EDS Leigh CC's Welsh opponents Northop Hall made the long journey to Beech Walk to no avail as the opening league match of the season fell foul of the weather.

A fine morning having helped to dry out the outfield and a wicket that had been well covered encouraged the visitors to bat first on winning the toss.

They were immediately under pressure from Leigh's recently arrived New Zealand signing Brendan Donkers and Ronnie Davis. Donkers soon tasted success, having Dyer caught at gulley by Tim Rees for two in his second over and Northop Hall found progress difficult against some accurate bowling.

After just over an hour's play with the total on 32 for 1 off 16 overs the players left the field because of rain and play did not recommence until two and a half hours later.

Paul Vallance and Greg Jennings then took over the bowling duties and Morris (37no) and Kennedy (29no) took every opportunity to counterattack.

They had taken the score to 75-1 off 26.3 overs when further rain caused play to be abandoned for the day at 5.13pm. Donkers finished with 1-14 off 8 overs and Davis 0 -17 off 8.

Leigh's next game is at Huyton who have re-signed Marlon Black, the West Indies Test fast bowler.