TORRENTIAL overnight rain put paid to any cricket at Hyde on Saturday where Toft's 1st XI game was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

But that gave spectators the chance to watch the 2nd XI match between the two clubs at Booth's Park.

Toft took first knock and after a hesitant start proceeded steadily to 134 for 2 when Steve Coutts was dismissed for a confident 57.

That paved the way for Toft captain Brian Coutts to join the not out Paul Ashley.

Their partnership resulted in some of the most devastating and explosive hitting seen for a long time.

The last six overs went for 106 runs, with Coutts 58 not out off 14 scoring shots, including 6 sixes and 4 fours, and Ashley completing an excellent 92 not out including 6 sixes.

Hyde, though, seemed undaunted at the job in hand.

They set about the bowling with a will.

But unfortunately the weather again played its part - stopping play for 30 minutes.

When play finally restarted the light was none too good and that proved to be the deciding factor.

Bad light stopped play with Hyde on 168 for 7 which resulted in the match being abandoned as a draw.

On Saturday Toft 1st entertain Bowdon at Booth's Park with a noon start.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.