Just as ominous clouds started to roll in across Kyabram's Northern Oval on Sunday, Hurley's Hotel Hounds batsmen Michael Archer and Jedd Wright started to send out some weather warnings of their own.
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The forecast became cloudy with a chance of a cricket ball to the shin for the crowd as the pair peppered the boundary line during a quickfire third-wicket stand of 45, but shortly after the Jarvis Delahey Crushers broke the partnership the heavens opened up.
Winless in round one of the Goulburn Valley Bush Bash League last week, the Hounds and Crushers were keen to get on the board in the second round of proceedings.
After howling winds gave way first to stinging hail and then torrential rain they had to settle for half of their wish, taking a point apiece from the washed out fixture.
It looks as if it has worked in favour of the outfits though ahead of the third and final qualifying round in a fortnight's time at Deakin Reserve, keeping both alive in the race for a spot in the decider.
The Hounds have to defeat the Cobram Panel Works Panthers in the first game of round three to move into second spot, while the Crushers would then have to knock off the unbeaten SRP Mud Dogs to jump over the Hounds.
If the Panthers win it is curtains for the Hounds and Crushers.
Archer impressed at the top of the order with 33 not out from 34 deliveries, while Wright slapped 26 from 16 before being bowled by Katandra teammate Luke Patel.
Fellow Eagle Corey Hickford also snared a wicket, as did Dwain Vidler to have the Hounds 3-76 when play ceased after 11 overs.
THE GAME
Hurley's Hotel Hounds 3-76 (Michael Archer 33 not out, Jedd Wright 26, Corey Hickford 1-10, Dwain Vidler 1-18, Luke Patel 1-19) drew with Jarvis Delahey Crushers.
STAR PLAYER
Michael Archer (Hounds): Shifted up the top of the order, Archer was warming into his work nicely with 33 from 34 deliveries — including five boundaries — before weather intervened. Still yet to be dismissed in the GVBBL.
