IT was billed as the battle of the big four, two games that would set down psychological markers even this early in the season.

Orion Premiership pacesetters Kyles were due to face off against second-placed Newtonmore, just one point separating them after three games, while Kingussie, nestling in fourth slot, fixed their sights on Inveraray, hovering one place above them on five points, the same tally as Newtonmore.A four-way clash of the titans was eaglerly predicted. None, however, could contend with the power of Mother Nature, whose wintry tentacles yesterday ensured that neither game survived the bitter March storms.

Indeed, only three of the scheduled five matches in the Orion Premiership went ahead. A total of nine games across the six divisions succumbed to the weather with travel difficulties and unplayable pitches the main culprits. Common sense prevailed when Newtonmore's trip to Tighnabruaich was considered too hazardous while Inveraray's trip to Badenoch suffered a similar fate.

As it turned out, however, the three matches which did go ahead had no impact on the top half of the division with just five goals scored.

Fort William overcame their faltering start to the new season by grinding out a 2-1 win over Oban Camanachd.

Oban dominated the first half, but a ninth-minute goal from Iain MacMillan was all they had to show for their efforts.

Three minutes after the restart the Fort were level with Gary Innes on target. Despite almost incessant pressure the Oban defence stood firm but in the 90th minute their keeper was penalised after falling on the ball in the area. Innes stepped up to strike a confident conversion.

Early-season predictions had Glenurquhart as an outside bet for the title, but after four matches they are languishing in bottom place with just one point, gained in yesterday's derby against Lochaber at Spean Bridge which ended goal-less.

Lovat spurned the chance to move into a share of second after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kinlochshiel.

In the Marine Harvest Area Leagues, Kilmallie stay top in the North after a 6-0 win over Inverness, while in the South leaders Glasgow Mid Argyll were held 1-1 by Oban Celtic but remain in front after nearest challengers Glenorchy lost 3 -1 by Lochside Rovers.