Wellington frustrated even further by inclement weather

Wellington's frustration increased twofold when the third day of its Shell Trophy match with Canterbury at the Basin Reserve went the way of the second - abandoned today without a ball being bowled.

Showers of varying intensity crossed the Basin throughout the day, driven by a building southerly wind, till umpires Evan Watkin and Ian Shine ruled at 2.30pm that no play would be possible.

Wellington considered itself in a strong position when it reached 314-4 by stumps on the first day, responding to Canterbury's invitation to bat. But with only one full day remaining and with no provision to make up lost time, the chance of any meaningful result from this match seems to have been lost.

Wellington's best hope tomorrow, when conditions are expected to be cloudly but dry, seems to be to achieve a first innings result unless Canterbury is prepared to enter an accomodation involving the forfeiture of innings.

Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson has been demonstrably eager over the past two days to take advantage of any break in the weather to advance his team's position. But the covers have remained on the pitch since Monday night and the persistence of the rain has made further play impossible.

Play resumes at 10.30am tomorrow with Roger Twose 27 not out and Chris Nevin two not out.