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Friday January 18, 2019

No. 877

50p

WALL OF SILENCE Fifty-five men arrested for child sex offences in Batley and Dewsbury – but Kirklees officials REFUSE to engage over potentially the UK’s biggest grooming case

N THE FACE of potentially the biggest rape gang scandal in British history, Kirklees Council has chosen to bury its head in the sand.

As local people reeled at news that 55 men mostly from Dewsbury and Batley had been arrested in the first stage of inquiries into non-recent sexual attacks on seven young girls, the council’s leader, Shabir Pandor, had nothing to say.

No consoling words regarding the ordeals of the girls and young women who police clearly believe

I

to have been abused on an industrial scale.

No encouragement that others who may have suffered should come forward.

No commitment from the authority to assist the police, no support offered for the victims and their families.

No appeal to honourable, concerned members of the communities where this evil is rooted, to come forward and assist police with their enquiries.

Nothing. Just a sullen silence.

Heads in sand, fingers in ears.

PRESS COMMENT Seven brave victims have come forward so far from the period 2002 to 2009 – with a staggering 55 men arrested.

Do the maths. Work out what it could have meant to those girls.

On the back of the series of trials involving large numbers of Huddersfield men on raping, grooming and trafficking charges, the latest mass arrests suggest that the Kirklees district has a major problem. When the dam of

mass child sexual exploitation burst in Rotherham in 2010, just five men were charged and convicted – yet up to 1,400 victims would subsequently be identified.

Thankfully, the police now treat such matters with gravity, diligence and dogged persistence.

Admittedly, Coun Pandor was not alone in refusing to acknowledge the problem. The Press approached numerous men and women in elected office between 2002-2009.

None responded. However, unlike him, they are not in posi-

tions of civic leadership.

In the Kirklees Council chamber on Wednesday night, as Labour’s Steve Hall was observed watching football on his iPad, and as this week’s arrests went completely unmentioned, Coun Pandor resorted to Twitter to essentially accuse people concerned with nonstunned halal meat being served in schools as racists.

It is abundantly clear where Coun Pandor’s priorities lie. And it is not good enough.

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

Labour MPs slam political turmoil Deaths AIREY GEORGE ALFRED On January 8, at his home in Gomersal after a short illness bravely borne, formerly of Woodkirk, aged 96, husband of the late Jean. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Tuesday January 22 at 2pm.

ANDERSON JOHN DEAN On January 7, in hospital, of Kirkheaton, former driving instructor in Mirfield, aged 78, partner of Gloria. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday February 11 at 12.30pm.

ARNALL DEBORAH On December 30, peacefully at home after a short illness bravely borne, of Birkenshaw, aged 60, wife of John. Funeral service will take place at St Paul’s Church, Birkenshaw, on Friday January 25 at 12pm.

BARLOW (NEE WALSHAW) CHRISTINE On January 9, with her family at her bedside, aged 72, wife of Trevor. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Tuesday January 22 at 10am.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

BATTYE ALLAN On January 9, peacefully at Kirkwood Hospice, of Batley Carr, aged 68, partner of Pat. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday February 15 at 12.30pm

BOOCOCK DOROTHY On January 11, peacefully at Linson Court Care Home, of Healey, aged 83, wife of the late George. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday January 23 at 2.45pm.

74, husband of Pauline.

Funeral service will take place at Christ Church, South Ossett, on Thursday January 31 at 12pm.

wife of the late Peter. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday January 21 at 3.15pm.

GOODWIN (NEE GREENWOOD) ELYSIA MARGARET

OAKES (NEE BRANNAN) CATH

On January 12, peacefully in hospital, formerly of Ravensthorpe, aged 97, wife of the late Leonard (Len). Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday February 6 at 12.30pm.

On January 13, suddenly but peacefully in her sleep, aged 80, wife of Barry. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Tuesday January 29 at 1pm.

HARGREAVES BARBARA On January 8, peacefully at her home in Liversedge, aged 71, mother to Beverley, Julie and Mark. Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Tuesday January 29 at 11.15am.

CHODEL HELENA On January 7, peacefully at Lydgate Lodge Care Home, formerly of Lower Hopton, Mirfield, aged 95, wife of the late Stanislaw. Funeral service will take place at St Aidan’s Catholic Church, Mirfield, on Wednesday January 23 at 1pm.

HEPWORTH (NEE BOWERS) JOAN On January 8, peacefully at Bradford Royal Infirmary, of Mirfield, aged 72, wife of the late Bryan. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday February 14 at 12.30pm.

CLOUGH TERRY On December 28, peacefully at Holme House, Gomersal, aged 88, husband of Lily. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday January 24 at 11.30am.

KIPPAX PAULINE MARY On December 19, peacefully in hospital, aged 82, a dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Funeral service will take place at the Parish Church of St Philip and St James, Scholes, on Tuesday January 22 at 2pm.

DRAKE DAVID FILBY On January 4, of Ossett, aged

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O’REILLY DOREEN On January 10, surrounded by her loving family, aged 84,

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OVEREND REX On December 28, of Birstall.

Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Wednesday January 23 at 10.30am.

PINDER RICHARD TREVOR On January 3, unexpectedly but peacefully at home, of Gomersal, aged 52, partner of Liz. Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Monday January 28 at 12.45pm.

SHEARD PAUL ANTHONY On January 6, suddenly, formerly of Batley, aged 42, much-loved and will sadly be missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday January 25 at 10.30am.

SMITH JACQUELINE MARY On January 9, suddenly in hospital after a very brief illness, aged 75, wife of Colin.

Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Tuesday January 22 at 3.15pm.

STAKES (FORMERLY WINFIELD) (NEE SPURR) MONA On January 1, peacefully at Woodland Court extra care home, aged 91, wife of Leslie.

Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Tuesday February 5 at 12.30pm.

STEPHENSON (NEE TENNANT) PAMELA ANN On January 7, peacefully at her home in Earlsheaton, aged 75, wife of the late Trevor.

Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Monday January 28 at 1pm.

SUMMERSCALES (NEE MADDEN) SHEILA On January 13, at Manor Croft Nursing Home, of Hanging Heaton, aged 86, wife of the late Geoffrey. Funeral service will take place at St Paul’s Church on Thursday January 24 at 1.30pm.

TURNER (FORMERLY SANGSTER) (NEE GOTHARD) BERYL On January 10, peacefully at Avery Mews Care Home, formerly of Gomersal, aged 77, wife of the late David. Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Thursday January 31 at 11.15am.

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Acknowledgements

HAIGH

Catherine Patricia Richard, George, Charles and families would like to express their most heartfelt thanks to all who have sent kind messages, letters, cards and beautiful flowers in their recent sad and sudden loss of Catherine, a much loved wife, mum, mother-in-law and nana. The presence of so many at church was overwhelming and a great support to all the family and a great testimony to the high regard with which Catherine was held. The generous donations to St Mary’s Church and The British Heart Foundation raised in excess of £3000, we are most humbled by this. Grateful thanks are extended to the Doctors and staff on ICU at HRI for their care, compassion and kindness. Thanks are also extended to Rev Hugh Baker for his visit, kind words and wonderful service. Thanks also to all the staff at Healds Hall Hotel for their attention and excellent service and to Andrew at Radcliffe Funeral Service for all his help and support with the funeral arrangements.

SENIOR Wendy

Alan and family would like to convey their sincere thanks to all relatives, friends and neighbours for the kind expressions of sympathy, cards and messages of condolence, donations for the benefit of the Happy Memories Group received following the sudden sad loss of Wendy.

Special thanks to the ambulance crew and doctors and staff of A & E at Pinderfields Hospital for their prompt care and attention also to Rev Mark Umpleby for his thoughtful words and prayers. Finally to Helen, Judith and staff of George Brooke Ltd for caring, professional and supportive funeral arrangements.

In loving memory

JENKINSON (Nee Wilkinson) Eileen -- • --

Died 14th January 2005 Always in our thoughts, with love David and all the family x

ThePress Friday January 18, 2019 Issue No: 877

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BOTH OF the district’s Labour MPs have called for Prime Minister Theresa May to step down after a week of turmoil in Parliament.

Tuesday saw Mrs May’s Brexit deal rejected by 432 votes to 202 in the biggest government defeat in modern history, while she narrowly won a no-confidence vote on Wednesday by a majority of 19 votes.

Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff and Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin both voted against the Brexit deal and supported the noconfidence motion.

Miss Sherriff said: “After the largest parliamentary defeat of any British government in history, it’s time that the Prime Minister steps aside to allow for a general election.

“It’s not just Brexit – May’s government has let us down again and again. Last year saw the worst-ever NHS performance, the highest levels of recorded crime in a decade, we’ve seen unprecedented cuts to education, more children in poverty, more homelessness and the longest fall in living standards since records began.

“Our local hospitals have been downgraded, whilst our schools and colleges tell me they’re struggling to provide the education our young people deserve.

“Theresa May’s government has left us with nothing but chaos.

“A Labour government would break the Brexit deadlock and put an end to the austerity policies that have been so damaging for people and services in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton.”

Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin added: “Brexit is the most important decision of our times and it will impact our country for decades to come, therefore it’s so important that we get it absolutely right.

“This week, we’ve seen an overwhelming rejection of Theresa May’s Brexit deal in what was a truly historic defeat.

“This vote was the culmination of two years of negotiating and surely spells the end of the road for this deal.

“In the circumstances, the Prime Minister should step aside and let others take control of the process.”

ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

Car seized after high-speed chase POLICE seized a car and arrested two men following a high-speed chase.

The vehicle had failed to stop for officers on Tuesday evening during a chase on Huddersfield Road in Mirfield and Ravensthorpe.

Road users reported seeing a man “riding on the roof” of the car with his legs over the windscreen while it dangerously overtook other cars.

Driving instructor Coun Vivien Lees-Hamilton (Con, Mirfield) captured footage of the silver Volkswagen Golf on her car’s dashcam in Mirfield.

She said that if a pedestrian had stepped into the road the driver “would have killed them” because the car was travelling so fast.

The pursuit came to an end just after 9pm on Havelock Street, Ravensthorpe.

News In Brief Trade boss bullish on town’s prospects

Police confirmed two men, aged 24 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. The 24-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for officers and dangerous driving.

Reports online suggested the car, pictured, had been seen driving dangerously through Mirfield and Ravensthorpe in the days leading up to the incident.

‘Privileged and honoured’: Pride of school’s new head

By Zoe Shackleton

tions to have attended the school.

“It’s always been an ambition and it’s a real honour to take the lead,” he said. “I know what needs to happen so there’s no real surprises, it’s just a steady hand to move it on to the next stage of development. The school doesn’t need major change at all – we’ve probably got the most professional and dedicated staff and governors that I’ve ever worked with – so all the building blocks are in place to give very good support to superb students who become very wellrounded young adults going on to reach their full potential in life.”

Heckmondwike hasn’t been fully inspected by Ofsted officials since 2007 because it regularly received outstanding reports.

Last year it was crowned the best state-funded secondary school in Kirklees, according to the Real Schools Guide.

THE NEW acting headteacher at Heckmondwike Grammar School has described his pride at being promoted to the job.

Deputy head Peter Roberts was chosen by the school’s governors to take over from previous head Nathan Bulley, who left suddenly two weeks ago.

Mr Bulley was at the helm for only two years – one of the shortest spells in the school’s history – having been appointed in September, 2016.

It is not yet clear why Mr Bulley resigned but it is believed some members of staff were unhappy with his management style.

Following a governors’ meeting last Thursday night, Mr Roberts – a former pupil of the school – was voted in unanimously as acting head and officially started in his new role on Friday.

He said: “I’m absolutely privileged and honoured to be the new acting headteacher.

“It’s a role I’ve by simply wanted and looked forward to for a long time.”

Mr Roberts joined the school as deputy head in 2010, having previously held the same position at Whitcliffe Mount School in Cleckheaton.

He was a pupil at Heckmondwike in the 1980s and is one of four family genera-

CLECKHEATON: Chamber of Trade president Mark Hepworth says Cleckheaton is still open for business – despite the announcement in recent months of four shop closures.

The demise of On The Cheapside, Sands Cafe, Lily Vanilla and K Boutique prompted concerns about the future of the town’s high street.

But Mr Hepworth said: “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes and we’re not overly concerned by the empty units, as they do tend to get filled quite quickly... Cleckheaton is well and truly open for business!”

He also announced that the former Natwest bank site on Bradford Road is under offer, having been empty since May last year.

In another boost, Kirklees’ ruling Labour group announced on Wednesday night that parking would remain free in towns – including Cleckheaton – where there is currently no charge.

It’s ‘L’ passing a test HECKMONDWIKE: The town’s driving test centre is still one of the hardest places in the country to pass your test, new studies reveal.

Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) showed that only 38 per cent of all learners passed their test at the centre on High Street between April and September 2018. The average pass rate is 46 per cent.

During the six-month period, 1,258 people out of 3,309 passed.

New vets’ practice DEWSBURY: The Animal Trust has opened a new veterinary practice on Railway Street.

The non-profit company returns all profits to the business for the benefit of its patients.

The new practice, which opened on Monday, opens between 8.30am and 6.30pm, seven days a week. Email dewsbury@ animaltrust.org.uk or call 01924 927220.

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Town gets £750k for regeneration DEWSBURY town centre could receive a £750,000 boost as part of yet another regeneration programme.

Councillors are set to discuss the funding, which will pay for the first year of the Better Spaces scheme, at a Council meeting on Tuesday (January 22).

The ‘spring clean’ programme will spruce up the town centre with work being done on painting, improved lighting, better street furniture, green infrastructure and cleansing, while roads and

footpaths would also be targeted.

Council leader Coun Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West), said: “This strategic plan builds on our previous work in bringing buildings back into use.

“This plan will increase footfall into Dewsbury and help boost the overall vibrancy of the area.”

The proposed project is in conjunction with council partners including Historic England, Kirklees College, Heritage Lottery Fund and West Yorkshire Police.

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

Fifty-five men arrested No comment: Public figures fail to respond to questions FOLLOWING the news that 55 men have been arrested for non-recent sexual offences against children, The Press reached out via email to prominent North Kirklees figures who were in positions of authority in the years 2002-2009.

We tried to make contact with former MPs Mike Wood, Ann Taylor and Shahid Malik and current Kirklees councillors Eric Firth, Paul Kane, Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East), Masood Ahmed (Lab, Dewsbury South), Mumtaz Hussain (Lab, Dewsbury West), Mahmood Akhtar (Lab, Batley East), Shabir Pandor and Gwen Lowe (both Lab, Batley West).

We asked them the following questions: 1. During the period mentioned, were you ever alerted to instances of potential abuse?

2. Did you ever hear rumours or anecdotal reports from colleagues or constituents that child sexual exploitation and ‘grooming’ was an issue locally?

3. Were you ever aware of this problem being raised with any regulatory authorities?

4. What is your reaction to the number of arrests revealed by police this week?

5. Why do you think it has taken so long for these allegations to surface?

6. Have you any other comments to make to our readers?

The only response received was from council leader Shabir Pandor, who said: “Whilst there are live investigations ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comments.”

The rest failed to reply.

By Staff Reporters DETECTIVES investigating allegations of child sex abuse have arrested 55 men in Dewsbury, Batley and Bradford as part of a large operation, West Yorkshire Police revealed this week.

The men were arrested over the last few months and all have been interviewed and released under investigation.

The new probe centres on allegations made by seven women of sexual abuse committed against them as children, predominantly in the Dewsbury and Batley area, between 2002 and 2009.

Det Insp Ian Thornes, leading the investigation, said: “Safeguarding and protecting children remains the top priority for West Yorkshire Police.

“This investigation demonstrates the force’s ongoing commitment to the investigation of both current and non-recent sexual offences against children.

“Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent and heinous crime and one which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We have teams of specialist safeguarding units across each district in West Yorkshire, which include police officers dedicated to dealing with both current and non-recent child abuse and child sexual exploitation.

“Tackling child abuse is not something that any one agency can do in isolation; we work closely with local authorities, other organisations and charities to support victims, bring

Dewsbury and Batley suspects quizzed on 2002-09 allegations the perpetrators to justice and make our communities safer.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or historic, to report it to the police. Please be assured that you will be listened to, taken seriously and supported by professionals with experience of dealing with these kind of offences.”

After news of the arrests broke on Monday, Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said in a statement: “My thoughts are with the brave victims of these crimes. I know it must have been incredibly difficult to come forward and, if they require me to do so, I will support them in any way I can.

“I hope this investigation ends

“This investigation demonstrates the force’s ongoing commitment to investigating both current and non-recent sexual offences against children” – DET INSP IAN THORNES

HOW TO REPORT CHILD SEX ABUSE ■ IF you are worried that a child or young person is at risk or is being abused, you can contact the Kirklees Safeguarding Children team on 01484 456848.

You can choose not to give your details. For more information visit www.kirkleessafeguardingchildren.co.uk.

■ You can report it online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command (CEOP).

■ Or you can call the NSPCC 24hour helpline on 0808 800 5000 for expert advice and support.

■ If a child is at immediate risk, call 999 or call the police on 101 if you think a crime has been committed.

■ Children and young people can call Childline free on 0800 1111 where trained counsellors are available 24 hours a day, every day.

with all perpetrators being punished and gives the victims the justice they deserve.

“News of a crime of this size and nature will understandably cause great concern and I would echo the police in urging any victims of sexual abuse to report it to the police to ensure those responsible are prosecuted.”

Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Paula Sherriff said: “Child sexual abuse is a hideous crime – unspeakable – but it is not an area where we should remain silent. The convictions over recent months, and the latest arrests concerning allegations between 2002 and 2009, are welcome and it is right that the authorities appear to be taking this matter more seriously.

“I hope that the action we’re seeing now brings the perpetrators to justice and my thoughts are with the victims who have bravely come forward to report these vile crimes.”

The Press contacted Kirklees Council but a spokesman simply said: “As this is an ongoing police investigation we do not feel it would be appropriate for the council to comment at this stage.”

HOW TO SPOT CHILD GROOMING SIGNS MANY of these are common teenage behaviours, but keep an eye out for increased instances of changes in behaviour that may be signs of grooming: ■ Being secretive about who they are talking to and where they are going.

■ Often returning home late or staying out all night.

■ Sudden changes in their appearance and wearing more revealing clothes.

■ Becoming involved in drugs or alcohol, particularly if you suspect they are being supplied by older men or women.

■ Becoming emotionally volatile (mood swings are common in all young people, but more severe

changes could indicate that something is wrong).

■ Using sexual language that you wouldn’t expect them to know.

■ Engaging less with their usual friends.

■ Appearing controlled by their phone.

■ Switching to a new screen when you come near the computer.

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

5

over child sex offences The new probe centres on allegations, made by seven women, of sexual abuse committed against them as children, predominantly in the areas of Batley, main picture, and Dewsbury, inset, between 2002 and 2009

RECENT GROOMING GANG SCANDALS IN THE UK ROTHERHAM Widespread child abuse in the town first came to light in 2010 when five Asian men were jailed for sexual offences against under-age girls. A 2014 inquiry found there were more than 1,400 victims of grooming and sex exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

ROCHDALE The trial of nine Asian men for grooming young white girls for sex attracted widespread public outrage and sparked a national debate when they were convicted in 2012. The gang received jail sentences of between four and 19 years for offences committed against five girls – aged between 13 and 15 – in and around Rochdale between 2008 and 2010.

OXFORD In 2013, five members of a paedophile ring were handed life sentences, while two others were each jailed for seven years at the Old Bailey. The court heard how six girls, aged between 11 and 15, were plied with alcohol and drugs before being forced to perform sex acts. All the men were of Pakistani origin apart from two brothers from north Africa.

BRISTOL Thirteen Somali men were jailed for a total of more than 100 years after they were convicted in 2014 of running an inner city sex ring. Victims as young as 13 were preyed upon, sexually abused and trafficked across Bristol to be passed around the men’s friends for money.

AYLESBURY Six Asian men were jailed in 2015 for grooming vulnerable under-age girls between 2006 and 2012. The Old Bailey heard victims would be plied with alcohol and forced to perform sex acts for as little as “the price of a McDonald’s”.

PETERBOROUGH Ten men were convicted of child sex crimes in the town, including “predatory” restaurant boss Mohammed Khubaib, who was originally from Pakistan. He was jailed for 13 years at the Old Bailey in 2015, after he was found guilty of forcing a 14-year-old girl to perform a sex act on him and nine counts of trafficking for sexual exploitation, involving

girls aged from 12 to 15, between 2010 and 2013.

KEIGHLEY In February 2016, 12 men were sentenced to up to 20 years each after being found guilty of sexually exploiting a vulnerable girl when she was in her early teens. The men, who include three sets of brothers, were mostly young, low-level criminals living in Keighley. Child safety campaigner Angela Sinfield said the number of girls affected in the Keighley area is probably higher than the figure the police have.

HALIFAX Fifteen men who systematically groomed and sexually abused teenage girls in Halifax were jailed in June 2016. At three separate trials at Leeds Crown Court, they were convicted of child sex offences including rape, grooming and trafficking.

Prosecutors praised the “immense courage and bravery” of the two victims who gave evidence against the men. The longest sentence passed was 25 years.

NEWCASTLE In August 2017 a gang of 17 men and one woman was convicted over the sexual abuse of more than 100 girls, some as young as 13. It emerged that many experts believe the list of convictions to be merely the tip of the iceberg.

HUDDERSFIELD In October 2018, 20 men were found guilty of being part of a grooming gang that raped and abused girls as young as 11 in Huddersfield. The men were convicted of more than 120 offences against 15 girls. Mohammed Rizwan Aslam, 31, of Huddersfield Road, Dewsbury, was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced to 15 years. It was the largest gang ever convicted for sex abuse in the United Kingdom. Victims were plied with drink and drugs and then “used and abused at will” in a seven-year “campaign of rape and abuse” between 2004 and 2011. Other members of the gang were jailed for between five and 18 years but the court heard many perpetrators have never been identified. There have been three trials completed in relation to child sexual abuse in Huddersfield, with another three scheduled this year.

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Councillor caught watching soccer in a public meeting

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter COUNCIL meetings can be dry affairs, which may be why one councillor in Kirklees took time out to catch the football on his iPad. Coun Steve Hall could be seen watching a match as his colleague Richard Murgatroyd made an impassioned address in support of a motion declaring a climate emergency.

His behaviour during a meeting of full council on Wednesday evening (January 16) has been criticised on social media.

The Labour member for Heckmondwike spent more than 15 minutes tuning into the match.

He did so in full view of opposition councillors on the Conservative side of the council chamber in Huddersfield Town Hall.

Gaffe of the Day... Coun Steve Hall watching football on his iPad Among those who witnessed Coun Hall watching football was Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield), who said his behaviour was discourteous.

“Accepting the realities that during debates there are only going to be a certain number of members called to speak, you might not be involved,” he said.

“Nonetheless members should give items on their

agenda due attention and consideration. That’s just common courtesy.

“We all like to do stuff in meetings – check emails or Google some background information. But where we are on view to the public we have to be mindful that we can be seen. It’s the impression that it gives to the public.”

Coun Hall was approached to comment.

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ThePress

6

Friday January 18, 2019

NOW ON SALE The fully 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

Brexit betrayal – the fix is in HAD a shave this morning.

The face looking back at me was still pink-ish; a bit of residual colour from our pre-Chrimbo holiday. Too many lines for my liking, obviously.

It hadn’t turned a vibrant shade of navy, sky or electric though – surprisingly, I hadn’t gone blue in the face, through screaming my frustration at that chamber of snakes, liars and incompetents in Westminster.

The fix is in, folks. It always was. As I’ve said to the point of being blue in the face, there is no ‘deal’ that the EU would be happy with, short of the UK doing a u-turn and remaining.

Germany almost unthinkably is wavering on recession and quite besides the violent protests shaking France, their 2019 budget will blow EU fiscal rules out of the water.

When that happened in Greece, the Germans (aka EU)

I

seized power. Their arm-wrestle with Italy is in deadlock.

But France gets a free pass to break the rules.

Well, someone has to pay for the French to retire at 62, on pensions more than double ours. Someone has to fund the multi-million pension pots of the Kinnocks and Peter Mandelson, the lavish lifestyles of the unelected EU Commissioners and their vast army of Eurocrats. That’ll be the dumb Brits.

That’s why the EU offered Cameron nothing but insults; why they did the same repeatedly with May, plus liberal doses of humiliation on top.

The more desperately she pleaded, the less she got.

So let’s be clear – it wouldn’t matter if the entire House of Commons united in its approach to Brussels ahead of March 29: there’s nothing on the table, no ‘better’ deal. It. Does. Not. Exist.

It is British surrender or

Blue in the face – frustrated Locky bust for the EU, as simple as.

They could just about stomach the sunk Withdrawal Agreement because it left us in servitude to their jackbooted hegemony. We’d be castrated, impotent, yes, but deep down, they’re praying for May to extend Article 50 and for that to collapse into a Second Referendum. Because they

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In three years, nothing has changed in the EU’s position and over the next 10 weeks it’s virtually impossible to see anything else changing. The Irish border? It’s an emotive ruse, nothing more.

So, if this impasse means violent civic strife on the streets of London and/or the collapse of our political establishment (and it’s a ‘yes please’ from me!) they could care less. Be in no doubt here, the UK is the EU’s sworn enemy. There is zero goodwill, just contempt and very short memories.

This is the summer of 1940 revisited, with today’s Westminster overrun by weak Neville Chamberlains, all of them ignorant to the crumbling EU project and the dire straits of the failing Euro currency. Their banks are in crisis, even the Germans’ biggest, Deutsche Bank. But still, tragically, there is no EU insult the vast majority of MPs won’t gladly swallow to protect their establishment racket.

ERE’S an explanation how they dress up their betrayal, how they cloak their treachery: ArchRemain MPs ‘promise’ to respect their Leave con-

H

stituencies and the Brexit vote by ‘negotiating’ an acceptable deal – but under no circumstance will they countenance ‘no deal’.

Why not? That’s what I voted for. That’s what all of Westminster promised I would get – a clean Brexit, not a dirty fix. But today’s deceit sees Labour and Tory alike screaming their black hysteria, no matter how many times it is sensibly ridiculed.

No deal? Aaaargh! Therein lies the end of the world, planes falling out of the skies, starving babies, a collapsed NHS, financial Armageddon.

WE CANNOT TAKE YOU OVER THAT CATASTROPHIC PRECIPICE – WE ARE SAVING YOU! they pledge.

It’s a lie. A diabolical attempt at terror-inducing blackmail. It’s Project Fear #99. And underpinning it is the desperate hope that they can somehow finagle a socalled People’s Vote and that next time they can properly terrify us, deceive us, into backing their treachery.

The EU has form – Denmark rejected Maastricht and was told to find a way to say yes. The same happened with Ireland over the Treaties of Nice and Lisbon – the treaty Gordon Brown shamefully agreed without consulting us. The coward didn’t

even have the guts to show his face at the public ceremony, sneaking along later to sign away a huge chunk of our sovereignty.

Meanwhile Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron have restated unequivocally that the only way the EU can survive is for nation states to all submit to its federal rule.

If you don’t think your MPs listen to you now, imagine when you’re governed by an unelected, fascist elite that has, and continues, to show exactly how much it despises you – yes, you, English man and woman.

That’s the simple choice here folks. Sure, there will be hiccups with a Clean Brexit on March 30. There will be short term currency/market turbulence because those people love cashing in on a bit of uncertainty.

But within weeks or months we will have a trade deal with Europe – because they need it more than us – and all will be bright and breezy for Britain’s future, while the EU continues headlong towards the precipice, with more and more of our good European cousins looking to call its bullying bluff.

And if Parliament manages to sabotage that, as it seems intent on? I fear what the future will hold, I really do.

Sex abuse shock horror ... not W ELL, who would have thought? Fifty-five Catholic priests in Dewsbury and Batley, carrying on sex abuses on an industrial scale for God – pun intended – knows how long. Because you know the cases investigated by the mob of National Crime Agency police who had a ‘secret’ dawn meeting at the fire station in Batley Carr have only scratched the surface.

What? It wasn’t Catholic priests? Well if they weren’t the abusers, who could the suspects possibly be?

I know, the Freemasons – too secretive for my liking, dressing up in their pinnies, with funny handshakes – and stuffed full of cops.

Maybe a few Rotary Club types bumped the numbers up, because an organised ring of 55 alleged child rapists – they would surely have to have some characteristic in common...

Naturally the police aren’t saying, while a legion of Kirklees functionaries don tin helmets, mutter ‘sh*t sh*t sh*t’ under their breath and wish those bloody girls could have kept their fat mouths shut.

Damn, they thought they’d gotten away with it ... because of course, they all knew this was coming, deep down. We all did.

In fact the only surprise local men and women will have felt at this week’s news of the mass sex gang arrests, is that it took so long to surface.

Cat got your tongue: Coun Shabir Pandor The last time I saw a Kirklees Council report into potential Child Sexual Exploitation, they were all crowing, slapping each other on the back in congratulation at having escaped the scandal. Phew...

Except, oops, no – in Kirklees it was just buried deeper and ignored more resolutely than in some of the complicit authorities already exposed. And now that all of those little chickens are coming home to roost, they are in meltdown and denial.

Unsurprisingly, politicians across the board refuse to address the issue, to trust themselves to open their mouths and utter so much as an ‘errr’ – because they are all complicit, at heart. Thankfully MPs Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin have stepped up and said the right things, which in fairness they

could, being relatively new here.

No doubt many council and Social Services staff will have jumped ship or retired. Others will follow. No one will pay for 20 years of turning blind eyes .

The police who resolutely refused to investigate the makeshift den off Longcauseway in Thornhill Lees, to which car after car of ‘locals’ would turn up to take turns with young white girls? The concerned resident who reported that eventually destroyed it himself, because the law wasn’t interested.

I heard a few years ago from a girl who suffered the same on Caulms Wood, plus houses in Ravensthorpe and Batley Carr.

She wouldn’t give her name, changed her mind about speaking out, and hadn’t been to the police because “they won’t believe me, nobody does”. She hung up.

She knew the common characteristic those men shared, as of course we all do. But we can’t say it in the name of ‘community cohesion’ and because, as the apologists will eventually insist, this isn’t about a barbaric cultural attitude, it’s about human frailty.

I can think of some pretty unkind motives and mindsets to ascribe to this apparent refusal to face uncomfortable truths. Suffice to say – for now – that those girls deserve far better, from the people who have systematically let them down, and continue to do so.

ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

MP backs soccer kids’ clubhouse campaign

By Zoe Shackleton BATLEY & SPEN MP Tracy Brabin has thrown her support behind a junior football club’s campaign for a new clubhouse.

Howden Clough Juniors have been without a proper base for two years since a bar area they used at Batley Sports Centre was closed down.

Now volunteers on the committee are working to give the 400 youngsters a place to call home.

While the club has funds in the bank, vice chairman Ben Chapman said “they don’t come close to covering what it would cost after we fund the equipment required each season”.

He said they weren’t eligible to apply for lottery funding or a grant from the Football Association because the money available was assigned elsewhere.

The club plans to arrange fundraising events and also

Team players... Tracy Brabin with Howden Clough Juniors volunteers Emma Armitage and Nichola Orman has the option of applying to become a registered charity, so that funding is more available.

Mr Chapman said: “I think with Tracy’s help she can open a few doors for us.

“It would be nice to have our own home. We’re not expecting a swanky bar, we’re literally talking somewhere where people can sit down after a game and buy a drink or some food.”

Ms Brabin has pledged to

Quiz night in Duncan’s memory MIRFIELD Parish Cricket Club is hosting a quiz night on Friday, January 25 (8.30pm) in memory of a local man who died last year.

Duncan Wylie took his own life and all proceeds raised on the night will be donated to Andy’s Man Club – a charity set

up to help men with mental health issues.

Prizes for a raffle and auction have been donated by local businesses including Sue Bradley Flowers, Shaun Fairweather Butchers and Halo Professional Hair Design.

Everyone is welcome.

support the club’s campaign and has made them her charity of the month for January, which means all the money she raises will go straight to them.

She commented: “I was blown away by the club and how much they do for the community.

“The importance of local, grassroots sport is not to be underestimated, so it’s fantastic to see Howden Clough Juniors giving hundreds of children, both boys and girls, the opportunity to get involved.

“A new clubhouse is very important for the club to grow and realise its ambitions. I’ll do all I can to support the campaign.”

If anybody is interested in sponsoring Howden Clough’s venture, they can email howdencloughjfc713@gmail.com.

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

We need officials to preserve history AS SOMEONE born in Batley, worked in Dewsbury, lived in Liversedge and now residing in Berkshire, I’m grateful to belong to a Facebook group called Dewsbury Pictures Old and New. It gives me joy to see some of the photographs the members have kindly posted – it brings back good memories!

However, some of the old photographs of amazing Victorian buildings that the members post are sadly no longer with us, and this sad affair leaves me absolutely incensed!

Batley and Dewsbury were once affluent rich towns and featured amazing and the best Victorian architectures money could buy.

It had stunning and ornate buildings that would have been the envy of London and other major cities in the UK. Sadly the majority of these stunning old beacons of prosperity have been demolished to make way for utter concrete blocks of ugliness that are not even in keeping with the area and have no pretence of even blending in.

The gems that are still standing have been allowed to crumble, or are just boarded up – it’s heart-breaking.

No joined-up thinking in plan From: David Parry, Mirfield On Thursday night my wife and I, together with some friends went to the Cooper Bridge upgrade exhibition at Bradley Working Men’s Club.

We arrived 20 minutes before the finish at 7pm.

Some of the information had already been packed away and the maps were being removed before we left at 6.55pm.

Looking at the three plans, there appeared to be no improvement planned to help the congestion or the flooding under the railway bridge at Cooper Bridge on the A62.

I was told they were aware of the problem, but the bridge is actually in Calderdale and the problem of flooding is on Network Rail land, “Who are notori-

Letter of the Week: Vivienne Ballico, Berkshire Systematic handling by clueless councillors and equally clueless town planners have, for over the decades, destroyed the very essence of onceprosperous and beautiful northern towns and they should all be ashamed of themselves.

I even hope some are spinning in their graves! Lack of money could be a feature, but the way I’ve seen the council throwing taxpayers’ money over the years, it makes me conclude that they haven’t a brain cell to share between them.

Can the good people of Dewsbury and Batley please elect public servants that know how to maintain historical towns and to help it regain its regal identity once more?

Also, why are there so many council-

ously difficult to deal with”.

Surely it makes more sense to sort a problem the planners are aware of and have been for more than 20 years, before spending millions of pounds on new roads.

I also notice that funding for the project has been granted to improve employment and housing – no mention of helping with congestion.

System failed this children From: Chris Stoner, Dewsbury Kirklees once again at the centre of a grooming gang scandal. This time Dewsbury and Batley.

This is a problem that went on for years, with victims being ignored. They complained to social workers, to schools and even to the

lors? You can’t throw a stick without hitting one it would seem, and they are on very high salaries – that would explain where some of the money is going I suppose!

I despair that a total wipeout of these buildings, with them being replaced by generic tat (if at all), will only cheapen our towns and bring in nefarious people that will use it for their heinous crimes.

Judging by recent news events, the nefarious people have already leached onto our once beautiful towns and reduced them to havens for criminals and sadness for the good people still living there.

Remember: a prosperous town brings in new prosperous people and their money and investments.

police, all the time still suffering abuse.

My heart bleeds when I imagine what they went through and only thank god my children are safe – however, enough is enough.

Not only must the perpetrators be brought to justice but so should those who failed the system we trust to protect our children.

The social system in Kirklees let them down.

These children deserved more than our children at home. They had already been let down to be in the care system in the first place.

Once in care they should have been protected and given better opportunities than other children.

Our authorities acted as their parents and we should expect those authorities to act as we would with our own children, with love, compassion but most of all an overwhelming desire to protect them from evil.

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Mr Parvaiz Khan, extension and alterations, 32 Crown Flatt Way, Dewsbury.

H Sekhon, external alterations and formation of larger window openings (within a Conservation Area), Mina House, 47-51 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury.

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We need our heroes back From: Jack Cosgrove, Norristhorpe Recently my mind has been going back to the golden days of the 60s, never ever to be repeated again.

Although my favourite groups were The Who, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, The Byrds and Fairport Convention, I recall the words of a Rolling Stones/ Chuck Berry song: “A man comes on the radio, telling me more and more of that useless information.”

Never in British history has that been truer than over the last two Brexit years.

The fact that the European Union is in complete turmoil, with countries like Italy, France, Greece, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary totally sick of being ruled by the antics of an unelected, self-seeking rabble wanting to protect their five-star lifestyle, hasn’t been hammered home.

Instead, we see the BBC giving airtime to Remainers like Peter Mandelson, Soubry, Major and Blair.

The likes of Winston Churchill, Guy Fawkes, Maggie Thatcher – where are you when we need you?

Crunch time for Brexit From: Mr G Dennis, Birstall As totally anticipated and such an utter disgrace! A crushing Brexit defeat for our stubborn PM, who has been an acknowledged Remain supporter, with total

closed eyes and ears despite all the warnings from the country, fellow ministers and advisors.

She has utterly failed to negotiate, almost by her own single hand, an acceptable deal on behalf of the UK, and she therefore must take some responsibility.

By the same token the UK public must not allow the likes of Jeremy Corbyn, Vince Cable and Nicola Sturgeon to exert any power over the UK. Enough is now more than enough for the UK, people. It is now crunch time and it is either a more acceptable deal with the EU or no deal!

MP should put us to the fore From: Ian Fitton, Liversedge I have recently discovered that my local MP Tracy Brabin was one of the 200 MPs who signed a letter to Theresa May trying to prevent a No Deal Brexit. At present the UK government is in the process of trying to negotiate a withdrawal from the EU. The greatest fear for the EU is that the UK will leave with no deal, as this would not only increase pressure on the EU from the European businesses it would also mean a loss of a £39billion leaving payment from the UK. To inform the EU that the UK will never leave under a No Deal situation will greatly reduce the bargaining power of our negotiators.

Also, the referendum gave a Leave instruction to the British government and any move to undermine this is an attack on British democracy.

Not only did the people vote to Leave, parliament also agreed to ratify Article 50 which stipulates the timeframe on leaving. We also had a general election in which both major parties’ manifestos supported Leave.

All parties and MPs should stop the political infighting and jostling for position and provide the people with the result for which they were promised and which they democratically won the vote for, and on which both major parties fought the last general election on.

So come on Tracy, carry out the promise which your party and your constituents voted for both in the referendum and the general election, put your own and your party’s political manoeuvrings to one side and put the people’s will to the fore and support Brexit.

It’s simple...

From: Steven Whitelock, via email I’m getting my say in before the vote on Tuesday has happened. I have a simple approach to the way in which our MPs decide the outcome.

Consider this: The Referendum result was in favour of leaving. Of the total constituencies in the UK, 270 voted to leave, 129 voted to remain.

Therefore my MP, and all other MPs should vote the way their constituents voted.

This means that the result on Tuesday will be 270 to Leave and 129 to Remain - a majority of 139. See, it is simple.

The difficulty is making MPs see this and accede to the will of the people.

Democracy in action?

ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

‘Waste of money’ on consultation

Call for higher minimum wage DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff raised her concerns after government statistics showed that more than 5,000 people in her constituency are on the lowest legal wage.

The figures equate to 12 per cent of workers in the constituency – the national average is seven per cent.

Dewsbury also has the third largest number of people in West Yorkshire earning minimum wage.

The national living wage of £7.83 an hour is the legal minimum for workers aged 25 and over.

The national minimum wage for people younger than that ranges from £4.20 an hour (for 16-17-year-

olds) to £7.38 (for 21-24year-olds).

Miss Sherriff said: “Too many local people tell me they are just about managing – their financial situations are so precarious, they can’t be certain what they’re going to earn from one week to the next.

“Together with the growing trend of precarious and insecure work, low pay can mean people are just a few days away from being on the street.

“It is not acceptable that many workers face a lifetime of being trapped in low pay and poverty.

“A higher minimum wage...would help people achieve an acceptable living standard.”

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By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter

Look who’s keeping an eye on The Press SCREEN and sporting star Adam Fogerty was spotted perusing the pages of The Press this week.

This snap of the former professional rugby player-turned-actor was taken on a Londonbound train by Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt.

‘Foggy’ has featured in Coronation Street recently, playing the part of a warder in the women’s prison holding Sally Webster.

Tough prop Adam played with Halifax, St Helens, Warrington and Keighley Cougars before setting his sights on a different career.

He starred with Tom Hardy in Krays biopic ‘Legend’ and alongside Brad Pitt in ‘Snatch’.

He has also had roles in box office hits including ‘Mean Machine’, ‘Stardust’ and ‘Little Voice’.

A PUBLIC consultation on the proposed £69m road scheme at the Cooper Bridge roundabout in Mirfield has been described as a waste of money.

Critics say the three options put forward for the scheme by Kirklees Council lack detail and leave key questions unanswered.

As the consultation period winds down to its end date today (January 18) there were calls for a fresh look at what the project entails for commuters, residents and motorists.

Transport chiefs and planners say the “ambitious and transformational” project will involve the creation of a new relief road and viaduct.

It aims to reduce traffic on the A62 Leeds Road and the A644 Wakefield Road serving Huddersfield and Brighouse, cut journey times and improve air quality.

But the plan, to begin construction in 2021, will involve the purchase and demolition of some homes as well as buying up surrounding ‘virgin’ land.

Around 50 landowners – including householders and

businesses – have been contacted.

Commenting on what he felt was the paucity of detail being offered to the public, Conservative Coun Martyn Bolt (Mirfield) said people were not able to comment on detail they did not have before them, such as traffic flow data.

“When people ask how much difference the relief road will make to their journey times, they aren’t being given an answer because the modelling hasn’t been completed,” he said.

“There is no information on the difference between how long it takes someone to make a journey now and how long it will take them after the council has spent £69m on the new road. On that basis, the consultation is a waste of money.

“How can the public meaningfully comment on three options when how long it takes to get from A to B isn’t present?

“The council is asking people without giving them information. They’re asking the public to trust them.”

A Council spokesman said: “The Council is keen to hear all views and will review these at the end of the consultation process.”

News In Brief Pub’s‘Best of British’ night MIRFIELD: Batley History Group member Wendy Storey has organised a ‘Best of British’ evening at the Navigation Tavern on Satiurday, January 26 (7pm) to raise money for the Kirklees Mayor’s two charities.

There’ll be entertainment from local singer Natasha Harper, a glass of fizz on arrival and a pie and pea supper – all for just £15.

All money raised will go to Mayor of Kirklees Gwen Lowe’s chosen charities – Kirkwood Hospice and RSPCA. Tickets can be bought from Wendy on 07538 670736 or wendy_storey@ hotmail.com. A dress code of red, white and blue is optional but there’ll be a prize for the best dressed.

Paul plans a clean-up BATLEY: Campaigner Paul Young is running another clean-up in Batley as part of the nationwide Great British Spring Clean.

He’s looking for suggestions of places in Batley “that need a good clean” and will also need volunteers to help on Saturday, March 23.

People can get in touch with him via Batley BATS on Facebook or Twitter.

ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

Pothole warriors fighting on

By Zoe Shackleton RESIDENTS have vowed to continue their fight for pothole repairs on what some have dubbed the ‘worst road in Kirklees’.

Kirklees officials said last week that Edge Road and Low Road in Thornhill Edge were not part of their current resurfacing programme.

But defiant campaigners have said they’ll do all they can to make resurfacing the “abysmal” roads a top priority for the council.

Eddie Orzechowski, a resident on the nearby Daleside cul-de-sac for more than 30 years, started the campaign

just before Christmas. He set up a Facebook group posing the question, ‘Is this the worst road in Kirklees?’, which has attracted more than 50 members who have told stories of

damaged cars and accidents due to poor road surfaces.

Edge Road and Low Road join together via Edge Junction and residents have reported well over 100 potholes

and surface damage to the council.

So far a handful of potholes have been repaired – but not to a good enough standard, claim the road users.

Campaign group member June Moore, who lives on Low Road, said: “Rather than sorting the potholes, the council have got instructions on their website about how to make a claim for pothole damage – that’s the wrong answer. The answer should be, ‘you shouldn’t have to claim because we’ll sort the potholes out’.”

Eddie has enlisted the help of local councillors and Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff in a bid to get Kirklees to

carry out a proper inspection.

Miss Sherriff said: “I have contacted Kirklees Council to ask that they look again at measures that can be taken to improve road safety here.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “With current funding levels, we resurface on average 20 roads a year. In selecting roads for the resurfacing programme the council considers such factors as condition, the road’s use and how busy it is. Edge Road and Low Road are not in the current resurfacing programme but... they are subject to a safety inspection every three months, carried out by a team of trained highway engineers.”

Flatt is tops for autumn

Drunk pushed police officer out of his way

A PUB in Thornhill has been named Heavy Woollen pub of the season for autumn after a number of near misses.

Andy Kassube, chairman of the Heavy Woollen branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said the Flatt Top at Thornhill Edge has been close to winning several times recently.

He paid tribute to landlords Ronnie Wain and his wife Josephine and said: “It was good to see the locals enjoying the atmosphere of this traditional West Yorkshire pub and was testament to the job that the

A DRUNK assaulted a police officer on Christmas Eve after arguing with his former partner.

Paul Mountain, 53, was making threats to harm himself before his ‘ex’ called police to his home on Northstead, Dewsbury.

They found him outside shouting and swearing at the woman. Kirklees magistrates heard that the pair had been drinking and arguing before Mountain asked the woman to leave.

Tops... CAMRA’s Andy Kassube with landlords Ronnie and Josephine Wain and barmaid Laureen Wood couple and Laureen Wood (bar staff) have done to keep this establishment thriving.

“The pub has a welcoming feel to it and a good mix of clientele.

“The Flatt Top has been close to winning this award a number of times and just missed out, so it is testimony to the consistency of the way this pub is run and how Ronnie keeps his real ales

that it was finally successful.” Ronnie thanked his wife and Laureen for their support, as well the customers who he said have helped keep the pub going in difficult times.

Mountain tried to walk towards some neighbours who were watching the incident and pushed a police officer out of the way.

He admitted charges of common assault on an emergency worker and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He was given a 12month conditional discharge but must pay £85 in court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

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News In Brief Parents in ‘lollipop’ plea BATLEY: Parents at Mill Lane Primary School are urging people to apply for the job of ‘lollipop person’ at the school.

It is more than a year since the school last had a crossing patrol warden.

The school is positioned on a dangerous blind bend and parents say it’s only a matter of time before there’s a serious accident.

Anyone wanting to take up the job can apply via the Kirklees Council website.

A Council spokesman said: “We’re always keen to hear from people who are interested in becoming a school crossing patrol.”

Details can be found at https://jobs.kirklees.gov.uk/ SearchResults.aspx?ocg=2 091.

MP’s Q&A BATLEY: MP Tracy Brabin is hosting another question and answer event at the Batley Irish Democratic League Club.

After a debut event in September with Batley & Spen Police Inspector Dorian James, the Labour MP is returning to the ‘Nash’ on Thursday, January 31 (8pm-10pm).

She will be taking questions from the audience and answering any concerns constituents have about the area.

ThePress

12

Friday January 18, 2019

Brabin ‘humbled’ by hospital passion

News In Brief ‘Dragons Den’ cash NORTH KIRKLEES: A scheme to help local community projects get off the ground is taking its next event to Dewsbury Sports Centre next Thursday (January 24, 6.30pm).

The evening will feature community group representatives pitching their ideas ‘Dragons Den’-style to a panel of judges, who will pick the best option to win funding.

The money comes from a £5 entry fee, which includes a bowl of soup and a voting card for all participants.

Pitch application forms and more details can be found at www.dewsburysoup.org.uk.

Probus Club talk BATLEY: Patti Gold will give a talked called ‘Tracks of my Years’ at the next meeting of the Batley and Dewsbury Probus Club at Batley Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street on Tuesday (January 22, 10.30am). Visitors and potential members are welcome.

‘Passion and hard work’... MP Tracy Brabin, second left, with Dewsbury Hospital staff

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Electrification part of £2.9bn rail upgrade... ...but don’t let on. It’s supposed to be a secret!

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter A LONG-AWAITED £2.9bn upgrade to the TransPennine rail route could include the partial electrification of the line which serves Mirfield, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury and Batley, it has been revealed.

The works may also involve digital signalling and ‘capacity works’, which means constructing extra rail lines to enable local services to pull in for express trains, at Huddersfield, Ravensthorpe and Stalybridge.

In announcing the works, senior Kirklees councillor Peter McBride (Lab, Dalton) said the improvements they represented were “significant”.

But in revealing the contents of a letter sent by Transport for the North on December 21 to West Yorkshire’s council leaders, Coun McBride may have inadvertently leaked confidential information.

Speaking at a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s transport committee in Leeds on Friday January 11, Coun McBride seemed to take colleagues by surprise.

Despite Coun McBride denying that the letter was confidential, chairman Coun Kim Groves took the meeting into private session.

Among those present was Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield), who said the TransPennine upgrade “has always been a major and welcome scheme for the area”.

He added: “Residents will want to know how it impacts on stations such as Marsden.

“The railway between Huddersfield and Ravensthorpe is going to be fourtracked with passing places.

“The cat is out of the bag. What we really need now is the detail.”

Coun Bolt said the surprise announcement at the meeting was embarrassing for Labour-run Kirklees Council, even though council leader Shabir Pandor confirmed to him that he had been briefed on the issue.

“You could see that there was some discomfort, particularly among officers that didn’t know about it,” he said.

“It’s obviously an embarrassment for the Kirklees administration because clearly partners, investors and other people must wonder if anything they say will be treated in confidence.

“None of us were privy to this letter.

We asked for it to be copied and were told that wasn’t possible.

“So where did Peter McBride get the letter because it’s being suggested that he has leaked a confidential document?

That’s a very serious allegation.

“Peter McBride needs to be given the opportunity to clarify if he knew the letter was confidential. If he did know and he disclosed that information then his position is untenable.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council confirmed that the letter was confidential.

Speaking after the meeting, Coun McBride said he was embarrassed to have revealed details from the letter, which he said referred to recommendations made to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling by the rail industry and other interested parties.

“I wasn’t aware that the letter was confidential,” he said.

“It refers to the latest update to the Secretary of State, but it hasn’t been confirmed by him, so it’s internal and not official.

“It’s somewhat embarrassing to have unconsciously revealed information. I have jumped the gun.”

Question time focus on Council’s budget

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BATLEY & SPEN MP Tracy Brabin said she was deeply humbled by the passion and hard work of local NHS staff after a recent visit to Dewsbury Hospital.

The Labour MP was given a tour of her constituency hospital, including the emergency department, frailty unit and the Rosewood Centre.

Ms Brabin said she wanted to understand the challenges the hospital faces amid an NHS recruitment crisis and winter pressures.

She said: “The people of Batley & Spen rely on Dewsbury and District Hospital so it’s important I understand the challenges it faces. It is clear that the nationwide recruitment crisis across our NHS is having an impact, but the effect on patients is being mitigated thanks to the passion and hard work of staff at the hospital.

“What really struck me was the dedication, kindness and compassion shown by the various teams I had the pleasure of meeting. I will do everything in my power to ensure Dewsbury and District has the staffing and resources it needs to continue to serve our community.”

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KIRKLEES officials are holding another Question Time-style event centred around this year’s council budget.

Attendees will be able to put their questions to local party leaders while also hearing the latest information about the budget.

The event is a chance to hear from council leader Coun Shabir Pandor, finance director Eamonn Croston, Lib Dem leader Coun John Lawson, Deputy Tory leader Coun John Taylor, Green leader Coun Andrew Cooper and Independent group leader Coun Charles Greaves.

Information shared on the night will include what’s happened over the last few years, the outcome of the recent budget-challenge exercise, and an overview of the council’s finances.

Coun Pandor (Lab, Batley West) said: “Kirklees Council continues to face tough financial challenges.

The amount of money we receive to provide local services is decreasing at a time when demand for some activities is rising. This means we need to make changes to what we do and the way we do it.

“We know that many people are worried about how these changes will affect local families and communities, so we want to make sure people can ask questions ahead of this year’s budget-setting meeting.”

Anyone who wants to attend the event on Tuesday, January 22 at Huddersfield Town Hall (7pm) should register at www.kirkleesbudget2019.eventbrite.com or call Jackie Ingham on 01484 221000.

The budget setting meeting will be on February 13.

Stolen bike recovered BATLEY & SPEN police officers recovered this stolen bike, which was involved in a robbery in Birkenshaw.

PCSOs Dale Liversedge and Sandra Beaumont discovered it dumped on the old golf course near Raikes Lane in Birstall.

The owner has been notified and the bike has been forensically examined, while police confirmed enquiries are continuing.

Friday January 18, 2019

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Concerns over loss of free TV licences DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff has spoken of her concern for more than 6,000 elderly people in her constituency who could lose their free TV licence next year.

The TV licence is currently available free of charge to all households that have one or more people aged over 75 living there.

From June 2020, responsibility for the scheme will be passed to the BBC – but despite the Conservative manifesto promise to protect free TV licences until 2022, no funding has been provided for the scheme, putting its future at risk.

As part of the last BBC charter the Government devolved responsibility for the free TV licence policy, and the cost, to the BBC. The BBC can decide what to do with the benefit from 2020 and they are currently consulting on a number of options, including scrapping the free licence altogether, raising the eligible age to 80 and means testing it.

Labour MP Miss Sherriff has highlighted figures which show that 6,310 older households in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton are at risk of losing their free TV licences.

The changes proposed by the BBC in their consultation could see the age threshold raised to 80, which would mean some 2,600 (41 per cent of those currently eligible) local pensioners lose their TV licence.

If free TV licences are means tested then 4,670 (74 per cent of those who are currently eligible) will lose their free licences.

Miss Sherriff said: “I am completely opposed to this move – it will be a terrible blow to older people who already struggle to make ends meet and particularly to those who are housebound or isolated and rely on their TV for company.

“The Government clearly knew what would happen if they passed this scheme to the BBC without providing the funding needed.

“They should come clean and to tell us urgently what they are going to do to ensure free TV licences aren’t cut and they don’t break their manifesto promise.”

Friday January 18, 2019

Throughout 2019 local historian Mike Popplewell will be searching through his newspaper collection from the 1920s and 30s for some of the biggest headlines from home and abroad – while also taking a look at stories making the news in our own district. Readers are welcome to provide feedback if any of these features are remembered personally, or you can recall being told them by an earlier generation.

An old hand on tour EXT Wednesday sees the start of England’s Test cricket series in the West Indies, continuing a 140-year tradition of winter touring for an England team that has, world wars excepted, rarely been interrupted since James Lillywhite’s tour in 1876-77.

Despite this country’s financial difficulties in the early post-war years, the MCC managed to finance a trip to Australia in 1920/21, albeit with a much weakened team, and on January 14 1921 the England team took the field in Adelaide for the Second Test.

This year’s team will have a strong Yorkshire influence, not least the captaincy of Joe Root, but only one man from our region was in the side back in 1921 and that was Wilfred Rhodes a one-time Hopton schoolboy who began his working life on the railways at Mirfield.

By 1895 he was a professional club cricketer and soon made his way to the Yorkshire team and into the England side in 1899, when he made his debut alongside the legendary WG Grace.

So when Rhodes left his home just outside Mirfield (he lived at Bog Hall Farm a few hundred yards from the Calder crossing at Battyeford) just before Christmas 1920, he already had 21 years of international cricket behind him.

He must have been contemplating his retirement from cricket, for

N

Wilfred Rhodes in action

he was already 43 years old and was preparing to leave his wife of 17 years, and his teenage daughter, for months on end once again.

It was not an altogether successful trip from a cricket point of view – England lost all five Tests and Rhodes, despite over 900 runs and 156 wickets in the preceding English summer, managed only one half-century, a top score of 73, and took only four wickets.

He must have anticipated an imminent end to his international career, but he was still very much involved in Yorkshire cricket and a few months later he was in Dewsbury for the county game against Sussex at the Savile Town ground, where he helped his side to a comfortable win with 46 runs and five wickets.

Although Wilfred was called up

for the first Test that summer against the visiting Australians he was then left out, and his international career really did seem at an end.

But in 1926, remarkably, at the age of 49 he came back one more time to help England beat Australia at the Oval.

In 1929-30 there was yet another international recall, for the winter tour of the West Indies, and on April 12 1930 he made his last-ever appearance at the age of 52 years 165 days to set the record, which still stands, as the oldest-ever Test cricketer.

But while Wilfred and his England teammates basked in the Australian sunshine, things back in England were particularly frosty, literally and figuratively!

More of that next week.

ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

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Friday January 18, 2019

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Friday January 18, 2019

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More than ! r e n i d a t s ju L LATE

L I T S Y A D 7 N E OP BATLEY'S hidden ‘Jem’ has just got bigger, better and even tastier.

The bike experts at Jem Speed Shop have responded to huge customer demand by completely transforming their Bradford Road premises to create an all-new dining experience that has to be seen to be believed.

After launching in 2017 Jem’s Pit Stop Diner proved to be a hit with customers, located downstairs in the unique ‘street-style’ area beneath the bike showroom.

It was such a success that the owners decided to expand the concept and, after months of hard work from the 25-strong team, the diner has been relocated upstairs in a real labour of love that launched just before Christmas.

Everything that customers loved about the diner remains, but now there’s even more to whet the appetite.

The kitchen is four times bigger and the menu has been improved and expanded, but many local residents still aren’t aware of what lies just off Bradford Road.

This is more than just a diner, and customers are already flocking to the stunning and

Group friendly & dog friendly (Downstairs)

surprising venue.

The Pit Stop menu includes mouthwatering burgers, pizzas, steaks, sharing platters and hot dogs, some of which will tame the hungriest of appetites!

Many of the meals have a motorsport theme, and breakfast is a speciality, with plenty to choose from including pancakes, omelettes and skillet hash.

Now open late seven days a week, Jem’s Pit Stop also has an impressive bar area with craft beers, wines and gin all available.

Families come back again and again to the Pit Stop as there really is something for everyone – and it’s impossible not to be wowed by the table built inside a real VW Camper van!

To cope with demand from this weekend onwards, every Saturday and Sunday coffee, cakes, shakes and sandwiches are also being served downstairs in what was the original Pit Stop diner.

The dog-friendly space is perfect for people who don’t want a full meal but still want that Jem’s experience.

But first and foremost, Jem Speed Shop is still

all about the bikes, and it’s gained a sterling reputation with thousands of bikers across the country.

Now based downstairs, the dealership does a roaring trade selling quality used machines to clients all over the country, with collectible and rare bikes from marques including Harley Davidson, Ducati, Triumph, Yamaha and Honda.

Across the showroom floor lies the intriguing cobbled street, which has been finished to an incredibly high standard.

The Barber Shop will have you looking your best, while the resident tattoo artist can provide you with custom and freehand tattoo designs and piercings in the Voodoo Tattoo studio.

And at the end of the street there is a real ale ‘pub’ with a pool table.

Jem’s Biker Village is becoming a real destination – and it’s really not just the preserve of the biker community.

Customers looking for something a bit different are flocking to Jem’s Pit Stop for a great meal and staying to browse what else is on offer, both upstairs and downstairs.

It’s a truly unique experience, make sure you don’t miss out!

www.jemspeedshop.co.uk unit 3, brookroyd mill, bradford road, batley, wf17 8nd (next to batley park) Tel: 01924 359938

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

House & Home

Keep your home warm and cosy ITH SNOW set to bear down on us next week and the first real forays of winter weather approaching, it’s important your home gets a bit more tender loving care to bring extra warmth and comfort.

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

House & Home

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A plumber can insulate your pipes and deal with cracked or burst pipes.

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Friday January 18, 2019

House & Home

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It is located on Bradford Road in Cleckheaton (two minutes from Junction 26, M62, next to the Horncastle pub).

DAVID G. HORNER

• CHARTERED SURVEYOR • VALUER • BUILDING ENGINEER • BUILDING SURVEYOR 18 Broadgate, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 0PU

Tel.Wakefield (01924) 275 275 Email: davidghorner1@btconnect.com Fax.Wakefield (01924) 271 860 David G. Horner FRICS FBEng Over 40 Years Local Knowledge and Professional Experience of the Types of Property in this Area

Friday January 18, 2019

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Friday January 18, 2019

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.

SATURDAY JANUARY 19 A FEW NEW PATHS Meet at 10.30am at Moorland Road above Drighlington Library 6.5 miles – moderate Contact: Norma 01274 685343 or 07951 413012

SATURDAY JANUARY 26 HARTSHEAD CHURCH Meet at 10.30am at Oakwell Hall Bottom car park (SE211267) Field paths and bridleways Contact: Geoff 01422 379921

A new, fresh approach to dining in Birstall Advertising Feature

Remarkable performances at town hall Review by Malcolm Haigh HUNDREDS of people enjoyed lots of laughter when Carlinghow Theatre Company staged four productions of their classic pantomime, Cinderella, at Batley Town Hall last weekend.

Nearly all the seats were sold out at all four productions and the audiences made clear their appreciation of the acting and dancing qualities at each show.

The audiences were obviously – and rightfully – impressed by the high-quality members of the cast as they worked their way through a script which had been cleverly created by Jane Griffin, the company’s chairman and a regular performer on local stages.

The show traced the way in which the various on-stage groups dealt with the chance to affect local life as they catered for the presence of various personalities including several royal groups, one of which contained Cinderella portrayed in remarkable fashion by Olivia Griffin.

There was lots of reaction between the audiences and various performers, especially Gareth Jones as Buttons, as they created such different approaches to various situations they provided a constant interest.

Among the leading performers were Adam Schewtschuk-Hoyle and Jake Pulley as Begonia and Pertunia Hardup, the Royalists who included Lisa Cockroft as Prince Charming, Alan Sykes as Baron Hardup, Sarah Timberley as the Queen, and Hannah Cockcrane as the Chamberlain.

But the delight of the performance spread from the noted characters to the numerous members of the senior and junior dance troupes who showed a remarkable ability to interact with one another and provide some moving dance performances.

It was indeed a remarkable performance of a lively script and one which will surely be repeated in future years.

Other characters in this rapidly changing show were Jenny Nixon as the fairy godmother, Daniel Mann as Stan Dupe, Patrick Stephen as Sid Doon and Georgia Roche as Dandini.

The chorus consisted of Gwen Bachelor, Jill Bedford, Tracey Hindson, Sue Holdsworth, Jackie Netherwood, June Schewtschuk and Emma Sutcliffe.

The senior and junior dancers were Ellie Crawshaw, Amelia Glover-Jewesbury, Gabrielle Munslow, Hollie Parker, Hannah Sheard, Jessica Stelling, Rachel Stirk, Isabel Bates, Carley Brame, Scarlett Bromley, Matilda Bromley, Evie Munslow, Evie Sykes, Romi Smith and Georgia Bolton.

• Get your local event featured on our Life and Leisure page by emailing news@thepressnews.co.uk •

BIRSTALL’S newest restaurant has been dubbed “a fresh approach to dining”.

Pink Popadom is nestled at the Wilton Industrial Court on Bradford Road and is the new hidden gem of Indian cuisine.

And the owners have put a huge amount of time and thought into the mouth-watering menu – travelling across India for 18 months looking for recipe ideas.

There’s something for everyone, and a few dishes you probably won’t have tried.

It quietly opened two weeks ago, so that the staff can iron out any hiccups before the grand opening on Tuesday (January 22).

From then on it’s expected to be a real hit with curry lovers in

North Kirklees – and further afield.

Sit down and take in the atmosphere while tasting some of the interesting curry dishes, all cooked fresh daily.

Coming highly recommended are the Bangalore Indian Special, Dhabba Moroccan and Duncan’s

Delight.

The prices aren’t bad either, and if you want to feed the family there’s a meal deal offer on Sundays and Wednesdays.

For just £10.95 per person you’ll get a five-course dinner, including appetisers, starters, main course, sundries and beverages.

It’s a bring-your-own alcohol restaurant, but situated right next to a Bargain Booze you can’t go wrong.

Pink Popadom is open seven days a week, from 5.30pm-11.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 5.30pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

And if you can’t get to the restaurant, they offer a free delivery service on orders over £8 within a three-mile radius, and just £1 a mile thereafter.

To book for the grand opening, or any other night ring 01924 650613.

You won’t be disappointed!

Celebrating with Cinderella!

DEWSBURY COLLEGIANS are celebrating 50 years of pantomime in the town.

Brilliant costumes are on display, sparkling and original scenery has been built as their Cinderella show opened at Dewsbury Town Hall last night (Thurs).

The cast promise lots of sparkle, music, plenty of laughter and audience participation.

Dance routines from the Sutton School of Performing Arts are sure to enhance the show, which runs at the

Sliding dinner parties DEWSBURY Arts Group’s first play of 2019 is funny, biting and thought-provoking.

Have you ever wondered how a situation might play out if you’d behaved differently or said something slightly different?

Yasmina Reza’s play Life x 3 centres around two very different couples and a dinner party, and shows three takes

on the same disastrous evening, in a sharp and witty show.

Life x 3 opens tomorrow (Sat) with performances also on Monday to Saturday January 21-26, at 7.30pm at the Artspace, Lower Peel Street, Dewsbury.

Go to www.ticketsource. co.uk/dewsburyartsgroup or phone 03336 663366 for tickets.

NORTH KIRKLEES: The Royal Voluntary Service has a host of regular activities planned next week. On Monday January 21, from 10.30am to 12pm there is the popular Movement and Games group at Batley Older People's Centre on Upper Commercial Street.

On Thursday the Lunch Club meets from 11.30pm to 1pm at the centre pre-booking is essential.

On Friday a Movement and Games group meets at Birstall Birstall Community Centre (below the library) from 10.30am to 12pm.

Also on Friday, the Happy Trippers group are heading off to a local attraction from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. For more details on any of the activities call 01924 446 100.

RAMBLERS: The next Dewsbury and District Ramblers walk will be on Wednesday (January 23) from Fairburn and through Ledsham, meeting at Old North Road – just off the A1246, WF11 9LA. Last week, 33 walkers enjoyed a ramble through St Aidan's Nature Park and alongside the river and canal.

town hall until Sunday January 20.

Performances start at 7.15pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm.

The Sunday matinee is already sold out but seats are available for the other shows. Tickets are priced £10 balcony and £9 stalls (£7 concessions).

They are available from the box office on 01484 225755, book online at kirkleestownhalls.co.uk or call in to Dewsbury Town Hall for in-person sales.

Friday January 18, 2019

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23

BATLEY IRISH DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE CLUB

TEL: 01924 475960 www.thenash.co.uk Churchfield Street, Batley, WF17 5DL

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Friday January 18, 2019

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Call into our office or call us on 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk The Press, 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB

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Friday January 18, 2019

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Pageant, Prom & Evening Wear

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DENCROFT GARAGES Concrete Garages & Sheds Dismantle & Bases Garage re-vamps Garage Doors 230 Bradford Rd, Batley Tel: 01924 461996 dencroftgarages.co.uk

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Friday January 18, 2019

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joIN US AT THE

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Open 12 noon - 12 midnight

Any gas appliance serviced £50+VAT then £20+VAT for each of others.

Combi boilers fitted with For All 7 year guarantee Your Heating Choose Experience & Plumbing T: 01924 666669 Needs M: 0758 1552797 36 Greenacres Drive, Birstall, WF17 9RA www.ecoheatingyorkshire.co.uk

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Friday January 18, 2019

Public Notices

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01924 470296

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Friday January 18, 2019

Marketplace Slazenger first team in HOCKEY

Turn your unwanted items

into cash £££s 1) Ring Angela 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 Rabbit/guinea pig hutch. Solid wood, two compartments. 5ft wide x 2ft deep. Excellent condition, £20. Tel 07925 127198.

(2344) Dehumidifier for sale. Good condition £55. Tel 07816 132472.

(2345) Cane conservatory furniture comprising two-seater sofa, one armchair and glass-topped coffee table. All very good condition, £45. Tel 01924 495360 (Mirfield). (2346) Samsonite hard shell suitcases. 1 large, 1 medium with keys and cylinder locks, £50. Tel 07713 367264. (2347) BABY/CHILDREN’S GOODS Britax Maxi Cosi child’s car seat. Suit child 6 months to 4 years. Good condition, £6. Tel 01924 477178. (2329) DIY Mono super 140watt stick welder plus some rods, £30 ono.

Tel 01924 430088.

(2343) Metal tool box, red with keys. Four drawers. Full of engineering tools, £110 ono. Tel 01924 430088. (2343) ELECTRICAL Dyson DC33 Vacuum. Very good condition, £25. Tel 07722 280160.

(2334) Samsung 43” HD Freeview TV with stand, £75. Tel 07722 280160.

(2334) FABRIC/FASHION Man’s light brown leather jacket, zip fastening, size large, as new and hardly

worn, 12 months old, £50.00. Tel: 01924 451693.

(2339) Handbag, ideal gift, unused, suitable for all ages. First to see will buy, cost £38, sell for £14. Tel Jo on 01924 442711 (Batley). (2336) Unusual cast-iron Christmas tree stand, good quality with 4 strong screws for the trunk, green with green and gold reindeer and sleigh decoration, 6 1/2 “ diameter, £20. Tel 01924 274137.

(2337) Ladies’ brown hiplength leather jacket

by Arma. Size 12.

Excellent condition, worn twice. £20. Tel 01924 477178.

(2331) Faux leather pilot’s jacket, size 8-10. £6.

Tel 01924 726595.

(2332) FOOTWEAR Arco work boots, new, size 9, £10. Tel 07867 692185.

(2325) Campri snow boots, new, size 8, £12. Tel 07867 692185.

(2325) FURNITURE Mahogany inlaid dining table, £25 ono.

Tel 01924 402931.

(2342) Cane two-seater oval table. Good condition, £35. Tel 01924 470866.

(2335) Round dining table.

Very good condition, £30 ono. Tel 01924 470866. (2335) HOUSEHOLD Luxury 6ft pre-lit Christmas tree.

Green with flashing multi-coloured lights. Light-up parcels on the tree.

Bought last Christmas cost £135.00. Perfect

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands

Cost per item

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

condition £60.00 ono. Tel 07752 131277 (Liversedge area). (2340)

Food processor, hardly used, £12. Tel 07867 692185.

(2325)

Reclining sun lounger, green with full size cushion, rarely used, folds up for easy storage with wheels for easy moving, £25. Tel 01924 274137.

(2337)

MOTORING Roof rack to fit Vauxhall Astra, complete with keys. £10, Tel 01924 430088.

(2326)

Unusual cast-iron Christmas tree stand, good quality with 4 strong screws for the trunk, green with green and gold reindeer and sleigh decoration, 6 1/2 “ diameter, £20. Tel 01924 274137.

(2337) Assorted glassware.

6 x pint-size glasses £2, 5 x wine glasses £1.25. 4 x turquoise whisky glasses £1.

Tel 01274 876748.

(2330) 4ft artificial Christmas tree. Cost £40, sell for £15. Tel 01274 876748.

(2330) Three-wheeled gold trolley, push type. £15. Tel 01274 876748. (2330) KITCHEN Kenwood Mixer (small) with liquidiser and other tools, (£90 in Argos) sell £40 ono. Tel 01924 430088 (2343).

Three bowl steamer, hardly used, £12. Tel 07867 692185.

(2325)

MUSICAL Tenor trombone (ex demo), like new.

Complete in original hard lightweight case and original mouthpiece. Made in Elkhart, Ind. USA. All Scholistic quality and just ready for playing! (I can demonstrate if required). If cared for could last a beginner to semi or even pro level. Price £110.00 Ring Batley 01924 477016.

(2341) PET GOODS Metal dog crate, used, good condition. Doors on front and side. 75cm L x 51cm D x 59cm H. Folds flat for transportation, £10. Tel 01924 465760.

(2323) SPORTING/EXERCISE Step machine, £12.

Tel 01924 479647.

(2324)

The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

super start to new year Men’s 1st 8-5 Huddersfield 1st SLAZENGER had a point to prove last week on their return from the Christmas break. When they last played Huddersfield away they never really got going, but after five minutes of this return fixture they were one goal up.

The pace and ball distribution stood out and Huddersfield simply had no way to contain the repeated attacks that were coming from all areas of the pitch in a great team display.

At half-time Slazenger were four goals ahead courtesy of Swindon, Perry and Tuddenham, but within 15 minutes of the second half Huddersfield had pulled the scoreline back to 3-4 and were pressing with everything they had.

Slazenger had to pull something out to turn the tide, and they did that with a superb finish from Perry.

More goals were to follow for both teams but Slazenger finished in real style, with no less than 5 goals in total from Tuddenham.

Men’s 2nd 1-1 Sheffield Uni Bankers 5th THE SECOND team kicked off the next half of the season with a disappointing draw.

The game started badly for Slazenger, losing their top scorer Asad Baig to a head injury early on.

But they still dominated the majority of the first half with the breakthrough finally coming when captain Ben Graham converted a penalty corner to lead 1-0 at the break.

Slazenger continued their good form during the second half but couldn’t find another goal, allowing Bankers to equalize with five minutes remaining

They were then grateful to their goalkeeper who made an excellent save in the final minutes to preserve a draw.

Men’s 4th 2-2 Brigg 4th THE FOURTHS hosted Brigg in a wellcontested game at Southfield pitches, with goals from Andrew Birkett and Max Godley.

Men’s 5th 4-0 Rotherham SLAZENGER stunned themselves with a superb win away to Rotherham.

They were 3-0 up at half-time thanks to strikes from Keith Leonard, Tom Hoyle and Steve Johnson, and man of the match Adam Seale added another in the second half to wrap up the win.

Men’s 6th 1-1 City of York 10th ILLNESS had left the Slaz development side with just 11 players available.

But they had the upper hand for much of the game, with 11-year-old Harry Ashford scoring his first senior goal. They tired late on though and York found an equaliser.

Ladies’ 1st 0-3 Leeds 2nd THE LADIES’ first team lost 3-0 to a strong Leeds second side in their first game of 2019.

Ladies’ 2nd 5-2 Huddersfield Dragons 2nd SLAZENGER came out on top over Huddersfield Dragons.

They started strongly and opened up a 2-0 lead only for their opponents to twice pull the game back.

However, the seconds were able to pull away for the win thanks to two more goals, while Tracy Lorriman made some great saves in goal.

Ladies’ 3rd 0-1 Halifax 4th THE THIRD team travelled to Halifax on Saturday hoping for a win to start off the new year, but fell to a single-goal defeat thanks to a second-half finish.

The goal spurred Slazenger on but they couldn’t beat the Halifax keeper.

Ladies’ 4th 1-4 Sheffield Hallam 5th SLAZENGER faced Sheffield Hallam 5s at home in what was expected to be a challenging game.

The Slazenger team thwarted a heavy Sheffield attack for the first 20 minutes, but back-to-back goals broke their defensive efforts.

They were under more pressure in the second half but a break down the right saw Lyn Wood pull a goal back.

Encouraged, they put further pressure on, but soon Sheffield were on the attack again and in the last 10 minutes, scored two further goals.

Boys’ Under 14s DEFENCES dominated as Slazenger Under 14s retained their place in the top division of the Yorkshire Youth Hockey League after finishing unbeaten in the latest round-robin tournament at Silcoates School.

Six matches produced just four goals as three draws out of three earned Slazenger third place in the four-team section after gaining promotion in the previous round.

A win by two goals against Sheffield Hallam in their last game would have enabled them to finish top but, despite dominating the match and having a number of shots saved, it finished 0-0.

This meant Ben Rhydding and Harrogate shared first place, with Sheffield being relegated to the second tier.

RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH

Altior the star at Ascot HE brilliant ALTIOR is the star attraction on a top weekend of jumps action at Ascot and Haydock.

His presence in the Clarence House Chase has sent chief opposition into hiding and it would be a major shock if he doesn’t make it 12 from 12 as a chaser.

But with Cheltenham looming this may be treated as no more than a prep race and his margin of victory may not be as emphatic as he enjoyed in the Tingle Creek and Desert Orchid. I will be checking out the markets for five lengths or less victory.

Another of Nicky Henderson’s geldings COLONIAL DREAMS has each way squeak in the preceding handicap hurdle at 2.25, with the former course and distance winner available at 10s with Carrigill’s who make BALLYMOY their nap in the same race.

COLONIAL DREAMS ran out of gas after travelling smoothly into contention at Kempton three weeks ago, after a layoff of 227 days, and should come on from the run. The Charles Bishop trained THOSEDAYSAREGONE landed a gamble when making his handicap debut at Wetherby last week but the bookies have spoken and I don’t see any value in him as the 11/4 jolly.

The opener at 1.50 looks a weak Grade 2 and the Paul Nicholls mare IFYOUSAYRUN can walk away with this if connections have been able to

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correct her tendency to hang to the left, and having the hurdles close against the stands’ rail should be in her favour. Tom Lester’s JESTER JET is back over hurdles and will be the main threat.

Over at Haydock, course specialist CAPTAIN REDBEARD can go one better than last year in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase, having not finished out of the frame in his last six starts at the Lancashire track and in doing so recording two wins.

Not for the first time he found Aintree’s big spruce fences too daunting last time out in the Grand

Sefton, but the fact that he went close when badly hampered in a traditionally informative pointer here in November, and at the time of writing he’s an attractive 14/1 punt.

In the Champion Hurdle trial at 2.40 GLOBAL CITIZEN is worth another go after coming up short against Grade 1 opposition at Kempton in December, and Ben Pauling’s seven-year-old looks a progressive sort and if gifted an early lead may be tough to overhaul.

REDICEAN has won his last two starts on the all-weather and is fancied to complete the hat-trick at Lingfield tomorrow (Saturday) in the 1m 4f handicap and defy his new mark of 97. Also on the flat, A SURE WELCOME has a good strike rate for a Class 5 performer and can follow up at Wolverhampton tomorrow night (Saturday) having scored from a wide draw last week in first time blinkers after recent keenly.

BANG ON FRANKIE has been holding his own in some warm company this season including a Cheltenham third behind Thomas Darby and recent winner Elixir De Nutz and it will take a decent horse to deny him opening his account at Exeter on Sunday.

CARRIGILL’S NAP: (money back as a free bet if finishes outside top 4): BALLYMOY, Saturday, Ascot, 2.25.

AUGUR’S BEST BET: CAPTAIN REDBEARD, Saturday, Haydock, 3.15.

ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

29

FOOTBALL

Defence to the fore Sedge pull off shock as United continue winning start to year NCEL Premier Division

LIVERSEDGE FC HEMSWORTH MW

LIVERSEDGE pulled themselves further clear of trouble with a shock victory over third-placed Hemsworth Miners Welfare at Clayborn.

Hemsworth had beaten Athersley Rec 8-0 just a week previously, but were humbled as Liversedge pulled themselves 12 points clear of the relegation zone with an impressive win.

The home side had a debutant on the field in the shape of Oran Thompson, who has joined the club on work experience from Huddersfield Town’s academy.

Sedge started brightly but struggled to create a clear

Evo-Stik East Division

LINCOLN UNITED OSSETT UNITED

0 1

OSSETT UNITED moved up to sixth place in the Evo-Stik East Division with a hardfought win at Lincoln United.

Adam Priestley’s header in the first half proved to be the only goal of the game, as United held on for a third consecutive win in 2019.

After beating fellow promotion-chasers Sheffield FC last weekend, manager Andy Welsh named an unchanged starting line-up for the trip to a Lincoln side with whom they sat level on points with in the table going into the game.

After a scrappy start to the contest, United broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Gibraltar international Priestley glanced a header in from the centre of the penalty area following Chris Chantler’s cross from the left wing.

The best chances for a second goal in the first half went to Lincoln, with United goalkeeper Brett Souter denying Andy Hutchinson before both Jack Wightwick and Michael Jacklin missed further chances to equalise.

The momentum stayed with the hosts in the second period, with Matthew Cotton blazing over before the biggest chance came just a

1 0

opportunity, while Nash Connolly and Seon Ripley failed to convert chances for the promotion-chasing Miners.

The windy conditions made the game very scrappy, but the wait for a goal went on as Richard Collier saw his effort blocked by his own men while, at the other end, Sedge’s star striker Joe Walton headed wide from a corner.

Harry Viggars headed a great chance over for the visitors in the 80th minute, and they were made to pay just moments later when a scramble in the box finished with Kevy Tarangadzo putting the ball in the net.

Sedge held on in the final minutes for the three points, which kept them in 15th

place in the NCEL Premier Division table but increased the gap between themselves and the drop zone.

They have taken seven points from their last three fixtures at Clayborn, and will look to replicate that sort of form on the road tomorrow (Saturday) when they travel to seventh-placed Maltby Main, who beat Liversedge 42 in the reverse fixture back in September.

Meanwhile, the date of their home fixture against Thackley has been moved after a request from both of the participating clubs.

The match was originally postponed due to a waterlogged pitch in December, and the rescheduled date has now been changed from April 2 to March 30.

HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL

Hounds win battle at the summit UNBEATABLE: Brett Souter made some crucial saves in the Ossett United goal as they extended their winning run PHOTO: John Hirst minute later when Tom Garrick was played through on goal, only for Souter to brilliantly deny him and save his side.

The ball was cleared off the line from a United corner, while there was worry from a set piece at the other end when Souter dropped the ball, but no Lincoln player could finish.

The home side were desperate for a leveller but instead it was Ossett who had the best chances in the final minutes, with Lincoln goalkeeper Michael Emery making a double save with five minutes left on the clock.

Then, deep into injury time, with Emery rushing back to his goal after going forward for a corner, United failed to put the ball in the net on the break as a defender somehow blocked.

Nevertheless the job had been done, as the defence held on for a third consecutive clean sheet as the backbone of the impressive run of form being built by Welsh’s side.

They will look to make it four wins from four tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) when they host relegationthreatened Carlton Town at Ingfield.

THE TOP two teams in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League Premier Division met last week and it was leaders Walkers Hounds who emerged 2-1 winners at Deighton WMC; a win which puts Hounds three points clear at the top.

AFC Chickenley climbed to third spot after they won 4-3 at bottom side Cock of the North.

Oliver Rounding, Gibril Bojang and Reece Drake all netted for Mirfield Town but they went down 4-3 to fourth placed Clifton Rangers.

Linthwaite lie in fifth place following a 7-2 win over Wellington Westgate who had Calum McLachan and Lee Bradshaw on the score sheet.

In the Championship, Birstall Cricket Club are one point clear at the top of the division after braces from Daniel McDaid and Johnny Beverley, plus one from Jack McDermott saw them secure a 5-3 win at

Wire Works.

Mount Pleasant are in second place following their 6-1 victory at St Ignatius.

Abdullah Mayat bagged two for Mount who had Adam Ali Ravat, Adam Rawat, Aadam Patel and an own goal to tank for their tally. St Ignatius replied through Dominic Thompson.

Fourth-placed Ravenswharfe had Sam Hewitt and Steve Smith on target as they drew 2-2 with third placed Snowdon.

Overthorpe Sports Club are fifth after Reece Patterson hit a double in their 5-1 win over Inter Batley. Elliot Brooke, Steve Jordan and Elliott Campbell netted the others with Awab Ahmed hitting a stunning freekick late in the game.

Finally Clifton Rangers Athletic won 3-1 against stablemates Clifton Rangers Reserves.

RUGBY UNION

Cleck blown away at windswept Moorend North One East

CLECKHEATON RUFC 29 BRIDLINGTON 33 CLECKHEATON fell to a disappointing home defeat in a poor display against a spirited Bridlington side.

The East Yorkshire side moved within two points of their 10th-placed opponents in the North One East table with the win, which secured a league double following a narrow victory in September’s reverse fixture.

Cleckheaton entertained Brid at a windswept Moorend on Saturday, and made one change from the previous week’s defeat to Scarborough with a family medical emergency seeing Mike Swetman drop out. Mikey Hayward moved into the centre and Ben Dearing started on the wing as a result.

Cleckheaton went behind from the first scrum of the game. Bridlington attacked down the left and winger Max Towse ran in unopposed

after some very indifferent attempts at tackling, a problem which would persist for most of the game. Morrison added the conversion to give Brid a 7-0 lead.

Cleck made amends after 10 minutes when a superb rolling maul made 30 metres downfield and when Heeley interfered the Bridlington flanker was sent to the sin bin.

After a quick penalty and several phases Josh Plunkett crossed for a try which Dale Breakwell improved to level the scores. Breakwell then added a penalty goal 10 minutes later and Cleck took the lead at 10-7.

Just four minutes later Morrison was allowed to walk through a gap in the right side of Cleckheaton’s absent defence to score a soft try, which the same player converted to put Scarborough back ahead.

Jack Seddon was sent to the bin on 30 minutes to put Cleck under more pressure, but they held out more in part to Bridlington butcher-

HELPING HAND: Dale Breakwell is assisted with the conversion attempt PHOTO: Gerald Christian in windy conditions at Moorend ing some clear opportunities when they had the numerical advantage.

In fact, the next score came as half-time approached, when Breakwell put a smart grubber kick behind the line and Booth was on the spot for his seventh try for the club.

Breakwell added the goal and at half-time Cleck led 17-14.

The second half began and Bridlington had the lions’ share of possession without looking to add to the points tally.

On 50 minutes, Breakwell went for an ambi-

tious penalty from 45 metres out, but the kick fell well short and Bridlington cleared to half way. A quick throw in

by Matt Piper set up a sweeping counter attack and a number of phases later, Joey Carley powered over the line in the left corner for an unconverted try to extend the lead to 22-14.

At two scores ahead, Cleckheaton seemingly had the game in their hands at this point but inexplicably everyone ball-watched as Bridlington restarted. The

old adage is never let a rugby ball bounce, and this was a case in point as an easily catchable ball was left to hit the ground and bounce into the hands of a Bridlington player, with centre Daniel Vannet scoring a few seconds later. Morrison converted to leave one point in it.

James Wilson was dispatched to the bin and Bridlington took full advantage of the full-back’s absence by running in two tries in seven minutes to take the game by the scruff of the neck, as Cleckheaton’s tackling was again a cause for concern.

Bridlington converted one of the two tries and suddenly had an 11-point lead going into the final minutes at 2233.

Cleckheaton then decided to start playing and looked something more like it. On 78 minutes Dearing popped up to score in the right corner and Breakwell converted into the wind, assisted by both post and crossbar, to make the score 29-33.

Cleckheaton now had a try bonus and a losing bonus point but there was still time left for more action. Cleck kept applying pressure on the line and Brid lost two men to the sin bin in their desperation to keep the Moorenders out.

With the final play of the game, Cleckheaton replacement Ben Etchells looked to have got the ball down over the line but referee Gavin Jones deemed it was held up and the whistle blew for fulltime.

There were some mutterings at the end that Cleckheaton had been denied victory, but if the try had been given it would have robbed a Bridlington side that turned up with more desire and application than Cleckheaton and deserved their victory on the day.

Cleckheaton need to tighten up their defence in open play with a tough encounter expected tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) away at third-placed Huddersfield YMCA.

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ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

Trailblazing Boys are back in town Batley Boys will make history this season as the first club from the town to compete in the NCL and Terry Bairstow, who is joint coach alongside Pete Bingham, says that these are exciting times...

HERE HAS never been a Batley outfit in the National Conference League, but that is going to change in 2019.

After winning the Yorkshire Men’s League Division One and then Premier Division inside the last three years, going through two league campaigns unbeaten, the only way had to be up for Batley Boys.

The next stage is now the NCL, after the Boys were one of three new clubs to be accepted into amateur rugby league’s premier competition two months ago.

Leading them into this historic campaign will be Terry Bairstow and Pete Bingham, who have both been at the club through their whole playing careers and are now embarking on a fifth season at the helm as joint coaches.

“We’re the only team in Batley ever to do it, so it’s very exciting.

We’re looking forward to it,” said Bairstow.

“It’s just nice for Batley to have a team to be proud of. The players are doing the business, they’re just about all Batley lads, and it’s something to be proud of I think.

“My peers who played before me are coming to me, shaking my hand and saying ‘it’s a joy to see, well done, it’s nice to see Batley Boys have a good team and do well’.

“I pass it over to the lads (because) it’s all them on the field.

They’re putting all the work in and I’m just shouting from the touchline!”

Batley Boys’ 2019 campaign starts in just over a week’s time, when they travel to East Leeds in the first round of the Challenge Cup on January 26.

They took part in the competition for the very first time last season and enjoyed a memorable run to the third round, which Bairstow says was “massive” for the club.

“We went to Underbank Rangers,

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CHAMPIONS: Batley Boys beat Bentley in the Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division Grand Final last season who are a National Conference Premier Division side, and we beat them. I’m not saying we’re a better team or a better club, but on the day we beat them,” he said.

“The support was unbelievable.

They were four deep on the touchline. The lads heard them in the changing rooms – we could hear ‘Batley! Batley!’ – and that lifted us in the last 15-20 minutes.

“Then we played the RAF which was a glamour draw really at home, (and) same again we won that with a last-minute drop goal.

“Obviously we made a bit of money as well; we’re not the richest club going. It just gives everybody a buzz and not only that, it attracts people. And you get players coming to you, saying ‘I want to sign for Batley Boys’.”

Their success has brought some

past players back to the club, but there is a healthy supply of youth talent coming through the ranks as well.

“There’s a good set-up at the Boys,” said Bairstow. “The second team – we’ve called it academy now – are under 18s, and I think we’ve got four or five under 18s wanting to play in the first team this year, and some of them are good enough.

“And we’ve got two or three new lads who grew up with Batley Boys and haven’t been in the game for a couple of years, but it’s sparked their interest again.”

The interest is coming from the sidelines as well, with the sort of crowds that cheered them to victory in the Challenge Cup last year expected again when they travel to East Leeds.

The club is running a 50-seat sup-

porters’ coach for the game which is almost full already, and there will be many more travelling over for the local clash.

The Division Three season will begin next month (February 23) when they travel to Leeds again to meet Hunslet Warriors in their first-ever NCL fixture, before Woolston Rovers become the first side to go to Batley.

That game could potentially be played at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, with Batley Boys hoping for even-closer co-operation with the Batley Bulldogs this year.

Their changing rooms are housed at the ground, and NCL sides this season will have the opportunity to experience the walk to their Staincliffe pitch.

Bairstow said: “Personally I hate that walk up to Staincliffe.

Le Tour de France! U-16s look for funds

It’s horrible!

“I wouldn’t like the lads having to do it. Some of the away teams chunter away and you can’t blame them because it’s a horrible walk, after you’ve played and you’re aching.

“I want to play at Batley (Bulldogs) every home game, but whether it’s going to be financially possible I don’t know.

“There’s a cost involved in that, and with it being a professional ground you’ve got to have stewards and first aid people, so that’s all to be worked out.

“But on the plus side we could have hospitality, food available, and we can charge people a couple of quid in and make a bit back as most Conference sides do.”

A permanent home at Mount Pleasant would certainly make Batley Boys the envy of clubs across the NCL, and if the team can continue the momentum of the past few years then they will soon be regarded just as highly on the pitch.

Bairstow admits that the squad needed a new challenge after conquering all before them in the Yorkshire Men’s League.

“You get players who are good enough to play in the Conference, and obviously they want to test themselves at higher levels,” he said.

“I think we’ll do pretty well. The difference with the Conference is that you don’t get a week off, and there’s a lot of travelling involved.

“But they’re all young, fit lads, 95 per cent (are) Batley lads, and they’re all up for it. At training (this week) we had 36 (players), and we started about a month ago.

“It’s building up to that (league start) and the Challenge Cup is a bonus. We had a great time in it last year and there were some good memories made, and hopefully we can try and repeat it and go even better if we can.”

Squad chosen for Athens adventure Celtic and Sharks meet

FUNDRAISING: The team completed the Three Peaks challenge last year to raise money for the France tour DEWSBURY CELTIC Under 16s are looking for further donations to fund their tour of France this Easter.

The club have already raised £17,000, with £18,500 the total required for the trip. The players have taken part in a number of fundraising efforts so far, which has included completing the Three Peaks last May. They have also held an 80s Night, Pig Race Night and

Motown Night to raise money, as well as holding raffles and having bucket collections at Dewsbury Rams and Batley Bulldogs.

Twenty boys at the club will make the journey to Perpignan for seven nights over Easter, and hope to take part in training sessions and tour matches against local teams as well as attending a Catalans Dragons fixture.

However, the club are still

looking for sponsors for the remaining playing kit and other teamwear.

There will be a Curry/Quiz Night a couple of weeks before the players depart where playing kit and training gear will be presented, and any sponsors are welcome to attend.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or making a donation can contact Dean on 07794 790834.

THE FOURTH Ben Restall Memorial Trophy match will take place tomorrow (Saturday).

Dewsbury Celtic and Shaw Cross Sharks will meet in the annual event to celebrate the life of Ben Restall and raise funds for Friends in Deed.

There will be a food stall and raffle at the game, followed by an auction in the Nash.

The two clubs’ under 12s sides will play at 12pm at Crow Nest Park, before the open age sides compete at 2pm.

The match forms the first pre-season friendly for both sides, with Celtic preparing for an NCL Division Three campaign and the Sharks gearing up for Division Two after last year’s relegation.

TOP TEAM: Allan Samme (centre) will lead the Heavy Woollen side THE Heavy Woollen ARL have named the squad for the Under 23s tour to Greece in March.

The team, which is coached

by Dewsbury Moor’s Allan Samme alongside James Hooley and Danny Lee, will play an Athens select team on March 15.

An 18-man squad has now been named for the tour, coming from seven different community clubs in the district, with Moor the best-represented of them with five players selected.

FULL SQUAD: Brandon Bates (Ossett Trinity), Thomas Bottomley (Dewsbury Celtic), Cameron Bruce, George Croisdale, Bradley Foster (all Dewsbury Moor), Paul Foulstone (Dewsbury Celtic), Matthew Goodwill (Birstall Victoria), Joe Halloran (Shaw Cross Sharks), Aiden Ineson (Dewsbury Moor), Owen Lumb (Shaw Cross Sharks), Will Poching (Thornhill Trojans), Ben Ripley (Shaw Cross Sharks), James Samme (Dewsbury Moor), Josh Scrutton, Luke Sheridan (both Batley Boys), Nathan Waring (Dewsbury Celtic), George Woodcock (Thornhill Trojans), Billy Yarrow (Dewsbury Celtic).

ThePress

Friday January 18, 2019

31

RUGBY LEAGUE

Batley battle back to make final Yorkshire Cup

BATLEY BULLDOGS YORK CITY KNIGHTS

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Stephen Ibbetson at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium BATLEY BULLDOGS made a superb comeback from 18-0 down to defeat York City Knights and progress to the Yorkshire Cup final.

The visitors were in control after three tries in the opening 36 minutes, but Alistair Leak replied before the break to give the Bulldogs a foothold back in the contest.

Quick-fire tries from Johnny Campbell and Lewis Galbraith saw the deficit reduced further, but only with three minutes to go and a man advantage on the field could Batley find the winning try through Tyler Dickinson.

York played down the slope in the first half and made the better start, going close when Jason Bass ran for the right corner, but his offload was knocked forward by a Batley hand.

MATCH STATS BRADFORD BULLS: Brandon Pickersgill Josh Rickett Rhys Evans Ross Oakes Ethan Ryan Rowan Milnes Joe Keyes Liam Kirk Matty Wildie James Green Connor Farrell Elliot Minchella Mikey Wood Subs: Callum Bustin George Flanagan Evan Hodgson Trae O’Sullivan Ebon Scurr Tries: Minchella (4, 47), Evans (45).

Goals: Keyes 1/1, Milnes 3/3.

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

DEWSBURY RAMS: Jacob Thomas 7 Rob Worrincy 7 Cameron Leeming 6 Adam Ryder 7 Dale Morton 7 Paul Sykes 7 Lewis Heckford 6 Jode Sheriffe 6 Robbie Ward 8 Owen Harrison 7 Lucas Walshaw 6 Daniel Igbinedion 6 Michael Knowles 6 Subs: Sam Day 7 Andy Gabriel 6 Danny King 6 Liam Mackay 6 Toby Richardson 6 Jack Ray 6 Tom Garratt 6 Tries: Sykes (35), Heckford (40), Harrison (64).

Goals: Sykes 2/2, Morton 1/1.

Referee: M Griffiths Half-time: 6-12 Penalties: 10-8 Sin Bin: Paul Sykes (54, dangerous tackle), Flanagan (60, dangerous tackle) Man of the match: Matty Wildie (Bradford) Attendance: 1,235

Bass was held out twice more in the next set, but the Bulldogs defence held firm.

It was undone in the ninth minute though by a superb opening try. Bass and Perry Whiteley started it off by combining down the right edge, with full-back Matty Marsh breaking through the line. Offloads from him and then from Ben Cockayne got the ball to Will Jubb to finish the job, with Connor Robinson adding the goal.

The Knights, who won the League One title last season, were playing expansive rugby to keep Batley under pressure and almost had a second try after great skill from Robinson to feign a pass and break the line, but Judah Mazive couldn’t catch the ball out to the left wing.

As the half wore on Batley did grow in confidence themselves and began to move the ball about, but it was York who got the game’s second try as Graeme Horne slipped through the tackle of Dane Manning, stepping through the line and running in to score.

Two minutes later and York looked to

be cruising out of sight. This time it was a nice passing combo that sliced open the Bulldogs defence and sent Cockayne on his way, with the winger offloading to Matty Marsh to touch down.

The action wasn’t over for the half just yet though, as Batley punished Robinson for dropping the restart and went on the attack, with Leak diving over from close range and Scott converting the try to bring them back into the game.

Batley coach Matt Diskin brought new signing Danny Yates into the fray for the second half and the debutant made an instant impact as he played a part in the first of back-to-back tries, helping move the ball along the line to Jouffret, now playing at full-back, to slip Campbell through on the left edge.

Three minutes later the deficit was reduced further, as Dom Brambani’s cross-field kick caused havoc for the York defence and Galbraith was left with the simple task of catching in goal and touching down. Jouffret, taking over the kicking duties from Scott, reduced the difference to two.

With the wind and slope in their favour, Batley continued to press.

Trialist Paul Brearley and Manning were both held up and Jouffret was just short in one set on the York line, while Manning was held out again a few minutes later after James Brown’s offload.

They pushed further as the hour mark passed, with Sam Wood denied by strong defence and Dickinson held up over the line as York stayed firm against the tide coming their way. The best example of that came when Ashley Robson and Mazive combined brilliantly to stop Keenen Tomlinson from making it to the corner.

The Knights were placed on a team warning after giving away consecutive penalties, and with four minutes left to play Reece Rushworth was duly sent packing after holding on too long in the tackle.

That was the spark the Bulldogs needed, and the winner came in the following minute as Dickinson barged through the scrambling defence to touch down under the posts, with Jouffret converting and Batley seeing out the final moments to triumph.

Rams seen off by Bulls Yorkshire Cup

BRADFORD BULLS

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DEWSBURY RAMS

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Stephen Ibbetson at Provident Stadium ROWAN MILNES’S late penalty was the only difference as Dewsbury Rams fell just short of victory at Bradford Bulls.

There were positives again for this new-look Rams side in competing well with Championship opposition for the third time in pre-season, following a narrow defeat to Batley and victory over Featherstone.

A mixed Bradford side, with half of the squad in action a day later in a friendly against Huddersfield, gave them a good chance to reach the Yorkshire Cup final, but in the end they were just pipped to the prize as the Bulls came out on top.

Bradford got off to the better start and dominated the first 15 minutes of the game, getting the first try inside just four minutes.

Hooker Matty Wildie made the initial break and Mikey Wood carried the ball to within an inch of the line, before Joe Keyes sent the ball right and Elliot Minchella went through, with Keyes adding the extras.

A knock on just over 10m from their own line could have cost the Rams another try, but Bradford were unable to take advantage as Brandon Pickersgill sent the ball over to Josh Rickett, only for the winger to be hauled into touch by his opposing number Dale Morton.

Dewsbury began to grow into the contest and came very close to getting on the board when Owen Harrison offloaded the ball for Michael Knowles to go over

the whitewash, but the try was ruled out by referee Marcus Griffiths for a double movement.

The Rams were on top but struggling to carry the ball into a dangerous position, until a piece of magic opened up the defence with five minutes of the half remaining. Adam Ryder burst through the line, finding Paul Sykes in support to touch down with the captain adding the conversion as well to level the scores.

And with their tails up, things got even better before the halftime break. With 15 seconds of the half left, Lewis Heckford touched down after Sykes’s clever grubber into the in goal, with the two points again tagged on by Sykes for a 12-6 lead at the break.

Having made a fast start to the first half the Bulls did the same after the interval, with two tries in the first seven minutes turning the game around.

First Rhys Evans found a gap and charged through and Milnes, taking over kicking duties from the injured Keyes, levelled from the tee, before full-back Pickersgill tore through the Rams defence to open play up before finding Wildie in support, who in turn offloaded for Minchella to record his second try of the game.

Things went from bad to worse when Sykes was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on Minchella, and Bradford may have scored another try if it wasn’t for a crucial interception from the outstretched arm of Cameron Leeming when the home side had broken down the left wing.

The numbers were evened out on the hour mark when Flanagan was shown yellow for a crusher tackle on Robbie Ward, and after a careless knock-on Dewsbury

Losing start to pre-season Friendly

BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL 16 DEWSBURY MOOR 10 DEWSBURY MOOR’S preparations for the new season began

with defeat at Bradford Dudley Hill last weekend.

The Maroons are building for their NCL Division One campaign after securing back-to-back promotions.

However, they suffered defeat in their first match of 2019 as

pushed for a response.

Ward’s kick forced a drop out and he then came close following a Jacob Thomas offload, before Thomas then put the kick in behind and Harrison grounded for his first try for the club, with Morton converting to level once again.

However, the deciding points in the game went the way of the Bulls, with a penalty 15m from the line providing the perfect opportunity for Milnes to score two points and reopen a lead that Bradford were able to hold on to

for the final 11 minutes to secure victory.

After the game, winning coach John Kear admitted that his team were far from their best.

The ex-Batley boss said: “I thought we were sloppy in many different areas, and I thought Dewsbury really took the game to us and it was just some quality with Matty Wildie and Rhys Evans that has brought us home.

“We needed to roll our sleeves up and find a way to win by hard work and graft and determination.”

MATCH STATS BATLEY BULLDOGS: Dave Scott 8 Wayne Reittie 6 Sam Smeaton 6 Sam Wood 6 Johnny Campbell 7 Louis Jouffret 8 Dom Brambani 8 Toby Everett 6 Alistair Leak 7 Tyler Dickinson 7 Jack Downs 6 Dane Manning 7 Keenen Tomlinson 7 Subs: James Brown 7 Lewis Galbriath 6 Tom Hemingway 6 Alex Bretherton 6 Michael Ward 6 Danny Yates 8 Paul Brearley 7 Tries: Leak (39), Campbell (43), Galbraith (46), Dickinson (77).

Goals: Scott 1/1, Jouffret 2/3.

YORK CITY KNIGHTS: Matty Marsh 6 Judah Mazive 7 Jason Bass 7 Brad Hey 6 Perry Whiteley 7 Ben Cockayne 7 Connor Robinson 7 Graeme Horne 7 Will Jubb 6 Jack Teanby 6 Michael Kelly 6 Liam Salter 7 David Peterson 6 Subs: Ash Robson 7 Josh Jordan-Roberts 6 Reece Rushworth 6 Marcus Stock 6 Kevin Brown 6 Tries: Jubb (9), Horne (34), Marsh (36).

Goals: Robinson 3/3.

Referee: J Smith Half-time: 6-12 Penalties: 11-6 Sin Bin: Reece Rushworth (75, team warning) Man of the match: Dom Brambani (Batley) Attendance: 786

‘We’ve been difficult to beat’ Continued from back page up to it and who’s not because once the season starts you’re not giving game time out and being a charity case; it’s ruthless.

“You’ve got to get straight into your strongest team.

You’ve got games to win.”

Greenwood has insisted from the start of his tenure that the top priority in the first year is making his team “tough to beat”, and believes that their pre-season results so far, which have seen a victory over Featherstone and narrow defeats to Batley and Bradford, represent progress in that regard.

“I dare say that over the three games that we’ve played so far we’ve done that,” he said. “There’s obviously plenty of work to do and that was nowhere near a full-strength Bradford side but we were difficult to beat.

“There are a few players to come back in, and there’s

Dudley Hill, who were relegated from Division One last season, came out on top in a pre-season friendly.

Neil Wall scored a brace of tries for the home side in the first half, with Adam Jefferson also crossing and Chris Hanson adding two conversions, while Dom Horn’s try was the only response from the Maroons as

a lot of work to do behind the scenes. We’re nowhere near where we need to be but in this first year I want to make us difficult to beat and in the three games we’ve been that.”

One area of concern will be the two tries conceded straight after half-time against the Bulls, following a similar slump against Featherstone.

“Straight after half-time we went soft defensively around the middle, and that’s an area we need to work on. Some of the things I’m not too worried about because we’ve got a 20-man squad today and another 10 or 11 not involved.

“At any point I’m thinking ‘you might not be there and you might not be there’, so there’s different combinations that I need to look at to make sure we’re ready for when the league campaign starts.”

With decisions still to be

they went into the break 16-4 down.

Aiden Ineson went over soon after the restart and converted his own try to put the visitors firmly back in the contest, but that was how the game stayed to the final whistle.

PRE-SEASON DEFEAT: Aiden Ineson scored a try in the friendly

made on the Rams’ strongest line-up, there will be more changes from the Bradford clash when they travel to York tomorrow.

“We’ve got quite a few lads with knocks and things and it just wasn’t worth risking them. There’s probably four or five (others) who might go into the 17.

“We are actively looking to bring players in still, which might sound daft because we have got a lot of numbers, but if you look at where we got the players, not all of them are proven Championship players, and the only way you’re going to find out if they are going to be that quality is by playing them.

“At the moment, some lads are not quite at the physical level that’s necessary for the Championship, so I will still be looking for guys to do that, to make us as competitive as we can be.”

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Bulldogs prepare for Yorkshire Cup final

By Stephen Ibbetson Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

BATLEY BULLDOGS coach Matt Diskin says everyone at the club has bought into the Yorkshire Cup as he prepares his side for the final this weekend.

The Bulldogs host Bradford Bulls on Sunday (January 20) to conclude the competition, which was resurrected this year as a pre-season tournament.

After seeing off Hunslet in the first round, Batley made it through to the final by coming back from 18-0 down to beat fellow Championship side York City Knights 22-18 last weekend.

Chairman Kevin Nicholas played a major role in bringing the competition back to life and Diskin says that the club will be striving to win it.

“I know it’s a friendly competition but the Yorkshire Cup is something that our chairman is a big supporter of and we are as well,” said the coach.

“We bought into that and said right along that we want to develop our game for the start of the year but also compete and win every game we take part in.”

Bradford stand in their way of the trophy, with the Bulls beating Halifax in the first round before narrowly seeing off Dewsbury Rams in last week’s semi-final.

The Bulls had to cut their team in half for the Rams game, with another friendly the following day, but their coach John Kear will have the full squad at his disposal when he travels to his former side this weekend.

Diskin warns that the Bulls, who were promoted out of League One at the first time of asking last season, are a dangerous outfit.

“Bradford are low-risk but they’ve got some very good quality individuals in their team, and if you switch off for any moment, like we did on two occasions (last week), they’ll burn us, so we’ve got to address that concentration element in our defensive line,” he said.

Coaches have largely rotated their squads throughout the Yorkshire Cup with the main

PERMANENT DEAL: Paul Brearley (right) has signed a oneyear contract with Batley after impressing coach Matt Diskin on trial. The former Rochdale Mayfield back-rower, who stands at 6’7”, has played in all three pre-season fixtures so far and been described by Diskin as “a revelation to the group, both in training and on the field.”

focus on preparing for the league campaign, but Diskin admits that he has little room to do so.

“I haven’t got a mass of players to rotate so what you see will be very similar to next week,” he said following the semi-final victory.

“There’s nothing to hide; we haven’t got 30 or 40 players to rotate and pick from, but we’ll pick the best side there.

“We’ll still continue to try some combinations and things that we’ll use going forward this year, and see where that takes us.”

Diskin did express some concern about the size of his squad with the Championship season only two weeks away (February 3), but is satisfied with the quality in the team.

“What I have been encouraged by (in pre-season) is the performance of the whole group. I think it shows that we have got some decent quality there waiting to come in if needed,” he said.

“I’m still worried about numbers, we’ve only got 23-24 which isn’t a massive squad going into a season, but out of those I’m more than happy with the quality that we’ve got.”

Trialist Paul Brearley has become their eighth permanent signing of the off-season after

signing a deal on Wednesday.

One of the new boys, Niall Walker, has yet to feature, and Diskin says that the former Hunslet outside-back is waiting for the all-clear from a specialist and hopes to have him available for the start of the season.

Fellow acquisition Danny Yates did make his debut last weekend against York, coming on at half-time and contributing to their comeback victory.

The ex-Rochdale Hornets man played alongside Dom Brambani in the halves with Louis Jouffret moving to full-back, and Diskin admits that the combination is a promising one.

“It can affect the fluency when you’re rolling different combinations, as we did with Brambani, Jouffret and Yates as pivots, but for the start of the second half it had a really positive improvement.

“We scored a couple of decent tries from that and it seemed to work, but we’ll analyse and look at it and see where and when we can utilise that combination this season if we choose to.”

Overall, the coach was pleased with the defensive performance on show against the Knights, but admitted that a couple of the tries scored by the visitors showed a weakness that needs to be

sorted out.

“York exposed a couple of our frailties in and around the ruck that we’ve been trying to work on over pre-season,” he said.

“We’ll work hard on them because we thought we’d cracked it but they’ve exposed them again, so we’ll look at that again in the coming weeks and try to sort that out before the season starts.

“Other than those one or two occasions where we switched off, defensively I thought we were very good. I thought we dominated the advantage line, restricted their metres, so defensively overall, even though there were 18 points on the board we weren’t that bad.

“Offensively we were way off, our skill was a bit scratchy, balls behind and balls in front, but the conditions (and) the bad wind affects that. But we showed a bit of character to find a way back into it, which puts us in a good position going forward.”

Tickets are on sale now for the final at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, which kicks off on Sunday at 2pm.

Advance tickets can be bought online with adults priced at £13 and concessions at £8, with a £2 increase on the day and junior tickets available for free.

Rams spots up for grabs DEWSBURY RAMS head coach Lee Greenwood says that there are still shirts up for grabs as he prepares for the final game of pre-season.

The Rams narrowly lost out to Bradford Bulls last weekend in the Yorkshire Cup, meaning that they now face fellow semifinalists York City Knights at Bootham Crescent tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 6pm).

Greenwood intends to use their fourth and final friendly to try out more of the players in his new-look squad, which includes 18 close-season signings.

“These four games are about giving people a chance,” he said. “I’ve got lads who have been training four times a week since November, and they’ve been brought in to be given an opportunity. If I can’t give it to them now then where can I give it to them?

“There are certainly shirts up for grabs; that wasn’t the strongest team (against Bradford). It’s up to the lads to grab them. I am still actively looking to bring one or two in in certain positions where I think we need strengthening.”

Nine players have featured in all three preseason fixtures so far, and Greenwood hinted that some of them will be rested ahead of the start of their Championship campaign on February 3.

“I know for a fact that some of our senior players have played three games already, I’m not fussed with them playing a fourth before the season starts.”

With a high turnover of players following his arrival in the job in October, Greenwood says that their pre-season schedule, which has featured four different second-tier sides, has proven a useful test of which players are ready to make the step up.

“At the time I got the job there weren’t many people available, so we’ve just gone out and got people that were available, which has given us good numbers for training,” he said.

“It’s allowed us to look at some people, and some have really stood and looked like quality Championship players. Some are not; whether they ever will be, time will tell, but at the moment some of them don’t quite look up to that level.

“What I am happy with is that we’ve played Championship opposition. With where we’re at this year it’ll help us quickly decide who’s

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