PORTSMOUTH, Dominica, CMC: Heavy early morning rain forced the abandonment of the opening day of the third round Carib Beer Series match between Windward Islands and Barbados at Benjamin's Park yesterday.

Umpires Lennox Abraham and Wycliffe Mitcham called off play just after 2 p.m. following a second inspection of the ground which is hosting its first first-class match.

The rain left the outfield very soggy and despite the presence of sun for a period during the mid-morning, the prospect of a start was always unlikely.

Should play be possible over the remaining three days, there will be a 9:30 a.m. start daily in an effort to make up for some of the lost time.

A fair-sized crowd had assembled in anticipation of the match which is being played in Dominica's second largest town and located in the north-west of the island.

regrettable outcome

Rival captains Rawl Lewis of Windwards, and Ryan Hinds of Barbados expressed regret over the outcome.

"It's always disappointing when you come to play and you can't play," Lewis said.

"We have a young team and the guys are just about beginning to establish themselves in regional cricket. They are really eager to play."