SHOWER power ruled as the rain disrupted the programme of the Shoestring's sponsored Chippenham League for a fifth successive week, with just 13 out of the planned 30 league and cup matches surviving the elements.

The Fourth Division match between Westbury rivals Peter Black and White Horse FC (formerly Black Horse Trowbridge), produced 11 goals in a classic encounter that flowed from end to end and saw goals in the opening minute and the final minute.

In an action packed opening, third placed White Horse came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th second when Ian Doull's effort stuck in the water. From the clearance upfield Shane Rendall's initial effort fell to Sam Gooding, who followed up and smashed the ball home after only 40 seconds to give the Blacks the early advantage.

On five minutes the Blacks' Mel Freegard saw a long range effort drop inches over the bar. A minute later at the other end the Horse's Doull was once again cruelly denied by the surface water. After breaking clear, his shot which had passed the goalkeeper looked to be heading into the net until it landed in a puddle yards from goal.

In the seventh minute the Blacks were singing in the rain when Andy Harding's cross was met by Mark Pugh, whose sublime volley gave goalkeeper Simpson no chance to move them 2-0 in front.

Midway through the half the Horse's Chris Sims pounced on a defensive mistake and was only denied by a Gary Wright block.

Peter Black moved further in front on 27 minutes when Mark Pugh's cross was met by the head of Sam Gooding, whose glancing header left goalkeeper Simpson rooted to the spot.

On the half-hour the Horse's Wayne Burnell saw an 18 yard strike flash inches wide of the upright. Pugh added his second of the half as his wind assisted corner crept in on 36 minutes to make it 4-0.

A shell-shocked White Horse never gave up and came close to reducing the arrears with Simms going close just before the break.

If the first half belonged to Peter Black, the first 10 minutes of the second period were all The White Horse. The introduction of substitute Paul Phelps worked wonders as on 48 minutes he reduced the deficit with his first touch of the game with an excellent shot on the turn that gave goalkeeper Adam Pothecary no chance.

Two minutes later Phelps made it 4-2. After racing clear he dispatched a thunderous shot past the despairing Pothecary.

Peter Black were not to be overawed and only an breathtaking goal-line clearance from Paul Froud denied Dave Munro a certain goal.

In the 55th minute super -sub Phelps completed his hat-trick with only his third touch of the game when he drilled home from 12 yards to bring the score to 4-3.

The Horse's Doull ought to have drew his side level when he bundled Phelps' excellent cross inches wide with a goal at his mercy.

Peter Black regained the initiative in the 67th minute thanks to the influential Pugh who having rode two challenges slid the ball home for an excellent individual effort.

Two minutes later the Horse's keeper Simpson produced a world class save to keep out Rendall's looping header,

Immediately at the other end the Horse's Wayne Burnell dragged his side back into the game when he scrambled home from close range to make it 5-4.

The Horse looked to have staged an incredible fight back and earn a well deserved point when substitute Andy Cahill was left unmarked three minutes from time and stabbed the ball home to make it 5-5.

Unbelievably, there was time for a further goal. With time running out, a big punt upfield was dropped by the Horse's keeper Simpson and the ball fell kindly to Pugh who netted his fourth goal of the game to earn Peter Black an incredible 6-5 victory.

Both sides must take credit for the sporting manner in which the match was played in atrocious conditions and referee Pete Cox had an excellent game.

With Trowbridge Town Supporters' Club's pitch at Bratton underwater, they agreed to switch their game against Bradstone Rovers to Goatacre, where a first half goal from Marc Neale was enough to give Rovers a 1-0 victory over the Town.

Goals for Mark Forrester, Darren Axford and a penalty from Shaun King in the last 10 minutes helped North Star B defeat Colerne B 3-1. Andy Moules netted for the losers, who also saw Star goalkeeper Richard Ellis save a penalty.

Defences were on top in the game between Corsham Park Rangers and Westbury Rangers B and both sides drew a blank in the league's first 0-0 draw of the season. Both goalkeepers had excellent games to keep out any threat. Corsham Park did find a way past Rangers' goalkeeper, only for Mark Wolf to have his effort ruled out for offside.

The match was well refereed by John Dixon.

Division Three

THE only game to survive the elements in the Premier Division was the match between Winsley and Corsham Centre United which ended all square at 1-1.

Winsley took the lead in the 70th minute through substitute Colin Earp, who drove home from 20 yards. United salvaged their point thanks to Tom Laver, who netted in the 80th minute. United's Dave Kilmurray had the chance to win his side both points when he headed against the bar in the final minute but missed the rebound when it looked easier to score.

Division One

ATWORTH United's relegation fears mounted after they suffered a 6-1 defeat at home to Maud Heath Sports. Matthew Waite (3) and Ian Bailey (3), his first goals for the club, saw the Sports to their emphatic win. Chris White replied.

Colerne A's fine revival of late continued with a 3-2 victory over North Star A, who after early season promise have lost their early way of late. Ben Moore gave Colerne the lead which Dan Walters doubled before Nick Fielding found the mark for the Star. Moore added his second before Ronnie Kallmeier hit Star's second to give them hope of a late fight back.

All Cannings returned to winning ways with a 6-3 win against Gladstone Liberal Club. Martin Baker (2), Richard Mansell, Nick Oram, an own goal and Thomas Williams' first goal of the season completed Cannings' half dozen. Danny Thomas (2) and Phil Patterson were on target for the losers.

Division Three

CHIPPENHAM Black Horse boosted their promotion credentials as they continued their recent good form with a 4-2 win over AFC Unicorn.

Goals from Tony Kerwick (2), Terry French and Darren Whiston made it eight league and cup wins on the bounce. Clint Cabral and Dean Fry replied.

Leaders Old Lane United and Semington Rovers drew 3-3. Stuart Barber put Rovers in front before Marcus Young netted twice to give United the lead. An own goal made it 2-2 before Rob Hickman edged United back in front. Rovers' Michael Burbidge then fired home a Ben Phillips' corner 10 minutes from time to earn Rovers their share of the spoils. Things could have been a lot better for the Old Lane had Marcus Young not missed a penalty when the score was 2-1.

Miller Sports were another team who gave up home advantage and reversed their match and they were rewarded with a narrow 1-0 win over the Plough with a goal from Royston Aust which came in the first minute following a lapse in concentration in the Plough's defence. Goalkeepers Nick Evans (the Sports) and Gary Fippen (the Plough) were in outstanding form.

Biddestone Social Club's poor form away from home continued as they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Christian Malford, who remain in second place. Scott Evans gave Malford the lead before Mike Few bought Biddestone level. Evans restored his side's lead before converting a penalty to take his tally for the season to 18. Few netted his and the Club's second to set up a late flourish which Malford weathered to remain in touch with the leaders. Malford's victory was soured by an injury after only 10 minutes to Allan Creasey, who suffered a broken leg.

Eric Hughes Memorial Cup

IN the first round the only game to survive the weather saw Dog and Fox Ashley stroll to a 9-2 win over St Jude's.

The Premier Division side moved to the next round with goals from Matt Cottrell (2), Nick Cottrell (2 penalties), Nathan Gant, Russell Whatley and a first half hat-trick from Phil Radwell. Rickie Lavens netted both of St Jude's consolations.

Chronicle Subsidiary Cup

PREMIER Division side the Packhorse set up a first round tie at home to Miller Sports after defeating First Division side Chippenham Police 4-1.

Alex Whitehall netted a brace before leaving the field injured. Craig Dore and Mark Oglivie, with an excellent overhead kick, made up Packhorse's quartet. Tim Culling replied.

The league will be looking for a break in the weather this Sunday as they try to play a number of outstanding cup matches.

In the Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup, Second Division Cooper Avon will be hoping that their Melksham Town pitch will be passed fit to allow them to face the challenge of Premier Division side Neston 81.

Fellow Premier Division outfit Corsham Centre United are at home to Fourth Division leaders Blue Circle Saints, where a cup upset is more than a possibility.

Third Division Biddestone Social Club have the unenviable task of meeting Box , who currently top the Premier Division and are unbeaten in all competitions. First Division Gladstone Liberal Club should have enough firepower to dispose of Colerne B from the Fourth Division.

Terry's will be out to avenge last season's defeat against the Royal Oak, who were then the Quarryman's Arms, and who won 4-3 after extra-time.

In the preliminary round of the Chronicle Subsidiary Cup, Westbury Rangers A should have few problems in disposing of Malmesbury Victoria. The only problem will be if their Meadow Lane pitch will be fit to host the game.

Trowbridge Town Supporters' Club from the Fourth Division will fancy their chances of overcoming Third Division Hare and Hounds and fellow Fourth Division side Southwick Sports and Social Club could well spring a surprise at home to an out of sort AFC Unicorn from Division Three.

Sunday also sees the second round of the Wilts Sunday Cup, with two Chippenham League side certain to make the next round. Two all Chippenham League clashes see Bradstone at home to Miller Sports and Farmhouse at home to The Packhorse.

Dog and Fox Ashley, fresh from their victory over Devizes League hotshots Selectabook, travel to High Street Club from Swindon, Bromham are away to Swindon West Indians while Colerne visit Carriers Arms, who dispatched Terry's FC in the last round.