FOR the local clubs in London Divisions Three and Four, it was a tale of traffic jams, frosted pitches and late call-offs that ensured they enjoyed the warmth of the clubhouse rather than the harsh chill of outdoors.

Alton virtually hammered home the final nail in their own relegation coffin when they allowed Winchester a walkover at 11am on Saturday morning, claiming they were short on props for the derby clash.

Tottonians saw their game at Old Wimbledonians postponed until next weekend due to a frosty pitch, while Southampton's adventure to Old Amplefordians was nothing short of farce.

Some heavy traffic congestion on the M3 held the city side up following their 11am departure but they phoned ahead to warn their opponents, based in Dulwich, that it was likely they would be delayed.

Skipper Marcus Coffin assured their hosts that they would be changed and ready for action as soon as they arrived and this was seemingly acknowledged by the Amplefordians.

However, at 2.30pm, the referee called the Southampton minibus to inform them that as they were late - the official believed it to be a 2.15pm kick-off - and that he was awarding the game to the Surrey side and he could not wait any longer.

At ten minutes to three, Saints arrived and found the hosts already changed and relaxing in the bar and no sign of the referee with Amplefordians happy to take the points as awarded by the London Society man official.

"Amps wanted to play the game," said Coffin. "But with no referee, who had left some 20 minutes before we arrived, we couldn't."

League officials have stepped in to allay Southampton's fears and the match will be rescheduled for next Saturday - the next available weekend - although this has not gone down too well with the city men.

It will mean they will have to tackle a double-header, with their Hampshire Gales' Bowl game with Alton planned for Sunday. But they will have to do so, otherwise they will face financial penalties from either league or county.

Back in London Three South-West, a very disappointed Winchester were left without a game when local rivals Alton cancelled their game just before lunchtime.

While it allowed Winchester to regain third place ahead of Tottonians, the two point deduction that will eventually befall on the Anstey Park side will surely mean their time in the league is over.

With the news that as many as four clubs could be relegated from London Four, Romsey are all but mathematically relegated as they came away from Guernsey defeated 34-3 that leaves them at least eight points from safety.

Angry Petersfield, who are fuming at the late amendment caused by Cobham's almost certain drop from London Three South-East, did their chances no harm by defeating KCS Old Boys 17-11.