This week was set to see one of most bitter rivalries on the cricket pitch – no, not England and Australia in the Ashes but the annual grudge match between Labour and Conservative.
But turbulent times have led to its cancellation, and it's not the rain threatening play but the frosty atmosphere between the two parties.
The Tories pulled out of the match planned for Sunday (July 26) at Trailfinders GWR Cricket Club after they were bowled over by Labour's attack on the mayor last week.
The opposition stormed out of a council meeting on July 14 accusing Mayor Barbara Yerolemou (a Tory councillor) of bias. They followed on the next day by calling for her to be sacked and proposing a vote of no confidence at the next full council meeting.
Conservative leader Jason Stacey, said: "Considering Labour's behaviour last week and their attitude towards the mayor relations between the parties are not good, so it's hardly the time to play a friendly game of cricket.
"In politics we have rough and tumble, we know that, but this has caused a lot of anger. Calling off the cricket match doesn't affect the running of the council but it's a way of saying their behaviour is not acceptable."
But he added that if Labour stumped up an apology to the mayor the match could still take place. He said: "The ball is in Labour's court."
Not wanting to be caught behind, Labour Ealing North MP Steve Pound batted away the criticisms describing their cancellation as puerile.
He said: "I think the Conservatives are being precious, I don't believe in mixing sport and politics. I suppose the fact we beat them last time doesn't have any bearing on it.
"When councillor Ian Green was leader of the Conservatives he led a walk-out for the same reasons but we didn't stop talking to them. It's a shame because Jason Stacey is a decent bowler and I was looking forward to taking a few runs from him."
Cancelling the tradition, now in it's third year, at such short notice is still going to cost about £200 in pitch hire.
Wendy Langan, treasurer at GWR Trailfinders Cricket Club in Vallis Way, West Ealing, said it is too late to book another match.
She said: "It's a great shame. The owner was really looking forward to it, he was even threatening to umpire."
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