Rain has stopped play before a ball has even been bowled at Timperley Cricket Club.

The soggy conditions at the ambitious club are the worst in living memory, with the record rainfall throughout March and so far this month.

The unprecedented amount of rain - the worst for 50 years - means the tractor and heavy rollers would ruin the pitches and outfield in such bogey conditions.

And Timperley are not alone with all Cheshire League opening fixtures delayed for at least a week, with optimists hoping for a start this Saturday.

Cricket section chairman, Jurjees Hasan, said: “It’s an absolute nightmare. We have so much going on with well over 300 players in more than 20 men, women, boys’ and girls’ teams from aged six to 70 all anxious to get going.

“You have to feel for our groundsman Andy Horsefield who is doing his absolute best but there is nothing you can do with so much horrendous wet weather.”

After a successful 2023 season, highlighted by the first XI gaining promotion back to the ECB Premier League, the club and players alike are excited and looking forward to making this an even more memorable year.

Pre-season efforts across all senior and junior teams have been strongly attended, with the first and second XIs training at Old Trafford on Sunday evenings and the rest of the senior players at BTH school on Fridays.

In the upcoming season, Ed Galley will lead the first XI for a second year alongside some many of last year’s younger players who will be getting their first taste of Premier League cricket.

The club has also confirmed the return of Australian Caedence Kuepper as their overseas player after 594 runs and 50 wickets in 2023.

Off the pitch, a long-overdue electronic scoreboard is set to be installed for the new season, and the club is introducing a women’s and girl’s section.

Timperley CC is always looking for new talent and anyone interested can pop down or visit the website at www.timperleycricketclub.com and social media pages for more information.

There are also sponsorship opportunities for any interested local businesses who can find also get in contact via the above channels.