No play possible on day two between Staffordshire and Lincs

Staffordshire pre-season friendlies against the NSSCL have been called off.

Staffordshire’s hopes of keeping their NCCA Division One East title aspirations alive suffered a blow after the second day of their game against Lincolnshire was called off without any play possible.

Staffs require 21 points from their final contest at Checkley to leave current table-toppers Buckinghamshire needing to win at Suffolk at the weekend to clinch top spot.

However, heavy overnight rain and drizzle on day two resulted in umpires Bilal Shafayat and Ian Laurence pulling the plug on any prospects of play at just before 1pm.

That leaves Staffs needing a miraculous final day if they are to remain in contention to win the division.

They bowled out Lincolnshire for 281 on day one before closing on 54-0. Captain James Kettleborough was unbeaten on 40.

Day One report: Brilliant Brett steals the show on opening day against Lincs

However, Staffs would still ideally need to get to 175 to pocket a batting point – and then push for victory – to remain in the title race.

That would appear to be a long shot given the wash-out on the second day.

Another option would be to try to set up a run chase on day three. And then hope that Bucks don’t get a maximum-points draw against Suffolk at Copdock in their final outing.

But Lincolnshire may well be happy to settle for a draw given their battle to remain in the division.

They will have one eye on the encounter between Norfolk and Suffolk, two other sides who are still threatened by relegation.

Added to that is the fact that Lincolnshire entertain Norfolk this weekend in what could be a survival shoot-out.

Image: Rain was the winner on day two of the NCCA Division One East Championship game between Staffordshire and Lincs. Picture: Alfie Shenton