Harold Park welcomed Old Gravesendians as their guests to Raphael Park on Saturday, only for the weather to have the final word.

Batting first, Park were given a tremendous start by openers David Fenton and Cliff Leondiou, who took 58 runs off the first 10 overs.

Leondiou in particular was in great form and in an opening partnership of 125 runs he scored 74, an innings which included 13 boundaries

With his dismissal by Clear, Darren Collins soon followed, bowled by Clear without scoring.

Fenton then went after attempting a big hit and Park were suddenly 127 for three.

However, steady knocks by Stuart Duggan (32), Keith Hayden (20) and a burst of belligerency by skipper Russell Haley, who hit 36 not out in the final overs saw Park reach 230 for five at tea.

The Old Boys bowlers stuck to their task well in the afternoon sun and Clear emerged with two for 45 and English two for 25, with John Webster chipping in with one for 31.

The Old Gravesendians batsmen set off in pursuit of their daunting target in determined fashion with John Webster taking three boundaries in an over off Peter Haines.

Wickets began to fall with Webster bowling Kevin Savage for 16 and the scoreboard was reading 26 for three.

Penney played a cameo innings of 39 including seven boundaries but by now a storm was imminent - wickets kept falling and with the score on 117 for nine the heavens opened and with thunder and lightning all round the players rapidly left the field.

Further play was impossible with water laying on the surface and so the players returned to the local hostelry leaving the match drawn.

For Park Russell Haley took four for 24, Jamie Reynolds two for three, Kevin Savage two for 46 and Peter Haines one for 26.

It was a disappointing end to a sporting contest and both teams look forward to meeting again next season.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.