Staffordshire suffered a frustrating start to their National Counties Cricket Association campaign as the weather emerged victorious.
Staffs were due to play Cumbria in their first double header in Group One of the NCCA Twenty20 Cup on Sunday.
The contests had already been moved from the original venue of Moddershall & Oulton to Checkley. The former’s ground was unfit because of the recent inclement weather.
However, the conditions were not conducive to cricket at Checkley either as the rain fell at Four Trees. That prevented any play in either the 11am match or the 2.30pm clash.
Both sides collect two points each – one for each abandoned match – from the day.
Staffordshire chairman Phil Oliver said: “It is disappointing that we were unable to start the NCCA season as scheduled.
“I would like to thank both Moddershall & Oulton and Checkley for their efforts in attempting to get the matches on.
“Moddershall & Oulton worked tirelessly to try to get their ground fit for play, but sadly the weather beat them.
“We are grateful to Checkley for stepping in late in the day to try to stage the game, although the rain had the final say once more.
“We look forward to returning to Moddershall & Oulton in the future and playing at Checkley later in the summer.”
‘Complete washout in Group One’
In yesterday’s other Group One match, Cheshire also saw their two scheduled matches against Northumberland called off because of the weather.
Cheshire had switched the game from Sale to Chester Boughton Hall. But the elements didn’t play ball and the sides had to be content with a couple of points apiece once the day was abandoned.
Both Staffordshire and Cheshire will be hoping for better weather next weekend.
Staffs make the long trip to play Northumberland at South Northumberland, while Cheshire face Shropshire at Shifnal.
The first matches will start at 11am.
Main image: A damp scene at Checkley where Staffordshire were due to play Cumbria in the NCCA Twenty20 Cup. Picture: Alfie Shenton
