The heavy rain dampened the cricket pitches and bowling greens, but gave some relief to farmers who have been looking forward to the rain.

Meanwhile, the weekend off for cricket has given those in the running for the big six competition extra time to perfect their batting skills.

With only two rounds left, the contest is heating up and soon one cricketer will be crowned the winner.

Wellington cricket publicity officer Ron Moore said the competition, which has been running all season, will be finalised at the end of the season on February 20.

“The batsman who hits the most sixes in the Twenty20 competition at the conclusion of the challenge will win a $200 prize,” he said.

“It can be spent at the cricket sponsor or sponsors of their choice.

“There will be plenty of pressure on the leaders as any one of a dozen or so players could lay claim to a win by the time the last ball is bowled in a few weeks time.”

The current leader is Wellington Hotel’s Will Redfern with eight, right behind him is Nathan Smith from the Lion of Waterloo with seven and a host of talented players breathing down their necks in the home straight.

“The mercurial Nathan Smith led the competition for the bulk of the season after he cleared the boundary several times on his way to the only century of the season with a brutal 101,” Moore said.

“But Redfern will be going into the final rounds as the favourite after a late burst.

“There should be great interest in the competition as a prelude to one of the closest semi final series to be held in Wellington cricket for years.”