WHILE fans are getting frustrated about the weather at Wimbledon, spare a thought for the Transco Lancashire League.

The tennis stars may have lost a day or three over the fortnight but rain has caused absolute chaos at the start of the cricket season.

Derek Metcalfe, from Nelson CC, calls it the 'worst in living memory' while Church's Jack Houldsworth says it is bad - but not as bad as 1987, the year the Worsley Cup semi-final between Ramsbottom and Rishton took a fortnight to complete.

Colne's Chairman Trevor Lonsdale, though, is reasonably happy - he is not paying his professional's living expenses as paid man Charl Langeveldt went home early.

And Bacup's chairman Colin Shaw, jokingly, wouldn't mind if it rained for the rest of the season as they have a 23 point gap at the top!

So far there have been 25 no results with teams varying between three and five games not started or unfinished out of their 11 played.

And these don't include the three fixed dates - where just three games can be replayed - which were occupied extremely quickly.

It has left 14 frustrated clubs, with Nelson having lost more than 650 overs this season.

"It is the worst in my memory," said Metcalf, who has been involved with the club since 1965.

"We want to watch cricket not the rain, especially as professional Joe Scuderi is one of the best batsman we have ever had. It's disappointing not to see him. And financially it's a disaster."

At Church, League representative Houldsworth is calling for a rethink on the Inter-League Trophy - played against the Central Lancashire League sides - so there are more fixed dates for replays.

"We only have three fixed dates and we'd used them up by the end of May," he said.

"After that any games that can't be played are lost.

"If you lose three homes in the league it can cost the club a lot of money. We want all the games to be played if at all possible.

"So as a club we can see few benefits in the Inter-League Trophy and would prefer to play our league games on the dates designated for the trophy. It's a spartan competition unless you reach the final.

"Or if a team is knocked out, then re-arrange League games for the dates of the Trophy although I think the League thinks it would be difficult to arrange for an umpire or call the players at short notice.

"At Church we want to play cricket. If you can sneak a couple of games in, you can get 12 points for a win and get in front. I'd just like to think the league might have a rethink."

Houldsworth also knows the weather is denying the Church fans the chance to see the best of their pro Mark Higgs.

"We have seen what he can do in the games he has played on a firm wicket.

"In the semi-final of the Worsley Cup, it was cold but firm.

"I think it opened the fans' eyes and on a dry wicket I'm sure he'd be a big attraction. He is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the league but in the current conditions, it's frustrating for him."

Colne chairman Lonsdale backs Houldsworth's stance over the Inter-League Trophy.

"To be honest, our game against Bacup which is a money-spinner for us, was called off last week with no chance of replaying it.

"I would rather play Bacup than travel to somewhere like Norton so our committee is going to vote against the Inter-League Trophy for next season.

"Instead of the three replays, we could have six without the Inter-League competition which we would prefer.

"It has been a stop-start season. It feels like it has never started as nobody has got going. I just hope it bucks up!"

Meanwhile, Bacup's Shaw is happy with the season so far as the Lanehead side go for their third successive league title.

"We have been lucky as we have got more games on than most," said the Bacup Chairman.

His side don't mind the Inter-League Trophy although they would prefer the games not to be on a Sunday.

"That is our big day for crowds so we would prefer to play League games on Sunday. It is our chance to make more money.

"The Inter-League Trophy isn't our main priority, the league and our cup are but if you do get a run in it and get to the final it can generate some interest and a bit of money.

"I wouldn't mind if it rained for the rest of the season now! No, seriously, we want to win it properly.

"There is still a long way to go and we just have to hope the weather improves!"

TOMORROW'S games: Accrington v Lowerhouse, Burnley v Church, East Lancs v Bacup, Nelson v Rishton, Ramsbottom v Enfield, Rawtenstall v Colne, Todmorden v Halsingden.