DURHAM were robbed of vital practice for Wednesday's C & G Trophy fourth round tie at home to Lancashire when rain washed out yesterday's National League match against Derbyshire.

The weather also deprived reserve wicketkeeper Phil Mustard of his debut in the competition and all-rounder Ian Pattison of the chance to score his first run. He was out for nought in the last match of last season, when Durham were dismissed for 79 at Taunton.

Andrew Pratt was ever-present in the National League last season, but Durham planned to play Mustard yesterday, with Pattison taking over from Danny Law.

Mark Davies was also due to make his first senior appearance of the season following his recovery from his collapsed lung.

Durham now have some difficult choices to make for Wednesday, particularly with Vince Wells almost certain to be ruled out by his back problem.

Law is out of form, while Pattison has been doing well in the second team. But Durham merely saw fit to extend his development contract at the end of last season rather than promote him to the full staff and it would be a gamble to pitch him in against the might of the Red Rose.

While the sun was shining in Durham City just after midday yesterday, a tremendous storm was breaking over Chester-le-Street and as showers kept returning it was decided at 4pm that no play would be possible.

Inbetween the showers, Durham skipper Jon Lewis was presented with a Corum watch as the Goldsmith's Player of the Month.

He has made six half-centuries in eight championship innings and has a lowest score of 32, totalling 430 runs.