THUNDER, lightning and a tremendous hailstorm stopped Fleetwood's progress in the National Knock-Out Cup at Broadwater on Sunday. Horwich RMI were just .03 of a run per over better off when first bad light and the rumbling of thunder and the flashing of lightning forced the players from the field. This was followed by a hail storm of epic proportions that turned the green sward of the ground into a White sward - quite appropriate in a way for it was David White's 47 not out that won the game for the visitors as they reached 80-4 in reply to Fleetwood's 132 all out in 44.5 of their 45 overs.

Winning the toss and batting, Fleetwood self-destructed all through their innings and lost wickets steadily from the off when James Ellis was run out for eight when thinking about a suicidal single to the final one when Gareth Williams bowled Dave Fish for seven. In between John Wright, 15, Andrew Clough, 17, and Adam Sharrocks, 14, were the only ones to support Wayne Clarke's fighting 27 but each in turn contrived to get themselves out to leave Fleetwood with a modest 132 to defend.

They began brightly by dismissing opener Glenn Dooley for nought and then when fellow opener Ashley Williams was forced to retire hurt, also without scoring, White joined former professional Grant Long. Ellis caught Long off Fish for 11 at 32-2 and when John Partington holed out to Tom Blundell off Clough for nought at 35-3 the pendulum seemed to be swinging Fleetwood's way. But it was not to be for White, ever conscious of the weather closing in and aware of his side's requirements hit out with effect. Andy Taylor assisted him with a quick 12 and by the time he was dismissed, bowled by Fish, Horwich were marginally in front.

They remained that was until the darkness and fear for their safety drove the players from the field. There followed that hailstorm by which time Horwich knew that they were in the next round to meet the winners of the Blackpool versus Lytham tie to be replayed next Sunday at Stanley Park.

All other Fylde Coast Northern Premier League teams over the weekend found their games abandoned due to the weather, Blackpool at Leyland Motors, St Annes at Morecambe and Fleetwood at home to Lancaster. St Annes however still maintain their lead at the top of the table. And on Sunday Blackpool's National Knock Out tie with Lytham also succumbed to the weather.