is a disgrace but when you boil it back it highlights the worst of human nature: survival of the fittest. Those who are stockpiling at the expense of others, often those who are most vulnerable, probably don’t give a damn.

There is a lot of stuff in the news that is troubling such as over 70s being forced into isolation. That is all fine and dandy if they have the resources to survive for long periods in isolation. You can bet these are the very people who will suffer at the hands of the selfish and inconsiderate.

Donald Trump is trying to isolate the US by closing the borders. Too late for him I fear and as stated last week I think the US is now in a worse situation than us. Our universal but over-stretched NHS will struggle but there is a chance most will get access to it. That can’t be said for the US where millions and millions cannot afford even the most basic of care, and being the US you can bet the care providers are seeing this as a profit opportunity rather than a medical emergency. That’s my jaundice view anyway.

That’ll do for now. We are off to do a wine and cheese tasting and a brief winery tour over in Staplehurst. I will be back tomorrow and will try and find things to write about each day as much for my mental health as for your entertainment.

Saturday 14th Mar: 10:15

My shoulders slumped when I heard the Wales v Scotland game had been called off. They slumped even further when I pulled open the curtains this morning to see it hammering down again. There is a silver lining as according to the adverts there is now a solution to erectile dysfunction and it can be delivered by post. Oh for heavens sake, move on!

Lets start with the Marler, Tuilagi and Haouas disciplinary hearings. There is a very clear split of opinion about the Marler case. I have heard many comments starting with "it happened all the time in my day", "it was a bit of forwards banter", "it is disproportionate to the Hoauas ban". As we know only too well times have changed and we are in the here and now. Actions such as Marler's are not acceptable. The comment about banter is akin to saying "it's ok he only stabbed him once". My view is yes it was only a tweak to AJW's genitals but if people think it is acceptable next time it could be a life changing full grab and twist. Lastly the punishment is based on the rules applied to disciplinary cases. We might not like it but the options were either to find him not guilty, which was never going to happen, or follow the rules. The minute you start making exceptions is the minute the whole system, which is followed worldwide, collapses. By the way I think Marler got off lightly as in the report it states he got a three week reduction for being contrite and apologetic. That is in the rules but in my view he hasn't. In fact I think he as acted badly with his social media posts. Also only adding one week for his track record is also very lenient. He could have on a different day ended up with a 16 week suspension.

With regard to Tuilagi and the French firebrand, their hearings were also in line with the rules and guidelines set. I have no issues with either ruling from that point of view. There is an argument however when you look at the severity of the Hoauas punch versus the genital tweak perhaps the RFU and World Rugby might want to look at the guidelines, as they do on a regular basis.

Wales v Scotland is off. It comes as no surprise but I for one am disappointed and I think the WRU have bowed to public and press pressure and in my humble opinion have probably had the fear of litigation in the back of their minds. I sympathise with Gareth Davies as I am not sure this could have been handled any better taking into account the Government's and scientists recommendations. Perhaps the 6 Nations committee could have taken a more proactive role as postponing this game and moving it in line with the others would give us a splendid final day in October.

Sale v Quins is also off but this is clearer cut as some staff in one of the camps is showing signs of having the virus.

George North is whingeing about the trolls on social media. George, do what I have done, close down your Facebook account, unhook from Twitter and Instagram and WhatsApp and campaign for the big tech firms to pay their fair share of taxes.

Wales Under 20s got hammered by Scotland Under 20s last night. Wales were woeful, Scotland weren't. If this is the future of Welsh rugby then heaven help us.

Fascinating story in The Guardian about Maro Itoje. It appears he was set for a seven figure loan move to Racing 92 next season with the RFU giving him dispensation to play for his country despite playing in France. The other Premiership have vetoed the idea stating this is not an exceptional circumstance. This is a move of convenience. Will Itoje still go to France for a year. The money is very attractive me thinks.

One last rugby comment, if you get a chance please read the piece in The Daily Fail about Doddie Weir. What an inspiration in this time of misplaced panic and press hype.

Finally, as my good friend Paddy O'Fez self isolates by the pool with a cold beer in sunny Spain, lucky so-and-so until he can't get home, here is something for him and you to ponder. Who is driving the Covid-19 agenda? A) the Government and the very well qualified and level headed scientists or B) the hysterical, ratings hungry, ill-informed and biased press.

Back tomorrow with more and more rubbish.

Thursday 12th Mar: 18:00

I am amazed that it is still on but it is. Wales v Scotland that is. The big news is Rhys Webb starts for Wales with Gareth Davies on the bench. Cory Hill comes in for Jake Ball and Sale's Will Griff John will make his debut. Alun Wyn Jones will win his 139th Welsh cap and his 148th test cap in total.

Scotland make three changes to their pack but this still looks a consistent selection and a reward for the efforts of the squad so far.

I think Wales have the edge but who knows.

The breaking news is the Pro 14 has been suspended indefinitely. Matches against the Italian sides had already been postponed and with new measures being take in Scotland and Ireland the decision was inevitable. This will be a huge blow to the already cash strapped regions who play in the Pro14.

The RFU have, following discussions with King Eddie, come out to reiterate that "his comments are not in line with the values of the sport or the RFU". That is all fine and dandy but we need to hear it from the Motor Mouth himself. The word "sorry" needs to be heard and we need to know what punishment has been applied. If we don't hear from Jones himself or hear about a punishment then these are empty words and carry no weight.

I was hoping to have heard about the outcome of the citing hearings but haven't. My comments on these will now be on Saturday morning post Friday Club tomorrow.

It is unacceptable for Danny Care to condone Marler's actions. I am not a lily-livered, politically correct snowflake but am passionate about our game and the future of our game for our young people and what we saw on Saturday is a terrible advert for our game. End of.

That'll do for now except to wish my good friend Gordon Happy Birthday for tomorrow.

Thursday 12th March: 08:15

Not much to report this morning so a couple of notices.

Alan Rosier's Funeral is tomorrow at the United Reform Church, Crowborough. 14:45 then at the club to celebrate his life. Club blazers for those who have them.

League Lunch 21st March. Bookings are now being taken by Graysey

Happy Birthday to Mrs Bleater. No candles on the cake. Too much of a fire risk!

Back later with Wales and Scotland team news and possibly news of the outcomes of the Marler and Lawes citings.

Johnny May is out for a while with a broken cheek bone.

Its Thursday so off shopping. Today's panic buy is Lidl's dark chocolate with hazel nuts.

Wednesday 11th Mar: 08:15

This was supposed to be a busy week of rugby news as we head into the final weekend of the 6 Nations. Right now there is only Wales v Scotland that will go ahead and even at this late stage there is still a chance that it might get postponed. All other games except Wales Under 20s are postponed. Postponed until October is the current plan but even that could change.

There is still much to play for on Saturday even though any title hopes are out of the window. Over the next 12 months amassing world ranking points is crucial as these will determine placement in the World Cup draw for 2023. The way the tournament is structured there will always be one group that is tougher than the rest. Avoiding that is key.

Can Scotland build on their fine performance against France. Will Wales show the ambition of the second half against England or the predictability of the 1st half. Only time will tell.

There is plenty of Super Rugby on Saturday if the weather is like it is right now.

On Sunday there is the Premiership Cup; Sale v Quins. Will they play their second string sides which the competition was intended for or will they see the opportunity for silverware as too big a prize to miss. I still think this is a meaningless tournament and completely contradicts clubs assertions that players need more rest. Sale will win this one.

There seems something horribly wrong with our country at the moment against a background of much being right. The right is today we have the budget, a budget that will be delivered by a man whose grandparents originally were from the Punjab. We have a Home Secretary whose family are Ugandan Indians. This highlights all that is good about our country showing in multi-cultural Britain anything is possible for everyone. The horribly wrong is we have a man who has served this country with 14 years of army service including tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, his son plays rugby for England yet he has been denied immigration clearance to return to England. This is a disgrace, an embarrassment and should not be allowed to happen. Ilaitia Cokanasiga deserves to be treated better than this as do the many BRITISH army veterans who find themselves in the same position.

Perhaps Permagrin herself should do something about it. By the way I had another email about Priti Patel and her bullying. It wasn't very complimentary. To that I say perhaps "bullying" is actually "managing". In today's lily-livered, politically correct snowflake world perhaps people need a kick up the backside and to be shouted at. The Civil Service isn't Butlins. Our taxes pay for civil servants and I want value from mine.

I remain committed to my view about Covid-19. It is concerning and it is getting worse and a single death from it is one too many but the hysteria from the press and the bullshit on social media is making matters much worse. The reporting, as is the case with most things, is way over the top. Everything is a crisis: dog bites postman crisis, train delayed by ten minutes crisis. The issue will be that the sensational coverage will have the opposite effect. People will ignore the advice about self-isolation and not going to the GP or A&E as that is exactly what they will do. They will panic because the news coverage and social media is driving the panic. By the way the head of the GP Council said pretty much the same on TV last night.

Before I go: Joe Marler. I have no sympathy for him and this was reinforced when I read about his comments on social media. No Joe, this is not complete bo!!oc4s. What you did was unacceptable, totally unacceptable especially at a time when grassroots rugby is in serious decline. The last thing we need is parents stopping their kids playing due to irresponsible actions of someone who should be a role model.

Tuesday 10th Mar: 08:15

A quick look at the results of the rearranged games is where we will start this morning.

In our league Haywards Heath reinforced their promotion credentials with a fine 22-17 win away at Charlton Park. This puts them just 4 points behind Old Alleynians but with two games in hand. In the other game Hove beat Gravesend by 22-15. Hove are now 3 points behind us in 6th. Gravesend remain in 8th but have a game in hand on those above them.

Three games in Sussex 1 with East Grinstead beating Hove II pretty comfortably. Seaford lost at home to Burgess Hill and sadly Eastbourne got the dreaded AWO as Lewes cried off. EG are now 2 points adrift of Crawley but Crawley have a game in hand.

In London 1 South not a great day for Horsham as they come away from Camberley having lost 46-17. Horsham remain in mid-table with no chance of promotion and no risk of relegation.

I see the new Premier Inn is close to opening in Tunbridge Wells. Well in London's Premier league Tunbridge Wells beat CS Stags 36-0 on Friday evening (I wonder where that was played?) On Saturday Sevenoaks beat Dorking 24-22 but sadly Brighton lost to play-off hopefuls Wimbledon 22-25. All three of the local sides are mid-table but Wells have two games in hand.

Another bad day for Salisbury losing at home to Banbury. They are relegated. By the way I heard very good things about how their mini and juniors are run. Bridgnorth moved into 4th after beating Nuneaton 29-30. Automatic promotion is not possible but the play-off is.

Another free weekend ahead for most but I will post news of results on Monday or Tuesday. Haywards Heath are definitely playing.

In the big boys league weren't Exeter impressive against Bath. That was an imperious performance. Sarries put one over on Leicester despite their plethora of stars being absent. Mako Vunipola was excellent. One in the eye for King Eddie me thinks. Based on results Sarries would be in 2nd spot now thanks to Exeter's extra bonus points and Tigers would be rock bottom. Obviously that isn't the case however.

Business is business but I for one am disappointed with Tony Rowe's hard-nosed attitude to the Flybe PR debacle. Exeter are not a charity is his assertion. If any deal with Flybe was cancelled before the airlines collapse then fair enough but if this was post the collapse then for the amount of money involved they could have been more flexible. If you are paying Stuart Hogg many thousands of pounds a week what is a few hundred for the sake of positive PR. Exeter, who I normally hold in in very high regard have gone down in my estimation over this.

France v Ireland is postponed due to Covid-19. I am still confused but more on this in a moment.

The fall out from Saturday continues with Marler and Lawes being cited. I am not sure of when the alleged dangerous tackle Lawes is accused off occurred. Marler has been cited under law 9.27 which carries a starting point of 12 weeks. If found guilty there will be no discount as Marler has been on the naughty step more than once before. No news on whether action will be taken against King Eddie for letting his mouth run wild post match.

On the positive side of the debit sheet Kyle Sinckler has rightly been praised for his calm and controlled contribution from start to finish.

More murmurings about Farrell's captaincy. His game has stalled and his captaincy style is abrasive. Plenty of support for the idea that Itoje should take over the mantle.

The 6 Nations is likely to be concluded at the end of October.

Leicester City got their show back on the road with a fine 4-0 win over Aston Villa. Hoorah.

For those who like the sport of kings Cheltenham Festival starts today.

As Italy goes into lockdown, the markets go into meltdown and toilet rolls are scarcer than hens teeth I am still struggling to make sense of it. I accept that the coronavirus is easily transferred between humans hence the rapid global spread. I fully appreciate the fact that at the moment, thankfully, it is only transmitting a mild virus. I also appreciate one death from the virus is one too many. Right now five people in the UK have died and 320 are infected. As a proportion of the population this is miniscule. If the 24 news stations and social media weren't hyping this up this would be a non story. I would like to know how many people have died of seasonal flu in the same period for example. We need to keep this in perspective me thinks.

Two additional thoughts. As the symptoms for most are mild and recovery is relatively quick rather than containing it why don't we let it spread and get it over with? Is the US one of the most sophisticated countries in the world with the biggest economy? If yes why are they more at risk than many third world countries? Simple, because their healthcare system is awful. If you can afford it yes it is one of the best in the world. The problem is many, many, many millions don't have access to healthcare as they can't afford it but also there is no provision for people who are off work sick. Here there is sick pay. In the US if you don't work you don't get paid so no incentive to self-isolate. Hey ho.

It is Tuesday so you know what that means. Breakfast with my granddaughter.