WINTERBOURNE, top of the West of England Premier League’s Bristol and North Somerset division, were left frustrated as the rain forced their clash at Stapleton to be called off during mid-afternoon.

Winterbourne won the toss and put Stapleton into bat and began to take wickets at regular intervals – although one batsman would not budge.

Chris Kislingbury got the wickets rolling by running out Stapleton number two Andrew Williams for a single.

Christ Shine, and two wickets from Glyn Howell sent back the next three batsmen to join stubborn opener Andrew Chidgey.

Indeed, Chidgey was the mainstay of the Stapleton innings as Marcus Purnell trapped Ian Purchase lbw for 12 and Benjamin Parker had three late order wickets as Winterbourne had the home side falling down at 128-9.

But the opener was still refusing to budge and, partnered with last man Liam Glen, the pair moved Stapleton on to 135 before Chidgey was the final man out for 50 as Winterbourne’s Marcus Purnell bowled him out.

The wickets were shared out among the Winterbourne bowlers, with Parker’s 3-27 coming from only four overs.

It was a target that Winterbourne, who are in prime position to win the title as they lay five points ahead of second placed Claverham of Yatton, would have been relishing a shot at. However, their opportunity never arrived as the match was abandoned without a Winterbourne man taking the crease.

Meanwhile, Winterbourne’s seconds suffered the same fate as their more senior side when they took on Old Down firsts in the Bristol and District League first division.

It was a match that, if Winterbourne had won, there was a chance of them climbing from third place in the league to the top two, ahead of Bristol YMCA.

Old Down, meanwhile, needed to win in order to climb the table as they are close to the bottom two and just 13 points ahead of Old Bristolians, who have a game in hand as well, in the relegation zone.

Old Down batted first and, after Mike Rowan was out early, opener George Williams and Russell Knight added 34 for the second wicket. Williams was out for 22 and Russell Knight was caught for 18.

Brother Matt Knight cracked ten as two wickets went down for only one extra run added.

But the rain came down so the sides took an early tea with Old Down on 64-5 after 21 overs.

And, with a wet outfield and no time for it to dry out, the match was abandoned.