EVEN the intervention of North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson was not enough to help Swindon Supermarine get their New Year’s Day clash with Guildford played.

Tomlinson, a well-known supporter of the Southern League Division One South & West club who regularly attends both home and away games, was one of the volunteers that turned up yesterday in an attempt to help get the fixture on.

It was hoped that if the pitch was forked enough then it would absorb enough water to make the surface playable, but heavy rain yesterday meant this was not an option.

As a result the match was called off in the morning and players and officials from both sides were left to their own devices on New Year’s Day.

Tomlinson explained: “I was out with some friends last night when Supermarine put their tweet up calling for help with the pitch.

“Over a glass of wine we thought it would be a good idea to come and join the effort, so we rocked up with our pitchforks and wellies.

“We were pleasantly surprised how well the pitch held up and had it not rained (on New Year’s Day) then we would have had a fighting chance, because we could have cleared the surface water that was on there.

“As it was we put the kettle on and waited for the ref to come and do the inevitable, but it was all good fun.”

No local non-league beat the weather yesterday as fixtures involving the likes of Chippenham and Cirencester were washed out.

However, there was good news for Fairford secretary Bill Beach who has been recognised with a British Empire Medal.

A flood and coastal risk management officer for the Environment Agency, Beach was given the award for services to the environment and the community.

The British Empire Medal is a medal awarded for meritorious civil or military service.