Rain hits SPCL programme again

The ECB Southern Electric Premier Cricket League has been sent reeling by a third successive weekend of wet weather.

All 17 of Saturday's scheduled matches were either postponed or abandoned - play did begin on five grounds - leaving clubs counting the cost.

"I suppose the players did have the consolation of watching Saints in the FA Cup final on television," remarked Premier League chairman Alan Bundy.

"But, generally speaking, its been a pretty horrendous start, particularly after the superb pre-season weather we enjoyed in March and April, when the pitches would have been hard."

Bundy revealed that Saturday's complete washout meant that 26 out of 47 scheduled Premier League matches so far this season had fallen foul of the elements.

"And in the 21 matches that actually finished, 12 have been affected by the weather, with games determined by faster overall scoring rates."

Worst hit have been 2001 Premier champions BAT Sports, who have so far managed to play just 11 overs and 40 minutes league cricket this season.

"Our first game at Bournemouth was called off, then the Portsmouth game was abandoned after less than an hour.

"We mutually agreed that yesterday's game at Andover could be put back 24 hours so the lads could watch the cup final, but, not surprisingly, London Road was waterlogged after the rain of the previous two days," moaned BAT skipper Richard Dibden.

Bournemouth have fared little better, playing - and significantly - beating South Wilts in only one of three scheduled starts.

Their visit to Portsmouth on Saturday was postponed, as was Bashley-Rydal's home game with Liphook & Ripsley.

It was Bashley's first postponement - the Foresters having beaten Calmore, but lost to Havant in a 29-over match.

Both of Lymington's home matches at the Sports Ground have been called off. They were due to have entertained Old Tauntonians & Romsey.

New Milton have managed to start both of their Premier Division 3 games, but Saturday's visit to Havant was abandoned with Milton 118-4 (Richard Wilson 36) after 36 overs.

Flamingo's decision to delay their home match with Waterlooville paid dividends - the Corhampton club winning a low scoring affair by four wickets at The Holt.

Dave Wright (5-18) and Stuart Brittan (3-30) combined to dismiss Ville for 70 - a total Flamingo hardly looked capable of bettering when Andy Love (4-18) ran through the top order.

But cousins Kevin Brewster (24) and Ian Hitchings (19) lifted Flamingo from a desperate 25-5 to within touching distance of a crucial win.

Mr Bundy pointed out that the bad weather hits cricket clubs hard, particularly in the pocket. "Most of the Premier League clubs only open their bars at weekends when there is cricket on.

"Places like Bashley, Havant, Lymington and Romsey are real social focal points after matches, with players from three or four teams all congregating after games.

"On a nice summer's day, the places are buzzing, with vital income going across the bar. No cricket means no money - and that's worrying," he said.

On Saturday, Calmore Sports got started at Lower Bemerton and were 64-2 when their visit to South Wilts was called off after 21 overs.

Newly promoted Gosport Borough had reached 44-1 at Sparsholt when the rains came down, while Ventnor were well placed at 107-2 when play against South Wilts II was abandoned.

Play also began at Hungerford and New Milton, before the weather took a winning hand.