The presence of England’s star wicketkeeper-batsman, Sarah Taylor, at Cokenach CC on Saturday, brightened up a dull, wet day that saw no cricket played.

Taylor is Cokenach’s cricket ambassador for 2014 and 2015. The newly created post will see her attend a number of Cokenach fixtures, advising and coaching at all levels and overseeing the creation of the club’s first all-women team. Her enthusiasm for the role was clearly evident and her positive, engaging presence will add greatly to a season that already promises much.

During the day, a sponsored car was presented to Taylor by Nick Eve, president of Cokenach CC and managing director of Pumphouse Productions. The Seat Leon was smartly decorated by Pumphouse using Cokenach’s brand colours and will be driven by Taylor throughout the country as she attends county and international fixtures over the next two years.

The local-derby fixture between Cokenach and Barley was eagerly anticipated, being the first opportunity to competitively lock horns for three seasons. Both teams fielded excellent sides heralding a close, well-fought contest.

The best efforts of Cokenach’s groundsmen kept the wicket bone dry, but the relentless driving rain saturated the outfield and finally dampened the spirits and resolve of the players. The decision to abandon the game was taken at 3.15pm.