A PROMISING start spoiled by rain told the story of Cumberland's trip to Shrewsbury to play Shropshire in the MCCA Trophy on Sunday.

After skipper for the day Gary Pratt inserted Shropshire, Chris Hooker took two wickets as just seven overs were bowled.

He removed ex-Gloucestershire player T. Hancock, who had already survived two appeals, when he skied a catch to Darren Clark at mid-on.

Hooker then comprehensively clean bowled J.

Whitney to leave the hosts at 8-2 when heavy rain set in for the day.

Cumberland still have everything to play for in the round-robin competition and the next match is at home to Herefordshire at Workington CC on Monday, May 21.

Skipper Marcus Sharp returns to the side and Vic Craven plays his first game of the season after absence due to club commitments. Chris D'Leny of Barrow CC retains his place in the line-up along with Kendal CC's Chris Miller.

Team: D. Clark, C. Hey, V. Craven, G. Pratt, L. Procter, J. Smith, C. Hooker, C. D'Leny (w/keeper), M. Gorley, M. Sharp (capt), C. Miller.