There were a number of requests today asking if the games on Wakefield were going to be cancelled. Capital Football understands the extreme weather that is happening at the moment. And the issues around playing in the freezing cold. However, the grounds because they are artificals are open.
4/6 of the Womens games last night were played in the snow, including a team from Wainuiomata!
No teams were being forced to play. If a team wanted to default, they were able to. If the teams came to an agreement not to play, that was fine.
The point that was made to the teams, is that if the games didn't go ahead, it was unlikely that the games would be rescheduled. There are already 13 catch up games from previous weekends. There simply isn't enough weeks left to try and fit these in
The hardy Tawa Grizzlies and North Wellington Vindaloos fronted up tonight in the worst conditions I have ever, ever played in. Just before kick-off lighting flashed and thunder roared around the ground and the type of hail that leaves nail marks on your legs was lashed in on the bitterest southerly Mother Nature could muster. The game was played amidst snow flurries and the continuation of a southerly gale. The Met Service estimated the temperature at minus 5 when they factored in wind chill.
Never have I seen so much effort put into covering exposed skin. For the first time ever I wore a beanie in a game, which did however tend to nullify the only half decent part of my game.
However, I must say the Wakefield Park facility is awesome. To even have the capability of playing football during what's being called a "one-in-a-lifetime storm" is quite something. The all-weather surface is indeed an ALL weather surface.
Unfortunately the lights went out ten minutes into the second half, forcing the game to be called off early. For the record we were 7-0 up at the time, so I presume that result will stand.
Full credit to everyone for fronting up ... I'd rather play football in any weather than not play at all, so I'm glad we made the effort. Good to be home though with a blanket across my knees, as is the masters way.
.....Hutt Valley grounds hammed again today with rainChopperHarris2011-08-18 18:21:26