Browse Sections

• Rochdale FC
• Rochdale Hornets
• Local football
• Local cricket

Derby clash ruined by the rain

31/ 5/2001

For once the weathermen had got it right. But it didn't need any boffin at Bracknell to forecast that rain was on the way.

Because for most of the afternoon the ground was enveloped in a low grey blanket of cloud, which lifted only occasionally to reveal Blackstone Edge in the distant gloom.

Given the conditions, it was remarkable that even one innings was completed.

For Boro, who had been put in by Rochdale, had to bat for at least the last hour in incessant light drizzle, and that after 39 minutes had earlier been lost as a result of downpour.

But if it's no fun batting, it certainly is no fun bowling and fielding either.

The ball had to be dried with a towel after every delivery and the Rochdale fielders had to tread warily on the sodden outfield for the best part of three hours.

Which was all such a shame for a really good game between two unbeaten teams was on the cards, especially as Dale went into the match with a five-point lead at the top of the table, courtesy of their victory over Royton 24 hours before, when Boro did not have a game.

There can be little doubt that Rochdale captain Jon Henderson didn't even hesitate a moment when he won the toss.

The pitch, although firm underneath, was seam friendly on top as Henderson told his opposite number, Gar Hunter: "You bat.''

The clock had just moved over to nine minutes to six when skipper Hunter called it a day, declaring with one ball to go with Boro' score on a creditable 204 for eight.

Once the players had left the field there was no way they could come on again, of course, unless it stopped raining.

It didn't, and so the only winner on the day was the weather, a disappointing outcome, given the effort that both teams had put in on the day.