Weather playing havoc with weekend’s sport

Saturday 19th December 2009, 6:00AM GMT.

snowy-hills Sports fans across Shropshire and further afield were this morning keeping an anxious eye on the weather ahead of this weekend’s action.

AFC Telford United’s Blue Square North clash at Northwich Victoria has already become a casualty, with the match called off yesterday afternoon because of a frozen pitch.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury Town’s League Two trip to Rochdale must overcome a 10am inspection today.

The Greater Manchester club have put precautions in place to try and ensure the clash beats the big freeze, with covers on the pitch since Wednesday.

Head groundsman Phil Collinson described himself as “very optimistic” the game will go ahead, but has called on the help of the home supporters to remove any snow from the pitch this morning.

Around the country, racing has already been hit – with further problems expected.

Ascot have been forced to abandon their National Hunt fixtures after snow.

Today’s meetings at Uttoxeter and Newcastle will have to pass checks in the morning, while there is also an inspection tomorrow for Sunday’s card at Carlisle.

Another casualty was the British rowing winter trials in Boston, Lincolnshire, today.

They were were cancelled due to adverse travelling conditions.