THE annual Whanganui Festival of Cricket failed to get off the ground yesterday as rain forced the postponement of day one.
Organiser Dilan Raj said the covers were draped over Tasman Tanning 1 and 2 at Victoria Park to protect the wickets from steady rain and in the hope some play might take place later in the day.
"Unfortunately that wasn't possible, so we will assess our options overnight and come up with a plan to lose as few overs to rain as we can," Raj said yesterday.
Traditionally the festival begins with the under-15 girls' tournament and high profile mentors including White Ferns and Central Districts Hinds players. However, the unavailability of the main mentors this week prompted Raj to launch the 2017 festival with the under-18 competition.
"We want the girls to get the best coaching they can during their time here at the festival. This is a massive part of their development as cricketers."