THE rain in Spain falls mainly in East Lancashire, or so it seems.

The recent down pour sent players and groundsmen alike running for galloshes and sowesters, rather than the ubiquitous sunblock.

TakeTodmorden for example, last weekend under three feet of water. The club sign should have read "Welcome to Centre Vale Aquapark."

What are we going to do? Perhaps the cup game should have been decided by rowing across the water filled outfield, a quick double sculls or coxless fours is far more exciting than a bowl out.

Haslingden have found themselves searching for a temporary sub pro as the "pint-sized paid man" at Bent Gate has been spirited away to join his countrymen (Zimbabwe) to the land of the leprachaun (Ireland) leaving Hassy well and truly in the lurch.

A surprise call up for Paul Strang is but a headache for the men trying to replace him from weekend to weekend.

On the celebrity calling front, one Dave Orchard (international Test umpire and ex Rawtenstall pro 1972-73) called in at Bacup Road for the game against Burnley.

His all too brief and fleeting visit still lasted longer than our entire stay at the crease and we were well beaten by a youthful (Killy the exception) Burnley team.

I was very impressed by the two young opening bowlers James Anderson and Stephen Holden who showed maturity and control beyond their years.

The early front runners, Colne and Church, are still top of the league despite Colne's defeat to Bacup, but Ramsbottom are hot on their heels. The challenge by last year's winners and runners up, Nelson and East Lancs, is starting to materialise after a slow start.

On the subject of the inter-league knockout, three teams from the LCL have survived, the notable exception was ourselves who were well beaten by a strong Rochdale side. A modest total of 149 was set and the Rochdale batsmen, led by their pro Dirk De Voss (a name you would associate with a dodgy cabaret singer rather than a cricketer), got home comfortably.

Having seen the draw for the next round, Rochdale have been drawn against Littleborough, which is a distinct advantage for our clubs as one very good side is not going to be in the next round.

On a lighter note a quick 'hello' to Mr and Mrs Mott of Queensland, Australia who read this column and scores via the internet. Rest assured your son, the mercurial Matthew, is doing well, scoring lots of runs and taking a few wickets.

Vicious rumours of him single-handedly trying to repopulate the whole of East Lancashire are not quite true. I hope this puts your mind at rest! Adios amigos.