March Past cancelled as thunderstorms lash the Sevens

There were dark clouds on the horizon, literally, as play at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens was suspended for nearly 25 minutes just before noon on Saturday because of thunderstorms.

Further rain delays are expected throughout the day and organisers have already been forced to cancel the traditional March Past, leaving many of the young participants in tears.

A big question mark also hangs over the performance by tribute act Queen Extravaganza, which is scheduled to take place just after 2:30pm.

As early as 10:15am the skies darkened and before the start of Hong Kong’s game against Italy at 10.28am the Hong Kong Stadium floodlights were switched on. At 11:00am, the Amber Rainstorm Signal was raised by the Hong Kong Observatory.

The rain started lashing down during Scotland’s game against the USA, which started at 11:34am, and play was suspended after the match finished, with Scotland winning 15-10.