CHORLEY 190 -8 BLACKPOOL did not bat

THIS year's rain sodden summer claimed another victim on Saturday when Blackpool's match at Chorley was abandoned at the tea interval after a prolonged shower made the pitch unplayable.

Chorley had posted 190 for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 49 overs after play began at 2.15pm.

Given the late start and the consequent reduction in overs it is unlikely Blackpool could have won the match even if play had resumed after tea.

The best bowler was Blackpool was again Rudra Singh who took four wickets for 60 runs in 19 overs - another impressive performance by the paceman. His victims included both Chorley openers Nigel Heaton for 17 and "pinch hitter" Iqbal Patel clean bowled for 34.

A slight middle order collapse by Chorley saw Blackpool with a sniff of victory but captain Roland Horridge and veteran Jim Fazackerley kept the innings together scoring 34 and 59 respectively. Marcus Sharp claimed both of them as well as the wicket of the home side's big hitter Neil Senior clean bowled for a duck.

A run out off the last ball ended Chorley's innings but by then with the clouds gathering it was obvious a result would be unlikely.

Sure enough the rain began to fall and after nearly an hour of heavy rain the umpires called the game off leaving players and spectators alike frustrated at yet another rain ruined match.