Sunday's thunderstorms which wrecked the Commercial Cricket League's knockout first-round ties, forcing them to be replayed this weekend, unwittingly played into the hands of Jamaican Association.

The Jamaicans can now play their match against St. David's at Shelly Bay, where hundreds of their compatriots will gather for the belated annual celebration of their country's independence from Britain in 1962.

Had the Jamaicans beaten youthful St. David's at Garrison Field before rain intervened they would have faced a semi-final trip to Sea Breeze Oval, assuming league champions North Village, whose name came out of the hat first in the draw giving them home advantage, had beaten Western Stars.

This Sunday's match at Shelly Bay will be the first time St. David's, who finished bottom of the league, have been asked to travel further than Garrison Field but reports suggest they are relishing joining in the fun.

"We invited them on Sunday to join our party after the match and they said they couldn't wait," said Jamaican Association all-rounder Rowan Ramotar.

St. David's, whose only league win was against newcomers Western Stars, were bowled out for 153 but the rain ended the Jamaicans' chance to begin their reply.

The rain also ruined the match at Shelly Bay where holders Forties appeared to be in a strong position after being sent in by Fine Leg Byes, reaching 130 for two with 11 of their 40 overs remaining, opener Harold Minors blasting his second successive half century.

Minors' 60 included two sixes and three fours, adding 104 for the second wicket with Gladwin Ingham (38 not out), after fellow opener Gerald Bean was out second ball for a duck. Brian Brangman made 18 not out.

Forties, who claimed the 2004 knockout title, their 12th, by beating North Village in the delayed final at the start of this season, will replay their match against FLB at the Royal Naval Field.

Village didn't even bowl, or face, a single ball against Western Stars on Sunday after problems with the roller.

Although the pitch was covered it hadn't been prepared and when the groundsman tried to roll it at 1 p.m. the roller picked up pieces of turf, making it unplayable.

The two teams will try again at the same venue this Sunday.