2NDS: All four days lost for the second time

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Yorkshire Seconds have lost all four days of competitive cricket to the weather for the second time this season. First, the Second Eleven Trophy match against Derbyshire at Denby was washed out yesterday without a ball bowled. Today, the whole of the three-day Championship fixture went the same way.

All four days were also lost of the fixtures against Leicestershire at Harrogate in April.

We travelled to Denby CC on Monday morning to find the covers and tarpaulins obstinately in place on a pretty ground in the Peak District. Several cups of tea later - and well before the scheduled start time of 12 noon - there was easily reached agreement that no play would be possible in the one-day game.

Worse was the clear indication that the Championship match due to start on the same ground today had absolutely no chance of taking place either. Another venue was desperately sought, and Ticknall CC were approached, being dry at that time.

The rain started again as we returned to the hotel, and it continued heavily through the afternoon and evening. It was still raining at 7am. Coach Paul Farbrace set off for Ticknall, while the rest of us waited at the hotel. Paul did not keep us long: a call came though at 9.30am to inform us that the match had been abandoned by mutual agreement.

The players waited at the hotel for Paul to return and to receive instructions for some hastily rearranged practice. What is particularly frustrating is that this incessant stop-go season gives no chance for any individual, or the team as a whole, to build up any momentum.

It is particularly harsh on Will Rhodes, who was in the squad for both Derbyshire games and had at least one chance to build on his promising innings against Worcestershire.