Arms Park rivals are left frustrated by late call-off.

FRUSTRATION was the name of the game at the Arms Park as the Premiership clash between Cardiff and Aberavon was called off just as two teams were about to run out onto the pitch.

Pontypridd's home game with Neath and Bedwas' clash with Llandovery were also late call-offs - but none later than at Cardiff.

It was just three minutes before kick-off that the match was called off on the grounds of Health and Safety.

This was due to a rivet coming out from a part of the floodlighting just over the top of the main grandstand between the halfway line and 20-metre line at the Taff End of the pitch.

However, there was no visible surface water on the pitch and both sides had been able to train on it only a few minutes earlier.

Aberavon chairman Andrew John summed up the frustration of players, coaches and supporters alike when he said: "I have seen games called off and abandoned after a few minutes due to severe weather, but never one called off like this."

Referee David Jones of Blackwood had no option but to take the decision to postpone the match and though opposing coaches Paul Moriarty and Simon King were obviously disappointed, they reluctantly had to accept it.

"We took the advice of Ian Richards, the Health and Safety Officer," said Cardiff team manager Gafyn Cooper.

"It could have made things difficult for players if it had fallen down and the referee said he was not comfortable about trying to play in the circumstances.

"It certainly was an anti-climax."

There were heated scenes at Bridge Field when the game between Bedwas and Llandovery was called off by referee Wayne Davies some 40 minutes before kick-off.

Home coach Steve Law was incensed by Llandovery's refusal to play.

"It's a disgrace as we have played on far worse surfaces and Llandovery were too ready to call the game off, knowing they were key players short because of Scarlets call ups," said Law.

"We can't blame the referee for calling it off as there is always a fear of litigation in his mind if things go wrong, but I wonder whether rugby is getting a game for softies?"