‘Rain won’t hurt teams’ chances’

BASSETLAW League press officer Paul Barker does not believe the adverse weather conditions blighting the summer will have a say on final league positions.

Last weekend saw the league’s fixture list almost entirely wiped out due to heavy rainfall, and teams like West Indian Cavaliers have lost as many as nine matches to the weather in 2012 so far.

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But Barker says luck is a part of sport, and the points tallies will even themselves out by the end of the season.

Speaking to the Guardian he said: “I would say no, the rain won’t affect the promotions and relegations.”

“Generally, over a season I think clubs lose just as many matches as the others.”

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“When you do play you’ve got to try your best to win, the same as any sport. Luck plays a part for everyone.”

Barker himself has been somewhat of a good luck charm when umpiring this summer, as only one of his scheduled matches has been cancelled due to adverse weather.

But that’s not to say he hasn’t noticed the lack of sunshine during the season.

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He added: “It’s been a rotten summer and I’ve only had a couple of matches where I’ve been able to dress normally for umpiring, without extra clothing.”

“There have been games that in any other season wouldn’t have been played, but I’ve been talked into games by 22 players who want to play this year.”

The league’s Mallen T20 finals day fell victim to the weather on Sunday, with Anston’s clash against Marshalls at Cuckney and Glapwell’s game against Notts and Arnold Amateur at Clumber both called off.

A decision is yet to be made on alternative arrangements.