Shillong, Apr 16: Keeping in mind the safety of the players, today’s Shillong Premier League 2023 match between Langsning FC and Ryntih SC had to be called off due to unfavourable ground conditions brought on by the very heavy thunderstorm earlier today.
The teams were both ready for what was an important clash in the battle for fourth place in the standings but a ferocious downpour lasting around half an hour inundated the pitch at First Ground. An inspection of the surface was made, led by the match officials, and it was decided that the game could not be held today.
The Shillong Sports Association will inform the date of the rescheduled fixture in due course.
Drainage has been a long-running problem at First Ground, going back years, and even with the new artificial turf. As TSR understands it, the route of the drain planned by the contractor and state government (which is footing the bill) was opposed by the Shillong Recreation Ground Trust, which owns the area. So now work on it is stuck and, if no progress is made soon, there will surely be disruption to the SSA’s 2024 calendar (set to begin as soon as SPL 2023 is over) when the monsoon arrives in earnest.
Meanwhile, tomorrow’s forecast shows rain likely again. In the SPL, defending champions Mawlai SC will be up against Nangkiew Irat SC at 3PM, weather permitting.
(Shillong Sports Association photo)