New Plymouth washout for Districts' Cup match

Rain forced the abandonment of the fourth round Shell Cup match between Central Districts and Northern Districts at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth today before a ball had been bowled.

The start of play was first delayed by morning rain, particularly by a heavy shower around 9am which lasted almost an hour and left pitches adjoining the match strip sodden and unplayable.

The umpires called for lunch to be taken at 12.45, made a further ground inspection while the players enjoyed their meal then ruled just after 1pm, as fresh rain began to fall, that no play would be possible. The match is abandoned and the teams take one point each.

Pukekura Park provided a picturesque setting for today's match but New Plymouth never seemed likely to provide the weather which would allow play to take place. The city lay blanketed by heavy cloud and swept by warm summer rain and even the Auckland umpire Doug Cowie was hampered in reaching New Plymouth because the airport was closed.

The fifth round Cup match between Central and Canterbury is due to be played at Pukekura Park on Friday but the forecast for that day is still unimpressive. Rain is expected to continue in New Plymouth till the weekend.