PLAYERS and referees from the Vanitec Computers sponsored Chippenham Sunday League had an unexpected pre-Christmas break as all but two of the planned 30 fixtures were postponed.

With a number of games already lost to holidays and work commitments the heavy overnight frost meant that players were given the chance to complete any last minute Christmas shopping.

Third Division Semington Rovers had the perfect Christmas present of two valuable points as they closed the gap on leaders Chippenham Black Horse to two points, with three games in hand.

In frosty conditions Semington kept their unbeaten record intact with a 4-2 win over a vastly improved Hare and Hounds side who they had destroyed 8-1 earlier in the season.

Both teams made a cautious start in the tricky conditions. Once they had settled into their stride it was Semington who came closest to opening the scoring in the 10 minute when goalkeeper Richard Bean's long punt upfield found Kelvin Lockwood. His cross was met by Bobby Mitchell whose first time effort from 20 yards was saved well by the Hounds' goalkeeper Steve Bowell.

The Hounds took the lead in the 12th minute when Gary Wootten latched onto Martin Bray's sliced clearance and fired home from 10 yards.

Semington equalised when a Stuart Donohoe corner was headed home by Kelvin Lockwood.

Semington took the lead in controversial circumstances in the 61st minute. Hounds' defender Craig Fisher was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball in the area and the spot kick was rifled home by Lockwood.

Ten minutes from time Semington moved 3-1 in front when Lockwood headed home Mitchell's pin point cross to complete his hat-trick and take his tally for the season to 21. Semington completed their scoring in the 86th minute when Bobby Mitchell chipped the ball home from 18 yards after Barber had his initial effort blocked by the legs of keeper Bowell.

The Hounds never gave up and scored the goal of the game on the stroke of full time through Niall MacLean who bent a 20 yard free kick around Semington's wall to make the final score 4-2 to Semington.

The only other game to survive the elements was the Division Four match between Trowbridge Town Supporters' Club and leaders Holt FC.

Referee Ian Currie delayed the kick-off by 30 minutes before allowing the game to proceed.

The Supporters' Club took an early lead through Simon Hussey before losing 2-1. Holt hit back with strikes from Stuart Faint which was his first of the season and Nick Corbett who scored the winner with the final kick of the game.