EASTERN had their march towards the Hongkong League championship halted again last night by an opponent they are finding impossible to beat - the weather.
Seven points clear at the top of the table with two games in hand on their nearest rivals, Eastern were hoping to clinch the title against Ernest Borel 10 days ago.
But that match was postponed because of torrential rain which flooded the Mongkok Stadium pitch.
Last night's experience was even more frustrating for the champions-elect, who were leading bottom club British Forces 1-0 when the match was abandoned six minutes into the second half with thunder rolling and lightning flashing all around the stadium.
Fearing for the safety of the players - and the 715 spectators who had ventured out into the rainy evening to salute Eastern's first title since 1956 - referee Ng Chi-yung had no option but to call off the game.
Eastern's next chance to wrap up the title will come on May 21, against Kitchee, because their league programme has been put on hold with most of their team on duty for Hongkong in the World Cup qualifiers in Beirut, Lebanon.