Cricketers stumped as rain means almost total washout (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Cricketers stumped as rain means almost total washout

LAST weekend's awful weather took a heavy toll on the local cricket programme.

Bretforton, Pershore and Evesham's second string were the only sides to defy the elements with the former the solitary club to record a victory in the Cotswold Hills League.

In fact, the match between the new Premier Division leaders and Broadway was the only one to even make a start!

The seven-wicket win for the Station Road hosts lifted them to the top of the division and left Broadway eight points adrift at the foot of the table after a third successive defeat.

Opener Gary Evans top scored with 66 and received fine support from brother Nigel (40) in the visiting side's 146-6.

Bretforton's target was reduced to 136 and Brett Woods helped build a solid platform with 44 at the top of the order.

However, it was a typically belligerent undefeated 69 from Paul Jones that blasted the home side to victory and a place at the top of the table.

Tewkesbury's players were also left kicking their heels with the scheduled Readers Gloucestershire County League match against Frampton at The Swilgate another victim of the elements. Dumbleton's first and second strings were similarly thwarted.

It got even worse the next afternoon where all scheduled matches in the Worcestershire Clubs League and npower Village Cup were lost to the weather.

Group matches in the Village Cup will now be played this weekend with the original venues switched.