A very late decision to postpone matches owing to the weather left many Clacton Sunday League teams kicking their heels following wasted journeys.

The league, and in particular fixture secretary Phil Mills, is now faced with the difficult problem of trying to fit the remaining fixtures in to what is left of the season with the cut off point for booking council pitches rapidly approaching.

Midweek games look a probability in some cases.

Of the two games that were played - both at Vista Road - Vikings, the team with most games left to play, made sure there will be at least one more on their calendar, by thumping Bullers 8-1 in the first round of the Pat Hemsted Memorial Trophy.

Craig Bruce gave Bullers an early lead, but Vikings stormed back with four goals in each half.

Joe Martin headed in four, Ross Thorogood struck twice from the penalty spot, with Tom Lang and Darren Tully completing the rout.

In the Arthur Vincent Memorial Cup, United Services (Harwich) are determined not to finish runners-up for the third year running.

And visiting Sports 2000, they took the lead against the run of play when Chris Hyde's cross saw Martin Warnes and James Helyard play a neat one-two, culminating in the former hitting home.

An own goal gave Services the lead, and when Darren Good latched on to Martin Calver's through-ball, he chipped the Sports' keeper for number three.

The final score ended up 4-1 in Services' favour when Ashley Brundle finished off a fine solo run.