The incessant rain of Friday and overnight led to many Mewies Solicitors Craven League games being called off on Saturday morning.

For the optimistic few who thought there was going to be a chance of play, that was punctured by a cloudburst around 12.45pm.

This led to the first total washout of cricket within the league for a number of years.

Players are fast losing interest in the season – only those with something to play for have much enthusiasm for the game.

Out of 570 scheduled games so far this season, 213 have been lost to the weather (37 per cent).

At a recent league executive committee meeting, the question of whether to abandon promotion and relegation for this season was discussed.

It was felt that it would be wrong to “move the goalposts” part way through the season, although it was a close-run thing.

The loss of income caused by the weather is making it hard for clubs to cope financially.

However, the biggest impact will be felt come the new year when cricket balls, insurance and league fees have to be paid before next season starts.