Kent Eagles’ quest for National Development Trophy points at Plymouth’s Coliseum home against the local Centurion’s fell victim to the elements on Saturday evening.

Heavy rain had battered the area for much of the two days in the lead up to the fixture and had continued until late into the afternoon as the intended tapes up time of 7.00 pm approached.

When the inclement weather finally ceased what followed was a herculean effort to get a circuit that had earlier resembled a quagmire in parts into a rideable or indeed raceable condition.

The start was delayed until 7.30p.m and referee Christina Turnbull embarked on a track walk with team Captain’s Eagles Ben Morley and Centurions Joe Thompson.

Meanwhile further works to the circuit continued in earnest and a second such track walk was undertaken a half hour later.

Indeed, the dutiful Plymouth track staff should be applauded for all their hard work in attempting to salvage the track to a point that the match could still get underway.

It became apparent however following her second circuit with the two Captain’s that the Rubicon had been crossed, and the adverse conditions had won the day.

With a 9.30 curfew on the horizon the announcement was made at  8.15 pm that match could not go ahead, the official taking to the microphone herself to say that the decision was based on the fact that rider safety was, quite rightly, paramount and in conditions that remained this she didn’t feel could be guaranteed.

The call that many felt as time moved on was somehow inevitable, now having been made Eagles Team Manager David Graveling’s comments contained a hint of exasperation.

‘It was very disappointing that this meeting was not postponed earlier in the day. It seemed obvious on arrival at the stadium it would not happen. After extensive work by the track staff, common sense prevailed from all parties. Still frustrating though and lessons need to be learned to save a lot of travelling by Riders and Management.