The much anticipated Hallmark Southern Region Volleyball League (SRVL)match between hosts Thunders and Michonya failed to throw off at the Blantyre Youth Centre on Sunday due to bad weather conditions.

The Blantyre-Chiradzulu zone match had been scheduled for 2:30 pm, but was delayed by a heavy downpour. When the rains had dissipated, Thunders players tried to dry up the pitch.

However an assessment by officials including referee Smart Liphevo led to the postponement of the match.

"We had to cancel the match due to rainy weather. Playing in the rain endangers the safety of players, officials and spectators," said SRVL chairperson Ambilike Mwaungulu.

Mwaungulu hinted that indoor courts might be an option if such weather conditions persist.

Blantyre's only indoor sports facility is the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES) Sports Complex.

The Hallmark SRVL in the Blantyre-Chiradzulo zone rolled into life in December last year and this was the second match week.

Earlier on Saturday, Bangwe Panthers failed to take advantage of their home turf when they lost in straight sets 3-0 (10-25, 18-25, 16-25) to Bravo at Bangwe Youth Centre.

It was Bangwe's second loss in the league, and their coach Omega Mwinibwalo, had another excuse for the defeat: "We would appreciate if our matches are scheduled on Sundays, because we were missing some of our key players. But as you've seen, we've improved from our last performance."

Unbeaten Bravo captain Jonathan Simbeye said they a progressing steadily with every match and are looking forward to their next game against Thunders.

Two more teams Mubas and Catholic University will join the fray in February.

The women's games are yet to start as only one team, Gemz is available, with the Mubas and CU unavailable till February.

The league is being played at zonal level in the region’s 13 districts with the top-three teams from each zone qualifying for the regional finals in April.