NEWLAND were involved in a fruitless exercise on Saturday when their match against the Vine was abandoned with Newland on 121 without loss and their opponents showing no inclination in actually wanting to play cricket.

NEWLAND v VINE

Newland were invited to have first use of the wicket in this Worcestershire County League Division Five match.

With the covers giving rise to sweating on the wicket the opening pair of Brewer and Birch were very watchful and respectful to the Vine opening attack who were quickly into a good line and length.

It wasn't until the sixth over that the first boundary was struck and took the score into double figures. Once the opening barrage had been seen off the batsmen set about building a big score. Birch was soon peppering the long off boundary and adding the pull shot to his repertoire he was soon past fifty.

Brewer got the measure of Stallard and was guiding the ball to the third man fence with regularity and then deposited the bowler into the adjoining field for a massive six. The introduction of Falconer only increased the run rate as both batsmen found his off spin to their liking smashing 35 runs in four overs.

The players left for rain allowing the wicket to be covered before more persistent wet stuff set in. Birch had reached 75no and Brewer 42no in an exciting unbroken partnership.

An early tea ensured that no more overs than was necessary were lost but the rain had left the adjoining wickets wet. Despite a mopping up operation Vine, were insistent that play was not possible, much to the dismay of Newland.

A further inspection at 5.30pm saw Vine agreeing that batting was not a problem but the adjoining wickets were still too damp for the fielding side to play on. Newland stunned their opponents by declaring their innings at 121 for 0 leaving the Vine to score 122 in 27 overs.

The Vine cried foul saying that Newland couldn't do that as the ground was unfit. They then promptly got changed and drove home leaving Newland frustrated by yet another team's reluctance to play cricket against them.

The match ball was sponsored by KFC.

Tomorrow (Saturday) third-placed Newland are due to visit League leaders Cape Hill Victoria (1.30pm).