Blind linesman

Driving sleet and hail and gale force winds reduced visibility to only a few yards in the Ashley Air Products Over-40s game between Touchdown and Wingate in Hartlepool back in February so the referee abandoned proceedings and everyone returned indoors. Everyone except linesman Peter Roaden who was found still running up and down the line half an hour later by puzzled players and officials. Mr Roaden explained that he had not heard the whistle or seen the players bolt towards the dressing rooms and assumed that the action was taking place at the other end of the pitch . . . which he could not see.