The long awaited start to the new cricket season was decimated by the weather.

Play did start in a few games, but the downpour at around 3.30pm put paid to further play in all but one game.

Play was possible in only one game in the First Division. Newly promoted Long Lee travelled to Thornton and batted first. Richard Preston announced his arrival on the scene in fine style as he smashed the first ball of the season for six. He continued in that vain as he made 70 our of 77-2 before play ended.

The only game to finish came at Cononley where Glusburn were the visitors in the Second Division. The home side batted first and made 183-2 with Roger Nelson 58 not out, Neil Coward 52 and Tom Palin 51. The visitors stayed positive despite a poor start and they reached their target with three wickets and one over to spare. Mick Baxter 73 and Ian Beattie (42no) leading the way.

Play was possible at Haworth West End where Barnoldswick had reached 26-2, and at Chatburn where new boys Denholme were the visitors. The home side made 31-0 before the storm hit.

In the Third Division Bradley had made 42-1 at Barrowford and at Sandylands the visitors Haworth scored 59-2 in 26 overs when the rain arrived.

The only play in the fourth Division was at Pendle Forest III where Haworth West End had scored 16-0.

Jimmy Nelson's were unable to raise a team against Airedale. However, since no game in the division was completed the Keighley only get one point.

Cononley 18-3

Glusburn 184-7

Cononley: R Nelson not out 58, T Palin c Parker b Baxter 51, C Stead c Ideson b Watts 18, N Coward run out 52, extras 4. Total 183-2.

Bowling: M Pickles 8-3-22-0, B Hollis 12-2-46-0, S Filkin 6-1-21-0, M Baxter 10-4-44-1, R Watts 9-0-46-2.

Glusburn: D Ideson b Town 0, R Parkin c Scarr b Town 7, M Baxter c Palin b Town 73, S Filkin b Town 13, C Watts c Nelson b Stead 15, I Beattie not out 42, D Barton c Hargreaves b Iveson 1, B Hollis c Wilson b Town 5, A Filkin not out 6, extras 22. Total 184-7.

Bowling: A Town 17-5-55-5, G Iveson 12.2-1-53-1, C Stead 9.4-0-37-1, I Thompson 5-1-21-0.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.