Rain and a 77-run third-wicket stand between Livy Puckerin and Kerry Lucas combined to frustrate Cable & Wireless BET's run for the title.

The showers dumped pools of water on the ground yesterday, making any chance of play today very doubtful.

Even before the rain, Puckerin and Lucas had gone a long way towards eliminating BET's advantage of winning the toss.

Invited to bat on a slow pitch, Spartan lost both openers cheaply and, with the score 21 for two, BET had reason to be happy.

Both wickets fell to veteran left-arm seamer Lonelle Hutson (two for 26). Wayne Blackman was bowled and Corey Yearwood caught at short extra-cover by Ron Bates.

Had Antonio Mayers, fielding at gully, taken a chance offered by Puckerin off Adrian Brathwaite when eight and the score 34, BET may have been able to press home the early advantage. However, the chance was missed and BET paid dearly.

Puckerin patiently compiled a disciplined knock of 40 before being lbw to Mayers moments before the rain interrupted play at 4:01 p.m.

Puckerin struck six fours, batted for 137 minutes and faced 111 balls. Lucas has so far struck three fours in his unbeaten 30 which spanned 126 minutes.

BET, four points behind front-runners Police, need a victory to stand any chance of winning the title.