Staffordshire were left kicking their heels as the final day of their NCCA Championship game against Bedfordshire was abandoned.
Heavy overnight rain hit Checkley’s Four Trees headquarters to leave the prospects of play in the balance.
The Checkley groundstaff worked tirelessly to get the ground fit for play as Staffs looked to force the issue to open the Division One East season with a win.
However, the umpires conducted numerous inspections before admitting defeat at a 4.30pm look following more rain as the game ended in a draw.
That left Staffordshire feeling frustrated after an excellent second day.
They had established a first-innings lead of 63, before reaching 133-1 in their second venture.
That meant Staffs were 196 runs to the good heading into the final day and eyeing up the prospect of setting Bedfordshire a target to chase.
Matt Morris and Zen Malik had both constructed unbeaten half-centuries by the end of the second day and would have been looking to kick on the third day.
However, the British weather ruined those hopes of a potentially interesting finish.
Staffordshire picked up nine points from the match. Bedfordshire took home six after being deducted two for a slow over-rate.
Day one report: Staffordshire forced to dig deep against Beds
Staffordshire sit out the second round of matches which start this weekend.
They are back in action on Sunday, July 21. They entertain Warwickshire at Knypersley in the NCCA Showcase Game.
Staffordshire’s next Championship assignment starts on Sunday, July 28. They make the trip to Cleethorpes to play Lincolnshire.
Main image: The weather saw no play possible on the final day at Checkley. Picture: Alfie Shenton
