Yorkshire's preparations for the Twenty-20 Cup were badly hit on Wednesday when rain prevented any action in the two practice matches which they were due to stage at Stamford Bridge Cricket Club.

Director of cricket David Byas said the games would be played today if the ground was able to recover from its soaking and provided there was no more rain.

Before yesterday's games were called off, the Stamford Bridge club answered a telephone call from a supporter anxious to know who had died?

He had seen the sightscreens draped in black but was unaware that a coloured clothing game was scheduled to take place.

The Twenty-20 Cup starts up tomorrow and Yorkshire's first game is against Derbyshire at Derby.

The competition was a huge success last year in its inaugural season but it was played under cloudless skies, a pattern which is unlikely to be repeated this time.

Meanwhile, the 364 Club, dedicated to the memory of Sir Leonard Hutton, will hold their annual lunch at Headingley on August 18 when the guest speakers will be former Yorkshire and England fast bowler Fred Trueman, and former MCC president Dennis Silk.

Tickets costing £25 each can be obtained by sending a cheque to Pudsey St Lawrence president and former Yorkshire chairman, Keith Moss, at Wickets, 5 The Grove, Pudsey, LS28 7SJ, and made payable to 364 Club.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, July 01, 2004