THE Methodists' first BDCA League game of the season found the team travelling to sunny Downend to play Bristol Asians, although the ominous rain-radar suggested a soggy conclusion.

The home side batted first, Mohammed Arshad and Sunny Khalid immediately unfurling the attacking strokes. But their positive start was soon halted by left-arm seamer Paul Evans, who caught and bowled Sunny after ten minutes, with Mohammed top-edging a Daniel Shearn delivery shortly after.

Wobbling at 27-2, Tahir Mukhtar and Ahsan Amin then steadied things with a 45-run stand, before the newly-introduced spin of Craig Eyles removed Tahir and Ahsan (27) in quick succession.

A great spell from David Baker put Asians in difficulties as they slumped to 86-6 in the 18th over, but fortunately the lower-middle order were able to halt their slide - Moin Afzal, Zeeshan Sadiq and Rizwan Pervaiz all contributing important runs. Rizwan (42), in particular, was in fine form, but was unable to prevent Eyles (5-47) from wrapping things up - the hosts bowled out for 154 in the 32nd over.

While all this action was unfolding, however, the clouds had rolled in, the skies had darkened, and the Methodists went out to bat after tea with the first sporadic raindrops falling. Skipper Alex Nash and opening partner Mark Robinson did their best to get some quick runs, but tidy bowling from Mohammed Ahmed and Abdul Waqas meant they were hard to come by.

By the eighth over, with conditions further deteriorating, the players finally headed for the pavilion - the points shared as the match was sadly, but inevitably, abandoned with heavy rain setting in for the evening.

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Scores: Bristol Asians 154 all out v Methodists 35-0.