The weather played havoc with local sport this weekend and the Cheltenham League was no exception with just two league games surviving the downpours, both of which were played on artificial pitches.
 
In Division Three the two teams who were at opposite ends of the table at kick-off met as Cheltenham United hosted Southside Star Reserves at All Saints.
 
United have made a strong start to the season although they have already tasted defeat three times, one of which was in the league.
 
The other two losses led to early exits from the Charities and County cups. Remarkably all three defeats have been at the hands of FC Lakeside Reserves, a team who look like they will be a real force this season.
 
Star on the other hand had lost their opening two league games and propped up the table without a point to their name. One of these defeats was a 3-0 defeat Cheltenham United in the reverse fixture.
 
The game was played in heavy rain and in the opening exchanges there were opportunities at both ends.
 
Despite a scoreless opening 25 minutes the game ended with 11 goals being scored and while United went home with all three points, the 7-4 scoreline suggests that Star’s position at the foot of the table may not truly reflect their abilities.
 
The other league match was in Division Four and saw Tewkesbury Athletic host Cheltenham Saracens III at Tewkesbury School. Athletic went into the game boasting a 100 per cent record from their four games, while a challenging start to the season had left Saracens with just a point to show for their efforts.
 
And the game went to form as Tewkesbury extended their lead to six points after handing their visitors a 5-0 defeat with goals from Mark Hawtin along with braces from Tom Neath and Brandon Sprason.
 
In addition to the two league games there were also two cup matches played, one in the Charities Cup and one in the County Cup.
 
In the Charities Cup, the all Division One affair saw Bishop’s Cleeve A make the trip to Malvern Vale. Despite home advantage it was Cleeve who progressed to the next round with a 3-2 win.
 
In the other cup game, Falcons Reserves won through to the next round of the County Cup after an emphatic 6-1 win against Redbrook Rovers Reserves.
 
The Cheltenham League is sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford.