Andover’s men’s first XI experienced a frustrating day against high-flying Calmore on Saturday, being unable to finish their game due to their weather.

Calmore, who the weekend before advanced to the National Village knockout cup final to be played at Lord’s, are still within a shout of winning the league so Andover knew it was going to be a challenging afternoon.

Andover captain, Matt Hooper, won the toss and elected to bowl first with rain in the forecast.

The pitch was dry but the outfield was still holding plenty of water, so much so, that one boundary had to be brought in to avoid a particular wet patch.

Andover opening bowlers, Michael Adams and Babu Veettil, started well whilst not creating any chances.

Calmore crept along picking off the odd boundary whilst Andover bolwed and fielded well. Hooper rotated his bolwers introducing Rowan Duckworth and spinner Charlie Ayers.

With the score on 80, Ayers struck, having Taylor well caught by Veettil at mid-off.

Hooper repalced Duckworth and another 40 runs later Hooper bowled the second opener.

Calmore were looking well set to launch themselves towards a decent target.

Ayers finished his spell and was replaced by experienced spinner Treagus, bowling for the first time since his split webbing, and he immediately settled in well.

Hooper reintroduced the pace bowlers and Veettil picked up the dangerous Johnson who was well stumped by Matt Knight.

Calmore were 148-3 with a handful of overs left.

Adams picked up the fourth wicket on 152 which was well taken low down by Duckworth. with Calmore trying to accelerate the scoring rate in the final few overs, the rain arrived with the score on 169.

Unfortunately for Andover they were unable to bowl the final nine deliveries as the rain did not let up and was falling on already very wet ground.

About an hour later the game was officially abandoned with a good game in the balance.

To make matters worse for Andover, Sarisbury, who were alongside them in the relegation places, beat Basingstoke in a rain...

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