Hoffmann laments Saltires washout

Published on 06/08/2012 00:00

THE Saltires’ bid for a morale-boosting CB40 win was shelved yesterday when their clash with Durham was abandoned without a ball bowled. Umpires Peter Willey and George Sharp declared the Bothwell Castle Policies ground in Uddingston unfit – despite both sides wanting to play.

Groundsman Paul Hoffmann, who has now seen six of a possible seven days of international action washed out, admitted: “It is utterly frustrating to be beaten by the weather again.

“The umpires weren’t happy about a section of the outfield which was sodden and it’s their call nowadays.

“But the Durham guys said they would give it a go and the Saltires would have played as well. I’ve been preparing the wicket since the start of July and it’s frustrating to put so much work in for no reward.”

The damage was done 
by torrential thunderstorms on Saturday evening, and the saturated outfield failed to dry in time.

However, Hoffmann did have the consolation of a ringing endorsement from former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood. The groundsman added: “Collingwood liked the look of the wicket so much he said he’d like to take it with him wherever he plays.”

Yesterday’s match was originally scheduled to take place at the Citylets Grange but was ironically moved after the Edinburgh venue suffered flood damage.

The cancellation leaves the Saltires propping up Group B with one win from eight completed games.