Another weekend of heavy and persistent rain with no cricket naturally leaves things as you were throughout Section Two; and has captains and players alike scratching their heads wondering when they might actually get another game played. This reviewer is a well-known optimist but from looking at the middle-range forecasts for the rest of July it might not actually be anytime soon…

Saturday 12th July has no scheduled fixtures given the traditional demonstrations across the country, but there are a couple of re-arrangements in and around the weekend that might get played if the weather permits. Lurgan and Laurelvale were attempting to play a match over three nights of the 9th, 10th and 11th July but given the torrential rainfall on Wednesday night it would be fair to say that little or no play was able to take place at Pollock Park.

Ballymena are due to play Saintfield at Eaton Park on Friday 11th July. The league leaders will see playing an extra game ahead of the chasing pack as a good chance to increase their advantage at the top of the table. With David Kennedy on top form with the bat and everyone contributing steadily with the ball, Ballymena look like a formidable outfit. However, Saintfield have proved themselves to be a thoroughly competitive outfit to date this season and will provide the leaders with a tough test with a steady bowling unit and batsmen who look to make the most of any scoring opportunities offered. A win for the Saints would see them second in the table so no further motivation is needed for them before Friday’s game.

The third game scheduled for the holiday weekend is on Monday 14th when Dundrum host Saintfield. Scarva hosts the sham fight on Monday given that Sunday is the 13th, but for a less one-sided battle then the Meadow might well be the place to look as the two sides promoted from Section Three last season do battle. Last seasons corresponding game at the Meadow was a thrilling tie as the two contenders scored 189 a piece, so if Monday’s game is as close as that then the spectators are in for a treat of a County Down derby. Saintfield could finish the long weekend as outright second in the table if both results go their way but Dundrum are proving a tough proposition in their home fixtures and will be looking at this one as a potential win.

Good luck to anyone playing in fixtures this weekend, hopefully it stays dry! Next weekend has a full programme of games in the Section after the holiday period.