LANCASHIRE Lightning were struck by a storm at Canterbury - and suffered an early blow in their National League title defence.

Their First Division clash with Kent Spitfires was called off 90 minutes before the scheduled start because of a waterlogged ground.

"We desperately wanted a good start and this is very disappointing," said captain John Crawley. "With all our World Cup men ready to play, we had almost a full strength squad, and were feeling pretty confident.

"But water had got under the covers, the pitch was wet and the outfield was sodden so there was no chance of playing."

Crawley however, believes that Lightning can strike twice by topping the table for the second time on the trot.

"We will miss the World Cup players when they report back to England, but we have lots of cover. Younger players like Paddy McKeown, Nathan Wood, Mark Chilton, Chris Schofield and Mike Smethurst have started the season well and others like Gary Yates and Gary Keedy are pushing hard to get in."

Lightning have two more away games against Essex and Gloucester before they play their first league match at Old Trafford, but tomorrow they return to championship action at Lord's.

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