I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth a couple of weeks ago about a “mild winter”. Here we are with a rash of postponements as an icy blast hits us – and it’s only mid-December.
As Locos’ match with Lossiemouth fell by the wayside on Saturday, it brought to mind a Highland League game from about 30 years ago.
Around New Year, Inverness Thistle kicked off at Kingsmills against derby rivals Clachnacuddin in a blizzard. Most in the ground doubted the referee’s wisdom in allowing the game to proceed, but as Thistle roared into a three goal lead, it seemed like a good decision to half the spectators.
Long before half-time the lines were obliterated and no one could follow the ball, which was white. The players performed reasonable impersonations of Bambi, but got on with it.
As the two teams trooped off at the break, the referee instructed the officials to clear the lines and off he went for his cup of tea. He re-emerged after 10 minutes in a long and hooded greatcoat and ran round the entire pitch checking the lines as the thick snow continued to fall. He resembled a Yeti and this was fine entertainment in itself.
A good proportion of both sets of fans had taken the opportunity to head for that wonderful local Jaggies institution down the road – the Corriegarth public house.
Many failed to return for the second-half.
Within ten minutes of the re-start Clach had pulled two goals back and the Thistle lot were now advising the referee to stop the match.
As the snow thickened further, he did. As everyone took an immediate and thankful short cut across the pitch to the exits, the tannoy announced that the game had not been abandoned and would re-commence when the snow eased.
This led to a real quandary and much discussion amongst both sets of supporters now in two minds standing in the centre circle. Sense prevailed for some and they headed off to the pub.
The others rather reluctantly straggled back to the terraces and ten minutes later the referee re-appeared from the tunnel and back into the snow.
He had found an orange ball lurking somewhere in the bowels of the Kingsmills stand and this encouraged him to press on.
As conditions deteriorated even further with Thistle officials continuing to clear the lines as play proceeded, the referee finally admitted defeat with about 20 minutes remaining. Play had become bogged down in midfield and both goalkeepers were starting to experience mobility issues with their arms and legs.
I have long held a great admiration for this referee. So near and yet so far! There was no hint of jacking it in before giving it a real go, and no one bothered about “safety” or thought to lodge a court action if someone grazed a knee.
And, in the end, everyone got out of the house and had the benefit of some fresh air, good company and a pint. I’m not saying that Locos’ match should have gone ahead on Saturday, but the football authorities don’t take account of the hidden knock-on effects on supporters.
I was dragged to Tesco and then a wretched Victorian Christmas craft fair in the middle of nowhere by my other half when she discovered the game was off. Disaster! It was all so different in the old days!