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Friday May 13, 2016

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No. 737

Two in court over murder of Polish man

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SHEARD OUSTED IN LABOUR COUP Pandor poised to step up after claims of rifts over new homes and ‘ethnicity’ By David Miller News Reporter davidmiller@thepressnews.co.uk

LABOUR big beast David Sheard has been ousted as Kirklees Council leader – in a coup by his own party. Coun Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) went on the warpath about his dismissal amid claims that the Labour group is divided following the revolt. He was axed at a meeting of Labour councillors

in Huddersfield on Monday night. They were reported to have voted 19 to 13 in favour of making Coun Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West) the new party leader. Labour have 34 councillors, two of whom either did not vote or did not attend the meeting. Coun Pandor will be put forward as council

IN... Shabir Pandor

OUT... David Sheard

leader at the authority’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 25. Coun Sheard, who took the top job two years ago, remains in post until then and says he will accept the decision. But whether Coun Pandor becomes council leader depends on being voted for by a majority of at least 35 out of 69 councillors. Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) pointed to the apparent split at Labour’s Monday meeting. He said: “If those 13 people went to the toilet during the meeting it would leave Coun Pandor vulnerable. “If they they can keep their 34 ducks in a row they would only need one more vote. “But that could depend on how many crumbs Coun Pandor has to offer in order to retain support.” Coun Sheard became leader with help from Green and independent councillors while the

Tories and Lib Dems either voted against or abstained. It is claimed objections to the Local Plan were a motivating factor in his removal. Deputy council leader Coun Jean Calvert is against proposals to build 2,500 homes on Bradley Park Golf Course. She was re-elected as Labour deputy leader at Monday’s meeting and will be put forward to keep her council role on May 25. Coun Calvert has been off sick for much of the year and has missed a number of meetings. Coun Bolt has an interest as any housing development would have a knock-on effect to neighbouring Mirfield. He said: “We were originally told the Local Plan is strategic and for the greater good. “If there are changes now then it will be political expedience and opportunism driving it.

Continued on Page 2

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016 18 May at 12.30pm. PICKERING BETTY (NEE OADE) On 8 May, aged 90, of Heckmondwike. Wife of of the late William. Service at Gomersal Moravian Church, Friday 20 May at 11am, followed by committal in the churchyard.

Deaths ADDISON EMILY On 29 April, aged 91, of Gomersal. Wife of the late William. Service at Gomersal

Methodist Church, Tuesday 17 May at 11.15am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

formerly of Dewsbury. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Tuesday 24 May at 12.30pm.

AUCKLAND ERIC On 8 May, aged 56, of Honley,

BRZEZICKI NEE CHARLTON EILEEN MARGARET On 5 May, of Batley, aged 89. Wife of the late Aleksander. Requiem Mass at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, Thursday 19 May at 10.30am, followed by interment at Batley Cemetery. CARROLL PAUL PETER On 2 May 2016, of Batley, aged 60. Requiem Mass at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, Friday 20 May at 9.30am, followed by interment at Batley Cemetery.

DARNBROUGH NORMAN Aged 79, of Cleckheaton. Husband of Barbara. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 23 May at 11.15am. DHARNI AVNASH (NASH) Wakefield Road newsagent On 8 May, aged 57. Service at Scholemoor Crematorium, Bradford on Wednesday 18 May at 1.20pm. FAWCETT RUTH On 10 May, aged 94, of Cleckheaton. Wife of the late Dick. Service at St Luke’s Church, Cleckheaton, Monday 23 May at 11am.

COATES NEE TOPPS MARGARET On 4 May, of Batley, aged 84 years. Wife of Alan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 May 2016 at 2pm.

FREAR ISABELLA MCGEE On 30 April, of Hightown, aged 69. Wife of Robert. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 May at 11.15am.

COWLING GARTH On 6 May, of Mirfield, aged 82. Husband of Margaret. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 May at 10.30am.

GREENWOOD DAVID On 5 May, aged 84 of Liversedge. Husband of the late Audrey. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 19 May at 10.30am.

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HAJDU JANOS “JOHN” On 30 April, of Ossett, aged 77.

Partner of Susan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 May at 2pm. HIRST KENNETH On 8 May, of Mirfield, aged 91. Husband of Betty. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby, on Monday 23 May at 2pm. HUGHES EDNA NEE LAMBERT On 6 May. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 May at 2.45pm. HUNTER SHEILA (NEE HOLMES) On 4 May, of Dewsbury, aged 72. Wife of John. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 May at 10.30am. LOHAN DAVID On 4 May, aged 62, formerly of Hightown. Husband of Carol. Service at Christ Church, Liversedge, Thursday 19 May at 1.45pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium. PEDLEY GORDON On 8 May, aged 81. Husband of Dorothy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday

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ROSE GEORGE On 6 May, on his 81st birthday, of Littletown. Husband of Pauline. Service at St James’ Church, Heckmondwike, today Friday 13 May at 10.45am, followed by private interment. SENIOR MARJORIE On 7 May, of Hanging Heaton, aged 96. Wife of the late Vina. Service at St Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton, on Monday 23 May at 11.15am, followed by interment in the Churchyard. TABERNER KENNETH ISHERWOOD On 3 May, aged 91, of Mirfield. Husband of Molly. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 May at 2.45pm. WALKER PETER DAVID On 6 May, aged 66, of Batley. Husband of Diane. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 19 May at 11.15am. WILSON MICHAEL EDWARD On 10 May, of Mirfield, aged 71. Husband of Jean. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel: 01924 454476.

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Labour oust leader Sheard, Pandor voted in Continued from Page 1 “And if the golf course is suddenly struck out, then is that strategic or a pay-off for supporting Coun Pandor?” Coun Sheard took to Twitter to vent anger at those who claimed they would vote for him on Monday. “What really surprises me is how well so many people could lie within hours of the Group meeting,” he tweeted. He then took aim at Coun Pandor after he said Labour underperformed at last week’s council election. The party failed to take control of the council and remain one seat short of a majority. Coun Sheard tweeted: “Perhaps if you had put some time in your Cabinet job you could have suggested different policies, or at least questioned.” He next suggested Coun Pandor intended to form a Cabinet based on ethnicity. The current Cabinet is made up of five men and four women and Coun Pandor is the only member of Asian heritage. Of those nine, five represent North Kirklees wards, including three from Heckmondwike. And most of them, such as Heckmondwike councillor Viv Kendrick, are seen as supporters of Coun Sheard. Coun Sheard posted on Twitter of Coun Pandor: “He wants a Cabinet based on ethnicity, I wanted a Cabinet based on ability.” Coun Pandor said he wants a better balance among wards from the north and south of the district. He added: “I want my Cabinet to be ethnically diverse and balanced between men and women. “Together as a team we can take Kirklees to the next level and make sure our borough punches above its weight.”

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/ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: David Miller Sports Reporter: Joe Link Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Kate Fisher Wayne Farkas Office Manager: Adele Latham The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

‘If I can’t have them, he can’t have them either’ By Staff Reporters A WOMAN from Heckmondwike stabbed her two young daughters to death a day after fleeing to a refuge in fear of her partner. Samira Lupidi, 24, admitted at Bradford Crown Court to the manslaughter of three-year-old Evelyn Lupidi and 17-month-old Jasmine Weaver. Lupidi, who denies murder, stabbed the two children in their beds at the refuge in Bradford. She then told staff in reference to partner Carl Weaver: “If I can’t have them, he can’t have them either.” The jury heard a 33cm stainless steel kitchen knife with a 21cm blade was removed from the scene. Both children were found in their beds at the refuge with nine stab wounds to the chest each. Peter Moulson QC, prosecuting, told the jury Italian-born Lupidi and the girls were moved to the refuge on November 17 last year. Police were called to her home on Church Lane in Heckmondwike the previous day over claims she had been assaulted. Lupidi told officers she had been

Jasmine Weaver and Evelyn Lupidi hit on her arm and her legs by Mr Weaver, 31, the children’s father. She also claimed he gave her little money for clothes and food and restricted her contact with family in Italy. Lupidi feared Mr Weaver would take their children after they were baptised the following weekend. Officers noted she did not appear to have injuries following the alleged assaults. But jurors were told they took her and her daughters to a women’s refuge in Bradford for their own safety. PC Kirsty Wright, who took Lupidi to the refuge, said in a statement read to the court the children were due to be baptised on November 21.

She added Lupidi feared Mr Weaver would use the occasion to leave her and take the children with him. Lupidi told domestic violence workers Mr Weaver would kill her and the girls if he found them. The next morning a support worker knocked on her bedroom door and Lupidi rushed out with her hands “smeared with blood”. Mr Moulson said Lupidi was heard to say “They won’t believe that I’ve killed them” as she ran out of the flat on her mobile phone to her mother. She is then alleged to have said: “I killed them. I hurt them. I killed the children.” Lupidi next said: “It’s his fault. Now he has a reason to kill me. If I can’t have them, he can’t have them either. He was coming to get me. I had to do this.” Mr Moulson told the jury Lupidi later told a police custody officer: “I know what I have done. My life is nothing now.” Lupidi declined to comment further in two separate police interviews on the following day. She admitted manslaughter of the girls on the grounds of diminished responsibility but

No bail for murder suspects TWO BROTHERS are accused of murdering a Polish man found dead near the canal in Ravensthorpe. Pawel Olszewski, 25, and 20-year-old Krzysztof Olszewski were remanded into custody until Friday June 3 after a hearing at Leeds Crown Court. The pair are alleged to have killed Marcin Siarczynski between January 1 and July 31, 2015. No application for bail was made so they were remanded until a pre-trial hearing next month. Judge Peter Collier QC told the defendants on Monday that pleas would be made at that stage. “If the plea is not guilty a timetable will be set to bring the matter to trial within the custody time limits, which is November 4,” he said. Pawel Olszewski is of Bromley Street, Dewsbury, while Krzysztof Olszewski is of Crawshaw Street, Ravensthorpe. Last Friday Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard

the crime is said to have been committed at Krysztof Olszewski’s former address on Jessamine Street. Mr Siarczynski, 37, was found on March 14 this year in a wooded area near Low Mill Lane

close to the canal. Krzysztof Olszewski is further charged with using threatening behaviour towards his brother at Crawshaw Street on July 13, 2015. Both men were legally represented but spoke

through Polish interpreters at a half-hour hearing. • A 29-year-old man from the Ravensthorpe area arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender is on bail pending further enquiries.

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News in Brief Good Samaritan plea BIRSTALL: Police want a Good Samaritan who helped a pensioner who later died to come forward. The witness helped the 82-year-old man dispose of garden waste from his Skoda car at the Nab Lane tip on April 21. It is thought he saw the man suffer a serious head injury when he either fell or collapsed. He was taken to hospital but died later that day. Officers hope to speak to the Good Samaritan, a white man in his 40s wearing shorts, as a witness. Anyone with information can call Det Con Gemma Smith at Kirklees CID on 101 quoting reference number 13160180979B.

Sister-in-law groped HECKMONDWIKE: A man sexually assaulted his sister-in-law when she refused his advances at a New Year’s Eve Party. The 34-year-old, who cannot be named, grabbed her bottom as they played board games. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the man was extremely drunk and could not remember the incident. He told his sister-in-law he wanted to go to bed with her and asked for a kiss, which was refused. The man then sexually assaulted her, which ended when his own partner came into the room. He was given a conditional discharge for three years and told to pay £50 compensation to the victim, plus £400 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Pedestrian hit by car LIVERSEDGE: A pedestrian escaped with brusing to her arm when she was knocked down by a car. The woman, aged 42 and described as vulnerable, was crossing Liversedge Hall Lane at around 10.15am last Saturday. The driver stopped to make sure the woman, who was checked over in hospital, was okay. But they did not leave any contact details so police are appealing for the driver or witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information can call PC Jack Bailey at the Huddersfield Patrol Team One on 101.

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denies murder. Forensic medical examiner Dr Andrew Cobb judged Lupidi to be not overtly mentally ill. But he believed her to be depressed and described her as appearing “thin, tense, guarded and quietly desperate”. Mr Weaver came home from work in the late afternoon of November 16 to find his family gone. He made repeated calls to police expressing concern about Lupidi and the girls, describing his partner as “on the verge of a nervous breakdown.” Phone calls to officers were played for the jury, including one where he said Lupidi was “far from well.” In a final call at 3am on the morning of the stabbings he said: “She’s paranoid and makes things up and creates a storm out of nothing.” Following the conclusion of the prosecution case yesterday (Thurs) Angela Rafferty QC told the jury that Miss Lupidi would not be giving evidence in her own defence. The jury is expected to begin considering its verdicts on Monday afternoon or Tuesday.

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ThePress

News In Brief Labour police chief retains West Yorks NORTH KIRKLEES: Labour’s Mark BurnsWilliamson was re-elected as West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner last week. He polled 295,814 votes to 150,126 for Conservative nominee Allan Doherty in second place. The voter turnout of 35 per cent was the highest in the country among the 40 areas where such an election took place. Peter Corkindale (UKIP) finished third followed by Barry Golton (Lib Dem) and Therese Muchewicz (English Democrat). There was a ‘run-off’ between Mr BurnsWilliamson and Mr Doherty as no candidate achieved the 50 per cent required to win outright. Once second preferences were counted, the former Castleford councillor won reelection.

Busman convicted of drink driving DEWSBURY: A bus driver was caught drinkdriving on the way home from a barbeque. David Wilkinson, 40, was more than three times over the legal limit late on April 23. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Wilkinson, of Thorn Avenue, Thornhill, was pulled over by police on Staincliffe Road on April 23. A test showed he had 116mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The limit is 35mg. Mohammed Arif, mitigating, said: “Because of this conviction there is no alternative for the company but to tell him where the door is.” Wilkinson had been a bus driver for 15 years. Magistrates adjourned sentencing for reports.

Blaze at factory HECKMONDWIKE: A discarded cigarette is thought to have caused aerosols to explode at a factory on Wednesday. Fire broke out in a skip, which also contained mattress foam, placed next to the premises on Beck Lane at around 2.50pm. Crews from Cleckheaton, Mirfield and Morley prevented the blaze from spreading.

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Friday May 13, 2016

Controversy on busy polling day

Kirklees Council: 23 seats out of 69 up for election this time: Labour 12 seats (40% of the vote) Conservative 6 seats (26%) Liberal Democrat 3 (13%) Green Party 1 (9%) Independent 1 (3%) UK Independence Party 0 (9%) Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts (0) (less than 1%) Turnout: 35%

North Kirklees election results (*denotes elected):

By David Miller THERE was a double dose of election controversy last week – including claims of a voting irregularity in Mirfield. Police interviewed a 75year-old man over reports that the number of postal ballots for Tory candidate Martyn Bolt were revealed on Facebook on the day of voting (last Thursday). And an aide to Jo Cox MP got into bother after she penned an article critical of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. In Mirfield it was said a percentage tally for Coun Bolt was shared online while voting was still under way. Postal ballots are counted before polling day but should not be revealed in case it influences the outcome. Police, who were asked to investigate alleged electoral fraud, are continuing their enquiries. Re-elected Coun Bolt disputed the term “electoral fraud” and also said: “As far as I know I’m not implicated. Electoral fraud involving postal votes is when somebody takes piles of ballots and fills them in. “What’s happened here is somebody saw the postal votes being emptied out and told somebody else about it.” Batley and Spen Labour MP Mrs Cox, meanwhile, co-wrote an article for The Guardian about Mr Corbyn following perceived poor election results. In it Mrs Cox and fellow Labour MP Neil Coyle criticised Mr

Election results summary:

BATLEY EAST *Fazila Fadia (Lab) Derrick Yates (Con) Abdul Ghaffar (Ind) Richard Allan Farnhill(Lib Dem) Char Stoyles (Green Party)

3,487 594 512 248 156

BATLEY WEST *Shabir Pandor (Lab) 2,833 James Laugharne Griffith-Jones (UKIP) 698 Lyndsey Hall (Con) 648 Garry Mervyn Kitchin (Green) 198 Christopher Martin Kane (Lib Dem) 156

BIG WIN: Martyn Bolt overcame controversy to claim a big majority in Mirfield Corbyn’s “weak leadership” and “poor judgement”. The article was headlined “We nominated Jeremy Corbyn for leadership. Now we regret it.” Local party members said to be upset received an explanation in an

email entitled “Why I Knifed Corbyn”. Dan Howard, an aide to Mrs Cox reportedly behind the email, apologised and was said to have offered his resignation, but was still at work this week. Mrs Cox said: “An

email was sent out to party members in error by a member of staff. “Those who received it have been contacted with an explanation. Both I and the member of staff have apologised for the error and any offence caused.”

BIRSTALL & BIRKENSHAW *Andrew Palfreeman (Con) Khalid Ahmed Patel (Lab) Joyce Avril Holbrook (UKIP) Clare Elisabeth Kane (Lib Dem) Jasmine Paris Kennedy (Green)

1,987 939 851 232 190

CLECKHEATON *Kathryn Mary Pinnock (Lib Dem) Colin Walshaw (UKIP) Andrew Lyndon Gray (Con) Aafaq Noor Butt (Lab) Catherine Helen Whittingham (Green)

2,592 707 677 571 114

DEWSBURY EAST *Paul Kane (Lab) Mark Simon Eastwood (Con) Greg Burrows (UKIP) Dennis Hullock (Lib Dem) Tony Kelsall (Green Party)

2,285 970 758 191 111

DEWSBURY SOUTH * Gulfam Asif (Lab) Imtiaz Ali Ameen (Con) Adrian Hugh Cruden (Green) Bernard Thomas Disken (Lib Dem)

2,626 1,406 525 339

DEWSBURY WEST *Mussarat Pervaiz (Lab) Shehzad Hussain (Lib Dem) John David Nottingham (Con) Simon John Cope (Green)

3,164 992 474 450

HECKMONDWIKE *Steve Hall (Lab) Aleks Lukic (UKIP) Robert James Michael Thornton (Con) Sofia Yusuf Layton (Green) Josie Pugsley (Lib Dem)

2,281 836 701 142 119

LIVERSEDGE & GOMERSAL *Michelle Lisa Grainger-Mead (Con) Mohammed Jawad Afzal Khan (Lab) Simon Holbrook (UKIP) David Peter Snee (Lib Dem) Nicholas Eugene Whittingham (Green)

1,803 1,243 1,151 200 148

MIRFIELD *Stephen Martyn Bolt (Con) Karen Louise Rowling (Lab) Isabel Clare Walters (Green) John Allen Dobson (Lib Dem)

3,434 1,442 358 172

Labour denied by Liversedge and Gomersal loss LABOUR failed to take control of Kirklees Council in elections last week – with the loss of the Liversedge and Gomersal ward proving decisive. The party were one seat short of a majority and could have been set for a takeover when they won Colne Valley. But defeat to the Tories in Liversedge and Gomersal saw Labour stand as they did before as the biggest party with 34 seats out of 69. The incumbent councillor there, Labour’s Simon Alvy, stood down after just one term in office. Nominee Jawad Khan faced claims from Save Gomersal Hall activists that he tried to associate himself with their campaign in election leaflets. He polled a respectable 1,243 votes but came second to Tory Michelle Grainger-Mead on 1,803 votes. Elsewhere, claims of a polling irregularity did not stop Coun Martyn Bolt winning the battle of the big-hitters in Mirfield. He received 64 per cent of the vote in a sizeable win over Labour’s Coun Karen Rowling. She had been deselected in Dewsbury West – which was said to be wide open

The local elections count at Cathedral House in Huddersfield with the Lib Dems and Greens fancying their chances.

Before the election a Lib Dem activist told The Press he believed they had

“taken” Dewsbury West. But Labour candidate Mussarat Pervaiz romped home with 3,164 votes – some 62 per cent of all ballots cast. Fazila Fadia retained the Batley East seat for Labour with the highest number of votes in Kirklees (3,487) following the departure of long-time ward councillor Hanif Mayet. In Dewsbury South, Gulfam Asif cruised to another red rose win after controversial councillor Abdul Patel stood down. Asif garnered 2,626 votes with former Tory parliamentary candidate Imtiaz Ameen trailing in second with 1,406. Veteran Birstall and Birkenshaw Conservative Andrew Palfreeman, who has represented the ward since 1998, retained the seat with 1,987 votes and other well-known local names including Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dewsbury East) and Coun Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) were re-elected. Labour won 12 of 23 the seats contested. The Tories took six, Lib Dems three, Green one and independents one. The turnout was 35 per cent. The new make-up of the full council: Lab 34, Con 20, Lib Dem 9, Green 3, Independents 3.

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

I’ll look at patient safety, vows Hunt HEALTH secretary Jeremy Hunt is to probe patient safety issues at the Trust which runs Dewsbury District Hospital. He made the promise when grilled by parliament’s health select committee on Monday. Committee member Paula Sherriff, the Labour MP for Dewsbury & Mirfield, used the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS

Trust as an example of wider health service problems. She highlighted the number of patients stuck in ambulances outside A&E beyond waiting targets. Miss Sherriff said: “Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust has the third busiest A&E in the entire country. “Last month there were 937 patients who missed the 15-minute ambulance

transfer. That isn’t good.” She added: “It’s failing to meet all its targets and by the Trust’s own admission it’s in crisis, with tempers fraying on the wards. “Many wards are found to be at half the safe staffing level. It’s absolutely clear that patient safety is being compromised.” Mr Hunt said he would look “very seriously” at any information Ms Sherriff could provide

about Mid Yorkshire. The news comes amid renewed pressure on Mid Yorkshire from Coun Paul Kane, who stands down as Mayor of Kirklees on Wednesday, May 25. Coun Kane (Lab, Dewsbury West) said once he is back to “normal” duties, Mid Yorkshire will be one of his priorities. He has already asked for plans to downgrade A&E to be reviewed, given sepa-

rate proposals to axe A&E at Huddersfield Royal infirmary. Coun Kane said: “The option to downgrade Dewsbury A&E did include some of the possible patients from North Kirklees going to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary A&E. “With the possible loss of this facility, the calculations used render the proposals unworkable.”

Deafness no barrier to Jodie’s sporting success

“There are a few communication issues with my teammates and coaches sometimes, but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome...”

News in Brief Weapons seized at two schools DEWSBURY: Weapons were seized from pupils at two schools according to escalating police figures. Over the last three years there were three incidents at Thornhill Community and one at Westborough High School. Across the county there were six weapon seizures in 2013, 15 in 2014 and 48 last year. The weapons include knives, baseball bats and knuckle-dusters and offenders ranged from age seven to 17. A spokesman for Thornhill Community Academy said: “We take the safeguarding of our students and staff extremely seriously. As such we ensure all due processes are followed wherever necessary.”

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By Steve Martyn A DEAF 15-year-old girl from Thornhill is defying medical odds to take rugby union by storm. Jodie Ounsley, who is profoundly deaf and has a chronic knee condition, is the top tryscorer for Sandal Girls U-15s near Wakefield. And she scored twice on her debut for Yorkshire two weeks ago in a 59-10 win over Leicestershire. Her explosive running, deadly finishing and solid defence also earned her an invitation to train with the England deaf team. She said: “It’s a fantastic sport for girls and I’m having a brilliant time. I’ve made loads of new friends and am fitter than I’ve ever been.” Jodie's sports career was on hold for two years due to knee problems caused by Osgood-Schlatter Disease, which affects the upper part of the shin and is characterised by a painful lump just below the knee. But medical advice to completely rest the knee worked wonders for the sports-mad youngster. She was crowned junior “There are a few world coal carrying communication champion in issues with my teamGawthorpe four mates and coaches times and won five sometimes, but it’s sprint titles at the nothing that can’t be Deaf Athletics overcome. Championship. “Deafness isn’t Jodie, who only something that took up rugby union should prevent anylast October, also one from realising won gold at the their dreams in British Open sport.” Brazilian jiu jitsu Her coach at finals. Sandal, Andy Bevan, She said: “I didn’t said Jodie is a rare think I’d ever get to talent and tipped her play rugby because I for England honours. had a cochlear He said: “Jodie’s implant when I was progress is testimoa toddler – but a ny to what all chilheadguard means dren can achieve by everything is probecoming involved tected. in sport.”

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Jodie sprints away from opponents on her way to scoring a try for Yorkshire Jodie’s call-up by Yorkshire came fittingly on the eve of Deaf Awareness Week. Roger Wicks, director of policy and campaigns at Action on Hearing Loss, praised her achievements. He said: “We’re tearing up society’s assumptions and turning the spotlight on the amazing things deaf people and people with hearing loss can do. “It’s therefore inspiring to see Jodie succeeding on the rugby field – proving deafness is no barrier to incredible achievement.” • Anyone who needs advice can call Action on Hearing Loss on 0808 808 0123 or textphone 0808 808 9000.

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

BACK IN PRINT Now on sale, the updated edition. Reserve a copy in office hours on 01924 470296, order via www.thepressnews.co.uk or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley

LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

Old beardy has his ‘Brutus’ moment HE Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn should be worried. Very worried. Cast your eyes north to the humble borough of Kirklees, Jezza, and see what happens when old, unreconstructed Marxists – and especially ones with raggedy-arsed beards – let power go to their heads. Heckmondwike councillor David Sheard was ousted in a Labour coup this week that was sublime in execution and left the perennially bitter leftwing loony spewing like a Glasgow drunk. His raving tweet about new leader Shabir Pandor wanting to create a cabinet based on ethnicity was outrageous. In different circumstances, Sheard would have screamed ‘racist’ and gone for the throat of anyone making such an inflammatory comment. It is sweetly symbolic of the barking-mad far left that they don’t even recognise their hypocrisy

Peas in a pod ... ‘Jezza Sheard’, the doolally leaders of Labour at its worst at these times. I suspect that a lot of Labour councillors wondered what they’d let themselves in for when they allowed the elder statesman and deputy leader to take the helm when Mehboob Khan sought richer

pastures. Sheard immediately surrounded himself by mostly friends and brown-nosers including, quite disgracefully, both of his Heckmondwike buddies. One small ward, a third of the council executive. Democracy, eh? A soaring brains trust, this cabinet certainly was not – much like Corbyn’s Westminster cabal. Shabir Pandor was probably Sheard’s own nod towards ethnic tokenism on the cabinet, so how sweet it is that he has been the Brutus to Sheard’s Caesar. It would have appealed to the class hatred that runs through Sheard like a stick of Blackpool rock, to rubberstamp the concreting over of the fabulous Bradley Park municipal golf course to build 2,500 homes, and to extend the Savile Town caliphate with 4,000 more on the green belt behind Thornhill Lees and Ravensthorpe.

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It seems old beardy Sheardy got a little too carried away with all that authority though, much to the annoyance of colleagues, some of whom have even shown signs over the years of actually listening to the people who vote for them. David Sheard always knew best however. Until now. So, how the mighty are fallen and, as the McDonald’s jingle would have it …. Do-do, dodo-dooo! I’m lovin’ it! I just hope Shabir Pandor, an experienced local representative, steps up to the plate with a little more intelligence and reason than his predecessor. And as for Jeremy Corbyn, he might well heed the wise words of Michael Corleone from The Godfather II: “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” Or maybe don’t even bother Jez. They’ll get you in the end anyway. Always do. DIDN’T you love the titillating indiscretions of the Prime Minister and even a snippet from HRH Queen Bess, at the palace this week? Why shouldn’t the Queen say she found the Chinese rude? Good on her. But when Cameron said that Nigeria and Afghanistan are ‘fantastically corrupt’ I wondered – was it just me, or did he sound jealous? There wasn’t a hint of regret that we continue to pour hundreds of millions of pounds each and every year into those corrupt black holes.

Sticks and stones... NE or two of you will have my mobile number – close friends, family members. However, I wasn’t surprised while driving round the M25 to get a call from the publisher of a new Bradford newspaper. He wouldn’t tell me how he got my number, but he didn’t need to. Since we exposed Terry Zaman’s most recent schemes, I’ve been receiving vaguely sinister messages and calls from withheld numbers. You see, in order to give a right of reply, I had to give my number to Zaman’s people. I’m sure they’d be surprised to learn how many ways there are to trace abusive calls and messages. Some emanated from Savile Town, slap my thigh. Anyway. Water, back, off a duck’s and all that. This young Muslim publisher wanted to meet me because he’d had “calls from lots of concerned people in Dewsbury, 15 or so,” wanting him to expose this madman Lockwood. Apparently I’m creating racial tensions and division. He sounded surprised to

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PM betrays our brave fallen IT’S NOT surprising, the The Menin desperate depths people Gate, Ypres are plumbing in the increasingly acrimonious EU debate. But when your Prime Minister wades into the sewers, invoking the memories of the brave fallen of two world wars in order to frighten people into capitulation, it’s beyond the pale. David Cameron made his thinly-veiled prediction of another great continental war should the UK vote ‘Leave’ at the British Museum on Monday. I wish he’d given that speech alongside me a few days earlier, at the Menin Gate memorial in the pretty Belgian town of Ypres. Do you believe Cameron could swallow his shame and deliver such a filthy piece of self-serving rhetoric while facing the engraved names of almost 55,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died to save this country from tyranny? I don’t doubt that he could. Nothing is beyond this awful, selfish man. And while I’d love to think the ghosts of those soldiers would promptly rise up and claim Cameron, I’d have been delighted with the opportunity just to smack him in his treasonous teeth on their behalf. How dare he. I defy anyone to walk around the Menin Gate and not be moved to tears. Its scale is breathtaking – even before you realise these men didn’t constitute the entire casualty list. Great Britain alone lost 325,000 men in the Ypres campaigns. Those 55,000 on the memorial are simply some of the fallen whose bodies were never found, who were never given a final resting place. David Cameron tried to finesse his apocalyptic scaremongering by saying that our troops sacrificed their lives in 1914-18 and 1939-45 to “restore peace and order in Europe”. Really? I always thought we were fighting for our island nation’s survival, especially through those perilous summer months of 1940 when the Luftwaffe tried to bomb Britain to its knees and pave the way for invasion. Do you think those ‘Pals’ regiments of the old Ridings of Yorkshire marched off to perish in the mud of Flanders because they cared about Franco-Prussian squabbles over ownership of Alsace-Lorraine? I don’t. I think that if they knew their sacrifice of 100 years ago would be betrayed, handed meekly over in subservience to a self-appointed German-Franco dictatorship – which is what the EU is – then they’d have turned their guns on traitors like David Cameron. When Cameron strode into Brussels with his ‘demands’ Angela Merkel simply laughed and told him where to shove them. So he blushed, and he did. He went to get a pig, came back with a bag of pork scratchings and is still trying to pass it off as a hog roast. Having threatened World War III this week, I don’t doubt he’ll invoke the spectres of bubonic plague and alien invasion in the days ahead. Oops. Maybe not alien invasion – we’re already experiencing one of them, aren’t we? hear me laughing my backside off. I tried to explain politely that I’m too busy to meet people I like, let alone people I don’t know from Adam. Still, we chatted for half an hour and he sounded a nice kid. It hadn’t occurred to him why these ‘concerned’ citizens would try to get him to fight their battle. I explained that I have a problem with crime and corruption, not the colour or faith of the people behind it. When I asked what faction of Islam he was – Sufi, Barelvi, Deobandi – he hadn’t a clue. He also said he was a Muslim who likes a pint, which I advised him might not be thought of as compatible in most mosques. He’ll write

what he sees fit. I had a glimpse on his website which interestingly was sponsored by Black’s Solicitors in Leeds. Black’s are Terry Zaman’s lawyers…

OFFICIALLY, the population of the UK is 64.5 million people. Got that? Okay, want to explain why there are 68.4 million patients registered with British doctors? Hmmm. Might it be the same reason official figures show 990,000 EU migrants to the UK in the past five years ... but the Inland Revenue issued over 2.2 million NI numbers to EU nationals? As in, someone’s got something to hide?

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

Mentor Sayeeda BARONESS Sayeeda Warsi is a former cabinet minister who grew up as the daughter of a Dewsbury bus driver. So there was probably nobody better to give a final push to pupils at Batley Girls’ High who have completed a mentoring programme. The Tory peer was at the Windmill Lane school last Friday to mark the end of a project run by charity Mosaic. Twenty youngsters aged 13 and 14 have been mentored by four captains of industry. Mosaic was founded by Prince Charles with the aim of raising aspirations among children in deprived areas. The mentors included Mendip Sahota, the chief executive of Baroness Warsi’s own charity. She has a foundation which promotes social mobility and religious freedom while aiming to tackle gender inequality. The other mentors included

By Steve Martyn former Batley School of Art student Natasha McCreesh. She is now a businesswoman who is also a trustee of mental health charity Hoop Creative Arts. Another mentor was former Kirklees College lecturer Adriane Marriott-Mills, who is a governor at Diamond Wood Community Academy in Ravensthorpe. Baroness Warsi, who went to Birkdale High in Dewsbury, was the first Muslim woman in cabinet. She is now pro-vice chancellor of the University of Bolton and a visiting professor at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. Baroness Warsi said: “It’s clear to me the impact of Mosaic’s mentoring on these young women has been hugely positive.

“It’s important they are given the encouragement and guidance they need to achieve great things as they grow older, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background. “The mentors gave excellent advice drawn from their successful careers but also demonstrated just what’s possible in life through hard-work and perseverance.” Iffat Ahmed, pathways and progression coordinator at the school, said this was the first time they had worked with Mosaic. She added: “The confidence of the pupils involved has significantly improved as a result of the programme. And their knowledge of career choices has increased considerably due to the inspiration and professionalism of the mentors.” • There is a parents’ forum meeting at the school on Wednesday May 18 at 10.30am.

Skin graft needed after dog attack A WOMAN needed a skin graft after an out-of-control dog called Dave bit her leg in Cleckheaton last year. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard she was walking her own pets on December 20 when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier attacked her. Dave’s owner, Jane Baker, 45, of Turnsteads Drive, was convicted after a trial of having a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury. The victim was walking three dogs, two British bulldogs and a French bulldog, at the time of the incident. She saw two dogs belonging to Baker coming out of a home and asked for them to put back inside due to concerns about the safety of her pets. Bill Astin, prosecuting, said: “She saw the defendant, who lives at the address, and asked her to get her dogs back in. There was an exchange of language and one of

the dogs bit her on her leg. This broke the skin and it started bleeding.” Passers-by intervened and the woman was was taken to hospital, where she needed a skin-graft. The court was told she blamed the dog’s owner rather than the animal as this was how it had been taught to behave. Cheryl Ford, mitigating, said Dave may have reacted to a perceived threat to his owner. Deputy District Judge James Hatton gave Baker a community order with 15 days of activities. She must also pay £300 compensation, £200 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge. And Dave is now subject to contingent destruction order – which means he will be destroyed if not kept muzzled at all times while outside.

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No outcry when other pubs and clubs closed From: Arthur Stonehyrst, via email Dear Sir, How sad it is that taxi drivers are likely to lose custom if the Frontier club becomes a gym. For many years, customers of the Frontier used to go there by taxi after a few pints in other pubs and clubs around the region because beer was cheaper in the

Americanisation of the NHS From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, I was on the picket line with the junior doctors recently when a man approached saying, “I don’t think it is about the end of the NHS”. He went to speak to the junior doctors. He did not explain what he meant by “the NHS”. If he meant its current incarnation, as a funding stream enriching companies and shareholders, he is correct. Too many multi-nationals and shareholders now have their feet under the health service table to let it stop it now and are ratcheting up the costs! They’ve even got their own supposed grassroots pressure group. However, if he meant a universal, publicly-provided, comprehensive service delivered in a timely way for those in need, which happens to be free at the point of delivery, he is sadly wrong already. Too many hospital trusts are missing their targets for cancer waits and A&E handover times for it to be a coincidence. Publicly provided services face another cut with the Sustainability

Letter of the Week: Arthur Stonehyrst, via email pubs. Over time many of these venues have closed down and turned into, among other

and Transformation agenda. North Kirklees CCG is in the forefront of the US import ‘Right Care’ programme, which uses the language of insurance companies’ ‘cost and quality improvements’ and ‘risk stratification’ etc. The saddest thing is there is no political opposition to this expensive Americanisation, unless the public presses for one.

Film celebrates Charlotte’s life From: Imelda Marsden, life member of the Bronte Society and fundraiser Dear Sir, On Thursday, April 21, we celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday and the 200th anniversary of novelist Charlotte Bronte’s birth. There was a re-enactment at Hollybank School, (formerly Roe Head school, which Charlotte Bronte attended in 1831 as a pupil before returning as a teacher, and where also her two sisters Emily and Anne went to school. We filmed at Hollybank with two Bronte descendants, with Joanne

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For North Kirklees plans and public and traffic notices go to www.thepressnews.co.uk/plans

things, places of worship, teaching establishments and private residences.

Catlow playing the headmistress Margaret Wooler. Thanks to Mirfield farmer Richard Haigh for providing a horse and cart for the filming. We had on film the Mirfield coat of arms with the Mayor of Mirfield and the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees and the vicar of St Mary’s church. Thank you Hollybank for your help in filming. After that we filmed at Healds Hall Hotel, where Reverend Hammond Roberts lived. Charlotte Bronte portrayed him in her novel Shirley. David Pinder dressed as Hammond Roberts and Hillary Wainwright as Miss Pryor in the novel. We had a superb lunch with the Deputy Lord Lieutentant of West Yorkshire and toasted the Queen’s birthday and Charlotte Bronte’s 200th anniversary. One big thank you to the staff at Healds Hall Hotel, Liversedge, and all who helped on the day, with another big thank you to Roy Plum, who filmed on the day. Thanks also to the Dewsbury Photographic Club, florist Sue Bentley of Mirfield and Joyce Sugden. Also those who are sponsoring the filming of the documentary over the next couple of months. We will follow the descendants of Charlotte Bronte in Thornton, Haworth and North Kirklees (Mirfield, Dewsbury, Spen Valley, Birstall and Clerkheaton). All who are sponsoring will be on the film credits and funds from the sale of the DVD will go to Hollybank School Trust. The DVD will be shown in Haworth, Mirfield, London, Brussels and New York. If any business or person would like to be a sponsor, please contact The Press newspaper. A big thank you to those who already have sponsored. I am looking forward to Sally Wainwright’s film on the Brontes. We in the Society knew about the BBC intending to film. They are to film at Red House Museum in Gomersal, thanks to Joanne Catlow. The film crew have built a replica Bronte Parsonage on the moors at Haworth and are to film in Haworth on the main street.

Lack of parking for store visitors From: David Evans, Gomersal Dear Sir, In reply to David Miller’s article, ‘Mums demand action’, published on May 6 regarding the empty shops on Spen Lane, Gomersal, I would like to say that I totally agree with the GMU branch leader Trees Fewster that these empty shops look unsightly and should be opened up for business use. But my main concern is the lack of customer parking space. Spen Lane is a very busy main road and bus route and McColls is a very busy convenience store and newsagents, even more so now that

I don’t recall such a vociferous outcry when these establishments were closing down. As for the proposed change of use, given the national problems with obesity, diabetes etc, perhaps another gym is preferable to counter the effect of the number of restaurants and takeaways in the area, which I believe is around 67 per cent higher in Kirklees than the national average.

Gomersal Post Office has moved into their premises. There is a layby outside the shop which can accommodate six cars. The people who live in the flat above the shop have three cars and the residents of Woodlands View, which is opposite the shops and consists of 24 flats, have to park there because there is only room for six cars in the little car park outside these flats. So half of the time and more so on an evening and weekends, the layby is full. The shop has regular deliveries that arrive in large vehicles that cannot always park outside, so they park half on and half off the pavement, either adjacent to or opposite, thereby narrowing the road and making it very hard for pedestrians to get past, and then push their goods across the main road in trolleys. I have witnessed many times vehicles parking on the zig zag lines of the nearby pedestrian crossing. This act of stupidity mostly happens at school run times and early evening and there are regular sessions of screeching brakes and horn-blowing. In short, this area is very dangerous and is an accident waiting to happen and what’s more, unfortunately it will most probably involve one of the many children going to the sweet shop, who are allowed to cross the road without parental supervision.

Thanks to all who voted for us... From: Mark Eastwood, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Following last week’s results, I am writing to thank all the people who voted for me in the local elections in Dewsbury East, particularly in areas like Bywell, Hanging Heaton, Shaw Cross and Eastborough, where I received a great deal of support. I would also like to thank all those supporters who helped me deliver leaflets, knock on doors and put posters on lamp posts. Congratulations also to my Labour opponent on winning the seat. His party ran a fair and formidable campaign. Now that the elections are finished, I shall be focusing my energy and spare time campaigning on the EU referendum, which gives the people of Dewsbury the most important decision for generations as to whether we stay in or leave the European Union. With this in mind, I would encourage everyone in the town to put to one side their party political allegiances and vote ‘Leave’ so that we can take back control of our country on June 23.

From: Coun Fazila Fadia (Lab, Batley East) Dear Sir, I would like to sincerely thank everyone in Batley East who came out

and voted for me on May 5, which resulted in getting me elected with the highest number of votes in Kirklees (3,487). I’d also like to thank all those who supported my campaign. I had such good support from my agent Coun Shabir Pandor, who worked tirelessly, as well as party members and activists who helped get a fantastic result. Batley has shown me so much support and I am greatly honoured and humbled by this. I will endeavour to live up to their expectations. I am looking forward to serving you.

From: Coun Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West) Dear Sir, I am writing to thank everyone who voted for me in last week’s local elections. The result within Batley West was remarkable. We had a fantastic turnout and we secured 62 per cent of the vote and maintained a massive majority. It’s a real privilege and pleasure to be able to represent your interests in such a remarkable town like Batley for a further four years. I remain optimistic despite the many challenges all councils are facing up and down the country. The results are a clear warning to the Conservative government that they need to have a serious re-think about their national and local policies. The next four years will be very challenging as we are forced by central government to reduce our budget further, despite having already cut millions of pounds from our budget. Finally I’d like to thank all of the people involved in my election campaign; the counters, tellers, polling agents and my supporters and anybody else who gave their time to get me re-elected. I would also like to thank my election agent, Coun Gwen Lowe, who has been with me in fighting campaigns for Batley West and its residents since 2002, when I first stood as a candidate. As always, if you have any local issues or questions, you can contact me on 07916 261 595 or email me at shabir.pandor@kirklees.gov.uk.

UKIP supporters deserve better From: Aleks Lukic, chairman, UKIP Dewsbury, Batley & Spen Dear Sir, On behalf of all our candidates, I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who voted UKIP in our area on Thursday. We beat both Labour and the Conservatives in Cleckheaton for the first time. We also came second in

Continued on page 10

Friday May 13, 2016

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

News In Brief Councillors owe tax KIRKLEES: Five councillors face court over unpaid council tax bills totalling £4,000. One of those, known only as “Cllr F” owed the most at £1,186.16, which includes the cost of recovering the debt. A further nine councillors have been issued with reminders for not paying their bills and getting into arrears. Offences are said to have taken place over the last 24 months. Council lawyers have anonymised the names of those involved. A council spokesman said council employees were treated no differently to members of the public.

Brutal attack BIRSTALL: A man faces an assault charge after allegedly punching and grabbing his girlfriend repeatedly. Joshua Parkinson, 21, of Lowood Lane, is accused at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court of mounting the attack on May 8. It is said to have happened at an address on Windmill Lane. Parkinson denies the charge and is due to face trial on Tuesday June 28.

Threats and theft HECKMONDWIKE: A woman faces sentencing for threatening behaviour and theft next month. Natalie Dennison, 35, threatened a woman at the Red Lion pub on Market Street on November 28. Dennison, of Huddersfield, also stole food from Morrison’s in the town on December 23. The case was adjourned for sentencing until Monday June 6. She is banned from the Red Lion until then.

Publican and blanket pioneer became a ‘father of the poor’ By Steve Martyn A HISTORIAN believes the civic leaders who transformed Spen Valley do not get the credit they deserve. Mike Popplewell recently walked the Fame Trail route which features plaques referring to 48 famous people or events. These range from mill owners to scientist Joseph Priestley and TV presenter Adam Hart-Davis. A leaflet and website created by the Spen Valley Civic Society gives further information about their achievements. But Mike, of Gomersal, wondered when researching his family tree how many people know of the plaques. One of his ancestors, publican Francis Popplewell, is plaque number 21 on the Fame Trail. He was landlord of the George and Dragon Inn which once stood opposite the Green in Heckmondwike. In 1811, Francis opened the first Blanket Hall in the buildings at the rear of the pub. He made rooms at the hall available to loom weavers to sell their goods, which was the beginning of the town’s blanket trade. But Francis was more than just an opportunist innkeeper with an eye for business. His grave at the Old Burial Ground of the Upper Independent Chapel states he was a “father of the poor”. Mike said of his relative: “Francis was a man of property and much of it was rented out.”

Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen

North of Westminster

PIONEER BUILDING... The George & Dragon pub, centre left, was also in use as a Blanket Hall Cash went to support extended family who found themselves in poverty, including two widowed sister-in-laws. At least 20 other relatives were supported and he provided for the education of their children. Mike said: “The extent of his consideration for the widows and children of his sib-

lings was incredibly extensive. “So Francis was certainly more than an opportunist innkeeper who allowed his property to be used as the first Blanket Hall in Heckmondwike." ■ For more information visit www. spenvalleycivicsociety.org.uk/spen-fame-trail.

It’s time to stop beating teachers T

HERE was a collective sigh of relief when the Government announced this week it was abandoning plans to force all schools to become academies. The controversial proposal has been dropped from the Queen’s Speech and the Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, who was heckled when she spoke at the conference of the National Association of Headteachers, has gone back to the drawing board. But let’s be clear – there was no acceptance that the plan was wrong. This u-turn was down to the realisation that they would struggle to get the measures through Parliament due to significant opposition from MPs, including from their own backbenchers. I have visited many local schools and met with headteachers, teachers, governors and parents to discuss how we educate our children. I have even brought together a forum of headteachers so that I can properly reflect local concerns in Parliament – which is something I did in a Commons debate last month. As one headteacher said to me: “It is time to stop beating teachers and start giving us the support we need to do our job.” They were scathing about forcing schools to become academies. The reality of academies is they are neither inherently good nor bad and they should not be bluntly imposed on all schools. Instead of fixating on school governance, the Government

needs to ensure that schools have the tools they need to do their job. This means focusing instead on issues like teaching standards and recruitment. I never cease to be impressed when I visit local schools. As well as some inspiring pupils, I have also met tremendous teachers, truly visionary headteachers and deeply committed governors. We have many schools doing incredible things. But research by the Social Market Foundation paints a very stark picture across Yorkshire and the Humber. They found marked disparities in GCSE performance between regions, with over 70 per cent of pupils in London achieving five good GCSEs compared to just 63 per cent in our region. These regional differences are already apparent by the end of primary school – and they are evident even after account is taken of other factors such as ethnicity and

income. Tragically for our children the region has gone from the fifth lowest achieving in the 1970s to the worst in England today. Nearly a quarter of pupils are attending schools that are rated less than good. Children are being left behind. There is no doubt that there is a postcode lottery in education – and this is a disgrace. After 30 years of neglect and a lack of focus from Government, we now live in a society in which a child born here in Batley & Spen has less chance of reaching their potential than one born in London. The debate I led in Parliament on this issue highlighted this and I told MPs and ministers that the growing divide in regional academic attainment can no longer be left unchallenged. Nothing politicians do matters more than ensuring that no child is left behind. The answer must, in part, be teachers, teachers, teachers. And we need the sort of investment that has raised standards so successfully in other regions. We have a duty to make sure every child has access to the best possible education. It should not matter where you are born. No child should be left behind.

Jo Cox • What do you think about Jo Cox’s views? Email forum@thepress news.co.uk and have your say.

Continued from page 9 Batley West and Heckmondwike. As always, the Kirklees staff involved in administering the poll deserve our recognition for a job well done. Around the country we have gained nine Assembly Members for the first time, seven in Wales and two in London. I might point out that the first of our team in London is an openly gay man and the second is a black man. We put merit first, and this leads to great opportunities for all sorts of people. Real change doesn’t happen overnight but you can mark my words, we will get a UKIP councillor elected in Kirklees next time. Tens of thousands of supporters sorely deserve to be represented by now. At the moment we are working hard on the Vote Leave referendum campaign in a big cross-party effort. The support we are seeing for leaving the EU is remarkable; indeed it is hard to find people who support staying! If anyone thinks they might be able to help before June 23, they can get in touch with me by emailing aleks@ lukic.plus.com, or by writing to Aleks Lukic, 6 Boundary Terrace, Moorend, Dewsbury, WF13 4PN.

Watch out for the Martians! From: Colin Walshaw, Scholes Dear Sir, Mr Cameron, Dave, come on you can do better than that – a third world war? What next, a Martian invasion, the 10 plagues of Egypt, which include blood, frogs, lice, wild animals, plagues on livestock, boils, thunderstorms of hail and fire, locusts, darkness for three days and death of the first-born? The US and the UK in NATO hold the majority of the cards and anyone threatening NATO members will be dealt with under its terms. Around six months ago you were telling us, “If I cannot get the reforms this country needs, then I will campaign for us to leave the EU”. We know that he failed to obtain at least 10 such reforms and that the handful he did get, effectively a few crumbs to allow him to say he’d ‘won’ something, are not enshrined in EU law, so another u-turn. They can and probably will be repealed by July, a week after the referendum, if we make the error of saying ‘remain’. Today he is saying that voting for Brexit is both unpatriot-

ic and destructive. Not only is “Call me Dave” saying it, but he is persuading other world leaders, like Barack Obama, to repeat these words parrot fashion in the hope that we British will fall for this ‘Con’ trick! There can only be one reason for such a u-turn. Tell us Dave, just what bribes have you been offered to keep us in the EU? High EU office, naturally, and a pension worth perhaps millions via Brussels, just like Neil Kinnock, Peter Mandelson and Tony Blair? We, your bosses by your own admission, demand to know the truth.

Grateful thanks From: Michelle Sullivan Dear Sir, May I take this opportunity to thank the people of Dewsbury and the Heavy Woollen district who were so supportive during our family’s recent loss. The funeral service for my dad Mick Sullivan at Dewsbury Minster was an overwhelming occasion and the tributes paid to him will be remembered forever. Dad would have been as proud as punch and as much as these times are never easy, we will always be grateful for the support that was shown from both near and far.

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

News In Brief

Council acts after child care failures

Rotary backs worthy causes NORTH KIRKLEES: A five-mile walk around the scenic Briestfield area has been organised by the Rotary Club of Dewsbury in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Walkers should meet at the Shoulder of Mutton pub on Briestfield Lane between 10am and 11am on Sunday, June 12. The cost is £5 per person or £10 for a family (up to four children). Entry forms are available from Rotary Club president-elect Steve Rawlinson on 07740 804444, or secretary Ian Leask at leask.leask@ntlworld.com. Meanwhile, the club has also organised a car boot sale in the car park at the Frontier nightclub in Batley on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30 (6.30am-noon), in aid of local causes. Pitches cost £10 per car and £15 for vans and trailers. No professional traders are allowed.

Bric-a-brac sale BATLEY: A bric-a-brac and clothes sale at the market today (Friday, 9am-3pm) has been organised by the Batley Central Methodist Church Ladies’ Circle. The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 8pm. For more details call June Dawson on 01924 470610.

VULNERABLE YOUNGSTERS WERE NOT SEEN QUICKLY ENOUGH By David Miller COUNCIL chiefs held their hands up to blunders in the referral of vulnerable children to social workers. An internal review found 22 cases where youngsters were not seen within the time limit of 45 days. Those affected were from across Kirklees and had been referred to the safeguarding children service over the last two years. Cases included those at risk from domestic violence or where a parent is an alcoholic or drug addict. Officials insist follow-ups showed no children had come to harm – but they have brought in a new management structure. The authority came forward to avoid the perception of a Rotherham-type situation. Coun Erin Hill (Lab), cabinet member for family support and protection, said she would not

“No cover-up”... Coun Erin Hill allow a “cover-up”. She added: “This is different from Rotherham in that we picked this up ourselves and wish to be as transparent as we can be.” The review was launched to see where the service was in the wake of losing two senior directors. It found that some social workers had either very high work-

loads or a series of extremely complex cases. As a result some got lost in the paper shuffle, which required a re-think of how cases are managed. These are now spread out more, with social workers given clearer instructions about national guidelines. And a new management group led by council chief executive Adrian Lythgo has been formed. Coun Hill said: “We picked these problems up as part of action taken to reassure ourselves in that you need to be as self-aware as possible. “I want to reassure the public we got on top of the situation and that no children were harmed.”

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Pensioner’s barrage of nuisance calls A PENSIONER plagued 999 operators with nuisance calls accusing police of letting terrorists and murderers off the hook. Bryn Doel, 70, of Cliff Court, Liversedge, was convicted of two charges of persistently using a public communications network to cause annoyance. He repeatedly made calls to the West Yorkshire Police Force control centre between December 2015 and April this year. Bill Astin, prosecuting, said: “The calls to police were persistent and in their dozens. “They were all of a similar nature, accusing police of being incompetent and using abusive and threatening language towards police staff. “In one call he called police a disgrace in letting terrorists and murderers into the country.” The former miner’s previous convictions include harassing members of Millbridge WMC at Liversedge, where he was previously a member. Neil Topham, for Doel, said his client was aggrieved at the way police had treated him in the past. He added Doel did not have mental health problems but committed the offences while under the influence of alcohol. Doel was handed a community order with 20 days of activities, fined £50 and ordered to pay £300 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

So much happening in one town TO SOME local people, Heckmondwike is simply the place they drive through on their way across the district. For others, it’s known as one of the hardest places to pass the driving test! But what’s becoming clear to

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Heckmondwike. Community, cultural and sporting groups are the lifeblood of any town, and Heckmondwike has more than its fair share. Heckmondwike Players put on regular performances – and how many other places can you name

that have have their own petanque or cycle speedway clubs? Couple that with cricket, bowls, football, squash, snooker and pool and you’ve got a thriving sports and social scene to complement a brilliant retail and business offer.

See for yourself... Celebrating ‘Good’ Advertising Feature HECKMONDWIKE Grammar School is one of only 164 state-funded Selective Grammar Schools in England. It is among the largest of these, and has an unusually large sixth-form comprising over 600 students, which confers many advantages. Outcomes for our students are consistently outstanding: examination grades are strongly skewed towards the upper end of

the grade range at GCSE and A level, and much higher than national averages. No school as successful as HGS relies on curriculum provision alone. The culture of additional, enriching activity is vibrant, with a huge array of extra opportunities for students to participate and enhance the experience for themselves and each other. Music, drama, individual and team sports and all sorts of other cultural activity pervade the life of the

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school, whilst a vigorous programme of inter-house competitions typifies a spirit of friendly competition that permeates the annual calendar. It is in this realm that memories are formed, friendships sealed, and all the beneficial attributes for later life forged: confidence, self-organisation, communication, teamwork, resilience and so on. Admission for year seven to this exceptionally high-achieving school is by examination. Details can be found on the website ww.heckgrammar.co.uk or by visiting the school on one of their open evenings, held this year on June 22 and 23 from 7pm.

Advertising Feature BRIAN JACKSON College is an OFSTED-registered independent inclusion school based in Heckmondwike. The school is an alternative provision providing young people aged 14-16 with a broad curriculum and specialised support. The pupils, parents/carers, staff and governors at Brian Jackson College are currently celebrating with the publication of a recent Ofsted inspection report which rated the

school as ‘good in all areas including teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils as well as in its leadership and management. The inspector noted that: “Pupils make good and sometimes outstanding progress in a range of subjects ... and leaders and managers go to great lengths to allow pupils experiences that re-engage them in learning.” The pupils comment on how the

school feels like a family and everybody is kind and supportive. Headteacher Jacqui Green is delighted that Ofsted have recognised the school as good in all areas and said: “We have a very strong team and through the hard work and commitment of pupils, staff and volunteers we have made this school into the ‘good’ school it is today.” The full report can be found by searching for Brian Jackson College at http://reports.

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

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tor-in-chief of The Reporter Series, a past editor of newspaper groups from the Cotswolds to Lancaster, and a former director of the UK Guild of Editors, founded The Press in 2002 as an alternative voice to the established products serving the Heavy Woollen and Spen Valley districts. Fourteen years on his publishing group also produces the leading rugby league paper, League Weekly, plus a monthly publication Yorkshire Golfer, dedicated to the sport and clubs in the white rose county. Here, Mr Lockwood talks about how the newspaper industry continues to change, and what the future holds.

TIMES are changing in the world of newspapers, and not necessarily for the better.

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There is no ‘Fleet Street’ any longer, as the world of journalism once knew it. And since the inquisitions of the Leveson Inquiry, the closure – in disgrace – of the News of the World and the multiple trials into celebrity phone hacking, the reputation of the industry has never been more battered and bruised. Just recently the daily newspaper The Independent closed after 30 years serving the quality end of the reader market. Only last week a new product from the publishers of the Daily Mirror – New Day – was closed down after just a couple of months.

One part of the British printed press has emerged through the scandals with its reputation intact however – the regional press, and specifically the newspapers that continue to serve towns and communities on a local level, like The Press. That is not, however, to dismiss the challenges that local papers continue to face. Danny Lockwood, the former edi-

F YOU want to know what is happening across North Kirklees and beyond in 2016, The Press is a must-read every week. Our track record in getting results for advertisers and standing up for the rights of local people is second to

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The speed of change in every aspect of life, but especially industry, has never been more pronounced. In newspapers those changes have bordered on revolutionary and in the regional press the contraction of businesses and closure of long established and well loved titles, has been staggering. Some companies employ

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

times of great uncertainty around 50 per cent fewer journalists than just a few years ago. If this was the steel industry in south Wales and Sheffield, or even the coal mining industry of 30 years ago, there would be a national outcry, but I guess that journalists aren’t held in such fond national esteem. I can’t say that I’m surprised. And yet I would argue that newspapers, and especially local newspapers, provide a glue to communities that is essential in giving people something to relate to, to associate with, and to reflect the very local world around them. You can get lots of things from social media and the internet, but on a local level that rarely rises above the level of a rant or even misinformation. I like to think that qualified, professional, committed journalists can give an inquisitive, trusted and authoritative voice to the really important things affecting all of our lives. If you look at the local area, you see towns that have undergone massive changes in the past 20 or 30 years. The ethnic profile has changed massively, and with it the social and cultural norms that I recall when growing up and as a young adult – and as a young journalist – have changed out of all recognition. What was once a County Borough,

seated in Dewsbury, has had its civic pride systematically stripped away, first with the shift of political power and influence to Huddersfield with the formation of Kirklees Council in 1974, and drip by drip over the years, the disappearance of so many other civic functions that once helped identify the town. Batley Hospital went, Dewsbury Hospital is going cut by cut, the courts have been closed, the police headquarters have been subsumed into Huddersfield, and there has been little investment of any significant note since the City Challenge and Single Regeneration Budget funds of the 1990s. That sounds like a lot of change for one small district to undergo, and it is. But a newspaper’s job is to try to make sense of it, to give local people a voice in protest – or agreement – of it, and I strongly feel it is our duty to provide continuity throughout that period of change. We can ask questions and get answers that quite often ordinary people on the street can’t. I hear people typify newspapers as being constant bearers of bad tidings, but I don’t see that. I go through our paper and I see lots of local people celebrating their achievements, giving publicity to good deeds, charitable

efforts, and profiling the things about life that we all share happily in common. We provide vital information about local events and we invite everyone to get involved in that and use us as a vehicle to promote their own interests and activities. But at the same time, news is news. I know local newspapers – some right on our doorstep – that simply refuse to report troubling issues if they consider them ‘taboo’. I make no wonder they are dying a rapid death. If you think I’m talking about the Dewsbury Reporter and Batley News, then you are right. I started my career at The Reporter in 1978 and when I become editor-in-chief in 1993 it was the proudest day of my life to that point. I was only sorry my dad never lived to see it. When I left in 1999 I was the acting managing director, we had offices in Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton and Morley, some 95 staff and we made over £1 million profit that year. Today, all of those offices are closed, there are a handful of staff, and what were six stand-alone newspapers is basically one homogenised Leeds-based product that’s as likely to have adverts and information from Wakefield and Harrogate as it is

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ThePress

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A modern, flexible care home ADVERTISING FEATURE A NEW type of care home in Roberttown will be showcased to future clients and recruits on Sunday. The Roberttown Care Home is launching a residential care centre and home care service at their premises off Church Lane. Older people can now get flexible day care by the hour, half day, full day or longer. And those who need support in their own homes can get help with cooking, cleaning, washing and dressing. An open day on Sunday is from 2pm to 4pm and features raffles for various hampers. One boasts scented candles from Gallery 172 and vouchers for a manicure, pedicure and haircut at Top To Toe on Roberttown Lane. The residential care centre is housed in a former accommodation block for nurses. It is next to the main care home and will be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm or at times to suit. There is a lounge with TV, internet and iPad, a dining room and full

kitchen with all mod cons. A hairdresser is on site, there are visits from a chiropodist and there is a laundry service. Up to eight people can attend depending on needs, with the only time limit being that is not 24-hour care overnight. Care home deputy manager Rachel Price said: “It’s somewhere for people to bring their loved ones to be looked after safely. “The elderly are trying to stay in their own homes for as long as they can and that’s lovely. What we want to do is support them in doing that so they can continue to live as independently as possible.” Activities at the care centre will include quizzes, films and live entertainment, with further opportunities in the main care home. There are also links to the school, nursery and church nearby for plays and choir singing. Sitting in a chair all day on their own is not the way and Rachel said: “We very much discourage that. “The elderly have lived long and wonderful lives and they are here for us to treasure them now.” Home care, run from the same

MODERN THINKING.. Roberttown Care Home Staff (left to right) are activities co-ordinator Brooke Jessop, senior care worker Shelby Ansell and deputy manager Rachel Price) and (left) the new-look premises on Church Lane former nurses building, is for when everyday tasks such as housekeeping get a bit much. This could be after a hospital discharge and includes laundry, shopping and even dog walking. The service is available to resi-

dents in across North Kirklees and as far as Huddersfield. Rachel added of the open day: “We’ll be here for anyone who wants to have a look around. “They can see what we’re doing, have a chat and see if they like the

feel of the place and what we’re offering.” Day care packages are available individually according to need. To discuss requirements call care home manager David Shaw on 01924 411600.

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

‘We’re proud of what we do’ Continued from Page 17 Mirfield or Heckmondwike. What the owners of the Reporter and News have systematically done, by slashing costs and staff in order to pay massive executive salaries and dividends, is nothing more than business vandalism in my mind. The decline of those titles has been cataclysmic. The entire group now sells around a quarter of the papers we used to. They’ve even stopped being officially audited because the circulation is so pitiful – although interestingly Kirklees Council continues to prop them up with £100,000 of advertising a year without allowing us to tender for the business. But while that collapse has been a boost for our business at The Press, as a journalist and publisher it saddens me to see the abject surrender. My view was always that there is room for competition in any trade, profession or industry. HEN we began The Press in 2002 we had to be different from The Reporter titles in order to compete. That is why we always focused on covering not just the entire North Kirklees district, but also put an emphasis on ‘hard news’ – on the serious talking points that were beguiling local people.

“W

Sure, there’s always room for all of the other ‘softer’ areas of journalism that I mentioned like sport, entertainment and human interest stories – but we started and still maintain a commitment to get under the skin of our local communities. That hasn’t always been easy. Although we did not lose our libel trial with former MP Shahid Malik, it still cost us a massive amount of money. We could have allowed Malik to silence us before that case ever came to court, but that was never a realistic option for us. You either stand by your principles or you stand for nothing. That’s why we continue to ask difficult questions, to try to hold Kirklees Council, the Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, Kirklees Police and local politicians to account. It often comes at a financial cost to our business, because the senior peo-

ple within those organisations hate public scrutiny. That’s understandable because quite often they have lots to hide. When I started The Press 14 years ago, our critics and our opponents gave us six weeks, maybe six months, because The Reporter’s owners Johnston Press threw fortunes at trying to put us out of business. We have a lot of people to thank for getting over those early weeks and months in particular. The redoubtable George Carrigill was a great friend to us, as were a couple of late, lamented businessmen, George Brooke of the funeral directors’ family firm, plus Jeffrey Burrows of HSL in Bradford Road. Haydn Mitchell supported us, Richard Haigh at Haigh’s Farm Shop, Robert Howes at Birstall Mill Carpets, Brian Thornhill and his insurance firm – I can’t name everyone for fear

of forgetting some! But they know who they are and I want them all to know that they have been part of a remarkable local business success story. In turn, I hope that we have helped their businesses to grow and compete by being part of such a remarkable independent publishing success story. The United Kingdom has seen very few over the past 20 years. I often get my ear chewed from people who used to receive The Press for free but now don’t and they have to spend the massive sum of 50 pence for their weekly fix. Wow, that’s about one sip of a pint of beer, and I hope The Press lasts a little bit longer – and refreshes the parts their beer won’t! Our business model was always to make sure enough people got to see The Press that it makes it worthwhile for our advertisers. But at the same

time we have to be on sale at all of the traditional outlets so that anyone and everyone can get a copy if they want one. And so far, the business model has worked. We’ve won major awards, diversified the business into a variety of revenue streams including contract publishing everything from newspapers to magazines to books, and we give employment to dozens and dozens of people. Some are full time, some are parttime or freelance, others make pocket money by delivering our papers, but in total our modest little companies generate significantly over £1 million a year into the economy – most of that into the district and this county. We continue to increase the number of newspapers we print and distribute and I think that is something to be immensely proud of, and shows a commitment to this district of North Kirklees that has been notably absent from other quarters. We’re proud of what we do, and we’re proud of the area and the people we represent and we have no plans to go anywhere soon, because for us, the newspaper business remains a great one to be in. If you’re good enough at it, your readers and advertisers will stick with you. And if you’re not, they simply won’t. Here’s to the future!

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

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Newly decorated, with new lighting throughout & a new steward all offering a warm welcome Party & event bookings taken & bookings for bonefide charity events are free of charge

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

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ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

ThePress

News In Brief Harassment allegation DEWSBURY MOOR: A man is accused of harassing a woman at her home on Moorcroft Drive. Martin Schofield, 54, allegedly tried to speak to the victim on February 20 by banging on her door. Schofield, of Wakefield Road, Heckmondwike, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on Monday and is due to face trial on Tuesday June 28.

Pet ban woman faces trial THORNHILL: A woman is accused of ignoring a ban on keeping pets imposed after a rabbit starved to death. Charlotte Goodwin, 27, faces two charges of breaching the order by being in possession of two cats and a parott. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Goodwin was banned from keeping animals for 10 years last October. She was prosecuted for abandoning a rabbit which later died from inadequate nutrition. Mother-of-two Goodwin, of Nursery Grove, denies the new allegations and is due to face trial.

Do you have a news story? 01924 470296

Friday May 13, 2016

40th birthday for a special social group

Beer festival growing fast

By David Miller A SOCIAL group which meets in Batley is 40 years old and still going strong with members from across the district. The town’s Probus Club, which is for retired or semi-retired men, was formed in 1976 and boasts regulars who are former school teachers and plumbers. Members come from Roberttown, Mirfield and Dewsbury to meetings at the Older People’s Centre. The aim is friendship and to share ideas from a lifetime in work which can help the community. Past president Colin Smith, 83, was until 2014 the organiser of Roberttown’s Christmas lights display. He is also behind indoor curling at Cleckheaton Library and is a neighbourhood watch coordinator. Knee problems saw him pass on his festive responsibilities and he said: “When I’m laid up with my knees I’m frustrated that I can’t go anywhere. “So Probus gives me something to look forward to. The meetings are marked on the calendar and I can’t wait for them to come round.” Colin, a retired engineer of Meadow Lane, Roberttown, joined the Probus Club about 10 years ago. Currently there are about 35 members and the search is on for new recruits to join. Meetings are fortnightly on Tuesday at 10am for a 10.30am

Round table member James Graham

COMMUNITY SPIRIT... Retired engineer and Probus president Colin Smith start. The cost is £1 and includes refreshments. The next one is on Tuesday May 24, which is a club social event ideal for potential new members. Future guest speakers include Allan Stuttard, who will tell of seven decades of cricketing memories on Tuesday June 7. There are also day trips, with one

possible excursion being to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. Colin said: “Probus is not-for profit, non-religious and non-political. It’s for friendship. “And you never know who you might meet. When I was introduced by a friend I met people I’d known years back.”

THE Mirfield and District Round Table are now well under way with the planning for their fourth annual beer festival in July (810), which promises to be even bigger and better than ever before. This year’s festival will host a music stage over the weekend – more than 15 talented bands and solo artists will perform – as well as a dedicated Pimms and prosecco bar. Entry is £5 and includes a free festival glass. However this has not been without its problems, as the growing popularity of the event has forced organisers to move venue to the bigger St Paul’s Church in Mirfield. Event organiser Paul Blakeley said: “A bigger venue has given the event chance to expand and offer even more beers, ciders and live entertainment than ever before. “A lot of quality local talent have chosen to support this event, and so is set to be a great weekend.” The Mirfield and District Round Table put on events throughout the year to raise money for local charities and good causes, and have recently donated money towards a new defibrillator in Mirfield, a new kit for the Battyeford Belles football team and, due to recent council cuts, the Round Table stepped forward and have funded the regeneration of the Remembrance garden outside Mirfield Library. Follow updates via the website (www.mirfieldbeerfestival.co.uk) or via Facebook, where you can get touch if you are a business that wishes to sponsor the event.

Friday May 13, 2016

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details WEDNESDAY MAY 18 SATURDAY JUNE 4 FROM MIRFIELD PARISH CHURCH EMLEY CIRCULAR Starts at 11am at Mirfield Parish Starts at 10am at Church Street car Church, Church Lane (WF14 9HX, park, Emley (HD8 9RW, SE244131) SE212203) 6 miles – moderate 7 miles – moderate (finishes 3pm (finishes 2.15pm approximately) approximately) Contact: Jim Contact: Dave Sharp Tel: 01924 469700 Tel: 07981 720099

Get down with the coolest cats

A tasty production

DEWSBURY will be the place to be next Saturday for anyone who loves the vintage vibe or who fancies travelling back in time to the 1950s. From 10am the town will come alive with music, dance and cars from the 50s period, as the crowds put on their best threads and lose the squares. There will be period vehicles on display courtesy of the Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car club, plus alternative and vintage market stalls. You can grab a girl and give her a twirl when dance group Backstep Boogie Club take to the stage, with Lula and the BeBops and Songsational also performing. Younger cats and kittens will be able to have their face painted, and there is a competition for the best-dressed boy and girl. Street theatre act ‘The Gossips’ will make sure we all know what’s happening, whether it’s relevant or not. Food will be available from an American school bus diner serving traditional US food and many of the local cafes and shops will be open. There is also an hour-long heritage walking tour of the town centre at 11am and 2pm, starting from Dewsbury Town Hall and ending at Dewsbury Minster. The rest of the action takes place in Market Place and nearby Longcauseway will be closed to all traffic from 7am to 7pm.

REHEARSALS are well under way for St Mary’s Theatre Group’s forthcoming musical play ‘FoX-factor.’

Photography courses for all standards A NEW series of Oakwell Hall Country Park’s popular one-day photography courses will run over the summer. There are three dates, each aimed at a different level of experience. All are being run by Patrick Crowley, a professionally trained photographer and Oakwell Hall Country Park Ranger. On Saturday June 25 there is a course for complete beginners which will give an introduction to digital photography. The course on Saturday July 9 is aimed at beginners with SLR cameras and will help them learn more about how to make use of the different settings on their cameras. The third course, on Saturday July 23, is advanced SLR photography and will show participants different techniques and effects to get the best pictures. All the courses run from 9.45am to 4.30pm and cost £20 per person per course. Places must be reserved in advance and, due to the popularity of these courses, early booking is advised. For details call 01924 324761.

The show, set in 1970s Batley, follows the journey of a local band, the Brandy Snaps, as they set out to find their lead singer. When a public audition is announced, to be held at the world-famous Batley Variety Club it attracts the attention of the town. The story follows a group of workers from Fox’s Biscuits as they decide to go along and take part in the audition. Will the Brandy Snaps be successful in finding the star they are looking for in Batley? Or will the talent in the town be just too crummy? Featuring a live band, FoX-factor includes songs from many of the stars who

performed at the club. And what’s more, veteran songwriter Sammy King has promised to attend. Local man Sammy, who wrote Penny Aracde and other pop songs for 1960s stars, will have his work performed in the show and has taken a ticket to come along. The new show has been written by long-time theatre group member and

mother-of-three Michelle Anderson, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Variety Club, which made Batley the ‘Las Vegas of the North’ at the time. The 12-strong cast will also benefit from memorabilia supplied by Fox’s Biscuits, together with authentic overalls and hairnets from the famous factory. Michelle, 34, said: “It has

been hard work writing the show and getting it to fruition, but we have had great fun at rehearsals. “The idea came about last year and I started writing it last September. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation stone of Batley Variety Club being laid and we wanted to mark that occasion.” Michelle, who also wrote a wartime musical production called Blitz and Pieces, added: “We’re looking at Batley in the past and want to really bring it to life for young people.” Performances at St Mary’s Hall start at 7.30pm on Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21. Tickets priced £5 are available from St Mary’s Hall, Batley Resource Centre or by calling 01924 478394.

I will always love Alexandra as Rachel The Bodyguard Leeds Grand Theatre Until Saturday May 21 Review by Janet Black HAVING never seen the film The Bodyguard, I didn’t have an idea of what to expect – but still I didn’t quite envisage the intriguing story and great music that make up The Bodyguard – The Musical. Playing at The Grand Theatre, Leeds, until May 21, quite frankly I don’t know whether I will ever want to watch the film after seeing the stage production because I LOVED IT. There is a fantastic opening with the full force of fire, loud music and exuberant dance. There were wonderful, innovative scenery changes – you can tell this

production has come from the West End – making it a real quality show. Starring Alexandra Burke – who rose to fame after winning the X Factor in 2008 – we know she has a

wonderful voice and has had many successful singles, but her acting capabilities were very good. She was very impressive playing American diva Rachel Marron who is looked after by a bodyguard, Frank Farmer – played very well and low key by Stuart Reid. He does his job well by not getting involved with his clients, that way he remains vigilant and perceptive, but he falls in love with Rachel and begins to lose the very gifts that made him so valuable to her in the first place. The show ended on a high with the whole audience up on its feet, singing and dancing; quite fantastic! It’s romantic, exciting, thrilling and got lots of encores from the audience. Whitney Houston would be a daunting act to follow but Alexandra made the roll her own and we loved her.

Fascinating insight into Brontës’ lives AS PART of the Brontë 200 celebrations, marking the bicentenary of the birth of Charlotte Brontë, local art historian and writer Simon Poë will give a lecture at Gomersal’s Red House Museum on Sunday May 22 entitled ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know:

Yorkshire, the Brontë Family and the British Romantic Movement’. Simon will talk about the Romantic Movement and its role in shaping the imaginative world of Charlotte Brontë and her sisters. He will also trace the roots of their writings in the

rugged landscape of Pennine Yorkshire and in Gothic culture. By coincidence May 22 is World Goth Day so people coming to the lecture are welcome to wear black. Simon will also explore the Brontës’ afterlife in popular culture, in television

and cinema; right up to the present day. The hour-long lecture starts at 2pm and costs £3.50 per person. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day. For more information contact Red House on 01274 335056.

Family tree discovery

Arts group youth showcases trio of plays

GENEALOGY classes are now being held at Batley Library on the first Thursday of each month, between 10am and 12pm. The classes have been arranged by the Friends of Batley Library group, in co-operation with researchers from Bleak House. They are an ideal opportunity for members of the local community to come along and start to begin building their own family tree. All are welcome to attend.

DEWSBURY Arts Group youth classes are presenting an evening of plays showcasing their talented members next week. The three contrasting plays include an Alan Ayckbourn piece called ‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’, about a boy who has a vivid imagination which alarms his parents. However, his thoughts have the disconcerting habit of turning into reality... The second play, titled ‘Ambush’ by

David Foxton, concerns young Zed who leads her young freedom fighters in a raid on the local military outpost, but things don’t go as planned. The final piece of the evening is a new play written by member Matthew Bailey, titled ‘You Only Call Me When It’s Late’. The play features Lizzie, who has a new job as an intern at the local radio station where she dreams about following in the footsteps of her idol Jen Jackson.

However she is paired up with cynical Alan, host of the late night caller show. Soon Lizzie has to fend off more than a few irate callers. The showcase will be performed on Tuesday and Wednesday (May 17-18) at the Artspace, on Lower Peel Street, Dewsbury, at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £9 and £8 concessions can be bought in advance www.dewsburyartsgroup.info or call 0333 666 3366.

Can you spot the errors? AMATEUR sleuths are in for treat when they visit Oakwell Hall this half-term. Things are not as they should be at the popular hall in Birstall. Objects not normally found in a 17th century home have found their way into the rooms of the historic house. Young visitors to the museum are being challenged to find them with a fun ‘Odd One Out’ trail. The trail runs from Saturday May 28 to Sunday June 5, between 12noon and 5pm. The trail is free but normal hall admission charges apply – they are £1 child, £2.50 adult, £6 family (two adults and up to four children). For more information contact Oakwell Hall on 01924 324761.

Historical treats SPEN VALLEY Historical Society’s next two upcoming meetings will be: Wednesday June 8, ‘The Pilgrimage of Grace’ by Julia Hickey; Wednesday July 3, ‘Dawson City – the building of the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs’ by Ann Kilbey. Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm. The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year. For more information, contact society secretary Sue Cooper via email on scooper@ thecooperson line.org.uk.

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Marketplace

New EastEnders producer sparks Turn your unwanted items fears over who will face the axe into cash £££s

Ann Montini on the set of Eastenders at Elstree Studios HERE are some big changes looming in EastEnders with the arrival of a new producer later this year. Insiders tell me that many of the cast are worried about their contracts and future on the show, as: “It’s set for a major overhaul, and we are looking at all major characters and plot lines for the next year.” Sean O’Connor, who is currently the editor of the world’s longest-running soap opera, The Archers, says: “I can confirm we will be making many changes with the show, but it will all be for the better.” Oh dear...

FORMER EastEnders actor Nick Bailey has a new audience ... and they’re wild, apparently! He tells me: “Jackie: The Musical is based on the 1970s and 1980s teenage magazine, and we’re touring the UK until the end of July. “I think the musical is popular simply because it’s of a time when people were young and growing up, plus it’s full of great tunes too, so do come along.” MAXINE PEAKE has opened up about working with the late comedy legend Victoria Wood – and the blunt but invaluable advice that she gave her. Critically acclaimed actress Maxine said: “She was great and so full of fun, plus so gifted, but she told me to be open to all kinds of offers or ‘you will be like me and end up playing the fat northerner’, so diversify and change as much as possible, which is what I did.” VINCENT SIMONE has said he left Strictly Come Dancing at the ‘perfect’ time, suggesting the show had started to become too Americanised. The pro joined Strictly in 2006 and performed his last waltz in 2013. He said: “I love the show, but for me it’s about the dancing, and not all the gimmicks which it has become. Great happy memories though.” SURANNE JONES has promised that Doctor Foster will be just as nail-biting the second time around, when the drama returns to BBC One later this year. Suranne revealed to me that after reading the scripts for the show’s second series, she

was left stunned. “You do wonder how they will top it and do all the stuff they did before, but they are great scripts for sure,” she said. KING OF CHOIRS Gareth Malone tells me that he tried to get Prince Harry on the Invictus Choir, but he said he’s not the greatest singer! “I told him I disagree as I think he had a strong voice,” he said. “But what can I do, I can’t force him to say yes. He may change his mind though, who knows?” THE BBC has confirmed that Michael McIntyre’s Big Show will be returning for a second series, but couldn’t confirm how many episodes, or when it might go out. However Alan Tyler, the acting controller of entertainment commissioning, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of Michael’s new show.” BAKE OFF winner Nadiya Hussain is to explore her Bangladeshi roots for a BBC Two cookery show. Nadiya will star in a new two-part travel food programme which will see Nadiya cook dishes from her childhood, share favourite meals with family and friends, learn new recipes and explore changes in food in the decade since she last visited Bangladesh for her wedding. TV CHEF James Martin has admitted he was surprised at the public reaction to his departure from Saturday Kitchen. Now presenting on This Morning, he says: “I just figured that I would slip away and be forgotten, but it appears not to be the case, which is nice and I thank everyone.” CATHERINE TATE is resurrecting her character Lauren Cooper for a 21-date UK tour. She reveals: “I get asked about her all the time, so I thought well, I can’t play her when I get much older, so maybe this is the right time to pay her another visit.” CORONATION STREET actress and mother of two Samia Ghadie, who plays hairdresser Maria in the show, admits she has no skills in the salon at all. “I

Maycon Pictures

just flick people’s hair about or stick a roller in it, I would not be very good in a hair salon as I am not great at touching other people’s hair,” she said. STRICTLY Come Dancing Winner Jay McGuiness is to lead an all-star cast in the European premiere of Big: The Musical at the Plymouth Theatre Royal from November 5-12, before transferring to Dublin for a Christmas run ahead of a planned West End opening next year. He told me: “This is exactly what I wanted to get out of appearing on the show.” CHANNEL FIVE is pushing further into entertainment with a comedy panel show fronted by Eamonn Holmes. He reveals: “It will have a topical twist with a news agenda, plus I think a sprinkling of celebrity too. I just hope people will enjoy it.” BBC BREAKFAST presenter Naga Munchetty is not proving as popular as fellow cohost Louise Minchin ratingswise. A source reveals: “Louise has a softer approach where as Naga is quite direct and forceful which can be hard for some viewers to take that early in the morning.” CORRIE favourite Liz McDonald is set to flee Weatherfield for Spain as actress Beverley Callard takes a break from the show. Beverley tells me she is grateful for the break, and hopes that Liz will be back soon fighting fit and of course behind the bar of the Rovers Return. ‘DRIVE’, the recent ITV show hosted by Vernon Kaye won’t be back, I can reveal. Starting off badly with ratings, it sunk even lower and now ITV bosses have decided to park it up once and for all. RUPERT PENRY-JONES, dashing star of the legal drama ‘Silk’, tells me he was really sad the show ended. “I do know it was expensive to make, and in this day and age it’s a wonder things last so long, but I know we all enjoyed being on the show, it was such a good drama,” he said.

1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.

NEW Trailer for sale, 4ft (L) x 3ft (W) x 2ft (D), new light board worth £25. £40 no offers. Tel 07790 568986. (Soothill) (1920) Approx 30 metres 3 x 4 steel wired armoured recycled cable £20. Tel 07790 568986. (Soothill) (1920) Small tiled top dark wood coffee table, in good condition £5.00. Tel 07790 568986. (Soothill) (1920) 8ft x 2ft unsawed wood, approx 6 x 6ft lengths (recycled) £30. Tel 077905 68986. (Soothill) (1920) Cane conservatory furniture set, comprises of 1 x 2 seater settee, 1 chair, 1 footstool, 1 glass topped coffee table, 1 glass topped side table. All in very good condition £200. Phone 01924 517994. (1921) Teak display cabinet with glass front and lighting, 3 drawers, 2 cupboards. Excellent condition £40. Tel 01274 878450. (1922) ELECTRICAL Onyx standard lamp (no shade) £20. Tel 01274 874851. (1917) Epson Stylus SX425 3-in-1 printer/ scanner/ copier, Wi-fi. Boxed, very good condition £25 ono. Tel Mirfield 01924 491306. (1903)

FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Ladies Hotter boots, size 8 in fawn. Never worn, still in box, cost £89, bargain £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1896) FURNITURE Mahogany extending dining table and four chairs. Two-seater settee + one recliner in green fabric. Divan bed with mattress; All in good condition, £150 or will sell separately. Tel 01924 505834.(1905) White, plastic oval garden table with matching 4 chairs (inc seat pads) and matching parasol £18 ono. Also various large garden pots, offers. Tel 07806 431728. (1904) HSL Linton Petite dual rise & recline chair in wine colour, excellent condition £600 ono. Ring 07883 970603. (1900) Two wicker armchairs in very good condition. Buyer to collect £25. Tel 01924 530473. (1898)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus 01924 402697. (1919) Gazebo, green material, approximately 3m x 3m, only used once, good quality, bargain £30. Tel 01924 470866. (1893) Well rotted horse manure (no straw), five bags £10. Free local delivery. Ring Ken 01924 409540/ 07922 186721 (1889) HOMEWARE China tea service, white with gold trim, as new. Includes 5 side plates, 6 salad plates, 6 cups and saucers, milk jug and sugar bowl; 25 pieces in all £20 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (1911) HOUSEHOLD Two single inflatable mattresses with pump, good quality, £16 for both. Tel 01924 470866. (1893) New lightweight bedroom type commode, £25 ono. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1911)

Traditional mahogany telephone table with gold seat, excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 400652 (buyer collects) (1892)

KITCHEN Fantastic kitchen (can see fitted), must go end of April. Light cream, modern, craftsman built; 9 wall units, 9 floor units, includes cooker, hob, extractor, fridge and freezer £650. Tel 01924 408171/ 079512 30326 (1877)

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Friday May 13, 2016

CRICKET

A new name for famous comp? By Mike Popplewell Cricket Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk

WHAT do Greater Manchester, Leeds, Rotherham, Barnsley, Wakefield, Castleford and the Holme Valley have in common? Well, none of them are in the Heavy Woollen District, not even on the periphery, yet all have teams in the quarter final draw for this season’s HEAVY WOOLLEN CUP competition. Which begs the question, should there be a name change? This is the oldest cricket competition in the UK and, as such, has a huge historical significance in the game. But there are those who might argue as to its significance to the Heavy Woollen District as only Morley and Mirfield-based Moorlands are among the nine teams already through to, or contesting a place in, the last eight. Former Liversedge chairman Allan Trevitt has seen his club join Cleckheaton and Batley in opting out of the competition in recent years. Never slow to air his views on the game, Allan, a long-standing servant of cricket in the Heavy Woollen District, both as a player and administrator, has questioned the point of smaller clubs entering. “Everything is stacked against the less wealthy clubs,” said Allan. “To start the competition the first week of the season gives the lesser clubs no chance to get proper match play under their belts and perhaps produce a surprise giant-killing. “It only really gets interesting once it gets down to the last eight and all the top clubs are together.” Of course, this problem would be

Muhammed Fayyez top-scored with 34 for Liversedge CC in their eight-wicket Championship A loss to Baildon at Roberttown Lane Mike Popplewell eliminated if the Heavy Woollen Cup Committee were to adopt the Football Association’s approach to cup competitions and only bring the leading teams in at a later stage. This wouldn’t have avoided situations like Hopton Mills suffering a 278-run defeat at Townville in their second-round game last weekend, although a first round bye for a side playing second tier cricket in the CYL last year was always putting them at risk of being out of their depth in round two. Ironically, there were no glaring mismatches this season on paper – it was when they got on to the pitch the problems began. Ossett looked in contention up to the half-way stage against Rotherham

side Treeton, but after Richard Whitehurst (40) had helped them to 208-8 the visitors made 209-2 to romp home by eight wickets. The next one of our district’s teams to go was Birstall who were unceremoniously dumped after making just 97 chasing 253 at Mirfield-based Moorlands, Oakenshaw side Woodlands went out to New Farnley, while Gomersal, East Bierley, Hanging Heaton, Scholes, and Spen Victoria all went out in round one. So, Morley, four-wicket winners at Yeadon thanks to an unbeaten 64 from skipper Matthew Baxter, and Moorlands are the only clubs based anywhere near the historic Heavy Woollen District who will be involved in the third round on June 5.

In-form Heaton on the road EARLY season leaders Hanging Heaton go to Lightcliffe tomorrow (Sat) looking to extend their 100 per cent record in the All Rounder Bradford Premier League’s Premier Division and keep their noses ahead of last year’s champions Pudsey St Lawrence, who go to struggling newcomers Scholes. In the other Premier Division games third-placed Cleckheaton are at home to New Farnley, while in the Championship, although Batley lead the A Division with three wins out of three, they will have a tough job on their hands at Baildon.

Birstall have struggled so far in Championship A but they are at least in familiar territory tomorrow when they go to old CYL rivals Hunslet Nelson while Ossett, at Undercliffe, and Liversedge, at Yeadon, are facing new challenges. Championship B is currently led by a very strong-looking Townville side but Gomersal have made an encouraging start and they will be looking to keep that going when Bankfoot visit Oxford Road. Spen Victoria, Hopton Mills and Hartshead Moor occupy three of the last four places in Championship B

and tomorrow’s games don’t offer a lot of encouragement as Spen go to Methley, Hopton Mills are at Bowling Old Lane and bottom club Hartshead Moor entertain Wrenthorpe. Crossbank Methodists chalked up their first win in the Conference last week, beating Rodley by 50 runs with a top-scoring 61 from Christian Duncan, but they have an enormous task if they are to get anything from a visit to Buttershaw St Paul’s. The other game affecting the district is at Gildersome, where Heckmondwike and Carlinghow are the visitors.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Nallon at double but no final flourish OSSETT ALBION wrapped up their season in the North East Regional League with their 12th defeat in the Southern Division when they went down 4-2 at Harrogate Railway. Kim Nallon, one-time keeper, has had her best season in front of goal and two more against Railway kept her side in the game but, in the end, goals from Louise Donnelly (2), Karolina Gasiogrowska and Jodi Hodgson earned Railway the points and ensured they finished above the bottom two. The West Riding League First Division ended in an anti-climax for champions Battyeford

Belles when they were denied the opportunity for one last chance to get one over on archrivals Bradford City, when their opponents failed to raise a side due to holidays and injuries. That decision also looks to have cost City the chance of a third successive promotion. Dewsbury Rangers completed a 1-0 win over promotion rivals Amaranth to move into second place in the Third Division and they now need just one point from their final game, a week on Sunday against Crossley, to clinch the runners up spot and promotion.

Priestley Cup up next for our sides CUP COMPETITIONS tend to preoccupy the early stages of the cricket season, with games coming thick and fast. But while the district’s sides have fared badly in the Heavy Woollen Cup there is plenty of interest in Sunday’s PRIESTLEY CUP first round, which will involve 31 of the 35 clubs in the Premier Division and the Championship. The four eliminated in the preliminary round will compete in the Jack Hampshire Cup with the Conference sides. A trip to holders Bradford and Bingley is not one that new Liversedge skipper Steve Lane is likely to relish after seeing his side sustain a heavy defeat at home to Baildon in last week’s Championship A game at Roberttown Lane. After losing quick wickets Lane (16) and Muhammed Fayyez (34) offered some brief resistance but the Baildon pace attack of Australian Blake Glen (5-41) and Abid Arwan (4-44), bowling unchanged, dismissed Liversedge for 91 and Baildon eased home by eight wickets with 21 overs to spare. Having shaken off the disappointment of their Heavy Woollen Cup exit, at Delph and

Dobcross, with a comfortable eight-wicket Premier Division win over Scholes, Nick Connelly top-scoring with 68 not out after Muhammed Rameez (4-48) had helped dismiss the visitors for 178, Hanging Heaton will be hoping to see off Pudsey Congs in their all Premier clash at Pudsey. Batley have an interesting tie at home to fellow Championship A side Saltaire, with both sides in form, but a one-wicket win over Keighley, with a boundary off the penultimate ball, was perhaps a little too close for comfort in their last game. It was a top-scoring unbeaten 49 from Asif Ayub that saw Batley home. It is Birstall’s turn to face that impressive pace attack when they go to Baildon for their tie, and after losing all their games so far is difficult to see them making progress in this competition without a dramatic change of fortune. Morley and Scholes, promoted to the Premier Division for this season, meet at Scatcherd Lane, while Hartshead Moor, from the Championship, go to Premier side Lightcliffe while Spen Victoria and Cleckheaton go to former CYL sides Carlton and Altofts respectively. Gomersal have a bye to round two.

SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Champions dominate Hartshead IN THE Spen Valley Football League Girlington secured a narrow 4-3 home win over mid tabled Vision FC Wyke. Shoaib Javed, Saad Abbass, Fraz Dar and Adil Tanvir got the goals for the hosts. In reply Vision put a tough fight with strikes from Farron Denton, James Dension and Josh Clough. Elsewhere Premier Division champions Athletico continued their title winning form with a dominant 4-0 win at Hartshead. Braces from Paul Hague and Bilal Mirza

secured the victory for the visitors. In the division's other game Palestino overcame Idle 5-2 on home soil at Peel Park. Elsewhere in the First Division only one game took place and it was won by Mount Pleasant. In the seven-goal thriller Shakeel Mira (two), Moosa Raja and Jaabir Patel got the goals for Pleasant. In reply Raees Lorgat and Afzal Laher were on target for Inter.

HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Schofield secures title for John Fisher ST JOHN FISHER earned the point they needed to clinch the Heavy Woollen Sunday League Premier Division title with a 1-1 draw against Woodman Batley Carr last weekend. Alden Schofield netted for Fisher with Anees Younis replying for Woodman, who finish in third place. Woodkirk Valley are guaranteed the runners-up spot after they hammered bottom side Overthorpe Sports Club 91, a result that relegates Overthorpe. Christy Woods led the way for Woodkirk with four goals, with Jonny Downey, Scott Love, Simon Poole, Ryan Thackray and Jack Darrington also finding the net. Elliott Brooke hit Overthorpe’s late consolation goal. Mount Pleasant won 6-3 against AFC Chickenley to ensure their survival whilst relegating their opponents. Abdullah Mayet fired a hat-trick for Mount, with Faisal Adam, Ismail Loonat and Raees Lorgat also netting. Chickenley replied through Tim Clarke, Michael Chadwick and Josh Smith. Patrick Sykes hit four goals as mid-table Millbridge WMC won 7-3 at Birkenshaw. Nick Robinson, Callum Padgett and Oliver Fisher hit the others as Birkenshaw finish in sixth place. Navigation are winners of the Championship after they had Dave Blakeley (two), Sam Raymond, Grant Illingworth and

Joe Carlisle on the scoresheet in a 5-1 win over Birstall St Patricks (Alex Howdle). Heckmondwike Sports Club weren’t in action at the weekend but secured the runners-up spot with a 4-3 midweek win over their nearest rivals Clifton Rangers last week. Jordan Webster and Jack Baldwin both scored for Hartshead in a 4-2 defeat against Town Rangers, a result that places both sides mid-table. Battyeford’s chase for the Division One title ended in success after Ash Harper and Michael Foster netted in a 2-1 win over Clifton Rangers Reserves. The result means that Battyeford pip long time leaders Hanging Heaton Cricket Club by a single point to claim the title. Veteran Mick Edson and Gareth Jones both struck twice as Scholes Athletic won 5-3 against Birkenshaw Reserves, with the Jonny Irvine hitting the other. In the only Division Two game played Field Head won 8-2 at home to Six Lane Ends, who scored through Logan Hall and Ashley Slater in a result that sees both teams in mid table.

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS TUESDAY MAY 3 (at Dewsbury Town Hall) N/S: 1 A Haith and G Clarke;

2 W and J Davies. E/W: 1 J Tomlinson and G Fishwick; 2 C Walker and G Bragg.

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

Knowles secures precious victory NCL Division Two STANNINGLEY DEWSBURY CELTIC

26 28

at the Arthur Miller Stadium DEWSBURY CELTIC are up to ninth in National Conference League Division Two after a slender victory at Stanningley’s Arthur Miller Stadium. A Josh Knowles try four minutes from time saw Dewsbury Celtic take

the spoils after the sides had gone into half-time level at 10-10. Tom Norris opened the scoring for Celtic with a try as Knowles got his first just before the half hour and Sam Tattersfield landed the conversion. Stanningley looked dangerous, however, scoring through Jackson Green and Jack Brown Tom Forrest added one conversion. The home side then took a 16-10 lead two minutes into the second period with a Tom Sharp try and Joe Brier goal.

But back came Celtic with tries through Danny Crabtree and Norris, both converted by Pat Foulstone. Jack Vincent added a try inbetween for Stanningley before Josh Turner grabbed what looked like a match winning try for the home side with Forrest adding the goal. But it would be the late Knowles effort which saw Celtic home to remain just above the relegation places after their second league win. They hope to make it three when they host Askam at Park Parade tomorrow (Sat 2.30pm).

Moor given tough time by strugglers NCL Division Two DEWSBURY MOOR

WATERHEAD

at Carr Lane DEWSBURY MOOR are now joint third in National Conference League Division Three after their hard-fought 20-12 win over strugglers Waterhead at Carr Lane. It took just short of half an hour for the deadlock to be broken in this one – and it went the way of Moor with a Cameron Bruce try. Jacob Flathers added the con-

version but failed to add the extras to an Ashley Boddy try six minutes later. But the Warriors replied with a minute to go before half-time when Kieron Grennan went in and Jamie Mayall added the goal. But just six minutes into the second half Moor extended their advantage when Jordan Foster added another try, before the game breaking score from Scott Sheard just after the hour. Flathers added one more conversion before Nathan Jewitt went over for a late Warriors’ consolation try to round off the game’s scoring. Moor travel to play Oldham St Annes tomorrow (Sat 2.30pm).

Stags blown away by champions YML Premier Division SHARLSTON ROVERS

MIRFIELD STAGS

at Weeland Road A SLOW start proved costly as Mirfield Stags lost heavily at reigning Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division champions Sharlston Rovers. The hosts were quick out of the blocks, establishing a three-try lead inside the opening quarter of an hour. Richard Silverwood’s Stags pegged back the Rovers but their efforts proved in vain as the home side held firm, before building on an impressive, winning advantage late on. It took just three minutes for John Waddle to power through for Sharlston, just to the right of the posts, breaking the deadlock. Brothers Josh and Luke Beecher added further Rovers scorers during the minutes which followed, moving the early-season pacesetters into a commanding 18-0 lead.

But Mirfield managed a response following a Leon James break. Nathan Hadfield made the most of a sudden territory gain and barged over, with Ross Hayden converting to reduce the arrears. Nevertheless it was the home side celebrating before the break when Josh Beecher darted across the whitewash for his second score of the afternoon. The Stags hit back shortly after restart through Alex Muff, giving the visitors a fighting chance of success. But it faded, despite a period of pressure on the Sharlston line, as Liam Kendall added extras to a solid Tommy Crowther touchdown. Matt Piper replied with a try for Mirfield, powering through a pair of would-be tacklers to score. And further tries were traded late on as Dan Hawksworth and Andy Berry scored for the Rovers and Stags respectively. Luke Beecher made sure of Sharlston’s victory during the dying minutes of the game wriggling over from close range. Mirfield host York Acorn tomorrow (Saturday 2.30pm).

Ding-dong opener for Vics

Dewsbury Moor’s Stevan Morton takes the attack to Waterhead

BOWLING

Scarths tie up Bowes in finale

Tony Aubrey passes from the base of a scrum for Birstall Vic MARK LOCKWOOD

YML DIVISION FOUR DEARNE VALLEY BIRSTALL VICTORIA

20 20

at Ings Lane BIRSTALL VICTORIA kick started their Yorkshire Men’s League Division Four campaign with a hard-fought draw away at Dearne Valley Bulldogs. The hosts took the lead on 15 minutes capitalising on some nervous play from Victoria. But player-coach Brendan

Sheridan settled the nervous with his introduction and scoring a try on the 25-minute mark. Will Copley converted the try to give the away side a 6-4 half-time lead. Early in the second period Birstall extended their advantage with a try from debutant Danny McDermott. Copley goaled once again. But the hosts narrowed the deficit on 55 minutes and then, on the hour, took the lead at 16-12 following a series of penalties conceded by Victoria. Copley was in the thick of action shortly afterwards, this time crossing over for a try with 15 minutes to go.

The Victoria newcomer was unable to convert his own try, however, leaving the teams tied at 16-16. As the match drew to a close both teams searched for a winning score and Birstall thought they had sealed the win when Kyle Hardaker went over with five minutes remaining but crucially Copley missed the conversion. But the away side could only hold on to their lead for three minutes before the Bulldogs went over for the game’s final try. Birstall’s next outing is at home to Siddal Academy A tomorrow (Sat 2.30pm).

From the left: Paul and Jack Bowes, Tony Hammond, Dean and Brian Scarth BRIAN and Dean Scarth won Overthorpe Sports Club’s Father and Son competition with a 21-12 victory over Paul and Jack Bowes following a quality day’s bowling. The Scarths defeated Mick and Jonathan Smith 21-2 in the first round, before seeing off David and James

Makepeace 21-15 in the quarter finals followed by a 21-19 win in a superb semi-final win John and Mark Armitage. The Bowes accounted for M and J Hill 21-10, Chris and Michael Sweeney 21-14 in the quarter-finals and Neil and Neil Wood 21-12 in the semifinal.

Send your sports reports, news and photos to Joe Link at joe@thepressnews.co.uk

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

Third straight win for climbing Sharks NCL Division One SHAW CROSS SHARKS OULTON RAIDERS

32 10

at Leeds Road SHAW CROSS Sharks’ resurgence in form continued with an impressive victory over National Conference League Division One leaders Oulton Raiders. Sharks’ hooker John Rourke was influen-

tial in the hosts’ impressive win, which climbs them to 10th in the table following their third straight league victory. Rourke opened the scoring with an eighth minute try which was goaled by Danny Flowers. A try brace from Sam Ottewell plus a goal for Flowers and Will Gledhill made it 18-0 before a half hour delay due to a serious injury. The Sharks’ Matthew Collett went down with a badly dislocated knee, but the setback appeared to galvanise the hosts even more.

Early in the second period the Leeds Road outfit extended their lead, firstly through a Ryan Chalkley penalty and then a Ross Roebuck try and Chalkley conversion for 260. Dom Flanagan and Matty Bullough tries plus a Flanagan goal brought the Raiders back into the game but a second Rourke try saw the Sharks home in style. Shaw Cross look to extend their winning run to four matches when they take on Myton Warriors at Shark Park tomorrow (Sat, 2.30pm).

Late Askam surge kills off faltering Trojans NCL Division Two THORNHILL TROJANS 38 ASKAM

at Overthorpe Park THORNHILL TROJANS slipped to third in the National

Conference League Division Two standings following their second defeat in as many outings, this time at the hands of Askam. The sides were locked at 22-all with 50 minutes gone before three late tries proved crucial. Askam went into a 12-0 lead with tries from Russ Bolton and Tom Wilkinson both of which were converted by man of the

match Sam Dowsett. But newly-promoted Thornhill replied with tries from Jake Wilson and Mindaugas Bendikas. Andrew Bates managed to convert one of his attempts. Tries from Tom Butler and Ben Lewery plus a Dowsett goal gave the visitors a 22-10 half-time lead before the home side replied through Gareth Love and

Liam Green. Green added a second try for Thornhill late in the game, but Butler’s second, followed by touchdowns from Lewery and Tom Askew gave Askam the win. Thornhill look to close the gap on Division Two leaders Hunslet Club Parkside with a win away at Saddleworth Rangers tomorrow (Sat, 2.30pm).

Hard work pays off for reserves YML Division Four GARFORTH TIGERS THORNHILL TROJANS II

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at Overthorpe Park THORNHILL TROJANS pulled off an impressive 22-18 away win over Garforth Tigers in their opening match of the Yorkshire Men’s League Division Four campaign. Following a tough pre-season schedule the Trojans’ efforts have clearly paid off as they sit second in the standings. Kurt Ryan had a solid game and collected the man of the match award for his efforts. Scott Carter scored two tries, as did Adam Johnson, who also played well and helped the Overthorpe Park side to a wellearned victory. Shane Johnson was the Trojans’ other try-scorer and Brad Schofield kicked a goal. Thornhill travel to play league leaders Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks tomorrow.

Send your sports reports, news and photos to Joe Link at joe@ thepressnews.co.uk

JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

Grinhaff bags NINE TRIES for Vics! DEWSBURY CELTIC UNDER-15S remain Cottingham Tigers’ closest rivals in the Yorkshire Juniors League (YJL) Division Three despite losing 30-26 away at Hunslet Warriors. Celtic went ahead thanks to a Lewis Teale try after three minutes but the lead didn’t last long. Conor Appleyard put the visitors ahead for a second time on 16 minutes with a try under the sticks and Charlie Heaton Converted to give Celtic a 10-6 lead. But a mistake from the restart allowed Hunslet to hit back immediately with a converted try to go 12-10 in front. In a thrilling encounter Celtic went ahead for a third time following George Hirst’s first ever try in green and white colours and three minutes in later it was 20-12 in Celtic’s favour when Jack Kelly went over and Heaton converted Celtic were the masters of their own downfall in the second half, however, conceding two tries and falling four points behind. But inside the last 10 minutes Hirst powered his way over for his second try which

Heaton goaled for a slender two-point lead but the away side succumbed to a converted Hunslet try to lose by four points. CELTIC’S UNDER-14S bounced back from a frustrating start to the season to beat Sherburn Bears convincingly at Park Parade in YJL Division Three. Sherburn took the early lead with an unconverted try but Celtic hit back with tries from Alex Wharton (hat-trick), Gabriel Croft (two), Shamus Harrison (two), Kyle Ramsden, Joel Watson and man-of-thematch Janeil Simpson. Celtic Under-14s travel to face Castleford Panthers this weekend. DEWSBURY MOOR UNDER-14S fared better in their last outing, beating West Hull 224 on the road in YJL Division One. McGowan opened the scoring for the Carr Lane outfit before parents’ player and man of the match ward winner Jay Scriven went over for an hat-trick. Other notable Moor performers included Brooks, Starkey, O’Neill, Llewellyn and McManus, who bagged the coaches’ man of the match honours. DEWSBURY CELTIC UNDER-13S overcame

Sheffield Hillsborough 30-6 at home in the Continuation Cup. Celtic scored a try from their first set through Jordan Massey. This was followed by touchdowns from Ethan Parkinson, Jordan Callaghan, Matty Butterworth, Morgan Ferry and Joe Frains as Celtic cruised into the next round. BIRSTALL VICTORIA UNDER-11S faced Keighley Albion and crossed for a six tries in an impressive performance last weekend. Cohan Burnham, Harry Avis, Aaron Kitchen (magic moment winner), Thomas Harrison and Verne Capstick (2) all went over. Cameron Stevens also had an impressive game and collected the man of steel, defensive contribution, supporters’ star and best trainer awards in return. Capstick (attacking contribution) and Avis (best opponent) scooped the remaining honours. Next week Victoria head to Skegness to take part in the Leeds Rhinos Challenge Event. Elsewhere THORNHILL TROJANS UNDER11S put in a valiant performance in their defeat to Hunslet Warriors. Player-of-the-match James Lister worked hard as did Kieron Haigh, who collected the 100 per cent award. Frazer Cass was handed the top tackler trophy, the parents’ award went to Regan Lofthouse and the opposition honours were collected by Louie Creaser. DEWSBURY MOOR UNDER-10S faced a tough test when the played Fryston Warriors last weekend. Coaches’ man of the match Tom Lay went over for the Maroons’ first half try which opposition man-of-the-match Joe Maloney converted. Maloney then crossed for a try of his own in the second period which Logan Riddle goaled to put Moor in front and despite a late Fryston try the Carr Lane side held out for the win. Other award winners include Will Bowers

Dewsbury Celtic Under-9s squad (above) and Cameron Stevens, Jamie Richardson and Harry Avis (left) make a tackle for Birstall Victoria Under-11s who picked up the parents’ honours, Callum Billing who won magic moment and Cobi Tasker-Taylor who collected the opposition man of the match honours. DEWSBURY MOOR UNDER-9S were also in winning ways last weekend over coming a defiant Drighlington side. Moor, without subs and playing in high temperatures, were a team opposition award for their efforts. Sam Beety (five), Joe Diskin (hat-trick), Shaun Fennel (two), Abigail Clough, Jack Sanderson and Adam Ajmal got Moor’s tries. DEWSBURY CELTIC UNDER-9S produced a strong performance to convincingly beat Birkenshaw. Coby Goodall scored a try on his debut for Celtic and Leon Wallice and Marshall Land also managed to cross the whitewash. Celtic’s man of the match Cobi Ellis proved influential, however, scoring four tries and providing the assist for a further two.

Meanwhile BIRSTALL VICTORIA UNDER8S took part in a double header against Emley and Bramley last time out. Harley Aston scored three tries for Birstall thanks to his quick footwork. Max Grinhaff also collected a man-of-thematch award for scoring an astounding nine tries and Jack Pickles won the magic moment prize, scoring Birstall’s first try of the weekend. And finally SHAW CROSS SHARKS overcame East Leeds in a hard-fought encounter. Seb Jeffers bagged the opposition manof-the-match award, top tackler was Teddy Dawson and Harvey Cavanagh won the magic moment prize. Meanwhile two recognition awards were given to Edan Gledhill and Ethan Brereton. Top trainer was awarded to Charlee Raby and the man of the match accolade was collected by Jacob Stevenson

ThePress

Friday May 13, 2016

LADBROKES CHALLENGE CUP

Morro’s men dumped out by rampant Wigan Labrokes Challenge Cup

DEWSBURY RAMS

WIGAN WARRIORS

at the Tetley’s Stadium DEWSBURY RAMS were dumped out of the Challenge Cup, having failed to deal with Wigan’s rampant Josh Charnley and subsequently missing out on the chance to battle it out with Castleford in the last eight. Wigan star Charnley scored 22 points in his side’s dominant performance and Shaun Wane’s men ran in 10 tries in total, including five in a stunning 20-minute spell at the start of the game, to race to their biggest margin of victory in 2016. Charnley bagged his brace inside the first 15 minutes and kicked seven goals from eight attempts, while John Bateman and Oliver Gildart also got over twice. Both Dom Manfredi and Sean O’Loughlin returned to the side, while Dom Crosby was also back after a spell on the sidelines as Wane fielded his strongest available team against the injury-hit Rams. In a blistering spell, Charnley crossed two minutes in from O’Loughlin’s bullet pass and, three minutes later, he unselfishly sent George Williams over on his return to

MATCH STATS: BATLEY BULLDOGS 22. David Scott 2. Wayne Reittie 3. Chris Ulugia 19. Alex Bretheron 31. Alex Brown 6. Cain Sothernwood 7. Dominic Brambani 8. Keegan Hirst 14. James Davey 21. James Brown 17. Joe Chandler 24. James Harrison 9. Luke Blake Subs: 20. Alistair Leak 18. Tom Lilycrop 10. Alex Rowe 28. Dave Petersen

8 6 7 6 7 6 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 7 6 6 6

the starting line-up for the first time in two months. Matty Smith went wide with both conversion attempts. After a blockbuster start from the visitors, Dewsbury regained their composure and repeat sets on Wigan’s line threatened a score, but the visiting defence held firm. But Charnley darted over for his second from O’Loughlin’s dummy-half pass. The winger also took over the goal-kicking duties but was unable to improve, keeping it 12-0. Undeterred, the fervent Rams looked to hit back and debutant winger Donald Kudangirana was only denied a memorable Challenge Cup try by a superb tackle. But normal service resumed soon after. Sam Powell rumbled upfield to set up Gildart for a damaging run, which saw him dance over the line from 20 metres out, showing a fine balance of pace and agility to touch down beneath the posts. Charnley notched the simple conversion. Dan Sarginson then piled over, making it 24-0. At this stage, the rampant Warriors were averaging more than a point a minute. England captain O’Loughlin, who had more than made his mark, was take off as part of a triple substitution soon after and the rest of the first half become more of a level affair, with Wigan hitting two more tries, in response to the Rams’ first.

7 6 6 8 6 6 7 7 6 6 7 7 6 6 6 6 6

BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Brown (65). Goals: Brambani 0/1.

CATALANS DRAGONS Tries: Yaha (5), Duport (26, 43), Myler (47), Taylor (55), Gigot (57, 70). Goals: Richards 6/7. Referee: G. Hewer / Half-time: 0-12 / Penalties: 5-2 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Very warm / Attendance: 1,429 / Man of the match: Vincent Duport / Match rating: 3/5

DEWSBURY RAMS 1. Josh Guzdek 34. Donald Kudangirana 15. Jason Crookes 4. Shane Grady 5. Dalton Grant 6. Paul Sykes 22. Andy Kain 14. Luke Adamson 17. Dom Speakman 24. Jack Teanby 12. Scott Hale 32. Kyle Trout 25. Joel Farrel Subs: 13. Aaron Brown 19. Nathan Conroy 27. Jason Muranka 40. Johnny Walker

6 6 6 6 6 7 5 6 5 5 5 6 6 5 5 5 5

WIGAN WARIORS 4. Dan Sarginson 5. Dominic Manfredi 3. Anthony Gelling 20. Oliver Gildart 2. Josh Charnley 6. George Williams 7. Matty Smith 8. Dominic Crosby 16. Sam Powell 17. Lee Mossop 14. John Bateman 25. Willie Isa 13. Sean O’Loughlin Subs: 19. Taulima Tautai 21. Ryan Sutton 22. Lewis Tierney 26. Greg Burke

7 6 6 7 9 7 7 7 7 7 8 7 7 6 7 7 6

DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Sykes (23). Goals: Sykes 0/1.

WIGAN WARRIORS Tries: Charnley (2, 11), Williams (5), Gildart (15, 43), Sarginson (18), Bateman (31, 35), Sutton (41), Tierney (56). Goals: Smith 0/2, Charnley 7/8.

Rams captain Paul Sykes Steve Horsfall

Referee: C Campbell / Half-time: 4-36 / Penalties: 6-8 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Hot / Attendance: 3,102 / Match rating: 3/5 / Man of the match: Josh Charnley

French flair earns Dragons comfortable win at Mount Labrokes Challenge Cup

BATLEY BULLDOGS CATALANS DRAGONS

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CATALANS DRAGONS 1. Tony Gigot 20. Fouad Yaha 12. Justin Horo 4. Vincent Duport 5. Pat Richards 27. Lucas Albert 7. Richie Myler 14. Dave Taylor 16. Eloi Pelissier 10. Remy Casty 11. Glen Stewart 8. Louis Anderson 13. Jason Baitieri Subs: 15. Julien Bousquet 17. Gregory Mounis 18. Thomas Bosc 29. Willie Mason

Former Super League star Sykes skipped and stepped his way over from five metres out soon before half-time, taking advantage of a John Bateman slip to streak over. He went wide with his conversion attempt. Bateman, perhaps fuelled by his earlier error, atoned in style within minutes, helping himself to two tries. His first came from a slick exchange of passes which saw him stride over, and his second came courtesy of sheer brute force against a tiring Dewsbury defence. Charnley added both goals and they led 36-4 at the break. Sadly for Morrison’s Dewsbury the interval didn’t halt Wigan’s momentum and the way side took just 72 seconds to extend that lead in the second period as Ryan Sutton trundled over for his first try of 2016. Lewis Tierney, who recently lost his full-back place to Dan Sarginson, was introduced from the bench and did his first team opportunities no harm in a composed final quarter. On from the bench, he was quickly into the action with a scorching run which sent Gildart over from longrange, Charnley’s extras making it 484 to the visitors. That was before Gildart went over himself to round off the scoring. The Rams emerged with credit in the closing stages, keeping the Warriors scoreless, but it is Shaun Wanes men who now sit just two wins away from Wembley.

MATCH STATS:

at Mount Pleasant BATLEY BULLDOGS missed out on the chance to play in the last eight of the Challenge Cup losing 40-4 at Mount Pleasant to Super League high flyers Catalans Dragons. Batley deserved huge credit for the way they started and finished this Challenge Cup tie. Unfortunately, their coach John Kear – miked up during the game in a first for British television – had to acknowledge that they “came apart a little” inbetween. The Catalans scored four of their seven tries in a 13-minute spell at the start of the second half, when the Gallant Youths, an historic nickname that still fits them, simply could not hold them. “I thought they played a really good game of rugby league, but I’m proud of the effort our lads put in,” said Kear, whose cup battle honours include turn-up final victories with Sheffield and Hull. “I thought the effort, desire and commitment of the players was

exceptional, but the Catalans look the real deal this season.” It was not realistic to expect a Bulldogs team reshuffled because of illness and injury to continue Kear’s tradition for him, but they competed far better than the scoreboard reveals. They were let down, however, by some big errors with the ball, starting with Cain Southernwood’s pass going to ground with Batley pressing in the fourth minute. The Dragons counter-attacked and Fouad Yaha opened the scoring, despite a brave chase by Alex Brown. They should have been further ahead when Vincent Duport, who otherwise had a strong-running and destructive game, somehow failed to put in the supporting Tony Gigot when his break had left them with a simple two-on-one. Any wishful thinking that this denoted a general lack of concentration soon went out of the window when, a little after the mid-point in the first half, Tom Lilycrop, fresh from the bench, lost the ball on his first carry. Again, the Dragons showed how ruthless they can be by going to the other end for Duport to touch down. A 12-point half-time deficit

against the side running second in Super League was no disgrace, but the Catalans were just about to cut loose. Good work by Louis Anderson gave Duport the chance for his second and Willie Mason and Duport set up the lively Richie Myler. Dave Taylor, who pressured Batley all evening with the sheer strength of his carries, claimed an easy fifth try for his side. That was a particularly harsh one for the home side, as David Scott, generally magnificent at full-back, seemed to have averted the danger with a tremendous tackle on Julien Bousquet. It was typical of this sort of game, where you can do everything right and still finish up conceding. What Kear called the French side’s ‘purple patch’ effectively ended with Myler sending Gigot through to touch down just before the dead-ball line. Taylor and Jason Baitieri were penalised for a tackle that dumped Keegan Hirst on his neck. The Batley captain, expected to move up to Super League with Wakefield next season, had a fine match, especially in this second stint on the field. He and his teammates did not

deserve to be nilled and, thanks to Brown, they weren’t, the winger finishing well from a smart pass by Chris Ulugia, the other player earmarked to accompany Kear to the Wildcats next year. Scott made his one real mistake of the game, the Scotland international full-back dropping a tricky restart under his posts. Again, the coolly professional Dragons took maximum advantage, with Gigot scoring his second. He was another of the Catalans’ better players, while we also got another glimpse of their 17-yearold stand-off Lucas Albert, who made a couple of appearances last season. The big difference, not surprisingly, was between full and parttime players. As Hirst pointed out after the match, several of his teammates had worked that afternoon, before battling the best that a very good Super League could throw at them. “Credit to them,” said the Dragons’ coach Laurent Frayssinous, who recalled putting 74 points on Batley in their last visit to Mount Pleasant in the Cup in 2010. “They’re a well-coached team and they have talented players.”

CRUCIAL CLASH AHEAD AS RAMS DITCH RESERVES Loss could put Dewsbury in ‘big trouble’ – Morrison By Steve Martyn DEWSBURY boss Glenn Morrison says tomorrow’s tough trip to Whitehaven could be a turning point in the Rams’ season. Morrison’s side, who have lost their last four Championship games and were beaten 54-4 by Wigan in the Challenge Cup on Sunday, travel to Cumbria in desperate need of a victory to propel them up the table. Whitehaven sit 11th in the standings, level on points with ninthplaced Dewsbury but with an inferior points difference, and head coach Morrison said: “It’s always a tough place to go and we’re definitely treating it in the right manner. “A win gives us momentum and we’re back in the mix at the right end, but a loss could put us in big trouble.” Following their injury crisis, which saw them at times struggle to field 17 fit players, Morrison says he now has a “few more bodies” back in training, with Rob Spicer and Tony Tonks both close to returning to action. The home defeat to Wigan saw Dewsbury only pick up a few minor bumps and bruises and, despite the scoreline, the Rams’ Aussie boss was proud of his players’ showing at the Tetley’s Stadium. The Warriors led 36-4 at the interval and Morrison said: “They started strongly and probably caught us off guard a bit. We were lazy on the inside defensively and we got caught a few times. But we only con-

Debutant winger Donald Kudangirana came agonisingly close to scoring against Wigan

Joel Farrell looks for space against Wigan at the Tetley’s Stadium ceded three tries in the second half, we made plenty of line-breaks and we tested them out. “We were unlucky not to score a few tries and in that sense I was proud of the boys and they way they didn’t let it go on to be a cricket score.”

Meanwhile, due to the challenges of a sparse schedule of fixtures and the difficulties in retaining players as a result, the Rams have withdrawn from the Reserves Competition. Dewsbury were Reserves Championship Grand Final winners

Photos: Steve Horsfall

in 2015 and have enjoyed average attendances of more than 200 at matches over the last 18 months. Six members of the 2015 squad were rewarded with first team contracts for 2016, while winger Donald Kudangirana was selected to make his debut in Sunday’s Challenge Cup

Bulldogs still aiming high DEPARTING coach John Kear is focused on leaving Batley Bulldogs in the best possible position. Kear, who leaves at the end of the season to rejoin Wakefield Trinity Wildcats as director of rugby, says a top-four spot would be an ideal parting gift for the Mount Pleasant club. At the halfway stage of the season the Bulldogs are fifth in the Kingstone Press Championship, a point outside the topfour and a place in the Super Eights Qualifiers when the competition splits after 23 rounds. “The higher we finish, the more money we get,” said Kear. “I want to leave the club in a really sound financial situation and with the ability to invest in further quality players. I am driven to make sure we finish as high as we possibly can. “A great achievement would be if we can finish fourth, but we are aiming as high as we can.

“At the beginning of the season we didn’t set targets and are still very much taking it week-to-week. We’re seeing where the season takes us.” The Bulldogs play host to fourth-placed Halifax on Sunday (3pm) looking to end a four-match losing run and thankfully came through last Friday’s 40-4 Challenge Cup defeat by Catalans Dragons with no new major injury concerns. Kear added: “I was really pleased with them, and proud of their effort and commitment. “We got physically dominated, ultimately, but that is no disgrace when you are playing a team like Catalans.” In other club news, popular forward Sean ‘Paddy’ Hesketh, who has been on the Bulldogs’ long-term injury list, has now been ruled out for the season with a shoulder problem that requires surgery. Full-back James Craven has been released from his contract with immediate effect.

The former Thornhill amateur, who also enjoyed a long spell with Dewsbury, has been frustrated with his lack of playing opportunities this season as Dave Scott has been first choice in the no.1 jersey for the Bulldogs.

Championship table Leigh Centurions London Broncos Bradford Bulls Halifax BATLEY BULLDOGS Featherstone Rovers Sheffield Eagles Swinton Lions DEWSBURY RAMS Oldham Whitehaven Workington Town

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Pts

12 12 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 11 12

10 10 6 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 1

1 2 3 5 5 5 7 7 8 7 7 11

21 20 14 14 13 12 10 10 8 8 8 2

1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

clash with Wigan after having previously played for the Reserves. A club spokesman said: “The withdrawal of Sheffield Eagles and Featherstone Rovers earlier in this season has impacted on the fixture schedule, to the extent that the Reserves had only played four games so far this season, despite the players having been in training for several months. “We have attempted on several occasions, without success, to arrange further friendlies to bolster the fixture list. “But the players faced the prospect of several weeks without a game and a season finishing in early July, which just isn’t any good for their development.”

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