Lightning (almost) strikes Irish

Leading 24-6 at halftime, Irish Canadians were denied a chance at a league win when their Marshall Division match was abandoned at halftime due to the severe lightning storms that swept through Southern Ontario last night.

Kick-off was delayed 25 minutes while the first of several storm cells swept through the Markham grounds, and once play began, the hosts controlled the first 10 minutes of play, gaining five penalty calls and leading 3-0.

The Irish scored on their first two touches of the ball to lead 14-3 after 15 minutes, Markham replied with another penalty goal, but the Irish answered with two more tries and lots more pressure to lead 24-6 when the second storm swept in.  After waiting 30 minutes for a break in the weather, and with an eye on the approaching darkness, referee Gerry Clayton called an end to the proceedings.

Club officials huddled in the powerless clubhouse and after studying the Marshall schedule, agreed to replay the match at 7 pm next Tuesday, June 21, in Markham .

The Irish now turn their focus to the Aurora Barbs and Saturdays test at Fletchers.