Warley won a crucial toss and happily inserted Booth on a saturated wicket that ground staff had done well to get anywhere near fit to play.

Booth made a poor start, losing Mosley, Brown and Cartlidge in quick succession to the ex-Elland combo of Keywood and Midwood.

But the ship was steadied by an excellent partnership between the ever-reliable Ian Sharkey, and birthday boy Richard Laycock.

Sharkey took a shine to ex-Elland man Brennan, and was moving smartly towards yet another first team half century when he miscued a Turner long-hop and top-edged the ball into his left eye.

Visibly shaken, he was out soon after, leaving young Laycock to demonstrate his burgeoning talent.

Richard celebrated his 18th birthday in style and with Brennan and Turner handing out the gifts, he added another haul of nine sixes, each struck with casual ease.

He ended with a magnificent 94 not out and helped Booth post a challenging 215-7 from their 40 overs.

Warley’s reply was disrupted by the rain, as several heavy showers punctuated their reply.

The rule book rather than the cricket now took sway, and fully aware of this, Midwood boldly set about the Booth attack and clobbered a meaty half-century.

With Booth unable to bowl their best bowler Laycock due to yet more bizarre rulings – this time the ECB’s limit on the number of overs young bowlers can send down – and Sharkey hors de combat with one eye, Midwood’s acceleration was well calculated, as well as highly skilful.

He and veteran Oates took advantage of some shoddy Booth bowling to steer Warley home, just as the heavens opened for one last time.