MEWIES Solicitors Craven League fixture secretary Trevor Coe's strong thoughts about playing matches in the rain a fortnight ago has provoked an equally strong response.

Play was only possible in four matches in the top two divisions, which were under the control of panel umpires, producing one result.

However, in the other three divisions, which were under the control of club umpires, there were nine matches that started and five results were forthcoming.

Coe said: “It would appear that ‘we don’t play cricket in the rain’ has not percolated down to the umpires of divisions Three, Four and Five.

“When only two games finished in the Bradford League, and they have covers, it is hard to believe that the games that produced results were not played in the rain.”

However, a leading club official, who prefers to remain anonymous, says there is nothing in the Craven League rules to say that play must not take place in the rain.

He cites playing rules seven and eight, which state: "If at any time the umpire(s) considers the ground unfit for further play, the match shall be considered a draw.

"If the captains cannot agree, the umpires(s) shall decide whether conditions are favourable for play to commence.

"If the umpires also cannot agree, the game shall be abandoned, this disagreement to be recorded on the scoresheet."

The club official added: "I find it very interesting that at a time when playing numbers are falling and the ECB has launched the "Get The Game On" initiative, we have one man seeming to dictate to an entire league, it's players and umpires when they can and can't play a game of cricket which, if he is successful, might see games not take place when, with a bit of goodwill, a game could take place."

The MCC's Laws of Cricket's answer to whether a match can start in the rain or resume while it is still raining is: "The major consideration for the umpires will be the condition of the surface, especially for the bowlers' run-ups and the batsmen's footholds, but also in the outfield.

"Whatever their judgment of that, it is unlikely that they would regard playing in the rain as suitable conditions.

"If, however, both umpires consider that the conditions of the ground, of the weather or of the light are neither unreasonable nor dangerous, there is no reason in Law to forbid play, even in light rain, if both captains agree that they wish to resume or to commence."

Obviously, the safety of players and umpires has to be taken into consideration and the whole question of how heavy rain has to be to bring the players off or delay a start is a grey area, but to argue no cricket can take place when it is raining – such as when it is spotting or even in light drizzle – also seems wrong.

There was apparently heated debate during last Monday's league executive meeting at Cross Hills Social Club as to why umpires, captains and players think it's acceptable to play in the rain.

League secretary Ann Coe has written to the Umpires' Association and they will be discussing the matter at their next meeting.