IN an age of uncertainty the only certainty was that in would rain on the first Saturday of the new league cricket season! A finely balanced game was ruined by the first significant downpour for eight weeks.

Cricket is buzzing at the Recreation Ground and the hope was that the season would get off to a great start for Lydney with a victory over their nearest rivals.

"It wasn't to be. I thought that when the rain came we had a slight advantage but there was a long way to go and they are a good side with plenty to offer," said Lydney official Andrew Davis.

He was a shade disappointed Lydney's total did not top 250.

"We were 180 for two and the innings closed at 217 for five. Jon Kear and Charlie Bendall put on 160 for the second wicket and both looked in great form," he said.

Davis is optimistic the club will enjoy a good season.

"There's a real buzz about the club. We have a lot of young players and a number of them are doing really well, with bright futures. A lot has taken place off the field and we have made a number of improvements to the clubhouse." he said.

Allrounder Ed Jones is, says Davis, an inspiring captain who, with Peter Glynn, offers a more than useful bowling attack. He is joined by his brother, Lydney rugby captain Will Jones, who is also an allrounder.

Frustrated that last season the First Xl failed to reach its potential, the club has appointed Bob Park as team manager. The former Second X1 captain is also responsible for the upkeep of the square.

"It's immaculate," says Davis. "Parky does what Parky does. The wicket is superb and you wouldn't expect anything else. If he can get the team to match the wicket it will be a really good season," he says.

The club will play field three senior Saturday sides and a Sunday team. There are youth teams at all age levels.