The entire Shepherd Neame Kent League programme was abandoned without a ball being bowled for the first time in eight years.

It meant a frustrating Saturday afternoon for hundreds of club cricketers as a wet summer hit a new low.

League registration secretary Errol Valentine said: "May 8, 2004, was the last time we had a complete wipe-out, although it’s the first time I can remember it happening in July.

"It throws everything out and is demoralising for everybody who just wants to play cricket. Unfortunately, we’ve had a pretty lousy summer. There have been a lot of bowler-friendly wet tracks so it’s been hard for batsmen to find their form."

Mr Valentine added: "People have suggested starting the season earlier or finishing later to make the most of the better weather.

18-week window to complete the league."
"But a lot of grounds are used for rugby until the end of April and again from the beginning of September so we have an

The Kent Regional League was also rained off without a ball being bowled, although six teams had already conceded matches going into the weekend.

Honorary secretary Peter Robinson says the bad weather has hit clubs hard in the pocket.

He said: "It’s horrible. I can’t remember a summer like it. I’ve had so many calls from clubs who are missing out on match fees and bar profits where games are called off.

"They’ll struggle on but clubs rely on money generated in the summer to keep going during winter. There’s maintenance and repairs to pay for and it’s just not happening.

"I understand clubs in the Essex League have allowed their grounds to be used as campsites or car parks for the Olympics. Maybe we should have been more creative and thought of something like that. It certainly would have generated some money."

Picture: The scene at Macknade Cricket Club was replicated across Kent on Saturday by Chris Davey