Oxford v Hants abandoned for second year running.

For the second successive year, Hampshire's match at the Parks against the University (UCCE) has been abandoned due to inclement weather.

In 2000, snow curtailed play on the first day, and heavy rain meant the players of both sides were sent home by lunch of the scheduled second day.

On Wednesday it was hoped to make an after lunch start, with Hampshire captain Will Kendall returning to the fields where he learnt much of his cricket. However a torrential downpour put paid to that idea, and at 4pm, the captains and umpires had agreed that play was impossible.

Sunshine greeted the players on Thursday morning, but not for long as a thunderstorm came across the ground, and the players went to the University gym for limbering up exercises.

On the third and final day on Friday it was hoped to set up some sort of contest although parts of the outfield were muddy, both captains agreed that a start could be made. However umpires Vanburn Holder and Nigel Cowley intervened. There correct reasoning was that although both captains desperately needed outside practise, they felt that it would be too dangerous, and could not reasonably accept liability for any serious injury that could occur.

After consultation, it was agreed between all parties that in hindsight there could be no play so the match, for the second successive year was abandoned at 10:00 am.