In weather more suitable for ducks than cricket, the players of St Michael’s and Raunds II overcame the wind and rain to play and complete their league game on Saturday. With all other games rained off, victory for St Michael’s has seen them close the gap on the top teams and so keep alive their promotions chances.

St Michael’s won the toss and home skipper Ian Geddes asked the visitors to bat first. And it looked a good decision as opening bowler Martin Baker took two early wickets to remove both openers in his first three overs.

Baker came off with a back strain after bowling on 6 overs of his potential allocation. However there was to be no respite as long hopper Tom Marlow ripped through the middle order with some ferocious bowling that had the Raunds batters hopping around uncomfortably at the crease. Simon Cannel also claimed a wicket as stand in keeper Matt Collier took an unexpected stumping in the wet conditions.

The Raunds tail wagged to take the score into three figures with Brown’s 25 leading the way, but the return to the attack of veteran Malc Swann saw revival stopped before it became too irritating, and it was Marlow who took the final wicket to ensure maximum bowling points.

The St Michael’s reply started slowly in the rain, with openers Al Bartley and Danny York taking a watchful approach on a tricky wicket.

However it was keeper-cum-batter Collier who wrestled the advantage back for the home side. He struck a wet and wild half century to kick-start the innings. When he was eventually out for 52, Will Kingston took over with some lusty blows to ensure victory was attained before another deluge from the skies.