THERE are already nagging doubts among the five Feversham Cricket League clubs that this season is going to be no better than 2012 in terms of the number of posponed matches.

There are problems finding mutually convenient alternative dates when it comes to re-arranging matches.

Gillamoor, for example, appear to have been the hardest hit so far. Their latest casualty, a home fixture with High Farndale, fell foul of incessant rain and they already have to re-arrange three fixtures. Clubs in this predicament are requested to make every effort to find suitable dates as soon as possible in order to try to avoid the fixture congestion, which occurred last year towards the end of July.

One match that did beat the weather was at Helmsley where Duncombe Park entertained High Farndale.

Park scored at a high rate of 7.16 an over to amass an impressive 129-4 from 18 overs. Johnny Birbeck (35) and James Skelton (24) led the way, with useful supporting roles undertaken by Jonathan Leckenby (19no from 11 balls), Brian Leckenby (17) and Connor Campbell (16).

Knowing the task of overtaking Park’s substantial total was, barring a miracle, beyond them, Farndale opted for respectability finishing on 63-6.

Adam Leckenby (3-14 from five overs) made early inroads by bowling the first three batsmen. The next batsman, known only as Thomas, made a useful 24, and James Blacklock took the opportunity to improve his batting average with an undefeated 16, while George Bentley finished with figures of 2-21.