Electrical storm ruins Holland's first match of tour

A very severe electrical storm knocked down telephone poles, trees and knocked out power to area businesses and homes. Rain initially stopped play in the Canada - Holland game, but just as the covers were going to be removed for a resumption of play, severe rain and winds from heavy "tropical" thunderstorms prevented any further play in the game. Batting first, Canada selects were 35 runs for 1 wicket after 11.4 overs.

Damien Mills 13 not out and Brian Rajadurai 10 not out. Captain Roland Lefebvre's 1 for 13 was the wicket of opener Zubin Surkari, bowled for 2 runs. The turf pitch at Maple Leaf is the second of four squares to be utilized this year. For the second straight series, the wicket as expected surpassed expectations. Mike Corley and Associates, including chris Chappell must be applauded for their fine square preparation to date. Work on the outfields will make this huge untapped facility a superb tournament venue.

Tomorrow's game scheduled for Maple Leaf Cricket Club at King City has also been affected. Through the kindness of the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club and especially the superb sportsmanship of the "Stragglers", the Canada vs Holland game has been shifted to the Cricket Club. We must personally also thank chair Howard Petrook of the Cricket section, Chris Chappell, Club Captain Joe Harris and the many others who made this happen all in short order.

Ajax Cricket Club where Canada played India two years ago, was originally scheduled to host Holland, but plans had to be changed due to circumstances beyond control. Ajax will no doubt feature in further plans for visiting teams including Argentina in August during the inaugural Americas Cricket Championships August 5-12, and in the ICC Trophy 2001in July 2001. A scheduled MCC tour in September will probably be the first official test of the turf square at Ajax.