Gisborne’s hopes of cementing a top-four spot were ruined by rain in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
The battle between the fourth-placed Dragons and third-placed Woodend was evenly poised when rain stopped play.
While the sides returned to the field for a few overs after tea, rain fell again to end the match.
Dragons coach Glenn Waites said it was extremely frustrating.
“We’re shattered,” he said.
“Last week we were heated off and now this week we’ve been washed out. Everyone has come back from the break and been training well. We just want to play.
“The match would have given us the opportunity to be alongside Woodend and, depending on other results, put a gap on the rest of the sides.”
Woodend was 4-121 when rain halted play and tea was called early. Another wicket fell in the five overs played after tea.
Waites said the game was in the balance when it was called off.
“If we had kept Woodend to under 160 we would have been really looking forward to the run chase,” he said.
“We talked to the umpires about extending the game … But then more rain fell.
“Because we lost half an hour the game reverted to Woodend either needing to be bowled out or they would have had to declare to make a game of it.”
Darcy Nolan took two for the Dragons.
One highlight for the Dragons was the debut of West Indian international Danza Hyatt.
Waites said they thought Hyatt might not play this season.
“He lost his dad and we thought initially that we wouldn’t have him this year.
“We then got the call from him saying that he was right to still come. He has fitted in so well and is an absolute professional.
“We haven’t seen anything like his preparation before. It’s another level.”
The Dragons remain fourth on the ladder.
They face the two bottom sides, Diggers Rest Bulla and Rupertswood (twice) in the next three matches, before finishing the season off against finals contenders Sunbury and Woodend.
Waites said wins were vital to ensure they finish in the top four and have a chance to win a third straight premiership.
“We have to take care of business every week,” he said.
Just one McIntyre Cup game produced a result with the rain playing havoc across the region at the weekend. Riddell defeated Rupertswood to move to the top of the ladder.
Rupertswood made just 90, and Michael Treweek top-scored with 20. James Hughes took four wickets for the Bombers.
The Bombers, without skipper Mick Allen, made 5-93 in reply.
All other games were declared draws.
