Day One of the Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Championship match between the Northern Knights and Leinster Lightning was cut short today after rain early and late in the day meant only 29 overs were completed at Stormont.
On a frustrating morning for all the rain came down shortly after the toss had took place and Knights captain Lee Nelson had decided to bowl first in what looked like being favourable conditions. The long downpour that came left large puddles on the field, but thanks to some outstanding work from the groundstaff play was able to commence after lunch had been taken, much to the surprise of those who had seen the earlier rain.
Knowing batting would be difficult the Lightning made a cautious start, with Fintan McAllister in particular, showing great reserve as the Knights seamers looked for a breakthrough.
In the end it was not a seamer who made the breakthrough, but spinner James Cameron-Dow, who struck in his first over to remove McAllister for a 58-ball 12. John Anderson, who opened the batting with McAllister was scoring slightly faster and made it to 45 not out by the time rain came for the second time in the day, with Simmi Singh on eight as the sides ran for cover after just two hours of play.
There was great hope that the sides would return after tea was taken, but almost as soon as the umpires decided on a 6pm re-start the dark clouds started gathering and rain returned once again, ending any chance of further play on day one.
The Lightning ended day on 73-1 (Anderson 45*; Cameron-Dow 1-5), with play set to resume Tuesday morning.
Rain made it a frustrating day for all involved
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Connaught
