Minster's Andy Hosken scores 13 with the bat during the game against OD CUACO Picture: Andy Payton

by Luke Cawdell

Heavy rain denied Minster the chance to overhaul Division 3 leaders Upchurch on Saturday.

A six-wicket haul from Nathan Nichol and a quick-fire 63 from George Duggan looked to be sending Minster to victory over OD CUACO at Gilbert Hall, but play was eventually stopped with 75 overs gone as the rain and bad light took their toll.

Minster are just four points behind Upchurch, who also had their game ended by the poor weather, with opponents High Halstow chasing a total of 170 all out.

On the Island, Minster had lost the toss and were put into bat and the top order men were struggling to make big numbers.

Neil Hosken (22), Andy Hosken (13), Kevin Barker (34) and Craig O’Donoghue (35) were put in the shade by Duggan, who struck 63 runs from 46 balls – including an impressive four sixes.

Barker had also helped himself to four sixes, before being trapped leg before. Minster ended their innings on 225 all out off 49.1 overs.

OD CUACO were then unable to cope with Nichol’s pace, with the Minster bowler finishing with figures of 6-40 off 13 overs.

Captain James White took the other wicket and OD CUACO finished up on 102-7 before the weather denied Minster a maximum points finish.