after both Knock-Out Cup matches -- Western Stars versus Somerset and Southampton versus Bailey's Bay -- were rained out yesterday.

Each game had barely got under way when torrential rain sent players and umpires scurrying for cover, while groundsmen scrambled to cover the pitches.

At St. John's Field, Southampton had moved to 14-for-one when the heavens opened up, flooding the western region of the outfield, which would have made play difficult even if the rain had stopped. Six overs were bowled with Olin Jones the out batsman for Rangers.

Meanwhile, Stars had scored 16-for-one, with Treadwell Gibbons out for a duck, at the Oval as the reigning Premier League, Central Counties and Camel Cup Champions sought their 23rd consecutive win of the year.

The problem now for the Board will be to find a suitable date for the final, assuming that the scheduled final date of September 24 will now witness the semis.

However, there would seem a possibility that Saturday, September 23 could also be set down as a rain-out date, but that would then create a clash with the Testimonial Match.