Well perhaps it was a fitting end end to the cricket series in Napier last night with more rain interruptions and what an abysmal tour weatherwise for everyone involved.

Cricket isn’t the only sport that has been affected by the weather over the years. Do you remember the 1975 test played at Eden Park played between the All Blacks and Scotland? Torrential rain preceded the match and much of the ground was under water when play got underway and it became more of a mudbath.  Almost 30 centimetres of water covered one end of the ground. That ‘ water polo test ‘ ended up with the home team winning 24-0.

Fog interrupted the Super 14 final 2 or 3 seasons ago in Christchurch. It didn’t stop the game but a number of spectators at Jade stadium (as it was called then), left early as they couldn’t see a thing! TV Cameras and commentators found ir a battle as well as the battle that was on the field.

Thick fog also interrupted a race meeting in Timaru during the 1980s and the commentator was left in a daze as he couldn’t see half the course – don’t know how the betting went on that race!

Further afield and severe winds took their toll at the Gabba in Brisbane just 6 weeks ago, lifting roofing iron on the day of a big cricket match and caused seating problems.  On a more serious note, a football match in South Africa a number of years ago ended up with a number of players unconscious, when lightning struck the ground and the current was transferred to the players and they were knocked to the ground simultaneously!

So for armchair critics, one advantage they might have at home is that at least they enjoy the game in reasonable surroundings in the safety of their four walls.

Do you remember any other sporting contest impacted greatly by the weather?.Feel free to post a comment below.

Weather Analyst – Richard Green