Openers Ronnie Irani and Will Jefferson were left cursing the weather as rain cut short Essex's National Cricket League clash against Lancashire against Chelmsford.
The pair had raced to 107 without loss from 21 overs when a downpour sent them scurrying to the pavilion at 5.30pm - and there they remained until the game was called off.
The rain did relent long enough for an announcement to be made that the visitors would be left a target of 110 from 13 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis system.
But as they were about to embark upon their innings, further rain brought about the abandonment and left both counties having to settle for two points each.
It all amounted to bitter disappointment for an estimated crowd of 3,500 and the Essex players as they went in search of victory to try and lift themselves from the foot of the Division One table.
Both batsmen were on 49 when the weather bowled them out - and that was something the Lancashire attack never seemed likely to achieve.
Published Tuesday August 10, 2004
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