Rain wrecks State Shield one-dayers

The last matches of the calendar year in New Zealand cricket should have been the time when the record books were being sought for relevant happenings in the calendar year. But the more likely consultation going on is seeking when there might ever have been a worse summer than that which is masquerading as the current cricket season in New Zealand.

More appalling weather cut out all but one game in the domestic one-day competition, the State Shield, and even the holiday dry spot of Alexandra in the Otago hinterland could not provide a match that went its full duration.

Not that the Otago side minded too much. Having chosen to bat first against Wellington at Molyneux Park, they were in deep trouble with only 127 runs on the board and one wicket standing when the last shower of the day put paid to the match.

The only shining light was a career-best score of 46 not out for Greg Todd, who has transferred to Otago from Central Districts in a bid to get himself more cricket. All of Wellington's bowlers managed a slice of the action, but the most successful in personal and team terms was Jayesh Patel, the offspinner. He took 3 for 19, his career-best figures, while James Franklin looked to be regaining some of his best bowling touch with 10 overs that cost him 23 runs and brought him one wicket.

Another round of games is scheduled for New Year's Day, but - you guessed it - the weather forecast is not great then either.