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THE rain came to Worcestershire Royals' rescue as their second Friends Provident Trophy South/West Division match against Somerset Sabres was abandoned.

The Royals, who had their innings disrupted by the weather, could only post a paltry 154-8 in their 39 overs.

But heavy rain and a thunderstorm ensured the Sabres did not get a chance to bat and both sides finished with a point.

Worcestershire never looked like posting a big score as Sabres' seamer Charl Willoughby kept it extremely tight from the New Road End.

The South African picked up five maidens in his nine overs, taking 2-14, and it was because of his tidy line that the Royals were not able to run away.

Steffan Jones may have been a little expensive but he used his pace well and picked up the wickets of Steven Davies (12) and Ben Smith (10).

Thankfully for the Royals, the rain, which has frustrated them so much in the county championship, was received with gratitude.

An early break saw nine overs taken off which was probably just as well as the way Somerset were taking wickets, they wouldn't have lasted the 50.

Then, with only two overs remaining and Mitchell two short of his 50, the rain came again to bring a close to the Royals innings at the end of the 39th over with Worcestershire limping to 154-8.

Having been impressive in the limited-overs games last year, the start that the County have made to this year's Friends Provident Trophy is extremely disappointing.

The Royals know they must beat Glamorgan Dragons a week tomorrow if they are to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

6:00pm Sunday 27th April 2008

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