Tony Hatfield's Retired Ramblings

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South Tyneside Today reports: THE footballers of Harton & Westoe CW had a lucky escape last night when they left the pitch just before a lightning strike. Only seven minutes of their Wearside League game at New Marske on Teesside had been played when the referee called the players off for their own safety. Harton player-manager Ronnie Thompson explained: "It was pitch black and we had to play with a yellow ball, but the storm was getting worse and we could see lightning hitting roofs near the ground, so the referee took us off. "He then called the two managers together to discuss whether we could carry on. "While we were stood there, there was a huge crash as we watched lightning strike the pitch, so it was just as well he called us off when he did. "Many of the lads said they had never seen a storm like it. We'll certainly be talking about it for a long time. "The storm then moved out to sea and we were able to finish the match". he added, after his side had been beaten 2-1 in a match shortened to 70 minutes. Harton weren't the only team to have a close call with lightning – Hebburn Town's FA Cup tie at Scunthorpe against Winterton Rangers was held up for 20 minutes when the strikes became too close for comfort. And it's not the first event of its kind this season – on August 13 the Boldon CA v Cleadon Wearside League derby, which opened the season, was also delayed through lightning.

posted by Tony @ Thursday, September 01, 2005