THE rise in temperature arrived 24 hours too late to save the majority of last weekend's local sporting activity.

Stratford Town and Midland Comb-ination trio Alveston, Wellesbourne and Littleton were the only clubs able to start their new year football programme, while just two matches survived in the Stratford and District Alliance.

Rugby was hit even harder with none of the local sides able to venture on to the field last Saturday but the thaw came just in time to allow Shipston the chance to stage their Warwickshire Shield quarter-final on Sunday.

Players will be hoping the cold weather doesn't reappear with a full league programme of rugby matches this weekend.

After last Saturday's postponement at Burton, Stratford will be out for Midlands Two West revenge against Newport at Pearcecroft while, in Midlands Three, Evesham will be hoping to pick up welcome points at Keresley. Fourth in the table Pershore visit Leamington.

Shipston will be hoping to get the better of visitors Manor Park as they bid to consolidate second place in Warwickshire One, while Cotswolds strugglers Stow and Chipping Norton will both be hoping for some new year cheer.

Rock bottom in South West Two East, Stow are scheduled to play host to Salisbury, while Chippy, just one place better off in Southern Counties North, entertain Buckingham.

Hockey action has been limited over the festive period and runaway leaders of DTZ League West Midlands Premier Division, Stratford, were again deprived of league action.

However, they will be itching to get back to competitive action on January 19 against Aldridge.

There was ladies action as Campden faced Bretforton and Pershore and Evesham locked horns. Campden visit Blockley on Saturday for a Cotswolds derby.