FREEZING temperatures and rain may have ruined much of December’s sporting fixtures, but the vast majority was played over the first weekend of the new year.

In the rugby union, Launceston had a crunch home clash with Weston-super-Mare in Regional One South West, and despite some tough conditions and having to defend for long spells, they ground out a 14-5 win. Inside this week’s Post Series is a report and pictures plus there’s reaction from joint head coach Ian Goldsmith.

Elsewhere in the rugby, there are match reports from Bude’s vital victory over Plymstock Albion Oaks in Counties One Western West and games involving Bude Seconds and Launceston Castles in Counties Cornwall Three.

The weekend’s football was affected somewhat, particularly in the higher divisions as only one game went ahead in SWPL Premier East, while just four were played in SWPL Premier West.

In the East, Holsworthy’s trip to Newton Abbot was one of those called off, but we hear from Magpies joint boss Ryan Hall as they prepare for the visit of Bovey Tracey on Saturday.

In Premier West, there’s a report and reaction from Camelford’s defeat at St Blazey while Launceston’s home clash with Sticker didn’t get the go ahead.

Bude Town had the weekend off but the top four hopefuls have announced the signing of Gabby Rogers, who left National League North outfit Kidderminster Harriers this week, and former Helston Athletic and Bideford attacker Orlando Anker. We speak to joint boss Ben Potter on the acquistions.

Elsewhere across the local divisions, there are reports from the St Piran League, a large Duchy League round-up and mention of the North Devon and Devon and Exeter Leagues.

It might be mid-winter but you know spring is around the corner when the Cornwall Cricket League announce their divisions. They are as expected with several Post area clubs going up or down, while there’s a welcome return to the league for Luckett Seconds who will start in Division Six East.

We also hear from Tintagel captain Ryan Pooley who has announced the signing of St Lucian bowling all-rounder Daniel Jn Baptiste.

There’s also a match report from Bude Hockey Club as their men got their 2023 off to the perfect start plus the latest round-up from the North Cornwall Table Tennis League.