DRIZZLE gave groundsmen a headache last weekend, but the heavy rain just as matches were starting put paid to all but four of the games. Three of those succumbed to the weather later in the day.

There was no play possible in the First Division.

Three games started in the Second Division. The only result of the day came at J Nelson's where Chatburn were the visitors. The home side batted first and were dismissed for 61 with Richard Shovelton taking four for 30. The Ribblesdale side struggled to take the points, finally getting home by four wickets. M Iqbal taking three for 23. If Jimmy's had been able to hang onto their catches the result could have been very different - apparently four chances were dropped.

Airedale were at Barnoldswick III and batting first posted an impressive 194 for six in their 45 overs. Ian Singleton making 82 and Mark Alcock 62. The Victory Park side were staring defeat in the face at 49 for five in the 30th over when the rain arrived to stop play. Malcolm Quinlan having taken four for 23 in 12.4 overs.

Thornton and Barrowford waited about, worked on the square and made a start at 4.15pm. The theory was that Thornton would win the toss and ask Barrowford to bat. As it happened they didn't and they were asked to go first. David Harrison made 53 as the West Craveners made 154 for six into the 32 over, where they declared. David Hartley taking four for 56 in 11.4 overs. The red rose side had only reached 25 for 0 when the heavens opened.

No play was possible in the Third Division.

The only game where play was possible in the Fourth Division was at Chatburn where J Nelson's were the visitors. Jimmy's batted first and were dismissed for 119. Top scorer being Tony Stafford with 27 as Andrew Lambert took six for 32. The homesters reply was delicately poised at 93 for seven when play was washed out.

n The League has been saddened by the news of the deaths of two of its stalwarts.

'Gentleman' Jack Whitaker of Foulridge was a Vice President of the League. Scorer for many years, he encouraged, and cajoled, lots of young scorers to enjoy the job and do it correctly. He could also tell a good cricket story.

Ken Holmes of Embsay was the holder of the record for the highest score in a Wynn Cup final for many years. In 1959 he scored 95 as his side made 220 for seven at Eastburn. Opponents Glusburn passing that total also for the loss of seven wickets. Not very much was written about the game in the press due to a journalist's strike. He held the record until 1985 when David Spragg of Riddlesden scored the first ever century in a final. Ken was also a spin bowler of renown, with a good wrong'un to his name.

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