Cup final to be replayed after rain forces players off (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Cup final to be replayed after rain forces players off

12:04pm Friday 25th August 2006 in Sport

IT WAS always going to be something of a gamble to try to complete the 20 overs per side Lady Feversham Cup final between Harome and High Farndale, given the inclement weather which prevailed prior to the contest.

But, despite a wet wicket and with heavy showers forecast, the match at Harome got under way accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder.

Gripping the ball properly proved difficult for the High Farndale opening bowlers, whose generally short-pitched deliveries were eagerly seized upon by Jon Pickard in particular.

The usually prolific Mark Haines was given a reprieve when he was dropped by the wicketkeeper off a towering skier, but he was soon caught at mid-off off the bowling of Mark Wilson with the score on 41.

Rob Harding joined Pickard, who was now well into his stride. A second successive six brought up his 50, immediately followed by another six.

Steady rain fell for a while as Chris Wilson came on to bowl and had Pickard dropped in his first over. In the 13th over, Billy Hague bowled Harding for a fluent 19 with one that kept low.

Chris Wilson's bad luck continued when he again had Pickard dropped on 73. But, it was third time lucky for Wilson when he at last induced Pickard to hole out to Hague on the boundary for a brilliant 80.

Hague (2-35) again got into the act, bowling Josh Greenlay for nine, but James Greenlay (14no) and Chris Ford (6no) helped Harome to an extremely healthy 164-4.

Unfortunately, the dark clouds which had previously threatened then engulfed the ground and the rain teemed down, rendering further play impossible.

Revised cup final dates. - Sept 3: top four play-off final, Harome v Wombleton (at Harome), 10.45; Sept 10: Lady Feversham Cup final, Harome v High Farndale, 11am.