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BROTHERS Cody, (right), and Tyler Cooke lined up for opposing sides in yesterday’s Aubrey Wilkes Trophy match between Falmouth Town and Truro City. Full match report and more pictures inside today Picture: Vaughan Pickhaver / www.vaughanpickhaver.com

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WELL, I’ve finally emerged from the cushioned depths of my armchair.

The last two weeks have been all Wimbledon tennis, so it’s time to get back to the fantasy world of ‘normal’ telly.

Talking of fantasy, Game of Thrones – is there anyone apart from my colleague John Blunt who doesn’t watch it? – is back on Monday with the usual fare of dragons and depravity, murder and mayhem.

Better wrap up warm because Winter is Here...

Talking of murder and mayhem, there’s yet another crime thriller on our screens.

As The Loch and Fearless draw to a close, In The Dark is taking hold on Tuesdays with, confusingly, Ripper Street’s Myanna Buring heading the cast.

Eager viewers of Top of the

Crime thrillers

Lake will be thrilled to know that the second series is due to launch on BBC Two on July 27.

Top Of The Lake: China Girl starring Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies), follows Detective Robin Griffin, who returns to Sydney, searching for the daughter she gave up for adoption.

And taking us back to where we started, it also features the statuesque Gwendoline Christie, who plays Brienne of Tarth in, yes, Game of Thrones.

You’ll be gripped.

Linda Haston

An Indyview ............................8 Fixtures..........................24-26 i Hear ......................................8 Local..............................18&21 Memory ................................18 Peninsula ..............................20 Pools........................................4 Results ..................................24 Team of Yes’day ....................24 Women ........................22&23 Youth ............................10&21 OTHER SPORTS American Football ..................61 Athletics ................................62 Baseball ................................61 Basketball..............................61 Bowls ....................................60 Boxing ..................................61 Comps ..................................12 CRICKET......................71-79 Cycling ..................................67 Darts ....................................66 Diving ..................................66 Equestrianism........................70 Fishing ..................................57 Formula One ........................68 Golf ..............................58&59 Gymnastics ............................57 Hockey..................................65 Horse Racing ........................70 Lacrosse ................................65 Martial Arts ..........................26 Moto-X..................................69 Noticeboard ..........................56 Petanque ..............................60 Postbag ....................................4 Rowing..................................64 RUGBY ........27-30&51-55 Sailing ..........................64&65 Speedway......................68&69 Squash ..................................67 Surfing..................................64 Swimming ............................66 Table Tennis ..........................63 Tennis....................................63 SPORTS EDITOR John Collings ASSISTANT EDITOR Stuart Fraser Oakland Mews, Owen Sivell Close, Liskeard Business Park Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 3UX SWITCHBOARD: Liskeard (01579) 556 970

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Gary into final fling of US masters

Hat’s it!

Garbine eclipses Venus

DARTS

by Dave Allen

WEST Country star Gary Anderson was last night shooting for glory on the final day of the partypoker US Darts Masters.

Somerset’s Anderson made the quarter-finals, due to take place as we went to press yesterday, with a whitewash win on Friday.

Dawson Murschell shocked James Wade on the opening day of the tournament and Dave Richardson knocked out Max Hopp as Michael van Gerwen and Anderson progressed.

Canadian youngster Murschell overcame bigstage nerves to beat James Wade 6-5, with the lefthander missing six match darts in a dramatic deciding leg at the Tropicana Las Vegas.

The 21-year-old had made his TV debut in Thursday’s North American Championship, and announced his talent to a worldwide audience by seeing off the world number six.

Murschell was due to face Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals, after the Welshman survived a scare against North American Championship winner Willard Bruguier in Las Vegas.

Canada’s Dave Richardson bounced back from the disappointment of his loss to Bruguier in the North American Championship final by stunning World Series debutant Max Hopp 6-3 to join Murschell in the last eight.

Hitting

Richardson kept Hopp at arms length throughout, hitting six of his ten attempts at doubles to progress in to the quarterfinals where World Champion Michael van Gerwen awaited.

Van Gerwen was in a ruthless mood as he whitewashed Chris White with a 104 average in their clash.

The world number one finished the match in style taking out 132 with a crowdpleasing bull, bull, double 16 combination to begin his bid for back-to-back World Series titles in style.

May’s Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters champion Anderson followed Van Gerwen’s lead and matched him for quality levels as well.

The world number two averaged over 102 as he whitewashed Jayson Barlow to set up a last eight meeting with Raymond van Barneveld, who claimed the spoils when they met a week ago. ‘Barney beat me in Shanghai, so hopefully I can get one back over on him,’ said Anderson. ‘We came to Vegas seven years ago and it was nothing like this. The crowd have been amazing.’

GARBINE Muguruza won a battle of the generations by thrashing Venus Williams to secure her first Wimbledon title.

Williams, 37, was bidding to become the oldest female TENNIS grand slam singles winner in the open era but Mugu- by Eleanor Crooks ruza, 14 years her junior, delivered a7-5 6-0 victory.

It is Muguruza’s second major title, adding to the French Open crown she won last year, and makes her the first Spanish woman to win the singles here since her coach Conchita Martinez in 1994.

When the 23-year-old’s challenge revealed Williams’ last forehand to have landed long, she crouched down in disbelief with her face planted in her hands.

Muguruza earns ÂŁ2.2million for this win at the All England Club and also makes up for finishing runner-up to Venus’ sister Serena in the final of two years ago. ‘I had I think the hardest match today against Venus,’ Muguruza said. ‘She is such an incredible player, I grew up watching her play. It is incredible to play her in the final. She was definitely an inspiration and it’s incredible to play her here.’ Muguruza had not yet turned four when Williams played her first match in the main draw and the American may never have a better chance to win her eighth grand slam. ‘Congratulations Garbine, amazing,’ Williams said. ‘I know how hard you work and I’m sure this means so much to you and your family. Well done today, beautiful.’ l More tennis including a preview of today’s men’s final: Page 63.

CHAMPION: Garbine Muguruza balances the Wimbledon trophy on her head.

Picture: Steven Paston / PA Wire

British pair win title in thrilling final GREAT Britain's Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett landed’the Wimbledon wheelchair men's doubles title in thrilling fashion.

A 6-7 (5/7) 7-5 7-6 (7/3) victory over the French pair of Stephane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer saw Reid and Hewett retain their title.

Victory was secured when Peifer netted with a forehand, sparking euphoric celebrations on Court Three.

Last year’s final was played on tiny Court 17, but the huge public reaction to Reid and Hewett’s triumph prompted Wimbledon to look again at that arrangement and find the match a larger home.

Handing it the 2,000-seat show court was hailed as a

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positive step for wheelchair tennis by the British pair prior to the final.

Roared on by a passionate crowd, Hewett and Reid surged 5-3 ahead in the decider, but it would be another set with a run of plot twists and for the second time in the match a tie-break was required.

The British pair came through, with a stop-volley from Hewett earning a 5-2 lead before Houdet and then Peifer went into the net.

Reid, Hewett, their friends, family and supporters could at last celebrate. ‘It feels great,’ Hewett said. Reid added: ‘We don’t like to do it the easy way, that’s for sure.’

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INDYsport POSTBAG Wimbledon not equal in top court schedule MY Wimbledon has been ruined – by the men!

Dear Sir:

Can anyone tell me why men’s matches have been ✍ ✍ ✍ ✍ allowed to dominate the show courts?

I thought sport these days was all about equality.

I wonder what the leading women’s players think of it all?

Equal prizemoney should mean equal billing in the schedulings.

All-England Club chief executive Richard Lewis said in one interview that placing more men’s matches on the top courts was not favouritism but simply reflected what spectators want to see. Who does he think he’s kidding!

Myra Pascoe Penzance

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Pirates move will leave hole Dear Sir: WHAT an interesting diatribe on behalf of Cornish Pirates by your rugby correspondent Neale Harvey (Sunday Independent, July 9).

I found it amusing but also slightly threatening in its tone. As a person of privilege in the Press, surely he should be more responsible.

He called those of us who dared to have an opinion that didn’t match his own, ‘Luddites’.

Well, Luddites also destroyed the very things we, who wish to have our say, want to preserve. In this case rugby. We want to preserve it in Cornwall, not destroy it.

I would like Mr Harvey to ask his friends at the Mennaye what will happen after the Pirates have moved further east, towards Truro.

Will we see a new or resurrected Penzance-Newlyn Rugby Club because, as it stands now, when the Pirates leave Mennaye, Penzance will be without any rugby team at all; possibly the only main town in Cornwall not to have one.

I think we are entitled to our opinion and do not deserve to be treated to somewhat sinister remarks.

Mr Harvey needs to know that we only wish what is best for Kernowek Rugby – and that means what will happen to Penzance post-Pirates.

W Simmons Camborne

CLUBS SHOULD DO MORE ON BOSS EQUALITY

SOME time last season I found myself asking a rather hypothetical question: Why are there so few black, Asian and minority ethnic managers in football?

It was a subject that, at first, intrigued me and then captivated me to the extent of researching it for hours and hours in my spare time.

When I discussed my findings with friends, most were unaware that some English Football League clubs had already agreed, voluntarily to interview black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates for managerial jobs.

The process is called the Rooney Rule – they didn’t know that, either, and thought I was talking about a certain other footballer…

As a result of partly their ignorance and partly my enthusiasm, I wondered if Sunday Indy readers would be interested in a brief glimpse at some of my findings.

The Rooney Rule has been in force for 15 years. It was first introduced in the United States as a National Football League policy that stipulated teams must interview at least one black or ethnic minority candidate for their coaching or senior personnel vacancies.

It takes its name from former Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, who

Dear Sir: ✍

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helped implement the concept in his role as the chairman of the League’s committee on workplace diversity.

At a time when 67 per cent of the players were black, but only two of his country’s 32 head coaches were BAME, Rooney argued that they were ‘the last hired and the first fired’.

His call for NFL teams to involve more BAME candidates in their interview processes, to ensure they had greater opportunities, eventually led to the creation of the Rooney Rule .

Discovered Eight BAME coaches now hold an NFL head-coaching post, which is the joint most there has ever been at the start of a season, and it looks as if it has overcome initial fears regarding tokenism, and the prospect of teams merely going through the motions.

I also discovered that the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) began exploring the possibility of us using the Rooney Rule way back in 2011 as only two of the 92 Football League managers were black. Today, I think I can still count only two BAME bosses across the top four divisions.

The Football League promised a review into this under-representation in 2014 but a scheme to boost the

WEST CONNECTIONS: Former Yeovil Town manager Russell Slade, (inset), and ex-Torquay United player Keith Curle who were unwittingly caught up in the debate about equalities during managerial changes Pictures: Dave Rowntree and Nigel Andrews number of BAME coaches was only formally approved earlier this year.

Ten clubs – Accrington, Birmingham, Carlisle, Chesterfield, Coventry, Fulham, Huddersfield, Millwall, Peterborough and Wolves, by my reckoning – once agreed to a voluntary pilot scheme. It is still not mandatory, though, and only four of those – Birmingham (twice), Chesterfield, Coventry (twice) and Wolves (three times) – changed managers last season.

My research suggested that the ‘Rooney Rule’ applied when Wolves appointed Paul Lambert and Russell Slade joined Coventry but on five other occasions – Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp joining Birmingham; Walter Zenga and Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolves and Mark Robins at Coventry – it does not seem

SATURDAY’S POOLS FORECAST compiled by Red Malloy NSW NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE ONE 1 Sydney FC v Hakoah Sydney City East...................x NSW NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE TWO 2 Bankstown Berries v Central Coast Mariners ..........1 3 Mount Druitt Town Rangers v Hills Brumbies...........x 4 Western Sydney Wanderers v St George FC ..........2 QUEENSLAND – BRISBANE PREMIER 5 Capalaba v Albany Creek ........................................2 6 Logan Lightning v Souths United.............................2 7 Mitchelton v Lions FC ..............................................x 8 Peninsula Power v Rochedale Rovers ....................1 QUEENSLAND –CAPITAL LEAGUE ONE 9 Bayside United v North Star.....................................x 10 Moggill v The Gap....................................................2 11 Southside Eagles v Acacia Ridge ............................2 12 Taringa Rovers v North Pine....................................1 13 UQ FC v Mount Gravatt ...........................................1 14 Wolves FC v Brisbane Knights ................................1 VICTORIA NATIONAL PREMIER ONE 15 Avondale FC v Bentleigh Greens ............................2 16 Hume City v South Melbourne.................................2

17 North Geelong Warriors v Green Gully Cavaliers ....2 18 Oakleigh Cannons v Melbourne Knights .................1 19 Port Melbourne Sharks v Kingston City ...................1 VICTORIA NATIONAL PREMIER TWO 20 Bendigo City v Melbourne Victory............................2 21 Brunswick City v Moreland City ...............................2 22 Dandenong City v Box Hill United............................1 23 Eastern Lions v Dandenong Thunder ......................2 24 Melbourne City v Goulburn Valley Suns ..................1 25 Moreland Zebras v Whittlesea Ranges....................1 26 Murray United v Richmond ......................................x 27 Springvale White Eagles v Nunawading City...........1 28 Sunshine George Cross v Ballarat City ...................1 SOUTH AUSTRALIA NATIONAL PREMIER 29 Adelaide Olympic v Adelaide Comets......................2 30 Croydon Kings v Para Hills Knights .........................1 31 Cumberland United v Adelaide City .........................2 32 MetroStars v Adelaide United ..................................1 33 West Adelaide v Adelaide Blue Eagles ....................x 34 West Torrens Birkalla v Campbelltown City .............1

SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE LEAGUE ONE 35 Adelaide Hills v White City .......................................x 36 Cove FC v Raiders ..................................................1 37 Noarlunga United v Modbury Jets ...........................2 38 Pirates v Salisbury United........................................x 39 South Adelaide v Sturt Lions...................................1 40 Western Strikers v Adelaide Victory.........................1 TASMANIA NATIONAL PREMIER 41 Clarence United v Hobart Zebras ............................2 42 Devonport City v Olympia Warriors..........................1 43 Kingborough Lions v Launceston City .....................1 44 Northern Rangers v South Hobart ...........................2 NORTHERN NSW NATIONAL PREMIER 45 Charlestown City Blues v Edgeworth Eagles...........2 46 Lambton Jaffas v Adamstown Rosebud ..................1 47 Valentine FC v Newcastle Jets ................................1 CAPITAL FOOTBALL NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE 48 Monaro Panthers v Riverina Rhinos ........................2 49 Woden Weston v Belconnen United ........................2

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to have been in operation. I also don’t think a BAME candidate applied for the Chesterfield job I believe that the number of BAME managers in the top four divisions in English football remains at two – Chris Hughton at Brighton and Carlisle’s Keith Curle, – despite BAME players accounting for more than a quarter of professional squads.

So this Rooney does not appear to be hitting the target as much as my friends’ Rooney!

But I still believe that the League is committed to tackling the under-representation of BAME coaches and managers and that we will, eventually, see a similar recruitment code at all the country’s 72 clubs. I hope so, anyway.

Johnson Williams Bristol

NSW NATIONAL PREMIER ONE P W D L GD Pts Blacktown........17 13 3 1 21 42 APIA L’hardt ....17 12 0 5 19 36 Rockdale City..17 10 4 3 14 34 Sydney Oly’.....17 9 4 4 11 31 Manly United ...17 9 3 5 11 30 Wollongong.....18 9 1 8 -1 28 Sydney Utd 58.17 8 3 6 11 27 Hakoah S’ney..18 5 5 8 -3 20 Sydney FC.......17 5 1 11 -13 16 Bonnyrigg........18 4 4 10 -17 16 Sutherland.......18 4 0 14 -23 12 Parramatta.......17 1 2 14 -30 5 NSW NATIONAL PREMIER TWO P W D L GD Pts Marconi............20 15 2 3 29 47 St George FC...19 12 1 6 10 37 N’thern Tigers .20 9 6 5 9 33 Central Coast ..20 9 3 8 18 30 Western S’ney.20 8 4 8 4 28 Mounties Wdrs20 8 4 8 1 28 Hills Brumbies 19 7 4 8 0 25 Mt Druitt Tn .....19 7 4 8 -4 25 B’kstown Ber’ .19 7 4 8 -6 25 Spirit FC...........20 7 4 9 -7 25 North Shore.....19 6 5 8 2 23 B’town Sparts .19 7 2 10 -13 23 Macarthur Rams20 7 2 11 -14 23 B’kstown City..20 5 1 14 -29 16 QUEENSLAND – BRISBANE PREMIER P W D L GD Pts Rochedale .......18 10 6 2 18 36 Lions FC ..........18 10 2 6 23 32 Peninsula.........18 9 4 5 5 31 Souths Utd ......17 8 4 5 15 28 Eastern Sub’s..17 7 7 3 14 28 Mitchelton........17 8 4 5 12 28 Albany Creek ..18 7 5 6 1 26 Holland Park....18 6 6 6 12 24 Logan Lght......18 5 2 11 -12 17 Ipswich Khts ...16 4 4 8 -30 16 Grange Thistle.16 4 2 10 -16 14 Capalaba..........17 2 2 13 -42 8

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‘Nat’ provides the sporting dictionary with fresh new word A NEW word was AN INDYview added to the sporting dictionary when

by Chris Gray cricketer Natalie Sciver performed the ‘Natmeg’ during England’s victory over New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup during the week.

The 24-year-old’s trick shot saw her play a legstump yorker through her legs and away to square leg. But do you remember some of the other sporting terms which have been named after athletes, starting with the most famous one of all…

FOSBURY FLOP – American Dick Fosbury revolutionised the high jump with a technique which remains the dominant one today. The skill requires athletes to curve their run as they approach the jump and then launch themselves over the bar backwards. Aged just 21, Fosbury used the method to win gold at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, setting an Olympic record of 2.24 metres in the process. The technique was aided by the introduction of cushioned landing mats with athletes previously landing on their feet.

PANENKA – Czechoslovakia international Antonin Panenka brought this cheeky chipped penalty technique to the world’s attention during the shootout which decided the final of Euro 1976 in Yugoslavia. Uli Hoeness’ miss for West Germany gave the Czechs the opportunity for victory and Panenka kept his nerve to calmly dink the ball down the middle as goalkeeper Sepp Maier dived out of the way. The technique has been replicated numerous times, with mixed results. Zinedine Zidane converted in similar style during the 2006 World Cup final, while former Italy internationals Andrea Pirlo and Francesco Totti have both scored and missed trying to emulate Panenka.

AXEL JUMP – Named after Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen, the Axel is a figure skating jump with a forward take off. Compared to other common figure skating jumps, it has an extra half rotation in the air.

Paulsen first performed it competitively when he won the 1882 World Championships in Vienna, reportedly earning an extra prize for introducing a new jump. He died aged 82 in 1938 and, 38 years later, was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

BILES – This move was officially recognised in 2013 at the Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp. It is named after American Simone Biles, a 20-year-old who won four gold medals at the 2016 Olympics and is credited by many with turning the artistic gymnastics world upside down. The ‘Biles’ is performed on the floor exercise and involves a double flip with half twist. The twist comes near the end of the second flip, meaning the gymnast lands facing forward.

CRUYFF TURN – The famous feint gained global attention when former Holland international Johan Cruyff outwitted Swedish defender Jan Olsson at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. With the Swede in close proximity just outside the penalty box, Cruyff dummied to cross the ball and then hooked it behind him, turned 180 degrees and accelerated away from his confused opponent. The move continues to be copied and is one of the most common skills used in modern football.

VICTORIA NATIONAL PREMIER ONE P W D L GD Pts S Melbourne....21 13 3 5 23 42 Heidelberg.......21 13 3 5 22 42 Bentleigh .........22 12 6 4 16 42 Pascoe Vale.....22 10 7 5 7 37 Green Gully .....22 9 9 4 8 36 Avondale FC....20 10 5 5 4 35 Oakleigh ..........21 8 8 5 14 32 Hume City........22 8 7 7 6 31 Pt Melbourne...22 7 6 9 0 27 Bulleen Lions..21 8 3 10 -1 27 Kingston City ..20 5 7 8 -6 22 M’bourne Khts 22 4 6 12 -20 18 St Albans Sts ..22 2 4 16 -35 10 North Geelong.22 1 6 15 -38 9 VICTORIA NATIONAL PREMIER TWO – EASTERN P W D L GD Pts D’denong Th’r .22 15 5 2 33 48 D’denong City .21 15 3 3 32 48 M’bourne City..22 8 7 7 13 31 Murray Utd.......23 8 6 9 4 30 G’lburn Valley .23 7 8 8 0 29 Springvale .......22 9 3 10 -9 28 Box Hill Utd .....23 5 10 8 -4 25 Nunawading ....21 7 3 11 -10 24 Richmond........23 5 7 11 -23 22 Eastern Lions..23 5 6 12 -18 21 VICTORIA NATIONAL PREMIER TWO – WESTERN P W D L GD Pts Northcote City.23 16 5 2 29 53 M’land Zebras .22 14 5 3 37 47 Moreland City..23 11 7 5 14 40 Sunshine G C..23 10 6 7 4 36 Brunswick .......23 8 6 9 -2 30 Ballarat City.....23 9 3 11 -4 30 Whittlesea........23 7 5 11 1 26 Werribee City ..23 7 5 11 -9 26 M’bourne Vic’ ..23 7 4 12 -1 25 Bendigo City ...23 0 2 21 -87 2

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA NATIONAL PREMIER P W D L GD Pts Adelaide City...18 13 2 3 33 441 MetroStars.......18 11 4 3 17 37 A’laide Com’....18 10 2 6 19 32 Croydon Kings18 9 3 6 0 30 West Adelaide .17 8 3 6 10 27 West Torrens...18 7 5 6 5 26 Campbelltown.18 7 3 8 0 24 Para Hills .........18 8 0 10 -10 24 Adelaide Oly’...17 6 3 8 -12 21 Adelaide Utd....18 6 2 10 -19 20 Adelaide B E....18 4 4 10 -18 16 Cumberland.....18 2 1 15 -25 7 SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE ONE

P W D L GD Pts S Adelaide .......18 14 3 1 33 45 W’tern Strikers18 12 2 4 12 38 Sturt Lions.......18 11 1 6 11 34 Modbury Jets ..18 8 4 6 7 28 White City........18 7 5 6 2 26 Cove.................18 5 7 6 -3 22 Adelaide Hills..18 5 4 9 -9 19 Pirates .............18 5 4 9 -11 19 Raiders ............18 4 6 8 -3 18 Adelaide Vic’ ...18 5 3 10 -12 18 Salisbury Utd ..18 4 5 9 -17 17 Noarlunga Utd.18 4 4 10 -10 16 CAPITAL FOOTBALL NATIONAL PREMIER P W D L GD Pts Canberra Oly’..13 11 1 1 26 34 Centre of Ex’ ...12 9 1 2 24 28 Canberra FC....13 7 3 3 18 324 Belconnen Utd.13 7 1 5 23 22 Tuggeranong...12 6 1 5 -2 19 Gungahlin Utd.12 6 1 5 -4 19 Tigers FC .........13 6 0 7 0 18 Woden Weston13 4 1 8 -10 13 Riverina Rhino 13 1 3 9 -35 6 Monaro P’hers.12 0 0 12 -40 0

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Arter commits to Cherries with fresh four-year deal MIDFIELDER Harry Arter has signed a new four-year contract with AFC Bournemouth, meaning that the Republic of Ireland international should remain at Dean Court until at least the summer of 2021.

The 27-year-old BOURNEMOUTH joined the Cherries in June 2010 from nonby Chris Vincent League Woking, and has played a key role in the club’s rise through the Football League to their ninth-placed Premier League finish last season.

The former Charlton Athletic trainee has made 239 appearances for Bournemouth to date, scoring 28 goals. ‘Once I heard the club wanted to give me a new deal, it was a pretty easy decision,’ said Arter.

‘The team has been successful over the last few years and you want to be part of somewhere that is continually progressing.

‘I just want to improve all the time and it’s nice to be part of a squad who are all trying to do that, too.’

Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged that Arter had been such an important player over a long period of time. ‘He is a real winner and has been at the heart of most of the good things that have happened on the pitch,’ said the boss.

‘He has been outstanding in terms of his conduct and attitude to the group and it’s great news that he has committed his future to the club.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● AFC BOURNEMOUTH are progressing with proposals to build a new stadium within Kings Park, the current home of the Cherries.

With support from Bournemouth Council, the club have been looking at potential sites for a new stadium and have identified an area of land which includes the park’s athletics stadium and the club’s existing training pitches.

Said Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake: ‘This is a major investment programme, not only for the football club but also for the town and the region. Our preferred site to build the club’s new stadium is in Kings Park.

‘There is still a long way to go in this process but we have overcome one of the biggest obstacles in identifying the area that we want to develop. We will now progress with detailed research and design for the new stadium, ahead of submitting the necessary planning application.

‘Our original timescale of completion by the summer of 2020 remains, and we are currently working hard to provide our supporters with a bigger stadium and one that is befitting of a Premier League club.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● AARON Ramsdale kept another clean sheet for England under-19s as they stormed into the European Championships final.

The success came after a last-gasp 1-0 win over the Czech Republic in Wednesday’s semi-final match in Tbilisi, Georgia. With virtually the last kick of the game Lukas Nmecha, of Manchester City, won the game to send the Three Lions into the showpiece final.

Bournemouth keeper Ramsdale kept his third clean sheet in four matches, with the solitary goal conceded by the Cherries stopper being a consolation in the 4-1 group win over Germany.

In today’s final, England will play Portugal, who came through their semi-final with a 1-0 win over the Netherlands. The final game kicks off at 5.00 pm (GMT).

Ramsdale becomes the second Cherries player to reach an international final for England this summer, following midfielder Lewis Cook who lifted the under-20 World Cup as captain in South Korea last month. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PORTSMOUTH have signed former Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman from Ipswich for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old has penned a three-year deal at Fratton Park.

Pitman turned professional with the Cherries and netted a 16-minute hat-trick against Peterborough at the start of the 2010-11 campaign.

He then spent two-and-a-half years at Bristol City before returning to Dean Court to help Eddie Howe’s outfit reach the Premier League for the first time.

Jersey-born Pitman scored more than 100 goals during his two spells with Bournemouth and joined Ipswich in the summer of 2015.

Also on the move is Lee Tomlin, who has signed for Cardiff City, becoming Neil Warnock’s seventh summer capture.

Tomlin signed for the Cherries in August 2015 from Middlesbrough but never established himself in the first team. He then made a short-term loan move to Bristol City the following January, before signing for the Robins permanently in July 2016.

DID TOMLIN’S TIME WITH ROBINS COME TO AN END TOO SOON?

SO Lee Tomlin has joined the list of Bristol City mavericks to have graced Ashton Gate with their skills for all too short a period.

At the start of the summer this column warned that there would be no place for the crafty midfielder in Lee Johnson’s squad for the coming campaign.

That became reality on Thursday when Tomlin signed for, of all clubs, Cardiff City and, of all managers, Neil Warnock, thus increasing the displeasure of Robins fans hoping he would stay.

The fee, of course, was undisclosed, so we don’t know how much of the £3million City invested in Tomlin last summer has been recouped. No doubt it will come out in the fullness of time.

Displayed Every now and then a deal is struck in football, which suits all parties. I venture to suggest this could be such a case because, while Lee’s talent is indisputable, there was evidence to suggest that his best City performances were behind him.

On his own admission, his performances dipped last season compared with the form he displayed while on loan at Ashton Gate over the last three months of the previous campaign.

The reasons were not entirely clear. But there were obviously some problems off

BRISTOL CITY

by Richard Latham the pitch, which were rightly kept under wraps.

City won their Championship relegation battle with Tomlin barely featuring in the final six games. There is every indication that Johnson will continue with the 44-2 formation that proved successful in those matches.

Tomlin does not fit easily into such a pattern.

Warnock has already talked of using him just behind a striker or strikers, which is undoubtedly the position that suits him best.

I thought City played with only Tammy Abraham up front too often last season and welcomed Johnson’s decision to play Matt Taylor alongside the Chelsea loanee for the last half-a-dozen games.

It also made sense to me to pair Marlon Pack and Korey Smith in midfield, while employing Jamie Paterson and Josh Brownhill in wide roles.

That is how I expect City’s midfield to look at the start of the coming campaign and, with record signing Famara Diedhiou the obvious replacement for Abraham, the

tactics are likely to be largely the same.

Tomlin would not have been in the side for the opening game against Barnsley and he strikes me as the sort of player who responds to a new challenge. Hence, Cardiff may have recruited themselves a valuable weapon for the season ahead.

Warnock, as always, was not short of colourful quotes when involved in a major news story, likening Tomlin to Adel Taarabt, a player he was warned would get him the sack as Queens Park Rangers boss, but whose mercurial skills in fact helped win promotion to the Premier League.

‘When I had Adel, he was criticised for being overweight and lazy,’ said Warnock. ‘Trust me, Tomlin looks like Usain Bolt compared to Adel.

‘Players like this aren’t as fit as the like of others, but what they give you is something else. Lee’s creativity is second to none and we want to give him the platform to use that.

‘Obviously, it’s not going to be straight-forward with players like Lee, I know that. But I’m looking forward to working with him. I enjoyed my challenge with Taarabt and I’ll enjoy this challenge, too.’

I can already picture Neil grinning widely at the prospect of Tomlin scoring when Cardiff visit Ashton Gate in the Championship on Saturday, November 4.

The player himself is delighted with the move and saying many of the things he said when first arriving in Bristol. It remains to be seen

if his stay with Cardiff Sunday Independent June 4, 2017 sport@sundayindepend p r o v e s ent.co.uk ☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 longer. www.sundayindepende C i t y nt.co. showed they could be effective without him at the end of last season and Johnson has recouped some of the WILL Lee Tomlin £5.3-milstill be dipping into his bag of tricks as a lion he Bristol City player next season? paid for Consistency Diedhiou, on whom BRISTOL CITY

by Richard Latham the spotlight will now be cast even Impact m o r e sharply.

If the striker proves an effective replacement for Abraham, I doubt that Tomlin’s departure Pattern will be mourned FANS’ FAVOURITES: Many Bristol City supporters hold Lee Tomlin the same high regard as they in for long.

Polish wizard Jacki Dziekanowdid ski, (above), back in the early 1990s.

On the They won’t want Tomlin to walk out of Ashton Gate this summer.

Because he is other different and has the supreme unexpected, they would like ability to produce the head coach Lee Johnson the team to build hand, if the d hi team struggle for goals, MIXED FEELINGS: Supporters will be divied on plenty of fans will be ready to remind the head coach of Lee Tomlin’s time at the Gate (Sunday his ‘folly’. As they say, that’s Independent, June 4) football. ward to seeing if the former he may be talked about by One man capable of tak- Nottingham Forest player City fans in the same breath ing up the mantle of mid- can build on the exciting as Jacki Dziekanowski and field creator is Paterson, form he showed at Ashton others, whose time at the who impressed me hugely in Gate against Wolves, Queens the latter stages of last sea- Park Rangers and Barnsley, club was brief, but unforgettable. Thanks for the memoson. scoring in all three games.

I am really looking forAs for Tomlin, in future ries Lee…

FANS SPLIT ON LEE’S CASUAL PLAYING STYLE

I doubt it. When the chips were down, and Lee Johnson needed results over the final six games of the 2016-17 campaign, the head coach chose not to select his potentially most creative player in the starting line-up.

Tomlin was named star, who was the first among the substitutes for mit that he saw it to adas the last six games as City other players’ duty the to battled successful ly for defend, had to be left out.

Championship survival.

Jacki missed the last 13 His

last start was in the 5-0 drubbing at Preston North End on April 4.

ENGLAND won the European under-19 Championship title for the first time in their history after beating Portugal 2-1 in Georgia.

Aston Villa defender Easah Suliman headed the Young Lions in front early in the second-half after a free-kick Mason Mount had hit the post.

A sliced own-goal from Chelsea right-back Dujon Sterling saw Portugal level before the hour.

Keith Downing’s side, though, secured a memorable victory when Manchester City forward Lukas Nmecha swept in after 68 minutes following a powerful run from Mount down the right.

England finished the match with ten men after Fulham’s Tayo Edun collected a second yellow card in the 86th minute, but it

EURO UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP was not enough to deny them.

The triumph follows on from England’s success at the under-20 World Cup and Toulon Tournament, while they also reached the final of the European under-17 competition and saw the under21s make the semi-finals of their European Championships in Poland, losing on penalties to Germany.

The opening exchanges at the Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium in Gori were cagey.

Just before the half-hour, Nmecha – whose stoppagetime goal against the Czech Republic had secured England’s place in the final – got away down the right and fed City team-mate Isaac Buckley-Ricketts who set up Mount, but the Chelsea man saw his shot blocked. Portu-

or prefers to actively seek a move remains to be seen.

games of the season, which saw City win six and draw five, to avoid the drop.

He left Ashton Gate the following September and some fans I know have still not forgiven Osman.

The point is that it proved and drawing one of easier to achieve consistent the games before losing the results without Dzieka final fixture against Birmingham nowski’s mercurial skills City, with the relegation than by utilising them. fight already won.

There was a feeling Tomlin only appeared among the other players once from the bench in the that his work-rate did not five games, which secured match theirs, which was survival – after 88 minutes hardly good for team spirit. against Queens I am not saying that Park is Rangers at Ashton Gate. true of Tomlin. But he is the He was introduced after sort of player it is difficult to 59 minutes against Birming- accommodate in any set forham and failed to make mation. much impact.

Many fans, who love him All of which takes exactly because he is differme back to the 1992-93 season in ent and has the supreme what was then the First ability to produce the unexDivision when a certain Jackie pected, would say build Dziekanowski was delight- team around him, the just ing City supporters with the as they demanded with sort of skills Tomlin is capa- Dziekanowski. ble of emulating.

But I can’t help thinking Like Lee, Jacki was an en- that history will repeat tertainer first and foremost itself. and a firm fans’ favourite.

At the age of 28, and havAlso like Tomlin, he lost ing played in the Premier his place in the team when it League, Tomlin certainly mattered most, as Russell can’t afford to settle for a Osman led the Robins to regular place on the bench survival from a perilous in a Championsh ip squad. position.

City had been struggling so badly with Dziekanowsk i Another feature of City’s and Andy Cole in the side final six games of last season that Denis Smith was sacked was that Johnson elected as manager in January to 1993. play two up front, with Matt Both players had the ability to thrill. The difference Taylor partnering Tammy Abraham, who had played was that, while Cole con- as a lone striker in many of tributed 17 goals in 37 starts before his March transfer the preceding games.

Even without Abraham to Newcastle United, next season, there is no Dziekanowski scored reaonly once in 31 full appearances son to think the head coach will switch from 4-4-2, after netting a brace in at the opening game of the season least to begin with, and I don’t see Tomlin fitting against Portsmouth. into In the end Osman decided that pattern either as a front man or a midfielder. that, in the interests of d Without him, the team went on a five-match unbeaten run, winning four

Ten-man under-19s truimph in European final for the first time gal went close when Domingos Quina, who plays his club football in England at West Ham, dragged a shot wide.

Buckley-Ricketts shot over following a positive run from Nmecha At the start of the secondhalf, England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had to be alert when he collected a shot from Mesaque Dju. England went ahead in the 50th minute. Midfielder Mount whipped a free-kick up over the wall, which hit the base of the post and bounced back into the sixyard box where Suliman nodded it into an empty net.

Portugal, though, were not behind for long. Dju should have equalised when the ball dropped to him at the far post following a corner, but he could only lash his shot high over the crossbar from two yards out.

The equaliser soon followed in the 56th minute.

Bournemou th and would sistency as when he was clearly want to recoup on as much of that as possible loan.

During the winter he was should there be interest honest enough to admit from other clubs this sum- tration over his own frusform, mer. as well as that of the team.

If he is still a City player come the end of August few But his stock was high supporters will be comthis time last year, having plaining. But one of the club’s scored seven goals in 18 ever most expensive imports should not appearances on loan at Ashton Gate when he provided be merely a squad player. some sublime moments of To have a long-term artistry.

Last season he also con- future at Ashton Gate, Tomlin needs to get tributed seven goals, but back into the starting from 32 starts and ten as a line-up and stay substitute. there.

At no time did Tomlin Whether he has shown the same level of con- the appetite to do so

Abdu Conte sent over a deep ball from the flank, which drifted through towards the far post, where Sterling sliced it past team-mate Ramsdale.

England, though, slowly re-grouped and regained the lead in the 68th minute.

Mount burst away down the right and charged into the penalty area before clipping the ball back across to Nmecha, who swept into an unguarded net.

Porto forward Rui Pedro dragged a shot wide as Portugal sought an equaliser.

England were reduced to ten men with five minutes left when Edun collected a second caution followed by a red card for a trip on Madi Queta in the centre-circle.

Miguel Luis flashed an angled drive into the side netting and substitute Josh Da Silva, the Arsenal midfielder, cleared a header off the line during five minutes of added time.

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iHear…

F

ORMER Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Christian Walton has joined the Pilgrims’ League One rivals Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan from Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion.

It follows Walton agreeing a new four-year deal with the Seagulls. It will be the 21-year-old’s fifth loan move in the past three seasons, with Albion having the option to recall the England under-21 player.

‘Following the departure of Matt Gilks it was clear we needed reinforcements,’ said Wigan boss Paul Cook. ‘Christian has a bright future and we’re delighted he’s come to us.’

Brighton manager Chris Hughton added: ‘This is a good move for all concerned – both clubs and the player. Christian needs to be playing regularly to continue the excellent progress he has made, and Wigan offer him the chance to do that in League One.’ Talking about the new contract, Hughton said: ‘We are delighted Christian has committed long term to the club, as he has a very bright future ahead. He had two very good loan spells with Luton and Southend last season, which really benefitted his ongoing development.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● EX-Yeovil Town striker Kieffer Moore has joined Rotherham United on loan from Ipswich Town until the end of the 2017-18 season.

The Torquay-born 24-year-old made 11 appearances for Ipswich in the Championship last term, having moved to them from Forest Green Rovers on an 18-month contract in January.

The six-foot-five ex-Truro City and Dorchester Town forward and Torquay United loanee has joined the Millers’ pre-season tour in Austria.

Millers’ boss Paul Warne said: ‘We are delighted to bring Kieffer into the club. He played against us last year and did well. We spoke to a few people about him and it was all good news.

‘He has got some amazing attributes. He is really keen and ready to learn. He is very athletic and very strong and it is another striker to add to our attacking force. Kieffer’s arrival now gives us more options. I have always said the more strikers and the more competition I can get up front, the better.’

Meanwhile, Rotherham have parted company with former Plymouth Argyle loan striker Dexter Blackstock, bringing an end to his ignominious ten-month stint at the club.

The Millers and the much-travelled forward have agreed to a mutual termination of his contract, which had another two seasons left to run.

Blackstock, on a hefty weekly wage packet thought to be in the region of five figures, made just five starts after signing a three-year deal last September, scoring only once in 17 appearances. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● SKY Bet One side Peterborough United have signed former Yeovil Town loanee defender Liam Shephard on a two-year contract following his release by Swansea City.

The 22-year-old former Wales under-21 player left the Swans this summer after one senior appearance in an FA Cup defeat by Oxford United in 2016.

Shephard, who plays mainly at right-back, has had three separate loan spells at Yeovil, playing a total of 72 times for the Glovers.

Posh manager Grant McCann said: ‘Liam is a good lad and a good character. He has bought into everything in the last few weeks (on trial) and that was extremely important. He can operate in a couple of different positions and I am really happy that we have been able to get the deal done.’

Shephard could make his League debut for Posh against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, August 5.

‘Our aim is to win promotion from League One,’ said Shephard. ‘I’ve joined a very positive dressing-room. It’s also a very loud dressing-room, with some strong characters, but that’s a good thing. I’ve played a fair few Football League matches, but not as many as some in the squad.

‘I’m always willing to learn from those with more experience, but everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome from the day I arrived. Going to Spain with the squad was a big help. I wanted to sign for the club from the minute I arrived here so I’m delighted it’s finally gone through.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WOLVES have signed former England goalkeeper and Bristol City loanee John Ruddy on a two-year contract after his exit from Norwich City.

The 30-year-old’s arrival comes four days after Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia. However, a statement on the club website made it clear they had been pursuing Ruddy ‘throughout the summer’.

‘This is a bittersweet feeling for me – it is good to be here but the circumstances could have been better,’ said Ruddy.

‘Having played against Carl over a number of years, I know what a good goalkeeper he is, so it would have been fantastic for the club to have had us competing and bringing out the best in each other.

‘Now it is a situation where football takes a back seat for Carl and everyone’s thoughts are with him.’ iHEAR… Ruddy made one League appearance for the Robins in an was edited by emergency one-week Nigel Walrond loan from Everton in April 2007.

KEEPERS JOINING THE BIG LEAGUE IN TRANSFER GAME

G

OALKEEPERS are the country cousins of the transfer market but they can now feel a true part of the family after two deals have passed the £30-million mark.

Manchester City are paying £35-million to bring the uncapped Brazilian, Ederson Santana de Moraes, over from Benfica – a world record.

That, though, could be under challenge by Everton’s £30-million down for the England under-21 shot-stopper Jordan Pickford.

The suggestion is that when all the add-ons are in place, Everton’s bid will see relegated Sunderland banking £36-million.

One doesn’t know for sure because transfers still have a smoke and mirrors atmosphere as the fees are never officially announced but leak out, more or less accurately, from behind the back of the hand.

It really is about time the game moved into the 21st Century and embraced transparency and the truth.

Furniture AN INDYview

by Graham Russell What we do know, however, is that Ederson’s fee will be well up on the old record of £32.6-million paid by Juventus to Palma for Gianluigi Buffon, 16 years ago.

When you consider how prices for every other position have rocketed, it’s something of a mystery why keepers are still in the bargain basement.

It has certainly taken a long time to move on from the first £1-million deal, which saw Bristol Rovers’ Nigel Martyn sign for Crystal Palace 28 years ago.

One link between Martyn and Pickford, though, is that, by moving, they both helped their clubs out of a financial hole.

Rovers were struggling in exile, sharing Bath City’s ground, while the bank have

That came home to me years ago when I suggested to one manager, at the aftermatch press conference, that his goalie deserved the ‘Man of the Match’ for a string of saves. The answer snapped back: ‘That’s what he’s paid for, isn’t it?’ – a clear vibe there that all was not well between the two.

Perhaps the problem is that while other players move around during their careers, the goalkeeper stays, almost as a part of the furniture.

They have also become something of a protected species.

The days when they were barged across the line, ball and all, have long gone.

Now you can hardly touch one without giving away a free-kick.

But whichever way you look at it, why fees for them have lagged so far behind is a mystery because they can have more influence on a result than anyone.

That is why many clubs

now have a special goalkeeping coach, working on angles and reactions, and building up a repertoire of clearances.

While out-players peak in their mid to late 20s, a keeper can still go on exercising his craft well into his late 30s and sometimes touching 40.

Pickford and Ederson are both 23, so should have a long career ahead, while Martyn’s move up came four days before his 21st birthday and just a 101 League games after his arrival at Twerton Park from St Blazey.

Maturity, though, brings its own problems as England’s No.1 Joe Hart is discovering.

It’s well chronicled that when Pep Guardiola took over at Manchester City, his first big decision was to take Hart off the books.

The keeper is back now after a year in Turin, where City were paying most of his wages, but his Spanish-born boss still doesn’t want him.

The professional rift between the two is too wide to be bridged.

Guardiola, who has signed two replacements, leaving Hart third in line, just doesn’t want him.

Manchester City have set out an intriguing price list.

If a top five club comes in, the transfer fee will be £26million; for the rest of the

HAMMER BLOW: Rejected by Manchester City, England’s No.1 keeper Joe Hart could yet revive his Premier League career with a loan move to West Ham United

Picture: Rogan Thomson / JMP Premier League, it’s £20million. There are no bidders so far but the England keeper is mulling over a season’s loan to West Ham United.

If he accepts this week, the Hammers will have the option to buy him come June.

In this strange market,

the scales are weighted their way.

Knowing Manchester City don’t want him, they will be able to play hardball if he has a good season, and offer just about half the present asking price.

How does the saying go?

It’s all fair in love and football. Well, almost…

Mourinho’s claims in Lukaku deal shows he doesn’t have full control

WHAT a very interesting disclaimer by Jose Mourinho that he had nothing to do with Manchester United signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

The deal for £75-million, with a further £15-million to follow, gazumped his old club, Chelsea, and you could well have expected him to have gloated over that.

After all, Chelsea believed that it was all done and dusted for the 24year-old Belgian striker to join them.

There were even headlines, only days before, that Lukaku had told his agents that he wanted to be at Stamford Bridge.

AN INDYview

by Graham Russell There were two facets to Mourinho’s claim. First, that he clearly didn’t want to upset the club where he made his name in England and where he was twice sacked.

The second is that accepting his claim at face value – and I have no reason to doubt it – shows that he doesn’t have the full control of transfers that Sir Alex Ferguson certainly had.

If Mourinho had no input, whose decision was it to go alone and leave him out of the loop? It could

hardly have been the cochairmen, the Glazer brothers, Joel and Avram, who live in the States, which leaves the chief executive, Edward Woodward.

Knowing how prickly Mourinho can be on team matters, it seems very unlikely that Woodward would have gone ahead just by himself. A more likely scenario is that knowing how sensitive the deal could be, Mourinho took the decision to stand aside from the negotiations, once having said that he was in favour – a football version of something known in the financial world as a Chinese wall.

As a teenager, Lukaku

was under him at Chelsea but wanted more football than that on offer – ten games in three years – aided by a season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, where his promise blossomed with 17 goals in 35 matches.

He did all the pressing for a transfer from the Bridge, moving to Everton four years ago for £28-million. Now he is back with his old manager, no longer an ambitious youngster but a seasoned pro with more than 250 games and 120 goals behind him.

What Mourinho makes of him will be gamechanging for player, manager and Manchester United.

FRIENDS REUNITED: Romelu Lukaku, whose move from Everton to Manchester United will see him link up again with his old Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho Picture: Matt McNulty / JMP

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been demanding that Sunderland cut their £100million debt by a fifth.

Keepers generally earn less than others and their profile is lower, too. A string of match-deciding saves can go almost unremarked, although a mistake always makes the news.

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JERVIS NETS TWO FOR ‘EXCELLENT’ PILGRIMS

ARGYLE made it five wins from five pre-season games inside eight days as they brushed past Vanarama National (South) opponents with a performance described by manager Derek Adams as ‘excellent’.

Two first-half goals from Jake Jervis, after Ruben Lameiras had opened the scoring, underpinned a dominant opening by the Pilgrims, whose waves of attacking play from all parts saw them add a fourth through substitute Gary Miller two minutes from full-time.

‘I thought it was an excellent performance for us today,’ said Adams. ‘We maybe should have scored a few more goals but it’s about upping the level and we did that.

‘We have got a lot of good attacking players. That came, not only from the midfield, it came from the fullbacks, as well, and defenders coming out with the ball.

Overall, we were happy to control the game and do as well as we have.

‘I’m delighted. We have got a lot of good competition for places; I think that is going to be important as the season comes to a start.’

Adams had again rung the changes for the Pilgrims

WESTON-S-MARE ..... 0 ARGYLE ................ 4 Lameiras 8, Jervis 17, 42 Miller 88

Attendance: 597

Referee: Savvas Yianni

by Richard Christophers at the Woodspring Stadium visit to North Somerset.

Only Dutch goalkeeper Robbert te Loeke, midfielder David Fox and forward Jervis remained from the line-up that started the previous Wednesday evening’s 5-1 victory at Toolstation Western League Buckland Athletic.

Jervis was moved into the centre of the attack, with Lameiras, one of several Pilgrims to have caught the eye so far in pre-season, just behind him and Lionel Ainsworth and Joel Grant providing the width.

Identity Fox anchored the midfield with Antoni Sarcveic, ahead of a back four that saw summer signing Ryan Edwards start alongside Yann Songo’o in the centre of defence. Oscar Threlkeld and Gary Sawyer completed the starting line-up as full-backs.

The game kicked off, in damp conditions, 15 minutes later than scheduled, the result of traffic problems caused by an accident on the M5 that snared the Argyle team-coach as well as the Green Army, some Weston players, a match official, and basically anyone heading

north from Plymouth and Cornwall. Weston did not divulge their line-up before the game, a move designed to keep secret the identity of some triallists, but included former Argyle apprentice Jamie Laird. Another youngster who came up through the Academy ranks, Ryan Lane, was among the substitutes.

Despite a wet surface that did not help the Pilgrims move the ball as quickly as they would have liked, Argyle hit their straps early and soon took the lead.

Threlkeld made ground on the right and crossed to the far post, where Jervis rose to head the ball into the path of Lameiras for the Portuguese midfielder to slam the ball home.

The goal gave impetus to Argyle, who made the Weston defence work hard to keep them out. Jervis and Fox both had shots blocked and Lamerias fired wide as the Pilgrims’ pace and movement came to the fore.

The pressure told in the 17th minute when a lovely defence-splitting ball from Edwards allowed Jervis in behind the Weston back line and he finished low and hard past goalkeeper Luke

Parnell. Weston had little answer to the Pilgrims’ unremitting drive. Jervis hit the crossbar and captain-forthe-day Sawyer did likewise, joining the fun from leftback, before the Plymouth attacker netting his second, profiting from more good work out wide by Threlkeld.

Weston upped their attacking intent after the break, allowing Argyle to make raids in behind and Grant came close to heading in Sawyer’s left-wing cross.

Miller, Gregg Wylde and Graham Carey came on after the hour as Adams continued his policy of giving his whole squad game-time and Carey was soon to the fore, shooting from distance and then setting up Lameiras for a shot that the Weston defence blocked.

Carey then started the move of the match which ended with Sarcevic’s screaming shot being stopped by Parnell, who then clawed away substitute Nathan Blissett’s header.

The final word went to Miller who clipped a short corner across and into the goal, although young striker and fellow substitute Alex Fletcher was denied in the dying moments when his shot clattered back from the base of the post.

ARGYLE: Robbert te Loeke (Luke McCormick 68); Oscar Threlkeld, Ryan Edwards (Jordan Bentley 76), Yann Songo’o, Gary Sawyer (captain); Antoni Sarcveic, David Fox (Gary Miller 60); Lionel Ainsworth (Graham Carey 60), Ruben Lameiras (Nathan Blissett 68), Joel Grant (Gregg Wylde 61); Jake Jervis (Alex Fletcher 76).

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT: Plymouth Argyle’s Yann Songo’o gets caught in a tangle with Weston-super-Mare’s Gethyn Hill during the sides’ pre-season friendly Picture: Dave Rowntree / PPAUK

SEAGULL TAKES FLIGHT: Weston-super-Mare’s Jordan Williams takes off as he challenges UNDER PRESSURE: Plymouth Argyle’s new signing Joel Grant looks to hold off the challenge of Plymouth Argyle’s Oscar Threlkeld for the ball Picture: Dave Rowntree / PPAUK his Weston-super-Mare opponent during the Pilgrims’ 4-0 victory Picture: Dave Rowntree / PPAUK

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iscount to Receive a 15% d es when summer cours um of £10. im spending a min 15! And applies T C A is e d co e Th ade online at to bookings m k munitytrust.co.u www.argylecom

Sibling Discount *Half price for additional siblings (Phone bookings only) Online Discount *£2 off all online bookings (Excluding any Course under £10) Early bird booking discount: £1 off all courses booked before Thur 27th July To book or for more information: Bookings can be made online at: www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk. Alternatively, complete the form overleaf and post with a cheque to: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE FITC, HOME PARK, PLYMOUTH PL2 3DQ or phone 01752 562561 ext 162

9

10

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat)

sport@sundayindependent.co.uk www.sundayindependent.co.uk

Sangster earns praise from Adams for performance THE pre-season has certainly been a roller-coaster ride for Plymouth Argyle second year apprentice Cameron Sangster, who was drafted into the first-team squad for their first week of friendlies.

ARGYLE YOUTH Sangster, who hails from Newton Abbot,

by Mike Sampson completed the full 90 minutes of Argyle’s 3-1 victory at Plymouth Parkway last weekend before playing the last 28 minutes of the 2-1 victory at Tiverton in the week.

He then played the whole game at Buckland Athletic on Wednesday and it was his superb long-range pass that put in Nathan Blissett for Argyle’s second goal in a 5-1 success at Homers Heath.

But probably most pleasing for the youngster was the praise he received from manager Derek Adams after his performance at Parkway.

‘He has done really well in the training and I had no qualms about putting him in the first team,’ said the manager.

‘He’s very good on the ball. He’s only a youngster but he’s very composed.’

Sangster was not the only youngster to figure in the games with striker Luke Jephcott replacing Graham Carey for the last ten minutes at Parkway while Harry Hodges, son of Academy director Kevin, played the whole of the second-half at Saltash United. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PLYMOUTH Argyle youth played their first pre-season game in the week when they travelled to Evo-Stik Southern League outfit Barnstaple Town.

It was largely an inexperienced Argyle side that put up a plucky performance before going down 3-2 in front of a crowd of 550 at Mill Road.

The most notable absentee from the young line-up was second-year apprentice Cameron Sangster, who was on first-team duty. But Argyle were also without three other midfielders, development professionals Dan Rooney (injured) and Aaron Taylor (ill) and second year apprentice Matt Ward (injured).

Second year apprentice Billy Craske spearheaded a couple of early threatening attacks down the left flank for the Young Greens before ‘Barum’ struck with two quick goals just after the half-hour mark.

The Pilgrims twice went close to reducing the deficit just before half-time, with apprentice Sam Ryan shooting narrowly wide and Craske having his effort saved by the keeper.

Development professional Alex Battle and second-year apprentice Luke Jephcott both shot narrowly wide in early second-half attacks only for the home side to extend their lead on 70 minutes.

However, persistence paid off for Argyle, especially for Battle, who netted with a clever 18-yard lob in the 75th minute.

Jephcott shot against the post as the young Pilgrims’ confidence grew and he then set up the chance for Battle to score again with a 12-yard drive in the 78th minute. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● MIDFIELDER Josh Richards, who was released by Argyle at the end of his apprenticeship, is furthering his career in Sweden.

IFK Ostersund, who play in Division Two Norrland (Sweden’s fourth tier) are managed by former Argyle apprentice Ben Smith who has been highly successful with his managerial exploits in Sweden.

‘Toby Davis contacted me about Josh so I contacted him and asked if he fancied coming out to Sweden on an initial 12-week period which is through the League Football Education programme,’ said Smith.

‘It’s a programme funded through the PFA and EFL which allows recently-released apprentices to come out to Sweden on an initial 12-week period and see if they can progress with their football here.

‘Sometimes the disappointment of being released by a pro club knocks you back, something I have experienced, and you might stay local and play non-League.

‘But this is a great opportunity for youngsters to play in another country and also helps them develop some life skills which they will take onboard for the future.

‘It was something that was not around when I was released by Plymouth and I think it’s great as, if Josh impresses and enjoys it, then there is nothing stopping him coming back to us or progressing further,’ added Smith.

@thesundayindy

AMBITION ATTRACTED LIONEL TO PLYMOUTH NEW Plymouth Argyle signing Lionel Ainsworth believes that Norwich City provide a good example of what could be achieved at Home Park.

The unfancied Canaries won what is now the League One title at the end of the 2009-10 season, and the following year came runners-up in the Championship to secure their place in the Premier League.

Cheeky chappy Ainsworth says that the Pilgrims have the potential to do the same, and he turned down a new contract at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell to make the long move south to Devon because Argyle’s ambition matched his own.

‘I think you have to be ambitious, and I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t ambitious myself,’ said the 29-year-old winger.

‘The quality of players they have got at the club, and those that have been signed, if they didn’t have ambition they wouldn’t be here either.

‘I want to take the club forward as far as we can go.

The potential is there to do wonderful things.

‘You look at what Norwich City did a few years back, they jumped up and they jumped up, and the next thing they were in the Premier League.

‘This is football, it can happen, we know it is going to be tough, but we also know we will be a tough team to play against. We are just going to enjoy it.’

Ainsworth added: ‘Safety and staying in the division is paramount, but I think we are better than that.

‘We will see how it goes in the first month, after which time you can normally gauge it a little bit, but we won’t panic or anything, we

ARGYLE

by Nigel Walrond will stick to our game plan and do the best we can out there on the pitch, for the club, for ourselves and for our team-mates, that’s what we are looking forward to and hopefully we can go on to bigger and better things.’

Successful Ainsworth said that the momentum the Pilgrims had under their belts going into the season after winning promotion from Sky Bet Two last term could prove crucial to their hopes of a successful season.

‘The first thing that I said to my fiancée when signing for the club was about momentum. If you find yourself anywhere near the top come mid-season, anything can happen,’ he said.

‘There are some great additions at the club, some great lads from last season that did really well, and we will do the best we can.

‘In my short time at the club you can already tell that everything is here to take the club forward.’

Another attraction of moving to Argyle for Nottingham-born Ainsworth was that Plymouth was nearer to his own family and that of his fiancee.

‘I got offered a deal at Motherwell, but the pull was it is a bit closer to family being down here, believe it or not,’ he laughed.

‘I am from Nottingham originally, but my fiancee’s family are from London, so it is a couple of hours closer

so it helps a little bit. I know it is from one extreme to another, but this is football and anything can happen.

‘The main thing is that I put my all into giving everything for Plymouth now, and for my team-mates, the management staff and my family, that is the main thing I have got to look at. I have just got to work hard, and I am looking to settle here in Plymouth and be here for a long, long time.’

The much-travelled Ainsworth, who scored 12 goals in 93 League appearances for Motherwell during three years at the club, has made his debut twice against Argyle.

‘One was as a 19-year-old at Derby (in February 2006, when the Rams won 1-0 at Pride Park), and for Watford as well (his full debut was in a 1-0 victory for Argyle at Vicarage Road in December 2007), and I have also been down to Home Park and played a couple of times,’ he explained.

‘I have always been aware of the club, and someone told me the other day that Argyle actually tried to sign me when I was a youngster as well, before I went to Watford, which is news to me – so they finally got me!

‘I am looking forward to it, I just want to work hard and it is going to be a tough season, but I think the boys are really excited about it.’

Ainsworth hopes that his ability and experience of playing at a higher level will help his team-mates as the season wears on.

‘I can play on either wing or up front if needed, and as long as I have got a shirt on my back, I don’t mind where I play,’ he said.

‘I will bring pace and a bit of trickery to the team, and I don’t mind a goal or two, and if you have a look on Youtube I am sure there are a few on there!’ he laughed.

‘I just give everything I can, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well to your team-mates around you.

‘There are going to be cer-

JAKE’S JOY: Plymouth Argyle’s Jake Jervis, seen here battling for the ball with former Pilgrim apprentice Jamie Laird, scored two goals as Derek Adams’ men saw off Weston-super-Mare Picture: Dave Rowntree / Pinnacle tain situations during a season where you might not be playing due to team selection, or you might not be having the best of times, or it might just be we are playing a team that is not suited to a certain player.

‘You have to get your head around that. I have been in the game a long time now, but mainly I am just excited to see where this club could potentially go.’

One player who Ainsworth spoke to before heading to Plymouth was former Pilgrim Carl McHugh, who turned down a new contract at Home

AWAY DAYS: The loyal Green Army who travelled to see Plymouth Argyle defeat Weston-super-Mare, 4-0, in a pre-season friendly yesterday Picture: Dave Rowntree / Pinnacle

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Park last summer and joined Motherwell so that his wife could be closer to her family.

McHugh suffered an horrific head injury on the opening day of the League season in Scotland – a twoinch-deep gash above his right eye – and it put him out of action for five months, but he produced some impressive form when he returned, and has now been made Well’s captain for the new season.

‘Carl is a great guy and a bad coffee maker. His coffee school is not the best!’ joked Ainsworth.

‘He was unfortunate with his injury in the first game of the season and he was out for a long time.

‘It was touch and go whether he would be able to play again, but he did brilliantly to manage that, and as soon as he got back into the team after his injury, he did great.

‘Now he has been offered the captain’s armband, which is credit to him because he is a great guy.

‘I speak to him about different things to football, which quite a lot of people don’t do.

‘They just think football, football, football, but there is life out there as well, and there are things that you want to put into place.

‘Carl has got a good head on him, he is a good lad and he is a warrior, and he will go far and do well and good luck to him.’

❑ ❑ ❑ ● ARGYLE officials are still hopeful that an alternative friendly can be arranged for their Dutch tour after the match with Dutch Second Division side FC Emmen, scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, was called off because it clashes with a butterfly market and a cycling race.

The game, which is part of a two-match pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, which starts next weekend after the pre-season friendly with Neil Warnock’s Championship side Cardiff City at Home Park on Friday night (7.00 pm), was cancelled by the town’s mayor.

Argyle were told that police would be too busy with the other events taking place in the town the same day.

Several supporters are accompanying the Pilgrims on an official club trip, and many more have booked a visit to the Netherlands to watch the matches.

An Argyle club spokesman said: ‘While we understand the mayor’s decision, we are disappointed to have to revise the detail of our visit to Holland at this late stage.

‘We are working with officials at FC Emmen, who share our disappointment, to see if an alternative venue or date can be accommodated.

‘We will keep supporters appraised of the situation as it develops.’

@thesundayindy

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat)

11

sport@sundayindependent.co.uk www.sundayindependent.co.uk BOLA ON BOARD: Bristol Rovers’ new signing Marc Bola who made his debut for the Pirates against Gloucester City

Triallist Ebbutt and Gaffney on target as Rovers ease to victory at Salisbury

GOALS from triallist Cameron Ebbutt and Rory Gaffney gave Rovers a comfortable victory against Salisbury FC yesterday.

Having survived an early penalty scare on three minutes, Rovers went straight down the other end and scored a minute later.

Ebbutt was the marksman, heading firmly past goalkeeper Nathan Ball from Lee Brown’s cross from the left. Striker

SALISBURY ............. 0 BRISTOL ROV ....... 2 Ebbutt 4, Gaffney 62 Attendance: 570

Referee: Ian Parsons

by Reg Thomas at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium Gaffney doubled Rovers’ lead on 62 minutes when he latched on to Daniel Leadbitter’s through ball and rounded Ball before slotting home his fifth pre-season goal.

Salisbury went close in

the first-half when Smith did well to preserve Rovers’ lead, touching Marvin Brooks’ close-range effort behind for a corner.

They looked likely to pull a goal back on 76 minutes but substitute Ben Hall

made a great block to deny Kane O’Keefe a clear shooting opportunity.

Said manager Darrell Clarke: ‘It was nice to bring a team back to my former club but, more importantly, it was good for me to split the two sides we put out today (the other team played at Gloucester City) and give as many squad members as possible a 90-minute run out.

‘I was happy with what I saw here this afternoon and felt it was a good work-out though the game did peter

out a little bit in the secondhalf.

‘With regard to Cameron Ebbutt, who scored our opening goal, he’s a triallist with us and we are looking at him with a view to signing him for our under-21 squad. Lewis Hall is also on trial with us and he will come to Portugal with us this week where we can have another look at him before making a decision on his future.’

SALISBURY FC: Nathan Ball, George

Colson (Flavio Tavares, 63), Brandon Mundy, Tom Whelan (Kane O’Keefe, 67), Elliot Wheeler (Adam Flint, 67), Jake Wannell, Lewis Benson (Claudio Herbert, 63), Sam Roberts, Marvin Brooks (Lawrence Larbi, 69), Mark Francis (Kailan Gould, 60), Danny Young (Stuart Green, 11).

Substitute: Vance Bola BRISTOL ROVERS: Adam Smith, Daniel Leadbitter, Lee Brown (Ghassan Hassan, Tom Lockyer, Rollin Menayese (Ben Morgan, 72), Lewis Hall (Connor Jones, 56), Stuart Sinclair, Ollie Clarke, Rory Gaffney, Billy Bodin, Cameron Ebbutt (Lewis Ellington, 46). Substitute: Liam Armstrong

HAMER CONFIDENT IN SQUAD BEING ASSEMBLED AT MEM

FORMER Exeter City striker Tom Nichols remains a top target for Bristol Rovers in a build-up to the season, which already has Steve Hamer brimming with confidence.

While some fans have accused the Board of lacking ambition with the summer signings made to date, the chairman tells me that never in his long involvement in football has he approached a new campaign with greater optimism.

On Friday evening Rovers announced the arrival of 19-year-old Arsenal defender Marc Bola on a season-long loan.

I understand that two more signings are imminent and that Rovers are pursuing their interest in Nichols, a player I have always rated highly since watching some of his early games for Exeter.

Now approaching his 24th birthday next month, Nichols finished top scorer for Peterborough United last season with 13 goals. He is close friends with Liam Sercombe, Darrell Clarke’s first signing of the summer, from their days together at Exeter.

Rovers’ initial efforts to sign Nichols were rebuffed, but Clarke has not been put off, so watch this space.

If he does manage to lure the elusive forward to the Memorial Stadium, I would regard it as a major step towards building on the progress of recent seasons.

Whatever the case, Hamer

BRISTOL ROVERS

by Richard Latham is already bubbling over with enthusiasm for the campaign ahead and is quick to dispute any suggestion that the club lack ambition.

‘Darrell Clarke is not the sort of manager who likes to sign big names,’ he told me.

‘The players he seeks out are ones who will run through a brick wall for him and are keen to improve their game through his coaching.

Attitude ‘The last things he wants are rich, fat cats. He likes individuals from the same mould as himself, ready to die for the cause.’

Hamer added: ‘Having watched the warm-up games at Weston-super-Mare and Mangotsfield during the week, I can’t wait for the season to start.

‘What I saw in both matches was a team whose fitness levels were up on the same time last season, packed with players demonstrating just the attitude Darrell demands.’

Bola, primarily a leftback, had a loan spell with Notts County last season, making 13 Sky Bet Two appearances, having signed his

first professional contract with Arsenal in April last year.

He will be joining Rovers on their trip to a warmweather training camp in Portugal this week, which includes a match against Hull City on Tuesday.

Clarke is hoping to arrange another game against a Football League club for later in the week.

The squad return to England on Friday night.

Convinced Hamer was flying out to Portugal today to meet-up with an old friend in former Blackpool striker Mickey Walsh, scorer of ‘Match of the Day’’s ‘Goal of the Season’ back in 1975, whose company arranged the training camp.

One young player to have set the chairman’s pulse racing with his performances in the friendlies is 19-yearold centre-back Rollin Menayese, signed from Weston-super-Mare this summer.

The Wales youth international was formerly with Cardiff City and Hamer is already convinced that the Bluebirds’ loss will be the Pirates’ gain.

Whether Clarke will meet his target of ten or 11 new signings before the end of the August transfer window remains to be seen.

But Hamer is already convinced that Rovers are ready to step up on last season’s tenth place in League One, which of course means at least making the play-offs.

‘This time last year we had a lot of players new to League One and a manager that applied to as well,’ he said.

‘Darrell is now wiser for the experience gained last

KEEPING CALM: Bristol Rovers’ Rory Gaffney takes the ball past Salisbury keeper Nathan Ball to score the Pirates’ second goal in their 2-0 pre-season victory yesterday Picture: Neil Brookman / JMP season and our players take the field as an established League One side.

‘More signings will be announced soon and there is so much to look forward to. I genuinely believe we are in a really good place as a club and ready to take the next step.’

Hamer is too long in the tooth to take much notice of criticism on local media, which can represent

the views of a minority. ‘My message to the fans is to trust the manager and stop banging on about billionaire owners not spending big money,’ he said.

‘Let’s leave that until we are in the Championship!

‘I am very happy with the 19 or 20 players we have assembled already. We have had three great years and the journey is not over yet.’ On the pitch, Rovers

will be joined by West Ham United, Swindon Town and Wycombe Wanderers in Group C of this season’s Checkatrade Trophy.

The games against West Ham under-21s and Swindon will at the Memorial Stadium, while Darrell Clarke’s men travel to face Wycombe in the opening round of fixtures, to be played during the week commencing August 28.

Picture: Alex James / JMP

Ellis maintains goal-a-game record to seal a late draw GLOUCESTER CITY . 1 BRISTOL ROV ...... 1 Richards 10

Harrison 90

Attendance: 570

by Ken Owens at Thornhill Park ELLIS Harrison’s late equaliser enabled Rovers to salvage a draw against Gloucester City, enabling the club to maintain their unbeaten pre-season record.

Assistant manager Marcus Stewart, who took charge of the side, said: ‘I’m pleased the lads got through 90 minutes without injury, so that is all good.

‘We weren’t as sharp as we would like to have been and not as clinical in the final third as we had hoped we would be, but we should remember that we have only completed two weeks of pre-season training.

‘Marc Bola, on his debut, enjoyed a really good first-half; he is obviously a good ball player, is tough, and can run, and that is what we are all about.’

Stewart handed the 19-year-old a start after his move from Arsenal was completed on Friday and a strong team also included triallist Tom Broadbent.

Gloucester’s starting XI consisted of two former Rovers Academy graduates in Darren Mullings and Eliot Richards, the latter being on trial with the Vanarama National League South side.

Rovers began brightly, with Broadbent forcing a parry from Alex Harry after Chris Lines’ fourthminute free-kick. Gloucester responded when Karnell Williams hit a fierce effort high and wide over Sam Slocombe’s crossbar.

However it was Richards who put the Tigers ahead after ten minutes when a punt forward caught the wind and favoured the striker as he placed it into the far corner beyond Slocombe.

Rovers nearly gave away a gift for Gloucester’s Zach Kotwica after a misplaced pass was picked up and Kotwica forced a strong save from Slocombe in a good spell for the Tigers.

Lines, on free-kick duty once more, whipped in another teasing ball looking for Harrison but the ball skipped past the forward and out for a goal kick. In fact all of Rovers’ best efforts came through Lines and Harrison during early spells as they both exchanged passes before the latter fired a curling effort straight at Gloucester’s Alex Harris.

Harrison was on the end of every chance during the first-half, but was unable to break his scoring duck, this time mis-hitting a glorious effort over from close range after a good pass by Liam Sercombe.

The Welshman had another glorious chance to equalise on the stroke of half time when his diving header flew over the bar from Byron Moore’s ball into the box.

First year pro, and last season’s Academy ‘Player of the Year’, Luke Russe replaced Bola at half time.

Lines continued to bombard the Gloucester goal when he fired an effort just over which was the midfielders last contribution of the game.

Lines and Cameron Hargreaves were replaced on the hour mark by triallist Dylan McGlade and Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist as Rovers looked to respond.

Ryan Broom was next to test Harris in the opposition goal, but the goalkeeper comfortably saved his long range strike. Rovers continued to press with Sercombe curling a shot wide before he hit a shot over from a Harrison cross with minutes remaining.

The equaliser finally arrived when a long ball forward by McGlade found Harrison, who struck his shot past Harris with the outside of his boot to maintain his goal-a-game pre-season record.

GLOUCESTER CITY: Harris, Thomas, Hall, Parselle, Avery, Mullings, Williams, Richards, Kotwica, Parker, Chambers; Substitutes: Mbunga, Tunnicliff, Hamilton,Webb, King, Moore, Forsyth, Kelly, Morford (all used) BRISTOL ROVERS: Sam Slocombe, James Clarke, Jonny Burn, Marc Bola (Luke Russe 45), Tom Broadbent (T), Chris Lines (Dylan McGlade (T, 60), Cameron Hargreaves (Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist 60) Liam Sercombe, Ryan Broom, Ellis Harrison, Byron Moore. Substitute: Toby Rennie.

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12

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat)

sport@sundayindependent.co.uk www.sundayindependent.co.uk

Interest in Ollie still high around the Championship

Watch Exeter City play Cambridge Your Favourite Sunday Indy has teamed up with Exeter City to give away a pair of tickets for the first Sky Bet Two game of the season, against Cambridge United at St James’ Park on Saturday, August 5 (3.00 pm)

IT was only a matter of time before speculation re-ignited over the future of Exeter City’s in-demand frontman Ollie Watkins.

The only real surprise is that it has taken until the middle of July for the 21-year-old to be linked with a move to the Sky Bet EXETER CITY Championship.

Of course, Watkins

by Matt Bamsey was at the centre of transfer rumours during January with Derby County reportedly having launched a big-money move to prise him away from St James’ Park.

Figures in and around the £3-million mark were suggested. although it is not known exactly what amount was tabled.

But Exeter bosses rejected the bid, insistent he would be able to command a similar, if not higher, fee over the summer.

The fact that he was unable to fire Exeter to promotion has clearly not diluted the interest in Watkins and, with six weeks of the transfer window still remaining, it could be an interesting battle to secure his services.

It is highly likely Watkins will be snapped up in the next month or so with a number of clubs believed to be planning a swoop.

Championship side Brentford, who had a bid turned down last summer, have once again been linked with the Exeter youth product.

They have cash available after selling Scott Hogan to Aston Villa last summer in a deal believed to be worth around £15-million and are on the look-out for a front player with similar attributes to the ones Watkins boasts.

Bees manager Dean Smith is a keen admirer of the player and is still looking to add the final few pieces to next season’s jigsaw.

But Brentford will not be the only club preparing to table a bid for Watkins and there is likely to be a flurry of offers before the transfer window shuts.

Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bristol City have all been linked with him and each of them can probably out-bid Brentford when it comes to wages.

And while Exeter will be keen to find the right move for Watkins, they will be looking for in excess of £3-million if they are to be tempted to cash in on their prized asset.

Yet with Watkins likely to have a few years left on his contract, selling him now is not essential.

Indeed, should he end up staying at St James’ Park, the club’s promotion hopes would be significantly boosted.

Manager Paul Tisdale will be well aware of the situation and will have plans in place in the event of Watkins leaving the Grecians.

With Joel Grant having departed Exeter for Plymouth, it would leave the club without a creative spark in the No.10 role.

Jake Taylor, who is a versatile player having played in central midfield, at wing-back and in a more advanced position, is capable of filling the void should Watkins be lured away.

Yet Tisdale will probably want to bring in another creative player to plug the gap.

At the age of 21 Watkins will probably feel now is the time to secure a lucrative contract at a Championship club.

A money-spinning three-year deal can go a long way towards giving a player financial security and you could hardly blame Watkins if he decided that now was the time to head for pastures new.

With the ability to run at players; score goals from the edge of the box and provide the link going forward, Watkins undoubtedly has the talent to play in the second tier of English football next season.

While Watkins is back in the limelight following this latest transfer link, there have been no such rumours surrounding winger David Wheeler.

The 26-year-old bagged 21 goals last season, sparking fears among fans that he would also become a target for higher League clubs.

Thankfully, for Exeter, Wheeler is under contract and it would take a sizeable fee to tempt the Devon club to cash in on the talented wide-man.

Yet, although Exeter’s season ended in bitter disappointment after they lost the play-off final against Blackpool, Wheeler still made a name for himself at Wembley.

As well as producing an accomplished finish to peg Blackpool back before the break, he was also a tower of strength in the air, a quality which became a big talking point last season.

The diagonal pass over the top became a key threat for Exeter with Wheeler’s massive spring in the air giving full-backs a whole host of problems.

It will be something clubs look to deal with better next season should Wheeler remain at City.

Tisdale will still be hoping to bring in new players ahead of his side’s season opener against Cambridge United at St James’ Park.

The City boss is reportedly keeping an eye on Hartlepool midfielder Nicky Featherstone.

The 28-year-old was one of the stand-out players as Pools surrendered their Football League status last season.

@thesundayindy

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning them is send your name and address (including postcode) on a postcard or sealed-down envelope, together with a day-time telephone number, to Exeter City Tickets Competition, Sports Desk, Sunday Independent, 1 Oakland Mews, Owen Sivell Close, Liskeard Business Park, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 3UX, or e-mail: sport@sundayindependent.co.uk (only one entry, per person, per issue please) putting the words ‘Exeter City Ticket Competition’ on your entry or in the ‘Subject’ field.

The closing date is 12 noon on Thursday, July 27; our usual competition rules apply; the cost of transport, accommodation and the like is not included in the prize; the prize is not transferable to another date or venue, and the editor’s decision is final.

Please note that ALL entries will be forwarded to Exeter City FC after the draw has been made.

Because of the continuing re-development works, the winning tickets will be for the Thatchers Big Bank (standing area) and will need to be collected from the ticket booth located opposite the club shop. Proof of identification will be required.

ROMANS CONQUERED: Exeter City’s Ryan Harley is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring the Grecians’ second goal in their pre-season victory over Bath City Picture: Tom Sandberg / PPAUK

NEXT WEEK: Win tickets for Charlton Athletic on Tuesday, August 8

HARLEY SECURES A PERFECT START

EXETER City manager Paul Tisdale described his side’s 2-0 win over Bath City as the first step on a snakes and ladders board as his side look to go one better in Sky Bet Two this season.

The Grecians, who were beaten 2-1 by Blackpool in the League Two play-off final on May 28, played their first match in six weeks as they beat Bath at Twerton Park, with goals from Jake Taylor and Ryan Harley.

The result, and a clean sheet, will have pleased Tisdale but, having won all their games last pre-season only to suffer a stuttering start to the campaign, he also knows that it is all about being ready for the opening game of the season – at home to Cambridge United on Saturday, August 5.

‘It has only just started and the football season, it’s like a giant game of snakes and ladders isn’t it?’ said Tisdale. ‘We landed on 99 after a 11 months’ work last

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BATH CITY ................0 EXETER CITY .........2 Taylor 73, Harley 75 Attendance: 330

by Vince Coulter at Twerton Park year and we will hope to get to 100 this season.

‘We are not that behind in our fitness because we had such a late finish, but it is early days.

‘After so many pre-seasons I know the biggest thing is the football season.

In pre-season you look into it and you try to think there is a trend starting here, or that we look strong there, but actually the truth is you don’t really know.

‘You have just got to be ready for August 5. We have got a few weeks to go and we will be ready.’

Tisdale was without David Wheeler, Dean Moxey and Lee Holmes for the match, through injury, and Ollie Watkins was also a notable absentee as rumours linking with him with a move to Brentford continue to circulate.

Therefore, Tisdale named a youthful looking side that included 16-year-old Jack Sparkes, who despite being still only an Academy player

has been given a first-team squad number for the forthcoming campaign, along with fellow teenagers Archie Collins and Ben Seymour.

They all performed well in the first-half, with Matt Jay latching onto a Collins through ball to fire a shot at Bath keeper Matt Cafer before Seymour glanced a header just wide. Sparkes then went closest to opening the first-half scoring as he hit a half-volley, from 30 yards out, that whistled just past the post.

Struggled Tisdale was pleased with the performance of his young players, even if he felt they struggled with the conditions slightly.

‘The ball got stuck in the grass a little bit,’ said Tisdale. ‘It is a typical pre-season evening with long grass and the ball slowing down a bit.

‘I think Matt Jay, Ben Seymour, Archie (Collins) and Jack (Sparkes) up in the

front line got a bit stuck in the grass but they played really well and it is just nice to see everyone back playing football.

‘There wasn’t too much of a brief given to me before the game. We have got a few more weeks yet and I need to keep my powder dry a bit as well.

‘Then in the second-half we had a bit of end product with the players coming on and nobody got injured and everyone will have the weekend off now, happy and fit.’

Tisdale made 11 changes at the break, with a much more experienced side taking to the field. However, it was Bath who started better with Nick McCootie going close before George Rigg won a penalty after being caught by a sliding block tackle from Luke Croll.

Billy Murphy stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort failed to find the corner and was at a comfortable height for substitute keeper James Hamon to save.

That missed opportunity seemed to effect the home side who lost their momentum as the visiting midfield started to get a grip on possession.

Then in the 73rd minute

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came the breakthrough as Taylor, arguably City’s best player in the second-half, played a neat one-two with Liam McAlinden on the edge of the box before sliding a finish past Cafer.

Lloyd James then played a ball into Jack Barthram who, along with former Plymouth striker Ryan Brunt, is currently on trial with the Grecians.

The former Cheltenham right-back then chipped a ball into Harley in the box and he volleyed the ball into

the ground and watched as it bounced its way into the top right corner of the net.

EXETER CITY – First-half: Pym; Sweeney, Brown, Moore-Taylor, Woodman; Collins, Byrne, Tillson, Sparkes; Jay, Seymour (Brunt, 30).

Second-half: Hamon; Barthram, Archibald-Henville, Croll, Hartridge; Harley, James, Smallcombe, Taylor; McAlinden, Reid.

BATH CITY: Cafer; Simpson (Christopher 59), Straker, Ball (Misso 68), Welch-Hayes, Diallo (Rigg h/t), Ajala (Bennett 59), Murphy, Lucas (Morgan h/t), Jarvis (McCootie h/t), Watkins (Hunter 74).

ON TRIAL: Exeter City triallist Ryan Brunt, the former Plymouth Argyle striker, battles for the ball with Bath City’s Billy Murphy Picture: Tom Sandberg / PPAUK

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COOPER DEALS WITH BIG BOYS TO SECURE SIGNING OF COLLINS

IN the words of Bob Dylan, the times they are a-changing at the self-styled ‘little club on the hill.’

Barely accustomed to the prospect of a first-ever campaign in the Football League following promotion via the National League play-offs in May, Forest Green Rovers fans are now digesting a significant shift in the Gloucestershire club’s transfer dealings.

Accustomed to shopping in the lower Leagues and scouring non-League environs in search of hitherto untapped talent, Rovers manager Mark Cooper is now setting his sights altogether higher.

Testament

The arrival in the week of Chelsea goalkeeper Bradley Collins, recruited on a season-long loan, signals a watershed moment in the progress of a club buoyed by ambition following decades of obscurity.

Certainly, Cooper believes his latest sally into the transfer market is testament to how far the club has come.

And it says much about Forest Green’s recent progress and burgeoning reputation that Chelsea director of football Michael Ementalo should see fit to entrust the development of a highly-prized asset to

FOREST GREEN

by Andrew Stockhausen Cooper and his coaching staff.

Charged with the task of arranging loans for more than 40 players on the Stamford Bridge roster this summer, Ementalo was attracted to Forest Green by the style of play introduced by previous managers and honed by Cooper.

Rovers play out from the back, something that is attractive to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who demands that his goalkeepers be adept at such ploys.

Clearly, Forest Green’s football philosophy ticks the right boxes for the Premier League champions.

The 20-year-old Collins will compete for the No.1 jersey with Sam Russell with Cooper commenting: ‘Bradley joining Forest Green Rovers shows just how far we’ve come.

‘It’s fantastic that Chelsea

trust us with their young player, especially one so highly rated by their team.

‘He played their Checkatrade (Trophy) games last year and saved four penalties against Oxford.

‘We now have two great keepers and we’re all looking forward to seeing Bradley compete for games and play.’

A two-time FA Youth Cup winner, Collins has twice been part of the Chelsea side that lifted the UEFA Youth League title, playing alongside the likes of Rueben Loftus-Cheek, Nathan Aké, Dominic Solanke and former Bristol City favourite Tammy Abraham.

He joined the Chelsea setup at the age of 11, progressed through the youth system at Stamford Bridge and is under contract to the West London club until 2018.

Collins is yet to make his Premier League debut, but he has rubbed shoulders with the first-team squad and featured regularly in Chelsea’s Premier League Two development fixtures, facing the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham and playing behind Kurt Zouma and John Terry.

He also featured in Chelsea’s Checkatrade Trophy campaign last season, as well as their UEFA Youth League games, lining up in European clashes with Atletico Madrid, Roma and Porto among others.

Highly-rated at Stamford

Bridge and standing at sixfoot-three, Collins is excited at the prospect of playing in League Two next season.

‘I’m delighted to have this opportunity coming from Chelsea under-23s now to play men’s football,’ he said.

‘It’s something different, because I’ve been there for eight years, so to come out and get on loan is out of my comfort zone.

‘Everybody knows that going into men’s football is ten times louder and more physical – luckily, here, it’s the same way we play at Chelsea, with the philosophy of bringing the ball out from the back.’

Although Chelsea and Forest Green might appear to be worlds apart, there exists a crucial link between the two clubs, without which Collins might never have pitched up at the New Lawn. Rovers goalkeeping coach Steve Hale used his contacts to help facilitate the deal.

Determined to do his homework, Hale consulted Chelsea coaches Adi Viveash and Ian Howell regarding Collins; spoke to Blues Academy goalkeeping coach Bill Thompson and then contacted Jared Thompson, a Chelsea keeper with whom he had once worked to check on Collins’ character.

Word-of-mouth combined with recourse to modern technology to seal the deal.

Hale explained: ‘I watched his (video) clips on our

SAFE HANDS: Six-foot-three shot-stopper Bradley Collins who will continue his Chelsea footballing education by spending a season on loan at Forest Green Rovers where he will share the goalkeeping duties with the Sky Bet Two newcomers’ Sam Russell Picture: Paul Hazelwood / prosportsimages.co.uk

scouting software and he did very well in the Checkatrade games against Exeter, Swindon and Oxford, where he was the hero in the penalty shoot-out last season.

‘Through his experiences at Chelsea I think he fits the profile of how we like to play when in possession.

‘Although League Two will be more physical than the under-23 football, I feel he has the attributes to cope with the demands.’

Rovers have been further bolstered by news that influ-

ential midfielder Liam Noble has penned a new threeyear contract, summarily ending speculation over his future.

The subject of an undisclosed five-figure bid from Notts County last month, the 26-year-old Geordie has pledged his future to the Football League’s newest club until 2020.

Having contributed nine goals and 26 assists to help Rovers achieve promotion, Noble will wear the No.8 jersey next season.

Money, money, money… it’s here to stay so save your energies for the terraces!

WHAT is it about club budgets and players’ wages that gets so many people up on their soap boxes at this time of the year?

The football forums and social media in the South West have been awash over the past few weeks with comment after comment about how much some players are being offered, and the huge budgets that some clubs have for the upcoming season.

This has also been the case at some of the games that I have attended.

Many football fans seem to be very familiar with what clubs are paying.

They’re carping on about Player A being on too much money for their level, or Player B who’s been offered £xx to sign. Who are this well-informed lot?

What, if any, insider knowledge do they have which means they can state, for a fact, which player is getting what per game. The

MASSEY’S MUTTERINGS

by Steve Massey simple answer is that they don’t. But it is a good talking point for some.

The thing to be wary of is believing everything you read on the forums, even from players themselves.

Rumours fly thick and fast – it’s par for the course.

Many players, especially more experienced ones, will usually aim to talk up their money when negotiating match fees.

There’s nothing wrong with that – we’d all like to earn a little more when getting a new job or promotion, irrespective of our chosen profession.

Indeed, it’s my experience that there are only two things certain at all when talking money and budgets in non-League football: players talk it up and chairmen talk it down.

I usually pause for thought when a player tells me what he’s on or what he’s been offered.

I’ve sometimes found that the true figure is more likely reached at by taking off a third at least!

As for the chairmen, they don’t want to be seen to be paying out large weekly sums of money if the team continues to sit mid-table.

So, they keep a tight rein on the budget.

As a manager, you’re stuck in the middle between the players and the chairman, trying to strike the right balance for everyone.

When I was at Buckland

Athletic, gossip was rife about our supposedly ‘huge’ budget.

Some people even quoted it as the largest in the League. That was complete fantasy!

We won the League for two consecutive seasons on a keen budget well within the club’s financial constraints, and everyone worked hard together to encourage income into the club.

In fact, our budget was less than half of the quoted four-figure sums that were branded about at the time, perhaps by those who believe that success can only be bought.

I worked with the budget at Buckland, so I talk from a position of knowledge.

The success of that time was a great credit to Buckland for reasons other than money. The club stuck to workable resources and created a championship-winning team.

There are many other clubs that have been suc-

cessful while operating on a sustainable income that has been generated by the club itself.

Two other clubs I worked with – Bideford and Taunton Town – are good examples of this. Both had considerable success on small budgets.

Their achievements had a great deal to do with good player recruitment, good man-management and excellent coaching ability.

A quick historical aside: according to Spartacus Educational’s ‘History of Footballers’ Wages’, during the 1901-02 season, due to growing concern regarding wage escalations, the Football Association introduced a new rule at their AGM to cap football wages.

They set the maximum wage for a professional footballer at £4 a week. The Southern non-League teams, however, had no such cap, with players earning up to £10 a week.

Those clubs became a much more interesting proposition for some profes-

sional footballers, who decided to move to them to increase their earning abilities.

In fact, Southern nonLeague clubs began actively enticing Football League stars to join their teams, offering wages of £10 along with attractive signing-on fees of up to £100.

So, whose concern is it other than the club about what their players are paid?

No one’s, of course. Only the club itself!

I say to those forum and social media whiners, stop complaining and accept that ambitious clubs and managers have always and will always pay more, if necessary, to entice players to either come over to or remain with them.

Clearly, as noted in Spartacus Educational, this is nothing new. It’s simply part of the semi-pro game.

Stop moaning and save your energies for cheering on your team as we head into the new, exciting season!

Noble missing friendly is concern for Rovers boss BRIMSCOMBE ....... 0 FOREST GREEN .... 3 Doidge 2, Mehew Attendance: 500

by Ashley Loveridge at The Meadow FOREST Green boss Mark Cooper is giving midfielder Drissa Traore all the time he needs following the sudden death of his mother.

The Ivorian travelled back to France in the week and missed the 3-0 pre-season victory over yesterday’s Uhlsport Hellenic Premier opponents.

Rovers made short-shrift of their Gloucestershire neighbours – Christian Doidge opening the scoring with a sumptuous strike and then scoring his second from the penalty spot to give the Sky Bet Two newboys a 2-0 half-time lead.

Olly Mehew grabbed a third with 20 minutes to go, but Cooper’s thoughts were with his grief-stricken midfielder.

‘Drissa lost his mum the other night and he is back in France, so our thoughts are with him,’ said Cooper. ‘We have left him to do what he has to do with the rest of his family and have no time frame on his return.’

Cooper is also sweating on the fitness of captain Liam Noble (knee), who is yet to feature in the opening two matches since signing a three-year contract extension this week – finally ending the protracted interest of his former club Notts County.

‘Pre-season is all about trying to get through it – I don’t like it,’ admitted Cooper. ‘It’s about trying to get the boys through and getting as much fitness as we can into them without getting them injured, but we have obviously lost Liam Noble with a little bit of an injury.’

With Traore absent and captain Liam Noble nursing a knee injury, Cooper took a second look at former Fulham midfielder Josh Smile and West Brom defender Jack Fitzwater. The pair are set to spend another week at The New Lawn.

Ahead of their debut season in League Two, Rovers continue pre-season preparations by travelling to Vanarama National League South club Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday before welcoming Bristol Rovers on Saturday and then jetting off to Portugal 24 hours later for a five-day training camp, including a friendly against SC Farense.

BRIMSCOMBE AND THRUPP: Clayton; Hill, Greenough, Pitts, Pass (P Holmes 73); Cladwell, Snook, Blackie (Bowles 68), Major ( Deakin, 45); Pitt (Smith 45), Nash (J Holmes 61). Subs not used: Woodfield, Jones FOREST GREEN ROVERS (First-half): Collins (B); Bennett, Monthe, Collins (L), Laird, Evans, Cooper, Stevens, Brown, James, Doidge.

Second-half: Russell; Trueman, Fitzwater, Elliot, Wishart, Smile, Bugiel, Mehew, Morris, Mullings.

REF: Mr B Williamnson.

Bridge profit FOLLOWING on from last week’s news about SOCCER SHORTS Vospers Oak Villa

by Dave Potham withdrawing from the Mortgage Advice Bureau East Cornwall League, it appears that several members of the team have already found a new club at Ivybridge.

Keith Grantham, who was last season’s Millbrook reserve team manager and was expected to join Roger Wakeham at Villa, tells me that the whole of the backroom staff and players are now moving to Ivybridge Town to play in the club’s reserve team in the WBW Solicitors South Devon League. ❂ The Sunday Independent has been contacted by Vospers Oak Villa chairman John Cooper and we are happy to put the record straight that the reason for the club withdrawing from the East Cornwall League was nothing to do with financial issues, involving the club who are sponsored by Peter Vosper. We apologise for any embarrassment our report may have caused. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● JERMAIN Defoe left Bournemouth’s pre-season training camp in Spain to travel back to England to attend Friday’s funeral of Bradley Lowery.

During his time at Sunderland, the England striker struck up a close friendship with six-year-old Bradley, who died on from a rare form of cancer.

The funeral took place at St Joseph’s Church in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham. Bournemouth posted a message on the club’s official Twitter feed which said: ‘@IAmJermainDefoe has today departed our pre-season training camp and returned to the UK for the funeral of Bradley Lowery.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● IAN Giles is the new manager of Uhlsport Hellenic One (West) side Tytherington Rocks.

He replaces Dan Gillespie who stood down several weeks ago following poor support at pre-season training sessions.

Giles was in charge of Henbury in the Marcliff Gloucestershire County League last season and was originally due to manage the second string at Cheltenham Saracens in the coming campaign.

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Way expects great things from Saints youngster YEOVIL Town boss Darren Way is expecting great things from Olufela Olomola, the 19-year-old striker signed at least for the rest of 2017 on loan from Southampton.

And postings on social media down in YEOVIL TOWN Hampshire indicate that he is not alone.

by John Lukins Saints fans have rushed to say that they think Yeovil have pulled off a great signing in Olomola, who scored against both Crawley Town and Colchester United in last season’s Checkatrade Trophy and was then selected for Southampton’s EFL Cup tie with Sunderland.

Huish Park fans who have watched clips of some of the goals he netted last season are already convinced they will not have to rely on Francois Zoko to get all the goals in the new Sky Bet Two season.

Olomola featured in Tuesday’s opening friendly at Weymouth, coming on to hit a post towards the end of the 2-1 win.

He is thrilled to get a chance at Yeovil. ‘I’m excited to see if I’m ready for the step up, but I have great confidence in my own ability and I believe I’ll be able to do great things for this football club,’ he said.

Olomola is Way’s sixth summer signing. He is on a two-year contract with the Saints but there is a possibility that his Yeovil loan could be extended if everything works out as Yeovil hope it will.

The victory at Weymouth was predictable but the Glovers had to come from behind after Brandon Goodship, who was on loan to Yeovil from AFC Bournemouth last season, gave the Terras the lead.

Goals by the lively Otis Khan and Bevis Mugabi – a former Southampton colleague of Olomola – turned the tide.

Way is hoping for more quality loan deals but asks fans to be patient.

He points out that Yeovil have used the loan system successfully for several seasons, producing players who have gone on to make their mark higher up the ladder.

‘All clubs have to use their squad and resources which is why we have to be more patient to wait for the better players,’ he says.

‘It gives triallists an opportunity because there are a lot of players out of contract and looking for clubs.

‘Managers have got to make decisions and there is no better way to do this than to watch them in games.’

Yeovil, perhaps a teeny bit jealous of the Academy success of neighbours Exeter City, are also hoping they will reap more dividends from their own Academy now that Paul Wilson, a man highly rated by Way, is in charge.

Wilson had six years with Yeovil, leaving in 1995 to become Scunthorpe’s youth coach.

Then manager Brian Hall had seen his potential as a Boston United player and had forked out £13,000, a club record at the time to bring him west.

He scored 60 goals in 211 appearances for Yeovil.

His return was a bit of a puzzle as Yeovil had announced that ex-manager Steve Rutter, who had been working for the FA at their headquarters while still living locally near Yeovil, would be taking charge of the Academy.

Instead, in came Wilson, a big mate of Rutter and best man at his wedding.

What happened? ‘Steve got a (managerial) job in Belgium so we had to make a change,’ explained Way.

NEW ARRIVAL: Yeovil Town’s seventh summer signing is 20-year-old defender Keston Davies, who has joined the Huish Park squad on a season-long loan from Swansea City

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RISING HIGH: Bristol City’s Hordur Magnusson rises above the Yeovil Town defence to score the Robins’ second goal of the afternoon Picture: Gary Day / JMP

ROONEY ON TRIAL: Bristol City’s Marlon Pack looks to hold off the challenge from Yeovil Town triallist Louis Rooney, the former Plymouth Argyle striker, during their pre-season clash Picture: Sean Hernon / PPAUK

BOBBY SHINES IN ROBINS WIN

TWO strikers tipped to set the West Country alight this winter, both lived up to expectations in this pre-season friendly.

But Bristol City’s record signing Famara Diedhiou, who cost a club record £5.3-million from Angers SCO, and Yeovil’s Olufela Olomola, who arrived midweek from Southampton to supply the goals that have been missing in recent season, had to admit that pride of place on the day went to City’s emerging star Bobby Reid.

He scored two goals in a dazzling five-minute spell that virtually decided the outcome of the match before half-time, and then came close to completing a hattrick.

Reid is delighted with the more attacking role he has been given by Lee Johnson, the City boss. And Johnson said: ‘He could fit in as nineand-a-half as well as an eight or ten. He is a terrific lad, always working hard in training, and if I don’t pick him he gives me a look that melts your heart.’

Johnson welcomed the debut of Senegalese star Diedhiou, who created problems for the Yeovil defence before being rested early in the second-half.

He praised the striker’s movement and physicality.

‘He showed some neat touches and he’s athletic with a great leap,’ he said.

‘When he gets to know the players around him we are

◆

YEOVIL TOWN ...........1 BRISTOL CITY ........3 Olomola 75

Reid 23, 27, Magnusson 25

Attendance: 2,636 (883)

by John Lukins at Huish Park convinced we have got a top man.’

Yeovil’s Darren Way kept fans waiting until the second-half before introducing Olomola, the 20-year-old from Southampton who has already shown his scoring ability in appearances for the Saints.

He took 30 minutes to open his Yeovil account, whetting appetites with the way he drove through as the defence opened up before powering a drive past Frank Fielding from 25 yards.

lion-pound striker, which in itself is a difficult task,’ said Way. ‘He did well. I think one or two other players could have played with a little more intensity, but that will come.’

Way introduced nine triallists for the final 20 minutes.

They were not named officially but included a few

who may be re-appearing in the next week or so. Bristol’s Lee Johnson leaves for a training camp in Tenerife tomorrow full of optimism. He pulled Jens Hegeler out of his staring line-up at the last minute with a slight groin injury and also a troublesome toe caused by new boots.

‘It wasn’t worth taking the risk today but we can play him for 90 minutes in the match we are having in Tenerife,’ he said.

As for the match, the Glovers held their Championship neighbours in check until the 22nd minute but

then went 3-0 down in the next five minutes. Reid opened the scoring when Hordur Magnusson’s long throw was headed on by Aden Flint. Two minutes later Flint was again in the action, this time setting up Magnusson. It was left to Reid to get number three, making the most of the space he was given in the box.

Yeovil’s defending was questionable, but Way did have three defenders missing with injuries. Goalkeeper Artur Krysiak is almost recovered from the injury which kept his out at

the end of last season. Fullback Tom James is recovering from concussion following a training injury, and new signing Stephane Zubar was also nursing an injury.

It left Yeovil to name 13 fit players plus the nine unnamed triallists.

YEOVIL: Maddison, Mugabi, Davies, N Smith, Dickson, Browne, C Smith, Gray, Bailey, Zoko, Khan. Subs used: Olomola and Sowunmi, plus triallists.

BRISTOL CITY: Fielding, Pissano (Golbourne 65). Bryan (Pack 65), Flint, Magnusson (Taylor Moore 57), O’Dowda (Morton 84), Brownhill, K Smith (J Smith 84), Paterson (De Girolamo 76), Reid (Edwards 76), Diedhiou (Hinds 57).

Improvements Way was suitably impressed, but so was Johnson, who said of his old mate: ‘Darren has shown that, despite the financial restrictions at Yeovil, he has the gift of picking a rabbit of a hat, and this is another one.’

Regarding the match as a whole, Way said: ‘I thought we kept going to the end and it was a very good test. You can see the improvements Bristol City have made since last year.

‘As I said, it was a good test for us. It highlighted one or two weaknesses which is what you want to discover.’

On the plus side, the Yeovil boss picked out centre-half Keston Davies, a late loan signing from Swansea who is committed to Yeovil for the season.

‘He only came to the club yesterday and had the job of marking a five-and-half-mil-

DERBY DAY: Yeovil Town fans cheer on their team during their pre-season friendly against South West rivals Bristol City Picture: Sean Hernon / PPAUK

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FIRST-HALF BLITZ STUNS THE GULLS

IT wasn’t as if Torquay United had not been warned, or they didn’t know what was coming, before their pre-season was unceremoniously interrupted at Ladysmead on Friday night.

Player-manager Kevin Nicholson had told his new squad to expect a much tougher examination than Bristol City’s under-23 players had provided in a 2-0 home win only 48 hours earlier, and ‘Tivvy’ have given the Gulls a series of stern tests in previous warm-ups at this time of year.

If United did get the message, they did not take it on board.

They were 3-0 down in 21 minutes, fortunate not to be even further behind, and Gulls fans had little to cheer them up until substitute striker James Gray headed an 89th-minute consolation goal, his fourth of this preseason.

Nicholson did not try to sweeten the pill afterwards, reporting ‘a few bruised egos’ in his camp.

‘We got dominated physically by Tiverton, and I don’t ever want to come in our dressing-room again and have to talk about a team physically dominating us,’

TIVERTON TN ........... 3 TORQUAY UTD ......1 Howe 7, 9, Rogers 21

Gray 89

Attendance: 272

Referee: Lee Roberts

by Tom Charles at Ladysmead he said. ‘Last season we more or less flew through pre-season, with everybody happy and no real issues to speak of, but that’s our “speed-bump” tonight.

‘In some ways I am strangely happy - we’ve not lost any points here and I’m glad that’s happened now.

‘We have shown that we can beat Bristol City’s youth team, and get ourselves up at Plainmoor in front of 1,200 fans, but we can also come out and not perform at all at a team that’s divisions below us.

‘We are still figuring out our strengths and weaknesses, we’ve not played together much and it’s a learning curve for all of us.

‘We’ve certainly given ourselves something to bounce back from, and everybody will be very much up for it against Plymouth (home) on Tuesday night.

‘It’s an old cliché, but you’ve got to earn the right to play.

‘Everybody wants to get the ball down and look good, but it’s false for what’s coming in the season ahead Tiverton did it much better than us.

‘I was very conscious on the side of not wanting to

rant and rave – I wanted our boys to figure it out for themselves, and they didn’t quite do it.

‘We’ve got strong players, but today they’ve come up short.’

Nicholson made only two changes from the team which started against the Robins – 18-year-old Neal Osborn for Ryan Clarke in goal and triallist Yemi Odubade for Jon-Paul Pittman, who had suffered a head-knock in midweek.

Pressure ‘Tivvy’, just promoted to the Evo-Stik Southern Premier, were without last season’s 44-goal striker Levi Landricombe, but they hardly missed him.

They had United’s out-ofposition left-back Sam Chaney under pressure from the start, winger James Short the main supplier as Owen Howe (7 and 9 minutes) and Jordan Rogers (21) punished the visitors’ slow start and uncertain defence.

‘Tivvy’ could easily have been four or five up in the first half-hour, with Callum Hall, Howe, Ollie Knowles and Rogers all going close.

United did have a Sean McGinty set-piece header

disallowed and Damon Lathrope nearly caught ex-Gulls goalie Martin Rice out with a free-kick just wide from inside his own half, but the Ambers were much the better side for most of the night.

Almost inevitably in these friendlies, the changes started coming thick and fast in the second-half, with Nicholson sending on a series of local youngsters as well as loanee Jamie Reid and ex-Accrington and Wrexham forward Gray.

Still United created few real chances and still Tiverton looked the more dangerous unit, Adam SeedhouseEvans doing well to keep out a rasping Nick Hurst shot.

But a minute from time Chaney – first-choice Liam Davis may be back from a foot problem against Plymouth Argyle at Plainmoor on Tuesday (7.30 pm) – delivered a diagonal cross and Gray flicked a clever backheader, under pressure, past Rice from 12 yards… 3-1.

Nicholson had a long chat with Gray afterwards, but he reported no news on any more imminent signings.

TIVERTON TOWN: Rice; Price, Gardner (Gould 64), Mammola, Gregory; Short (G Rogers 64), Carter (Steer 59), Howe (Perryman 74), Hall (Bath 46); J. Rogers (Hurst 46), Knowles (A N Other 64).

TORQUAY UNITED: Osborn (Seedhouse-Evans 75); Higgins (Bell 77), Gowling (Booth 64), McGinty, Chaney; Young, Lathrope (Reid 55), Klukowski (Mitchell 77); Gosling (Hancox 69); Odubade (Hebbes 77), Keating (Gray 64).

UP IN THE AIR: Torquay goalscorer James Gray wins the ball ahead of Tiverton Town’s Jamie Price Picture: Sean Hernon / PPAUK

TOUGH TACKLING: Torquay United’s Jake Gosling looks to ride the challenge of Tiverton Town’s Callum Hall Picture: Sean Hernon / PPAUK

HOWE’S HOUR: Tiverton Town’s Owen Howe is congratulated for opening the scoring in their pre-season friendly against Torquay United Picture: Sean Hernon / PPAUK

ON TARGET: Tiverton Town goalkeeper Martin Rice saves Torquay Picture: Sean Hernon / PPAUK United’s Luke Young’s effort

Differing tests have been good for Kevin’s men in pre-season TORQUAY United boss Kevin Nicholson is relishing the different tests posed by each of the Gulls’ pre-season opponents.

Next up for the Vanarama National League side are Devon rivals and newlyTORQUAY UNITED promoted Sky Bet One side Plymouth Argyle.

by Ross Reid Derek Adams’ squad kicked off their preseason schedule with four wins in five days before travelling to National League (South) Weston-super-Mare yesterday.

Following two warm-up friendlies for an assortment of Torquay United triallists, Nicholson fielded a far stronger team for last Wednesday’s 2-0 home with over a Bristol City XI at Plainmoor.

Forward and triallist James Gray scored both Gulls goals late on. His double – and United’s win – should act as a warning shot to Adams’ Pilgrims, who visit Plainmoor on Tuesday night (7.30 pm).

As for Nicholson, he is serious about how his side progress in pre-season. ‘It’s important to see progress,’ affirmed the Gulls manager.

‘Hopefully, everyone has been taking pre-season seriously since the first minute we were in and the same goes for matches.

‘These games are not about ambling through run-of-the-mill warm-ups for the new season; to me that’s false football and does nobody any favours.

‘I want my guys to be thinking they are picking up three points for a win. I want (pre-season) games to be stepping stones, a progression, with players taking on board what they have been doing in training and putting that into practice when they get out there on the field.

‘I want them to practice what they are going to put into League games. We are trying to make sure the boys are very, very focused on winning the game.

‘We want them to take on the challenge and test themselves and prove they are mentally and physically capable for what lies ahead (in the new season).’

Player-manager Nicholson, who has maintained his own personal fitness by training throughout summer, disassociates himself from a new school of coaches and managers.

He said: ‘It all comes down to personal preference. I can only manage the way I want to manage.

‘I have got my philosophy, my ways and my inner circle – who I listen to – and then hopefully put everything into practice so that we become a winning team.

‘I am pretty confident that if we get the environment right here, and everything we do contributes to that improvement, then we will head in the right direction.’

United play three more friendlies – one at home – after facing Plymouth on Tuesday at Plainmoor.

On Saturday they visit Evo-Stik Southern Premier side Weymouth before a trip to Bolitho Park on Tuesday week to play Lee Hobbs’ ambitious Plymouth Parkway.

United conclude their pre-season programme with a home game against National League South side Truro City – managed by Nicholson’s former Torquay team-mate Lee Hodges – on Friday, July 28.

Following the home win over Bristol City, Nicholson said: ‘We did a lot of good things, we pressed well as a team and looked organised as a team.

‘The players looked like they have taken on some coaching and gone and applied what we have been working on, which is good. On the negative, we missed too many chances.

‘In the second-half we didn’t start on the front foot; (we were) a little bit subdued, a little bit flat and that can’t be happening because if that happens against Tranmere (the Gulls kick-off the National League season at home to last season’s runners-up Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, August 5) then you’re going to get hurt.’

Nicholson also revealed that left-back Liam Davis; central defender Myles Anderson and forward Jamie Reid missed the game against City because of injury. Sam Chaney started as a make-shift left-back.

‘Liam, Myles and Jamie picked up very minor knocks, nothing we’re particularly worried about but we couldn’t risk them,’ said Nicholson.

‘At the end of the day if Chaney is on the bench, or if Chaney is in a position where the left-backs get hurt, I need to know who can go and do it.

‘He’s shown me that he can be very adaptable and he can play there.’

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UNDER CONTROL: Mangotsfield United goalscorer George Lloyd looks to control the ball before taking a shot during their pre-season defeat against Bristol Rovers Picture: Peter Coddington

Wadham and Foster claim hat-tricks as Street run riot STREET ......................7 MANGOTSFIELD ...... 0 STREET’S management duo of PRE-SEASON Richard Fey and FRIENDLIES Nathan Rudge could do little but purr with delight as the Toolstation Western Premier side took apart their Southern League opponents at The Tannery.

United were without a number of regulars through injury or unavailability while Street were missing lead strikers Steve Murray and Dave O’Hare.

But the Street forwards now have a battle on their hands to get back in the side as the new-look home attack of Harry Foster and Josh Wadham both claimed hat-tricks while Craig Herrod topped off a stunning display with a goal of his own to put Street in seventh heaven in a match where the Cobblers overran and outfought their opponents.

With the new season edging closer, United manager David Mehew will have to act quickly to put things right.

POWELL WILL BRING GOALS TO PEACOCKS

EVO-STIK Southern One (South and West) side Taunton Town will be in action twice this week.

They are set to parade several new signings against a Bristol Rovers XI in their opening warm-up game at home on Tuesday.

That will be followed by another friendly at the Viridor Stadium against a strong Exeter City side on Thursday.

Other Taunton matches: Tuesday, July 25, home to Weymouth; Friday, July 28 away at Willand Rovers; Tuesday, August 1 away to Bridgwater Town; Friday, August 4, home to a Bristol City XI, and Tuesday, August 8 away at Bovey Tracey.

Among the ‘new’ faces at Taunton is 29-year-old striker Lewis Powell, who returns to the Somerset club for his second spell, having netted 23 goals in only 25 appearances for the Peacocks during the second half of the 2015-16 season.

THE ICONIC FOOTBALL BRAND AVAILABLE FROM JANSAN WEAR

SOCCER SHORTS

by Barry Knott He went on to join Mangotsfield United last season and enjoyed another successful run, scoring 32 League goals but left Cossham Road at the end of last season. His previous clubs include Weston-super-Mare and Chippenham Town.

Taunton have also signed four players from Truro City – Aaron Pugh, Ryan Brett, Ben Adelsbury and Les Afful – while centre back Chris McGrath has also rejoined Taunton from Bideford and is seen as an ideal replacement for the departing Ed Palmer. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● TRURO City’s National League South game against Poole Town, which was originally scheduled to be played at Treyew Road on New Year’s Day has been re-arranged.

It will now take place on Saturday, December 30 (3.00 pm). ❑ ❑ ❑ ● FORTY-ONE teams – as opposed to the 38 which finished last season - will be playing in the Taunton and District Saturday League this coming winter.

The competition, however, will be reduced from four to

ITALIAN JOB: Marcello Jones, who is on trial at Truro City, scored their equaliser in a 2-2 pre-season friendly draw at Bodmin in the week. The former Falmouth Town player was once on the books of AC Milan Picture: Colin Bradbury three divisions to provide more football for clubs.

The new teams are Wyvern FC, Castlemoat Albion, Bridgwater Wolves (Reserves) and Sydenham Rangers, who have all been placed in Division Three.

Division One will consist of 12 teams; Division Two, 14, and Division Three 15.

The League have again secured the Bridgwater 3G surface for Wednesday and Friday Cup ties and on Saturdays for League games.

The new 4G pitch at The Castle School, Taunton, will also be used on Fridays and

for League matches on Saturdays.

The League has also been selected as one of the 34 for the whole of the country to pilot the FA ‘Sin Bin’ experiment and the Somerset FA will be organising a mandatory meeting in the first two weeks of next month at the Wyvern Club (possibly August 9 or 10).

The League say that the meeting should not only be attended by club secretaries, but also team managers, captains and even senior players.

Yetton treble gives Truro Cup victory in emphatic style TRURO CITY................6 FALMOUTH TN.......... 0 TRURO retained the Aubrey Wilkes PRE-SEASON Trophy in emphatic FRIENDLIES style as they proved too strong for their local rivals at Treyew Road.

A hat-trick from substitute Stewart Yetton, plus goals from Cody Cooke, new signing Noah Keats and Niall Thompson gave Truro their 11th win since the two clubs began playing for the trophy on an annual basis in 1989.

The trophy was given in memory of Aubrey Wilkes who was a keen supporter of both teams.

New signing from Gosport Borough Ben Harding started for City, as did fellow midfielder Noah Keats, who will complete his move to Truro when international clearance is received following a spell in the USA. Ben Gerring and Ed Palmer, who both returned to the club in the summer, partnered each other in central defence.

There was also a second successive appearance for former QPR development player Aaron Lamont, who made his debut in the 2-2 midweek draw at Bodmin Town, and is a player City are interested in signing, while former Plymouth Argyle player Billy Palfrey started at right-back.

It took the home side less than two minutes to open their account, with Cooke’s excellent far post volley giving Ryan Barnes in the visitors’ goal no chance.

The National League South side continued to make most of the running against the Carlsberg SWPL Premier division outfit, who were grateful to Barnes who made fine saves to deny first Thompson and then Keats.

But former Bath City midfielder Keats made no mistake after 30 minutes with a neat low finish past a helpless Barnes and just before the break, Thompson’s unstoppable drive made it 3-0.

Both sides rang the changes after the interval and Falmouth, who have brought in a number of new players, should have quickly pulled a goal back, but Jordan Annear shot wide with only Tom McHale to beat in the City goal.

And when Annear did find the target later in the half McHale produced a fine stop.

City continued to look dangerous and increased their lead when Yetton was given the simplest of finishes by fellow substitute Marcello Jones’ low cross from the right after 67 minutes.

Truro’s leading all-time scorer was again on target 11 minutes later from the penalty spot, after Cooke had been brought down.

And with five minutes left, Yetton completed his hat-trick with a clinical near post finish from Austen Booth’s cross to complete a satisfactory day for the home team, in what was their only home pre-season match.

City boss Lee Hodges was delighted with his team’s performance. ‘I was really pleased with the run out. I thought we moved the ball well and looked fit.’

Truro are now next in action at newly-promoted Tiverton Town on Tuesday evening when they will expect a much tougher test.

TRURO CITY: McHale; Palfrey, Palmer, Gerring (captain), Richards; Harding, Keats, Allen, Lamont, Thompson, Cooke. Subs: Booth, Todd, Jones, Hartridge, Yetton, Williams.

FALMOUTH TOWN: Barnes; Frier, Ward, Cooper (captain), Moody, Brybol, Richards, T Annear, Broglino, T Cooke, J Annear. Subs: Westgarth, Everard, Walker, Martt, Webber Robinson, Vallejo, Marris.

REF: Tim Burley.

ATTN: 361.

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SAFE HANDS: Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Max Smith gathers the ball under the challenge of Mangotsfield United’s Liam Monelle during the Pirates’ 2-1 pre-season friendly victory Picture: Peter Coddington

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NEW COACH WILL GET FULL SUPPORT FROM THE DEPARTING HAILE that is to produce its own players and work with a coach who can get the best out of young players.

‘We also need a coach who has good contacts in the game and can utilise the loan market. Scott Bartlett proved he was that coach and Marc McGregor also has those skills and contacts in abundance.

JON Haile has pledged his continued support to manager Marc McGregor despite recently deciding to quit his job as football development director at Weston-super-Mare.

Haile, who only took on the role 13 months ago after re-joining the Vanarama National (South) club from Liverpool, also insisted that the future of the side looks very bright and that the planned changes to the infrastructure will soon be the envy of rivals around the West Country.

‘It certainly hasn’t been a straight-forward season, and after coming back to the club last June I did not envisage what type of season we were going to have or how much work there was to be done,’ he told me.

‘All football clubs have to reach a level of self-sustainability without having to rely on one sole benefactor.

‘Every decision the Board

CONFERENCE AND SOUTHERN

by Kevin Fahey has made this season has been for the long-term benefit of the football club.

‘As far as the standard of football is concerned, the club is operating at its maximum with the current set up.

‘In actual fact, it is overachieving because of the backing from Paul Bliss and because a succession of coaches and managers have worked hard to keep the club in the League.

‘The only way the club can survive now, and in the future is to work within its means. The club has to become self-sufficient.

‘The only way it can do

Survive ‘When I sat down with the Board last summer and we agreed the plans, there were three main objectives set out.

‘The first was to complete the build of the training ground. The club cannot survive without this. It will provide the first team with the training ground they require and deserve, it will be a permanent home for the Academy teams and ladies teams, and, will provide an important new revenue stream from community pitch hire fees.

‘The build is due to commence in mid-July and I cannot stress how important this is for the future of the club.

‘The second objective was to bring back the full-time scholars. If our youth team

players are to have the best chance possible of coming through and playing for the first team at National League level, then full-time training will help with that.

‘We also have to provide these players with the best education opportunities as well, so when they are released from the likes of Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, Weston-Super-Mare’s scholarship scheme will be the best option available to them.

‘It has taken six or seven months of talks with a few colleges but an announcement is imminent on who the new education provider will be and with what they have to offer.

‘This really is an exciting development for the clubs future.

Intentions ‘The third objective was to ensure that the Academy flourishes and continues to grow. It was a very difficult year last year for the coaches, players and their parents because we really struggled for facilities and at times it became very frustrating.

‘All our best intentions was to have the 3G already

in place earlier this season but delays with funding and planning got the better of us.

‘We have been working hard in recent weeks to try and re-organise the Academy so that by the time the 3G training pitch is ready, our teams will be ready to go.

‘If things go according to plan, we will have an infrastructure that most nonLeague teams can only dream of.

‘Another positive move is the promotion of Matt Bazell to Academy manager. For the Academy to develop it was felt that we needed someone in the club fulltime who will be able to manage the running of the Academy day-to-day.

‘This is something I could not do with my business commitments and Matt Bazell was the obvious choice. He loves the club and has been absolutely first class with what he has achieved with the foundation phase and with his work in the community.

‘I think the appointment of Marc McGregor is a great appointment. He is a highlyqualified coach with an excellent playing background.

‘He has great contacts and he has the right personality

to get the best out of not just the players but everyone working in the club.

‘Most importantly, he is very ambitious and is already putting in the hours planning the new season.

Fruitions ‘I will always be on hand to support Mark and the club should it be required.

‘I leave the club with a heavy heart because there are some great people here and the future is bright, however I feel I have taken the role as far as I can.

‘The Board of Directors need a huge amount of credit because there has been so much work going on behind the scenes this past 12 months and that work is about to come to fruition very soon.

‘I would like to thank them for supporting me this last year and I wish them every success in the future.

‘I need to spend a little time now on my business interests and my family, before deciding on what is next for me in football.

‘Whatever happens, I will be around to support Mark and the club and I will enjoy coming to the odd game next season as a Seagulls supporter.’

Collier adds touch of experience to Bluebirds with Scott signing

CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier has made his fourth signing of the summer ahead of the club’s first season in Vanarama National League’s South Division.

Former Queens Park Rangers attacking midfielder Scott Donnelly has opted to join the Bluebirds having spent most of last season first at Margate and then Farnborough.

The 29-year-old follows the Weymouth trio of Dean Evans, Mark Cooper and Jason Matthews, who signed for the Bluebirds earlier this summer.

‘Scott joins us with a wealth of experience and will add a real quality to the squad,’ said Collier.

‘He had numerous options but he was impressed with the club’s vision and ambition.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● DORCHESTER Town have announced the sign-

SOCCER SHORTS

by Kevin Fahey ing of attacking midfielder Sam Lanahan.

The 24-year-old former Yeovil Town Academy player makes a return to the Evo-Stik Southern Premier club after signing for the Magpies in November 2013 from Alex Pike’s Hamworthy United.

Lanahan left in the summer of 2015 due to work commitments and reverted to playing lower League football with Sydenhams Wessex Premier League outfit Blackfield and Langley, where he made 31 appearances scoring an impressive 24 goals. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● EXETER City defender Alex Hartridge has joined Truro City on a seasonlong loan The 18-year-old, who is able to play at left-back or as a left-sided central defender, had a ten-game loan spell with the White Tigers last term.

He emerged through the Grecians’ Academy to sign

his first professional contract towards the end of last season. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● STRIKER Ben Brooks has signed for Yate Town for the new season.

The Evo-Stik Southern One (South and West) club’s boss Paul Britton snapped up Brooks from local rivals Larkhall Athletic, where he was their second top goalscorer last season.

Britton was also delighted to confirm that full-back Mayson Evans has committed to staying with the club for the new season. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● POOLE Town have announced that two more of last season’s squad have signed for the Vanarama National League’s South Division club.

Luke Burbidge has long been a fans’ favourite and scored an excellent goal in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly against a strong Portsmouth squad at the Black Gold Stadium.

Normally a midfielder, he is a squad player used in defence, midfield and up front at various times.

However, he really comes

alive with his rampaging forays down either wing and is equally at home making or scoring goals.

Burbidge joined the Dolphins from Hamworthy United at the start of the 2012-13 season having been a promising junior at AFC Bournemouth.

Apart from a few weeks at neighbours Weymouth, he has remained at Poole, despite being a constant target for other clubs.

This year was no different, as he was made a big money offer to follow Marvin Brooks to Salisbury but stayed loyal to the Dolphins.

Meanwhile, after that really entertaining friendly against Pompey, another of last season’s stars have resigned for Poole.

Former AFC Bourne mouth player Shaun Cooper had a great season in National South last season, slotting into that well-drilled back four, just before Michael Walker sustained his cruciate knee ligament injury.

Cooper’s experience was vital in the Dolphins first season at Step Two. He joined the club in 2016 from Sutton United, ensur-

ing Thomas Killick finally got a player he had been after for some time.

Cooper, who is best known by fans on the South Coast for his lengthy spell with the Cherries, can play at right-back, centre-back and central midfield. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● STYLE-setters Truro City have signed up to an exciting kit deal with top international brand Kappa.

Once more the White Tigers’ home kit will be all white, while the second choice kit is all blue. There will also be a third choice all-red kit.

Carlsberg and St Austell Brewery will continue their front-of-shirt sponsorship with the Sunday Independent as the new back-of-shirt sponsors.

Jansan Teamwear say that they are pleased to become official supplier of Kappa teamwear to Truro, who now join the likes of Leeds United and Napoli in wearing the iconic Kappa brand. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● CENTRAL defender Thomas Hoskins is on the verge of signing for EvoStik Southern One (South

and West) club Mangotsfield United.

The Matson-based 23-yearold, who spent last season with Bishop’s Cleeve, started his career in youth football at the likes of Tredworth and Quedgeley Wanderers.

He joined Gala Wilton, captaining the under-18s there during a successful spell before stepping up to the first team, and also going to Bristol Rovers for a trial.

Cheltenham Civil Service were his next club, and he helped them win the Marcliff Gloucestershire County League before the whole team joined Cheltenham Saracens in the summer of 2015.

Saracens finished second in the Uhlsport Hellenic League’s Division One (West) and Hoskins was then subject of interest from several Evo-Stik Southern League clubs, including Premier side Cirencester Town.

The former Gloucester Academy pupil ended up signing for Cleeve, but has appeared for David Mehew’s Mangotsfield in pre-season, most recently against Bristol Rovers.

Wakefield aims to put career back on track with Terras WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley has confirmed that Joshua Wakefield has agreed terms to join the Terras on a one-year deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder played more than an hour of Weymouth’s 2-1 defeat against Sky Bet Two SOCCER SHORTS Yeovil Town at the Robert Lucas Stadium

by Simon Stephens in the week.

Wakefield, a former member of the youth set-up at AFC. Bournemouth, lists the likes of Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Dorchester Town among his former loan clubs, as well as brief spells at Aldershot Town and Poole Town.

The Terras’ boss believes that, once Wakefield is up to full fitness, he will be a key asset to his Evo-Stik Southern Premier side.

Molesley told me: ‘Josh Wakefield is someone who we are going to bring into the football club. He has got a lot of attributes, but he is still trying to find his fitness as he hasn’t played for a while, so we are just getting him up to speed.

‘He is certainly a player that, once he is up to speed, he will be a real asset to this football club.

‘He burst on to the scene at Bournemouth as a youngster and did quite well. He has played League football and, for one reason or another, he has had a couple of clubs and it’s not quite worked out.

‘But I think he is at that age now and, on reflection, he probably realises that football is quite a cruel game and I think he is ready to get back on the bike again and forge a good football career for himself.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● EVO-Stik Southern Premier club Dorchester Town and Portland United, from the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League, have announced an ‘informal’ link-up which will see them sharing selected players on dual-registration terms.

The move means that respective Dorchester and Portland managers, Craig Laird and Simon Browne, will have access to a greater pool of players, while allowing squad members to gain playing experience.

Speaking to me about the ‘mutually beneficial’ idea, Browne revealed that the tie-up would remain unofficial with no current technical partnership.

‘There’s no official contractual agreement and it will be on the playing side initially,’ he said.

‘It came about with a conversation between Reggie (Mark Carter) and Trevor (Senior) and then it turned into a meeting with myself, Craig, Trevor, Stuart Heath and Reggie.

The idea is a relatively informal link-up.

‘It gives Craig an avenue to use his squad to the level he wants and the option of loaning out players to a standard that will benefit his first team.

‘The flip side is obviously that it will benefit us in that we will get a pool of players to choose from and we can get players in who have potentially got Southern Premier League experience.’

Browne used the example of the Portland trialists currently at Dorchester to elaborate on how the link-up could be directly implemented .

‘It’s been well-documented that there have been four or five ex-Portland players that are currently with Dorchester at the moment,’ he said.

‘If, for whatever reason, they drop out of the side it might be that they go on loan at Portland. It’s just getting players dual-registered,’ he said.

Dorchester Town coach Senior, who worked with Carter at Bridport, said that the partnership would enable the clubs to help each other out.

‘Craig said he was interested in linking up with a club close to the level we’re playing at,’ he said.

‘Mark and myself go back a long way and it seemed the obvious choice.

‘We’ll try and keep everybody happy but it could be that some of the players that aren’t getting regular game time can get football with Portland.

‘If we can help each other out, that’s what we’ll do.

It’s a way of looking to keep as many players on our books as we can and keeping them competitive.’

With Portland set to play friendlies against the Magpies’ first and reserve teams, Browne said it was conceivable that some players could play for a different side in each fixture.

‘We’ve got two friendlies – against Dorchester (Reserves) on Monday, July 29, and the first team three days later,’ he said.

‘I’ll have the opportunity to look at some of the players on Dorchester’s books.

‘I guess it’s possible that some of the players might play one game in a blue shirt and the other in a black and white one.’

Meanwhile, Laird has opted to give the captain’s armband to defender Gary Bowles, taking over from Nathan Walker, who has moved to Sydenhams Wessex Premier club Hamworthy United.

In other news from the Avenue Stadium, Ryan Dovell has joined the Magpies as a player and assistant manager for the club’s reserve team under boss Richard Robson.

Dovell has previous experience in a player-coach position after undertaking a similar job during ex-Bees boss Senior’s tenure at St Mary’s Field.

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WHITE TIGERS IN WORK OUT Truro City 6, Falmouth Town 0 Aubrey Wilkes Cup 2017

BROTHERS IN ARMS: Brothers Cody, (Truro City, red), and Tyler Cooke faced off against each other as the White Tigers defeated Falmouth Town, 6-0, to win the Aubrey Wilkes Cup

RAISING AWARENESS: Lamerton, who play in the J J Jones Duchy League, are one of ten teams in the area who promote action4autism which raises awareness of the disorder. The campaign was started by referee Allen Lewis whose son is severely autistic Picture: Allen Lewis

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TAKE IT AS RED: Your Favourite Sunday Indy will be displayed on the back of Truro City’s shirts for their upcoming Vanarama National South season. The kits have been supplied by Kappa who join long-term sponsors Carlsberg and St Austell Brewery in supporting the White Tigers. The Truro club’s chairman, Peter Masters, is also owner of the Indy

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Gurney to concentrate on taking Romans up

MANAGER’S MAN: Ashton and Backwell United Reserves’ ‘Manager’s Player of the Year’ Courtney Hepper, (centre), is congratulated by assistant manager Mike Radnedge, (left), and Nick Smart

Postive start for Cheesemen with win at Thornbury THORNBURY TN ........1 CHEDDAR ................3 THE Cheesemen PRE-SEASON started their pre-season in FRIENDLIES positive fashion with a good 3-1 win at Marcliff Gloucestershire County League side Thornbury Town at Mundy Playing Fields.

Cheddar manager Jared Greenhalgh, with a squad of 18 players including a mixture of first-team players, reserves and triallists, saw his side go ahead on 24 minutes from Sam King’s well-placed far-post header following Ricky Bennett’s precision free-kick.

Further efforts from Cheddar’s twin strike force of Adam Jones and Robbi Maggs were denied by the acrobatics of keeper Tom Shepherd, before Thornbury’s all-action Tom Webb had the visitors’ rearguard busy as the diminutive midfielder tested them with his clever runs.

The Cheesemen added to their tally on 45 minutes; Will Wallis, stepping up from the reserve team, and slotting calmly past Shepherd from close-range after good combination work from Bennett and Cheddar captain George Booth.

Thornbury reduced the arrears a minute later, Jim Brock stealing through to hit his shot past Weston-super-Mare and England Colleges loanee Liam Kingston.

Just before the half-time whistle, Adam Jones thought he had netted Cheddar’s third with a scorching volley, only to be thwarted by an offside flag.

The Toolstation Western League side made the game safe on 70 minutes with triallist Anthony Cleave finishing off well after fellow triallist Taryn Selway-Joseph’s effort was parried.

The Cheesemen visit Somerset County League side Glastonbury on Tuesday before visiting fellow County League side Burnham United on Saturday. ❑

❑

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BITTON ......................5 PAULTON ROVERS .. 3 PAULTON’S trip to Bitton saw them go down in a hard-fought game where squad rotation proved to be a key factor.

Bitton had many former Rovers players in their team who have made the decision to drop down into the Toolstation Western League.

Rovers manager John Rendell got the tough game he was expecting with a number of triallists turning out and he will now no doubt be looking to trim his squad down to 17-19 players.

Paulton conceded in the second minute but Brad Norris levelled on 19 minutes, latching onto a long cross-field ball from Josh Ford.

Reeko Best then made it 2-1 to Bitton before Rovers restored parity once again on 29 minutes through Sam Taylor.

Bitton had the chance to regain the lead from the penalty spot but Tom Knighton’s kick was saved by Rovers’ triallist keeper.

Paulton then went ahead for the first time on 29 minutes as Norris’ cross saw Asa Corrick drive the ball low across goal for Joe Hilliard to turn home.

Changes in the second half led to a downturn in Rovers’ performance and Bitton were level four minutes after the break through Jordan Walker. The hosts then went on to score twice more to secure the victory.

LOVING LOXTON: Shepton Mallet-bound Dominic Baresi who will be renewing his friendship with former Weston-super-Mare colleague Craig Loxton in the Toolstation Western League this winter

POPULAR JOE: ‘Player of the Year’ for Somerset County League side Ashton and Backwell United (Reserves) was Joe Delaney, who was congratulated by Nick Smart, (left), and assistant manager Mike Radnedge, (right), at the club’s annual presentation evening

ASHTON READY FOR CHALLENGE SAYS MANAGER

READY and raring to go, Ashton and Backwell United Reserves are looking forward to the new challenge of life in Somerset County One (West) having moved up a division as part of the League’s re-structuring.

Joining the Stags, as the United team are known, will be champions Nailsea and Tickenham (Reserves), Worle, Weston St John and Clevedon United (Reserves).

‘We actually started preseason training in the middle of June,’ said team manager Nick Smart.

We’ve set up some friend-

SOMERSET COUNTY

by Mark Leesdad lies – Parson Street on Saturday; Broad Plain on Saturday, July 29, and Stockwood Green on Saturday, August 5, all away – and before that we take part in the annual Fry’s Club Cup competition, having been drawn against Totterdown in the first round.’

SMART SHOOTER: Ashton and Backwell United Reserves’ top scorer Thomas Smart, receives his accolade from Nick Smart and assistant manager Mike Radnedge, (right)

Grant will provide boost to Wellington’s coaches WELLINGTON are celebrating after being awarded a £3,000 ‘Grow the Game’ grant.

The money, which will provide a boost to grass-roots football in the area, has paved the way for the Wellington club to created two open aged five-a-side teams – Tigers and Panthers – for disabled players.

With in excess of ten players already in training under the direction of Level Two coach Jason

SOCCER SHORTS

by Simon Stephens Fox, the squad are already looking forward to playing in The Pan Disability League this season.

‘Grow the Game’ is a £2.5-million programme funded by the FA and Football Foundation. It awards grants to grassroots football clubs who wish to create new teams, especially among under-

represented groups.

Said Jason Fox, Wellington head coach: ‘We are very pleased to receive this grant.’

For more information about the club, please contact Colin Waller on Taunton (01823) 667411 or e-mail youth@ wellingtonafc.co.uk ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WESTON-super-Mare legend Craig Loxton has returned to the source he has found fruitful in the past by raiding the nest of the Seagulls for

some more promising starlets.

George Morris-Edwards and Cameron Sanford proved a revelation for the Shepton Mallet manager last season and Loxton is currently casting his eye over a further four members of Weston’s Somerset Floodlight Youth League winning side with a view to offering deals to Elliott Nicholson, Mitchell Probert, Andrew Head and ball-winning midfield terrier Dominic Barresi.

THE mood at Oaklands Park is positive as Roman Glass St George prepare for the new season with promotion from Division One their target.

Manager Andy Gurney, who played for Bristol Rovers during WESTERN BEAT his Football League career, has hung up his

by Bryan Moore boots following a nasty knee injury sustained playing in a local charity tournament.

Said Romans assistant manager Liam Greening: ‘Andy has decided to now stop playing and concentrate more on the managing side as we plan to push the club forwards.’

The club set themselves a target of bringing in six new players to strengthen their squad and Greening said: ‘We’ve signed three of them – a goalkeeper, defender and a winger – but we’re still in the market for two central defenders and a forward. Our aim is promotion and that is why we’re signing experienced players who have played at a higher level.’

The club’s only injury casualty from last season is defender Lee Richards, who ruptured his cruciate ligament against Ashton and Backwell United. It is hoped that he will return to the fold early in the New Year.

Off the pitch the club has been working hard renovating their temporary clubhouse as they wait to build their new one following a successful planning application. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● MARK Breffit will once again be in charge at Warminster Town for the Division One campaign with the help of a new No.2, Rob McFerram, who ran the club’s ‘A’ Team last season.

Said club chairman Pete Russell: ‘We started training very early this season and we’ve been rewarded with some great turn-outs with plenty of youngsters, which is very encouraging. The training has gone really well in a great atmosphere.’

He added: ‘Looking ahead to the new season I would like to see us produce some really good, entertaining football and with more local lads playing, I hope it will encourage more local support.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● RAY Johnston and his assistant Lee Rendall start their fourth season together at the helm at Odd Down.

The Odd Down boss has nothing but praise for his No.2 as they prepare for the new Premier season. ‘Lee is excellent at man-management and inter-acts with the players well, which is a great help and enables me to concentrate on other things,’ said Johnston.

The Downers, who were Western League champions in 2015-16, want another crack at the title and Johnston is happy with how preparations have gone so far.

He said: ‘We would like to win it again but our main priority is a top four or six finish. I’m very happy with how my starting squad is taking shape but I’m probably looking to add a couple of players to have even more strength in depth. I would like to sign a central midfielder and a defender to round off squad strength.’

Among Johnston’s recent signings are striker Kane Simpson from Bradford Town, defender Matt Durbin, and forward Asa White from Hengrove Athletic.

The Downers are involved in the Fry’s Cup and have home friendlies with Larkhall Athletic and Bristol City under-23s on Tuesday, July 25 and Saturday, July 29 respectively. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WESTBURY United will again be managed by Neil Kirkpatrick and his son, Joe, after taking over towards the end of last season.

They will be assisted by Barry Crease and all have had strong links with Larkhall Athletic in the past.

Said club chairman Matt Bright: ‘Neil has managed to get hold of people he knows and worked with before. We’ve signed about 52 players across our three teams – our first team, who compete in the Western League One, our Reserves in the Wiltshire Premier Division and our Westbury Development side.’

On Saturday, July 29, United play host to Trowbridge Town in the Alliance Shield, which they hope will become a regular curtain raiser to the season in the future.

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Possible dual Olympic award could be made in September THE International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) members have unanimously backed a plan to make a dual award of the 2024 and 2028 Games at their next meeting in September.

The decision means that the usual seven-year gap between SPORT SHORTS the award and staging of a Games will be waived for 2028, providing the

by Matt Slater IOC’s executive board can reach a ‘tripartite agreement’ with the two bidding cities, Los Angeles and Paris.

If a deal cannot be struck, the 131st IOC session in Peru’s capital Lima will vote on the two bids for 2024 as normal.

The proposal was presented to the 130th session in Lausanne by IOC vice-president John Coates, who said that the IOC was ‘recognising the exceptional circumstances and unique opportunities presented by the candidatures of Los Angeles and Paris’.

The unanimous vote was welcomed by IOC president Thomas Bach and the mayors of Los Angeles and Paris, Eric Garcetti and Anne Hidalgo, who have been in Lausanne with their bid teams.

It is widely believed the French capital will be given the 2024 Games, the 100th centenary of their last Olympics, and their bid has been boosted by new French president Emmanuel Macron’s support.

American president Donald Trump did not join the LA bid in Switzerland, leaving the pitch to the likes of former Olympic champions Janet Evans and Michael Johnson, but he has tweeted that he is ‘working hard to get the Olympics for the United States’.

If LA agrees to step aside and let Paris have the 2024 Games without a vote, it is expected to be given some financial assistance for the additional four years of host city-related costs. It will also give the Californian city more time to complete its already-scheduled transport infrastructure improvements, although its venues are all ready for use now.

The preference for Paris in 2024 is largely sentimental, based on the centenary issue; their longer wait for a Games (LA hosted them in 1980) and their three unsuccessful bids for the 1992, 2008 and 2012 Games.

There are also some doubts about the land it needs for its Athletes’ Village being available in 2028.

The decision to approved the principle of the dual award is a victory for Bach who has come under increasing pressure as cities have dropped out of bidding contests for Games in recent years.

Boston, Budapest, Hamburg and Rome have all pulled out of the race for 2024, turning it into a contest between two strong candidates Bach was determined not to squander, particularly after four cities withdrew from the race for the 2022 Winter Olympics and negative stories continued to come out of Rio about its uncertain Olympic legacy.

Speaking to reporters in Lausanne, a clearly delighted Bach described the decision to pursue a deal as a ‘golden opportunity’ for the IOC and the two cities and a chance to provide ‘11 years of stability’ to the Olympic movement.

‘If you were to ask the ceo of a company, a politician or the chair of another (non-governmental organisation) what their world will look like in 11 years ,you get many answers or none but nobody will be able to say stability is ensured for 11 years to come,’ he said.

‘This is why I think today is a great day for the Olympic movement and these two wonderful Olympic cities.’

When asked when he thought a deal might be reached between the three parties, Bach said he hoped it would be wrapped up next month.

FOOTBALL FRIENDLIES E-mail your weekend match reports to sport@sundayindependent.co.uk @thesundayindy

TAVY IN TRIP TO KEYNSHAM IN FA YOUTH CUP

TWO Carlsberg South West Peninsula sides, Premier club Tavistock and the West Division’s Elburton Villa, have entered this season’s FA Youth Cup. Tavistock will travel to Keynsham Town’s 4G surface at the Crown Field in the preliminary round and Villa, who enter in the first qualifying round, face a trip to the winners of that tie.

Devon’s League clubs Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town are all exempt from the qualifying rounds. Torquay United did not enter the competition. b FA YOUTH CUP – Preliminary Round (week commencing Monday, September 4): Backwell v Wells City, Bridgwater Town v Radstock Town, Keynsham Town v Tavistock, Paulton Rovers v Wellington, Welton Rovers v Willand Rovers, and Weston-superMare v Portishead.

First Qualifying Round (week commencing Monday, September 18): Bath City v Bridgwater or Radstock, Clevedon Town v Weston-superMare or Portishead, Keynsham or Tavistock v Elburton Villa, Odd Down v Paulton or Wellington, and Welton or Willand v Backwell or Wells.

❑ ❑ ❑ ● PENINSULA League secretary Philip Hiscox has arranged a free emergency aid course for Devon clubs, including those in the West Division.

It will take place on Monday, July 31, in the clubhouse at Crediton United with a 6.30 pm start.

The location has been chosen specifically as being between East and North Devon because last year’s

PENINSULA HOTLINE

by Mike Sampson event was held in South Devon.

Attendees will receive a three-year certificate (three full seasons’ cover) which is vital for Charter Standard renewals and the like.

Spaces are limited to 18 and Hiscox will accept bookings (maximum of two per club) on a ‘first-come, firstserved’ basis by e-mailing him at: phil@swpleague.co.uk

Maximum No charge is made for attending but clubs booking places and then not attending, or not giving notice by the Friday before, face being charged £20 for any empty spaces.

Clubs in Cornwall and West Devon, who attend courses run by Cornwall FA, can submit invoices, again a maximum of two per club, in order to get a full refund of fees.

Cornwall FA’s next course is at their headquarters in Bodmin on Thursday, August 10, and clubs wishing to book places should e-mail: grace.dent@cornwallfa.com These schemes are funded

through the League development grant which the League receives from the FA. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● OF the seven first-round Devon FA St Luke’s Challenge Cup games Witheridge and Plymouth Parkway have moved fast to arrange their tie.

It will take place under the Edge Down Park lights on Wednesday, September 27 (7.30 pm). ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WITH the new season fast approaching, Peninsula One (East) side Totnes and Dartington are in real need of a number of players to make up a squad for the forthcoming campaign.

Following the departure of last season’s manager, and despite the club’s best efforts, for a whole load of reasons, with which we will all be too familiar, numbers are below what was envisaged.

In all other respects the club is in good health. It is financially sound; has a hard-working and supportive committee; a decent playing surface; its own clubhouse, excellent training facilities on the new allweather pitch at KEVICC (King Edward VI Community College); a fully trained and qualified physio in attendance at training and matches, and coaches willing to work with players of both the first and second teams.

But with the League kickoff just five weeks away, time is ticking. Any players, who are not currently committed to another club and who would like to take up the challenge of football at

this level can, in the first instance, contact club secretary Simon Head on (07802) 205 716 for further information. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Peninsula League are confidently expecting two more of their clubs to have floodlights up and running early in the season.

Newly-promoted Sticker have already started construction work with the bases and bottom sections of the eight pylons in place.

The club have made use of their promotion, earning grants from the Football Foundation towards the cost of the lights, whereas in Devon, Division One (East) side Sidmouth Town received funding from an entirely different source.

The East Devon Vikings are financing their lights from a Government Agency called ‘Shared Access’ whose purpose is to provide telecom operators with a sufficient 4G signal. Sidmouth have benefitted from the fact that the town currently does not possess a strong enough signal which means that ‘Shared Access’ will use one of the pylons for a mast.

The work is due to commence on Monday, July 31, and should be completed by Friday, August 11. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PREMIER Division outfit St Austell have launched a new website for all things Lillywhite. It can be accessed at: https://afcstaustell.co.uk

Premier referee to talk at evening in Helston PREMIER League referee Anthony Taylor will be the special guest at Helston Athletic on Friday (7.30 pm) to talk to guests about his career.

The 2017 FA Cup Final official will inter-act with the audience throughout the evening in what promises to be an event not to be missed.

Taylor will also meet and officiate games involving all the youth players at Helston Athletic on Saturday. He and Trevor Massey, who was an assistant referee for the 2008 FA Cup Final as well

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SOCCER SHORTS

PORTISHEAD TN ........0 HENGROVE ATH ........1 DESPITE losing by the only goal of the PRE-SEASON game between these FRIENDLIES two Toolstation Western League sides, new Portishead manager Mark Williams was pleased with his side’s overall performance.

The home side enjoyed much of the early play and, despite losing Alex O’Keefe early on through injury, went close when Dan Parslow just failed to connect, following a good four man move.

The second-half saw Dan Elton and James Hughes close to beating the Athletic keeper, but it would be the visitors who got the all-important goal midway through the half, Giorgio Mancini giving home keeper George Shanks-Boon no chance with a superb overhead kick.

It was a goal deserving to win any game and although Portishead lay siege to the visitors goal in the final minutes, Joe Ellis, Harrison Williams and Dave O’Reilly all going close, Mancini’s fine effort proved to be the match winner. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

MANGOTSFIELD UTD ..1 BRISTOL ROV XI...... 2 A BUMPER crowd of just over 1,000 saw an entertaining clash between Mangotsfield and a Bristol Rovers side made up of first year pros and triallists, managed by Chris Hargreaves.

Rovers went 2-0 up thanks to goals in the 23rd and 26th minutes from Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist and Lewis Ellington which seemed to suggest that the hosts might be in for a tricky night, but George Lloyd pulled a goal back just after the half-hour, and United more than held their own after the break.

Continuity was broken following substitutions by both sides and chances were not so plentiful afterwards, but both teams produced some decent football and gave their respective management a lot of positivity. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

CHIPPENHAM PARK ..0 BRISTOL CITY u-23s.. 3 CHIPPENHAM Park welcomed Bristol City under-23s to Hardenhuish Park for their first pre-season game of the season.

City, managed by ex-Swindon Town boss Luke Williams, included a mixture of under-23s and under-18s.

The game ended in a 3-0 win for the Robins but Chippenham Park had their chances to figure on the scoresheet.

Bristol showed their dominance with some neat possession but at times Chippenham Park made sure that the Sky Bet Championship club knew they were no push-overs.

It was an entertaining game and raised more than £200 for Jamie Mines, the 33-year-old former West Country footballer who lost three limbs in 2016 after he was electrocuted in a tragic accident at work. ❑

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DEVIZES TN................3 ANDOVER NS............3 ‘A GOOD work out ahead of the new season and a chance to give everyone a run out,’ summed up Devizes manager Bud Walters, after six goals were shared at Nursteed Road.

Josh Bringham gave the Toolstation Western League hosts a first-half lead, when he poked the ball home, following a corner and goalmouth melee.

Andover drew level before the break, when Caffon Spencer ran on to a through ball to beat goalie Graham Lawton.

Fifteen minutes into the re-start Devizes went back in front, Rory Collins finding Robbie Mitchell with an inc- perfect pass and Mitchell fired in.

Ten minutes later, though, the Sydenhams Wessex League visitors were level again, Callum Sweeney netting from the penalty spot, after Bringham had been penalised for climbing all over the Andover centre-forward.

It was a busy day for Bringham, who restored Devizes’s lead, tapping in from close range, after Jack Hopper’s shot had been blocked.

It stayed that way until two minutes from time, when Oliver Yates equalized, firing his free kick through a crowded penalty area and into the net. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

ALMONDSBURY UWE..4 WOODLEY UTD ........2 AN entertaining game at the Field, with UWE running out winners.

by Liam Read as in the Premier League for 12 seasons, will also be delivering the FA ‘Respect’ campaign to all the youngsters.

The ‘An evening with Anthony Taylor ’ event costs £10 including food.

For more information or to reserve a ticket, please call the Helston clubhouse on (01326) 573 742. Alternatively call (07740) 812 555, or e-mail: Paul.m.hendy@btinternet. com

Wonder goal from Mancini good enough to settle game

TAYLOR-MADE: Premier League referee Anthony Taylor will be visiting Helston Athletic to talk to guests about his career as well as officiate over the team’s youngsters

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They went ahead on the half-hour, Alex Bisp cutting the ball back from the byline for Russ Church to score at the second attempt. B isp then went close with a thunderous drive, well saved by the visiting keeper. Right on half-time, the Uhlsport Hellenic Leaguers went ahead. Josh Drew rounded the Almondsbury goalkeeper, before squaring for Nat Haniel to score an easy goal.

Nine minutes into the re-start, Woodley went in front, Danny Horscroft heading in free-kick and it stayed that way until the 71st minute, when good work by Dean Jones, saw Stuart Alexander lashing home an unstoppable left foot thunderbolt.

The Toolstation Western League hosts sealed victory in the last eight minutes, Danny Lane heading in number three and then grabbing UWE’s fourth with a firm shot in the 84th minute.

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Volunteers are so very vital to keeping clubs running

Roadshow to be streamed live on Devon social media

EVERY club needs helpers, and those people very rarely get a mention, so let’s buck the trend…

I popped up to St Minver last Sunday to have a chat with manager Dave Witts about their record-breaking DUCHY DIARY season. Not surprisingly, Witts is

by Dave Deacon proud of his players who completed a fantastic treble in winning the Cornwall Junior Cup, the KMD Developments Duchy League Knock-Out Cup and the J J Jones Duchy League Premier Division championship – which means that the club has been promoted back into the Mortgage Advice Bureau East Cornwall Premier League.

However, he is also aware that without people behind the scenes, clubs wouldn’t exist – people like ‘Gramps’ Wootton who was just finishing off painting the 48 railing posts around the pitch!

He was at the ground throughout the weekend getting it ready for the new campaign, and during the season one of his many responsibilities will be in ensuring a never-ending supply of water bottles for the players.

Last season may have been one to remember for a long time, but Wootton’s already looking forward to the opening game of the season – a tasty-looking midweek derby against nearby rivals Wadebridge Town! ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● HAVE you got your ticket to listen to the FA Cup Final referee Anthony Taylor?

Along with Trevor Massey (12 seasons a Premier League assistant referee and brother of my fellow Sunday Indy columnist Steve Massey) they will be hosting an evening at Helston Athletic’s clubhouse on Friday. It starts at 7.30 pm and tickets are available from the club bar, by calling (07740) 812 555 or by e-mailing: paul.m.hendy@btinternet.com ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● FOLLOWING the announcement of the introduction of a ‘sin bin’ in the J J Jones Duchy League and Whirlwind Sports Trelawny League, the Cornwall FA will be delivering four training sessions to make sure as many people as possible are up to speed with the new regulations and laws around the new rule.

Governance manager Richard Pallot will deliver the presentations, starting tomorrow at St Dennis FC (7.00 pm until 8.30 pm). He will then attend Helston Athletic on Wednesday (7.00 pm to 8.30 pm); Penzance on Thursday (7.30 pm to 9.00 pm), and finally Wadebridge Town on Thursday, July 27 (7.00 pm to 8.30 pm).

Any clubs who are interested in attending these meetings should contact their Leagues while any referees who would like to attend should get in touch with Paul Murphy on: paul.murphy@cornwallfa.com As well as these meetings, the FA will also be running ten Webex video conferences, which started last Monday, and these can be viewed from any laptop or computer. For those who would like to watch these presentations but are unsure on how to register, the Cornwall FA will also be running three of them on a large screen at their headquarters in Bodmin on Wednesday, August 16; Thursday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 23.

For more information, please contact Pallot on Bodmin (01208) 262 989; or e-mail: richard.pallot@cornwallfa.com ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Mortgage Advice Bureau East Cornwall Premier League will be spoiling us for choice with two sites on the internet where we can follow this season’s statistics.

Although they will still be using the FA Full Time site for referees appointments and fixture changes, they are also up and running on the Mitoo site at: http://football.mitoo.co.uk/News.cfm?LeagueCode= ECRNW2017&NB=0 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● ANDREW Plenty (otherwise known as ‘Scooby’) is trying to find details of title winners of the old Falmouth and District League between 1947 to the formation in 1960-61 of the Falmouth and Helston League.

His research is in preparation of the forthcoming 70th anniversary of RNAS Culdrose FC. ‘Scooby’ has all the first-team honours and reserves honours for the Falmouth-Helston and Mining League and a photo of the Reserves winning the Falmouth and District League title in 1947-48, but he would appreciate any help in filling the gap from 1947-48 to 1959-60. davedeacon@cornishsoccer.info

DEVON FA are inviting all football clubs to watch, learn and enjoy as they host their latest County Roadshow on Tuesday (7.00 pm) ahead of the 2017-18 season, but this time the evening will be streamed live on Facebook.

WILD THINGS: These ‘Wildcats’ enjoyed a coaching session at St Agnes AFC which are run for girls aged between five and 11 years to try and recruit more players into the sport. For more details on the sessions, which take place at Chiverton Park on Friday evenings, please contact Mandy Kimmins on (07974) 370 666, or e-mail: bolsterpaper@gmail.com

FOCUS ON FLYBE: Exeter City have unveiled their new third kit. Working together with kit providers Joma, and long-term main sponsors Flybe, the new shirt features Flybe’s main colour of purple, with a striking white collar and is punctuated with a line of Flybe’s recognisable red, white and yellow stripes. The shirt is paired with white shorts and red socks. The new third shirt will be available to purchase from City’s club shop at St James’ Park and the on-line shop at £40 for adult sizes and £30 for children’s sizes. Said City chairman Julian Tagg: ‘Flybe have supported Exeter City through thick and thin for 14 years’

FOOTBALL FRIENDLIES BRUSH STROKES: St Minver stalwart ‘Gramps’ Wootton helps smarten up surroundings ahead of the club’s return to the Mortgage Advice Bureau East Cornwall Premier League

E-mail your weekend match reports to sport@sundayindependent.co.uk

DEVON FA DIARY

Clubs will be kept up

by Paul Morrison to date on new and relative news for the upcoming campaign with welfare, affiliations, player registration, accounts, County Cups and other updates on the agenda for the evening.

During the broadcast you will be able to ask questions via the comments section on the live stream which will be answered by the presenters throughout the roadshow. Everything we’ve promised to talk about and inform you on will still be available via the Devon County FA Facebook page.

If you should miss the live stream then don’t worry, the video will remain on-line so you can watch at a later date. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● ON Wednesday we will host newly-promoted Sky Bet One side Plymouth Argyle at the County HQ at Coach Road for a pre-season friendly against a Devon FA Select side (7.30 pm).

The Devon team will be handpicked by manager Peter Buckingham which will include players from a number of sides including Tiverton Town, Bideford, Barnstaple Town and many more. The final squad is due to be announced soon.

Some of the players already selected include Billy Tucker, Ryan Richards, Joe Moore, Danny Tapp, Chris Wright, Lloyd Beach, Dave Rowe, Lloyd Gardner, Ryan Turner and Joe Barker.

The grass-roots v. professional clash has been arranged for you, the fans, and we hope as many people as possible make their way to Coach Road in Newton Abbot to support Devon FA manager Buckingham and Pilgrims boss Derek Adams, as he continues to prepare his squad for life in League One. Tickets are available on the gate at £5 for adults while concessions and under-16s are £3. Player ID holders will receive a discount on their entry with evidence of their ID card.

The Corner Flag will also be open, offering certain beers at £2.50 along with food.

So share the news with your friends, family and football clubs and lets see a packed Coach Road as the teams get ready for another busy season. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Devon FA have announced that £40,000 worth of equipment and support has been distributed to football clubs across the county.

Back in February the Devon FA started the ‘DIY’ programme which invited clubs from all over the county to submit an application form which could give them the opportunity to apply for materials or equipment to help improve their facilities, thanks to the Player ID scheme.

We can now confirm this programme is over and the successful applicants have been told. However, clubs who weren’t successful have also been noted as we believe everyone who applied deserves the acknowledgment and we hope they won’t be too downhearted. We will continue to look for future windows of opportunity to appear.

Devon FA have been able to supply clubs with a little bit extra funding to get them prepared for the upcoming season and beyond. This has included some clubs benefitting from improvements to their pitches and grounds.

We’ll publicise a list of clubs and their funding achieved through the DIY programme and also schedule photos and quotes from the lucky winners which will be shown on our social media pages.

In the near future we will be sharing with you some of the work and ideas that have been delivered and completed.

From Manstow to Ilfracombe, Twyford Spartans to Harbertonford, we’ve been able to supply equipment to clubs in every corner of the county.

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Beeney departs the Pilgrims but three sign on the dotted line PLYMOUTH Argyle WOMEN’S FOOTBALL have been putting their charges through

by Dave Potham the mill in preparation for the forthcoming Premier League South West One season by training three times a week.

The club’s second team have also signed Catherine Davies, along with Izzy Berks, who has resigned, and newcomer Shania Fenlon, who arrives from Keyham Kolts.

Unfortunately, though, Ashleigh Beeney has left the club because of work commitments.

Meanwhile, the Argyle Development team have appointed Simon Parnell to work alongside manager Rob Bonney and Dan Tecza.

He comes with a good footballing pedigree, having played for Plymouth Schoolboys and Devon Junior and Minor representative sides.

He was spotted by Argyle as a 15-year-old and was coached by director of football Trevor Rodd before signing for the club as a YTS. He also made appearances for Argyle Reserves and had trials for England under-17s where he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Joe Cole, Shaun Wright Phillips and Francis Jeffers.

Parnell went on to play for a host of South Western League clubs including Liskeard Athletic, Torpoint Athletic and Plymouth Parkway where he came into contact with Dave Leonard and Marc Bonney, with whom he both played for and against.

He is currently working his way through his coaching badges and manager Rob Bonney said: ‘We had a informal chat with him and we were very impressed with what he had to say, and his eagerness to buy into what we are building at the club.

‘His appointment is another step in the right direction.’

The Argyle Development team have also arranged another pre-season friendly against Cornwall League newcomers at Porthleven on Friday, August 18. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE constitution of the Westward Developments Devon League for the coming season was eventually finalised at Thursday’s committee meeting.

There had been a delay in the hope that one or more new teams would still come forward but none was forthcoming, so the League will start with 15 clubs.

Axminster Town and Halwill are the newcomers but the League have lost Plymouth Argyle (Reserves) and Bideford.

Seven teams will feature in the Premier Division and eight in Division One, and in order to provide more competitive football an early season divisional knock-out Cup competition will be arranged.

The first round will be played on Sunday, September 3, with the following rounds on consecutive weeks. Teams knocked out in the first round will be allocated League matches on those weeks. b WESTWARD DEVELOPMENTS DEVON LEAGUE – Premier: Buckland Athletic (Reserves), Feniton, Horrabridge Rangers (formerly Tavistock), Ilfracombe Town, Lakeside Athletic, Shaldon Villa and University of Exeter. Division One: Axminster Town, Budleigh Salterton, Halwill, Keyham Kolts, Ottery St Mary, Plainmoor, Seaton Town and University of Plymouth.

Divisional Knock-Out Cup – First Round –Sunday, September 3 – Premier: Buckland Athletic v Shaldon Villa, Feniton v Horrabridge Rangers, and Lakeside Athletic v Ilfracombe Town; University of Exeter, bye.

Division One: Axminster Town v Keyham Kolts, Budleigh Salterton v Ottery St Mary, Halwill v Plainmoor, and Seaton Town v University of Plymouth.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● FORMER Bayern Munich star Lisa Evans has rallied Scotland for their maiden European Championship campaign by declaring it a stepping stone towards a World Cup debut.

Evans, who agreed to join Arsenal from Bayern last month, rubbed shoulders with superstars of world football during a two-year spell in Germany.

She insists that there should be no inferiority complex when Scotland take on Europe’s elite in Holland. ‘It’s the first time in history that we’ve qualified for such a big tournament as the Euros,’ she said. ‘It’s a big thing, a massive thing. It’s something we’ve always aspired to do as a team.

Now that we’ve made this step, in years to come we want to be there again and even at the World Cup as well.

‘It’s something we’re going to look forward to, but first and foremost it’s the Euros.’

Evans abandoned her sports science studies at Stirling University five years ago after being offered a dream move to Germany with Turbine Potsdam, one of the biggest women’s teams in Europe.

She was talent-spotted, unusually, while playing on the losing side against Potsdam for Glasgow City in a Champions League match.

It was particularly remarkable for Evans to stand out, given Glasgow were handed a 17-0 aggregate defeat over two legs.

Now 25, Perth-raised Evans has experienced German football at the highest level with Potsdam and Bayern and is looking ahead to a spell in England with Arsenal.

@thesundayindy

GLOVERS TRIO HELP ENGLAND TO BEACH CUP

THREE of Yeovil Town’s players who competed in the Women’s FA SuperLeague One ‘Spring Series’ were in the successful England squad that won the Euro Beach Cup.

Molly Clark, Lucy Quinn and Hannah Short helped England hold off a Switzerland fight-back to win 4-3 in Nazaré, Portugal, with Clark among the goalscorers.

But the Lady Glovers have since suffered a huge blow after top striker Sarah Wiltshire left to join Tottenham Hotspur.

The striker, who made her comeback with the ‘Green and Whites’ after giving birth to her first child, still lives in the Home Counties and, with a new family to consider, felt it was better to find a club more local to her.

Wiltshire, who was the leading goalscorer in SuperLeague Two during Yeovil’s championship-winning season, joined the club from Watford in 2014, before she was snapped up to play professionally for Manchester City.

She later returned to Yeovil but in July last year took a break from playing to start a family.

Wiltshire, who featured in a BBC programme about returning sports mums, scored Yeovil’s only goal in the opening SuperLeague One ‘Spring Series’ fixture against Liverpool.

That game, played in front of 1,897 fans at Huish Park, came just 11 weeks after giving birth.

‘Thank-you to all the staff and players for everything,’ she said on announcing her decision to leave the West Country.

‘I’ve really enjoyed my time at Yeovil and I will look back and know some of my best football memories were made there.

‘Thanks also to the fans for their amazing support over the three seasons, especially last year in helping us get promoted. I’d like to wish everyone a very good luck for the new season.’.

Wiltshire, who lives in Hatfield, near London, will no longer face long car journeys for training and matches and Spurs are delighted to get her signature.

She scored 27 goals in 45 SuperLeague games for Yeovil and was heading for top goalscorer status in SuperLeague Two in 2016 when

◆

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

by Dave Potham she took her maternity break.

Nevertheless, her 11 goals in 12 games still helped Yeovil to the title and promotion to the top flight.

The 26-year-old is also a full Welsh international with 31 caps to her name.

‘Spurs are certainly a club on the up,’ she said.

‘I’ve supported Tottenham since I was a little girl, so it means a lot for me to come and play here. The team had an amazing time last season and now they are ready for WSL Two. ‘It’s a competitive League but Spurs have shown they deserve to be at this level, so I’m sure it will be another positive season.

‘I’m hoping to bring a little experience to the team and I’m excited to get going again.’

Yeovil manager Jamie Sherwood clearly wanted the player to stay for their first season in SuperLeague One but accepted that the increased commitment required for the top flight, coupled with Wiltshire’s logistical geography, couldn’t really make that in any way achievable.

‘Sarah has been integral for the development of the team, squad and was a huge contributing factor on why we are now a WSL One club,’ he said.

‘I personally wish her the best of luck in her new club as it’s been a pleasure working with her over the past four years.’

Club coach Michelle Yeowell has also left Yeovil.

She has been a part of the club’s journey as a player and coach for more than ten years and held the role of head coach.

‘I’ve worked with some great people over the years and will miss my close friends at the club,’ she said.

‘It’s been a blast and to date my proudest moments as a coach have been with YTLFC but this journey has now come to an end.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● MILLIE Turner has agreed a new deal with Bristol City. The 21-year-

HOME TRUTHS: Yeovil Town top striker Sarah Wiltshire who has signed for Tottenham Hotspur, a club much closer to her Hatfield home Picture: Julian Herbert / The FA / Getty Images old arrived from Everton just before the one-off ‘Spring Series’ and was an ever-present team member throughout the competition.

She has also enjoyed success this summer, winning the Nordic Cup with England under-23s, also playing every game of that successful campaign.

Turner said that she was excited to continue developing under the guidance of Vixens manager Willie Kirk.

‘It’s fantastic to get the contract sorted before the start of the season.’ she said.

‘I came here to play regular football and I have done that. I really appreciate the faith the manager has put in me.

‘I want to continue to develop as a player and I feel that this club is the best place for me to do that.’

Kirk was naturally delighted to see Turner’s

signature on the forms.

‘When I signed Millie I was excited by her potential,’ he said.

‘She was one of our most consistent players during the “Spring Series” and I’m looking forward to overseeing her development further in the future.

‘We have a great culture at the club that Millie really buys into. She’s a big character in the dressingroom and always has a smile on her face and I want people like her around to continue to drive this club forward.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● KEYNSHAM Town have made a significant signing for the new Premier League South West One season by snapping up Kerry Bartlett from Cardiff City.

The talented striker netted 21 goals from just 25 starts in her first season in Southern Division.

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◆

Sampson takes enormous pride in his work with Lionesses MARK Sampson jokes that he is busier than Donald Trump these days – and the England Women manager would have it no other way.

WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

by John Skilbeck

While the controversial US President presses on with his mission of making America ‘great again’, Sampson has gone a long way towards turning around a failing Lionesses team in the course of his own first four years in office.

And he has managed it while giving up one of the loves he shares with Trump – golf.

Sampson was spotted swinging a pole in a golf-club motion on the St George’s Park training pitch where England spent much of June training hard ahead of their European Championship mission. While his players were warming down, Sampson was dreaming of finding the middle of a fairway – any fairway – off the tee.

Not that the 34-year-old gets the chance to swing an actual golf club these days.

‘I used to back in the day, a long, long time ago, but I think Donald Trump plays more golf than me now – he’s obviously got less to do!’ smiled Sampson, the former Bristol Academy women’s team coach.

‘I can’t remember the last time I picked up a golf club unfortunately. Pretty sad.’

The Welshman took the reins of the England set up in late 2013 and guided the Lionesses to third place at the World Cup two years ago.

The mission to Holland this summer is one that England firmly believe can be a triumphant trip, and Sampson takes enormous pride in his work, having overhauled the team that fluffed their last shot at a European Championship.

The group-stage exit in Sweden four years ago spelled the end for Sampson’s predecessor, Hope Powell.

And when the Football Association offered Sampson the job, he made sure it sat well at home.

A proud Cardiff boy, Sampson turned to father Derek for advice.

‘It was my dad who convinced me to do it,’ Sampson said.

‘It seems a long time ago now, but it was a fantastic opportunity and it’s been a privilege and an honour to get on the training pitch, and to represent England over 50 times as the head coach is something I never dreamed would be the case.’

Powell had 15 years at the helm, but expectations of England were very different then. The FA has since pumped huge sums into the women’s game and Sampson accepts results must follow.

The greater the success England achieve, the more potential future Steph Houghtons and Fran Kirbys will be kicking balls in parks, and the FA is looking to double participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football by 2020.

‘We treat every game as if it’s our last and we prepare thoroughly, and we treasure every single moment that we’re together because we know in football it can end very quickly,’ Sampson said.

‘Hopefully not, hopefully we’re here for a long, long time, win lots of trophies and establish ourselves as the best team in the world.’

Sampson is a father himself now, after his partner Gemma gave birth to daughter Amelie last autumn.

Family is naturally important to him and he appreciates the same applies to the players he is taking with him to Holland.

‘It’s a hard one but you never forget about them, they’re always in the forefront of your mind,’ Sampson said.

‘And it’s something we talk about with players, that they can be a real inspiration to us.

‘We place a lot of value as a team on the capacity to switch on and work really hard, and also switch off and forget about things and relax and spend some time with your loved ones.’

And if Sampson ever looks like getting carried away with his England success, or if times are tough, he can rely on pals at home in Cardiff to deliver a teasing prod.

‘Back home I get stick given to me whatever I do, whether it’s fantastic or terrible,’ he said, ‘and that’s what good mates are for, they bring you back down to earth.’

@thesundayindy

Sunday Independent July 16 2017

☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat)

23

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HOUGHTON IS KEY TO TOURNAMENT HOPES FOR ENGLAND TEAM

STEPH Houghton has been backed to drive England to European Championship success – by the last captain to lead the Lionesses to a major final.

Eight years ago in Finland, Faye White skippered Hope Powell’s team all the way to the brink of glory before ultimately England were mauled 6-2 by Germany.

But hopes are high, after a third-place World Cup finish, that Mark Sampson’s team will be able to reach the Euro finas, and go a step further than the class of 2009 by becoming European champions.

Their campaign begins in Utrecht on Wednesday with an appetising clash against Scotland, before they also play Spain and Portugal in the group phase.

And White is convinced that her former Arsenal team-mate Houghton, who now plays for Manchester City, has the character required to motivate the current generation for the task in front of England.

White, who captained England from 2002 to 2012, said: ‘She’s one of those girls who can relate and get on with pretty much everyone.

She’s one of those players who adapts to lots of people, in a team where you’ve got some very experienced play-

WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

by John Skilbeck ers as well as young players that she might need to help.

‘It’s about reading when you may need to put an arm around someone or give someone a rocket. She has that ability to just get on well with people, but also with her game; she’s got a bit of everything.

‘She’s very commanding, a very big presence at the back, and she has the ability to step up in big games and score goals... vital free-kicks.

‘She grew up playing at Arsenal, and the impact she had on the game always would be regularly putting in good, consistent performances, and she’s been doing that with England too, and it helps to regularly have your captain fit and playing, but also then putting in the performances when it matters.’

Houghton, now 29, spent the best part of two years from 2010 playing in the same Arsenal team as White, before the long-serv-

ing national team skipper retired to start a family and explore new roles within football.

Tournaments can make or break captains, and it was after a dismal Euro 2013 campaign that Casey Stoney lost the England armband to Houghton.

White, whose commitment was exemplified by her playing the Euro 2009 final in a face mask after fracturing a cheekbone, is optimistic that Houghton will get it right on and off the pitch.

Speaking at a parents’ football coaching day hosted

by England’s official supermarket Lidl, White said: ‘She’ll have that extra bit of responsibility and it’s about being able to switch off from that and then focus on the games and her preparation and not let if affect her too much.

‘That was a major demand when I was captain, the demands suddenly on you to be that spokesperson, the person who does all the interviews as well as preparing mentally right for the games.

‘When you might be winning and things are going well, it’s about remaining level-headed and maybe not letting the team or players get too above themselves or too excited.

‘And equally if you’ve had a bad result – say if they don’t beat Scotland in the first game – they need someone who with the way they present themselves and the

GUIDE TO EURO 2017 HOLLAND is preparing to stage the Women’s European Championships which open today and continue until Sunday, August 6.

This year’s tournament features an expanded 16-team format, with more countries involved than ever before. Twelve teams contested the 2009 and 2013 editions.

Two teams progress to the quarter-finals from each first-round group.

Group A: Holland (hosts), Norway, Denmark and Belgium.

Group B: Germany (holders), Sweden, Italy and Russia.

Group C: France, Iceland and Austria, Switzerland.

Group D: England, Scotland, Spain and Portugal.

The matches take place at seven stadiums in seven cities: Tilburg (Koning Willem II stadion), Breda (Rat Verlegh stadion), Utrecht (De Galgenwaard), Rotterdam (Sparta stadion), Deventer (De Adelaarshorst), Doetinchem (De Vijverberg) and Enschede (FC Twente stadion).

The 2013 finals in Sweden offered total prizemoney of 2.2-million euros (£1.95-million) but that has risen sharply to eight million euros (£7-million) for this tournament. UEFA say that the champions will collect 1.2-million euros (£1.05-million), with rewards sliding to 300,000 euros (£265,000) for teams eliminated in the group stage.

Tournament mascot is a cat called Kicky, whose boyfriend is the men’s national team’s mascot Dutchy.

Channel 4 has the tv rights and will be showing matches involving England and Scotland. way their body language is, it’s still confident.’

A captain must not ‘sulk in the corner or blame everyone else,’ added 39year-old White, and she does not imagine Houghton being a shirker when times get tough.

‘There’s so many things that happen in a short space

of time in a tournament that you are coping with: people’s emotions, people’s reactions, other people’s expectations and reactions to you.

You have to deal with your own feelings as well,’ she said.

‘When you pull that armband on it gives you that extra responsibility, that extra

desire to prove yourself. It’s a challenge, and most people rise to challenges, or you need to if you want to succeed.

‘I think we are better prepared and getting better all the time so, hopefully, she can have that moment where she gets to a final, and then who knows?

Scotland are not going just to make up the numbers ANNA Signeul has urged her trailblazing Scotland team to prove they deserve the same level of support afforded to tennis hero Andy Murray.

WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

by Andy Newport

Scotland head to the European Championship in Holland as tournament rookies, having never reached this stage of such a major competition.

And while Gordon Strachan’s men labour in their World Cup qualifying group, it represents a rare chance to see a Scotland team involved in big-stage football.

Association after the finals, to become boss of the Finland women’s team, but the 56-year-old Swede is determined to go out on a high.

And with an opening match against ‘Auld Enemy’ England to come on Wednesday in Utrecht, her team – including Bristol City’s Frankie Brown and Chloe Arthur and former Vixens favourite Christie Murray – will be under the spotlight like they have never known before.

The men’s World Cup qualifier between Scotland and England last month ended in high drama and eventual frustration for the hosts at Hampden, when Harry Kane’s stoppage-time leveller countered Leigh Griffiths’ late set-piece double.

But Signeul offers that match, and the celebrations of Murray’s success at Wimbledon and across the world, as proof that Scots from any walk of life will become emotionally involved if they believe in the cause.

‘I think elite sport is so fantastic for a country to unite around,’ Signeul said. ‘These three minutes at Hampden, it doesn’t matter if you were there or if you watched the tv, it doesn’t matter if you’re a men’s football fan. If you’re a fan of Scotland you are so proud.

‘That’s what we want to achieve. We want to make Scotland’s people feel proud of the Scotland women’s national team.’

After 12 years as Scotland boss, Signeul has a glorious chance to bow out on a high, although the task of finishing in the top two of a group that also includes Spain and Portugal has been complicated by the loss of star player Kim Little to injury.

The England game could be a blood-and-thunder affair, and Signeul knows that it is bound to grab the attention of the nation, a rare event for women’s football in Scotland.

‘We’ve got a very tough draw, one of the toughest groups we could have ended up in, and to get England first is also really tough, but to drum up some interest around the game it couldn’t have been better,’ she said.

Assessing the players who have taken Scotland through to the 16-team finals, Signeul added: ‘Look at these women and how fit they are and how much they invest in themselves to play on this level and compete in this level.

‘We’re not just going there to promote girls’ and women’s football, we’re not just happy to be there.

We’re going there with a determination to perform.

‘Every little girl or boy dreams about pulling on the Scotland jersey. Even parents dream about their kids pulling on the Scotland jersey, playing for their country, to go out there and listen to the national anthem, sing the national anthem, knowing you represent your country.

‘I think that’s a fantastic experience and it’s very few athletes who are fortunate enough to be that good so that they represent their country.’

England’s player-by-player guide GOALKEEPERS KAREN BARDSLEY (CLUB: Manchester City; CAPS/GOALS: 67/0; AGE: 32): The Californian-born goalkeeper has been part of the England set-up for over a decade now.

SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN (Liverpool and ex-Bristol Academy; 43/0; 33): Less an understudy and more a serious rival to Bardsley for the goalkeeper’s jersey.

CARLY TELFORD (Chelsea; 8/0; 30): Third choice, and one of the players cut loose when Notts County Ladies collapsed in the spring.

DEFENDERS LAURA BASSETT (Unattached; 62/2; 33 – turns 34 on August 2): Best known for the own

goal that knocked England out of the World Cup two years ago, but a top player for her country over many years. Also ex-Notts County, looking for her next club.

LUCY BRONZE (Manchester City; 44/5; 25): Class act at right-back, Bronze has a knack of scoring important goals for club and country. She is the PFA player of the year and has a big role to play with England.

ALEX GREENWOOD (Liverpool; 23/2; 23): If fully fit, she can offer quality on the left of defence. Probably starts as understudy to Demi Stokes.

STEPH HOUGHTON, captain (Manchester City; 86/9; 29): Took over the armband from Casey Stoney after the last

European Championship.

Strong leader, sets high standards.

JO POTTER (Reading; 31/3; 32): Experienced campaigner who has found favour with Lionesses boss Mark Sampson after years on the England sidelines.

ALEX SCOTT (Arsenal; 139/12; 32): Winner of Bear Grylls’ reality tv show Mission Survive, football show presenter and still a hand right-back after almost 13 years with England.

Keeps Bronze on her toes.

DEMI STOKES (Manchester City; 37/1; 25): Missed out on the World Cup squad but has made the left-back spot her own more recently.

Gets forward well and often.

CASEY STONEY (Liverpool; 130/6; 35): Skipper as England had a dismal Euro 2013 campaign, Stoney feared she was falling out of favour but has reestablished herself in Sampson’s set-up.

MIDFIELDERS MILLIE BRIGHT (Chelsea; 10/0; 23): Bright could feature in central defence or midfield for England.

Part of the squad for less than a year, she might have a key role to play.

IZZY CHRISTIANSEN (Manchester City; 15/4; 25): Box-to-box player who was a big admirer of Frank Lampard, and it shows with her keen eye for goal.

JADE MOORE (Reading; 37/1; 26): A trained sports therapist, Moore was found to have two holes

in her heart as a teenager, but after surgery she was able to resume her playing career.

JORDAN NOBBS (Arsenal; 42/5; 24): Perhaps a captain-in-waiting, Nobbs has been deputy to Houghton for the last two years and brings maturity beyond her years to England’s midfield – plus a fierce strike.

JILL SCOTT (Manchester City; 121/18; 30): Nobody works harder in midfield than ball-winner Scott, who scored England’s winner in the 2009 European Championship semi-final against Holland.

FARA WILLIAMS (Arsenal; 162/40; 33): England’s most-capped footballer, whose passing

prowess and eye for a long-range shot has served her country well since 2001.

FORWARDS KAREN CARNEY (Chelsea; 129/31; 29 – turns 30 on August 1): Crafty forward who can occupy roles on either flank or slot in behind a number nine, Carney made a goalscoring debut for England as a 17-year-old in 2005 and remains a key figure.

TONI DUGGAN (Barcelona; 47/15; 25 – turns 26 on July 25): Heading for Spain after leaving Manchester City, Duggan will want to impress her new employers in Holland.

FRAN KIRBY (Chelsea; 19/6; 24): England’s ‘Mini Messi’ according to Sampson, Kirby missed

almost a year because of a knee injury before returning with a rush of goals for Chelsea in late spring. Potential match-winner.

NIKITA PARRIS (Manchester City; 12/3; 23): Pacy forward who could make an impact, most likely off the bench.

JODIE TAYLOR (Arsenal; 25/9; 31): Throwback of a centre-forward, Wirral-born Taylor comes alive inside the 18-yard box.

ELLEN WHITE (Birmingham; 64/23; 28): Scored England’s winner against the USA in March, and netted two past Denmark recently. ❑ ❑ ❑

… AND SCOTLAND’S SECRET WEAPONS FRANKIE BROWN (Bristol City; 88/0; 29):

The defender started her career with Falkirk and has also turned out for Hibernian and Cypriot outfit Apollon Limassol before making her switch to England.

CHLOE ARTHUR (Bristol City; 8/0; 22): Former Celtic and Hibernian midfielder moved to England last year. Her father, Gary, tragically died when a police helicopter crashed into the Clutha Vaults bar in Glasgow in 2013, and she has said she wants to do him proud in a Scotland shirt.

CHRISTIE MURRAY (Doncaster Rovers Belles; 47/4; 27): Striker who began her career at Queen’s Park and has gone on to have spells with Glasgow City, Celtic, Arsenal and Bristol Academy.

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat)

sport@sundayindependent.co.uk www.sundayindependent.co.uk BETFRED CUP

GROUP A Falkirk 4, Stirling Alb 1.

Inverness CT 3, Brechin 0.

GROUP B Dunfermline 6, Elgin 0.

Peterhead 1, East Fife 0.

GROUP C Cowdenbeath 4, Buckie Thistle 2.

Dundee Utd 2, Raith Rov 0.

GROUP D Hibernian 4, Montrose 0.

Ross County 2, Alloa 0.

GROUP E Clyde 2, Annan Athletic 1.

GROUP F Berwick 0, Morton 1.

Queen’s Park 1, Motherwell 5.

GROUP G East Kilbride 1, Hamilton 3.

Stenhousemuir 1, Queen of South 3.

GROUP H Livingston 1, Partick Th 1.

Stranraer 1, St Mirren 4.

UEFA UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS

FINAL Portugal 1, England 2.

FRIENDLIES

AFC Wimbledon 3, Watford 2.

Bognor 0, Portsmouth 2.

Braintree 1, Southend 2.

Cambridge Utd 0, Norwich City 2.

Celtic 0, Lyon 4.

Crystal Palace 3, Maidstone 1.

Dover 2, Gillingham 2.

Fylde 0, Rochdale 1.

Greenwich Boro 0, Charlton 4.

Grimsby Tn 2, Barnsley 1.

Hapoel KS 0, Birmingham City 2.

Hull City 1, Oxford Utd 2.

Jablonec 1, Fleetwood 2.

KV Kortrijk 1, Reading 0.

Lausanne 1, Brentford 1.

Macclesfield 0, Derby Co 2.

Mansfield Tn 2, Sheffield Wed 3.

Middlesbrough 2, Chesterfield 0.

MK Dons 2, Budaorsi SC 4.

Monaco 4, Stoke City 2.

Peterborough Utd 2, QPR 4.

Plzen 1, Wolverhampton Wdrs 2.

Shrewsbury 2, Aston Villa 1.

Solihull 3, Walsall 2.

St Gallen 0, Southampton 0.

St Johnstone 3, Sunderland 0.

Stockport Co 1, Preston NE 2.

Tadcaster 0, Doncaster 2.

West Sydney Wdrs 1, Arsenal 3.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES

Almondsbury 4, Woodley Utd 2.

Amesbury Tn 4, Sherborne Tn 3.

Barnstaple Tn 1, Bridgwater Tn 2.

Bere Alston 3, Bodmin Town 2.

Brimscombe & Th 0, Forest Green 3.

Brislington 2, Cullompton 1.

Bristol MF 2, Plym Parkway 0.

Brixham 3, Elburton Villa 2.

Chard Town 1, Shaftesbury 2.

Chippenham Pk 0, Bristol City u-23 3.

Corsham Tn 1, Royal Wootton 2.

Crediton Utd 1, Heavitree Utd 0.

Crediton Res 3, Heavitree Res 2.

Devizes Tn 3, Andover NS 3.

Didcot 0, Eastleigh 1.

Estoril Praia 1, Bournemouth 2.

Falcons 1, Stonehouse 1.

Frome Town 1, Chippenham Tn 1.

Gala Winton 1, Nailsea Utd 1.

Gillingham Tn 1, Wincanton Tn 2.

Glastonbury 4, Westbury Utd 1.

Gloucester City 1, Bristol Rov 1.

Hamworthy Utd 1, Poole Town 10.

Helston 7, Holsworthy 1.

Ivybridge Tn 3, Stoke Gabriel 1.

Lydney Town 0, North Leigh 5.

Malmesbury Vic 1, Cirencester Tn 4.

Newquay 2, Mousehole 2.

Newquay Res 2, Mousehole Res 1.

Portishead Tn 0, Hengrove Ath 1.

Salisbury FC 0, Bristol Rovers 2.

Saltash Utd 3, Bideford 2.

Shepton Mal 1, Torpoint Athletic .1 St Austell 4, Cadbury Heath 0.

Swanage Tn 4, New Milton 1.

Swin S’marine 3, Newport Co 4.

Teignmouth 1, Buckland 1.

Warminster Tn 5, Verwood Tn 0.

Weston-s-Mare 0, Plym Argyle 4.

Yeovil Town 1, Bristol City 3.

AUBREY WILKES CUP Truro City 6, Falmouth Town 0.

FRIDAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND FIRST LEG Linfield 0, Celtic 2.

BETFRED CUP

GROUP E Ayr 1, Kilmarnock 0.

FRIENDLIES

Dundee 1, Bolton 2.

Fortuna Dusseldorf 0, Brighton 2.

Hearts 1, Newcastle 2.

Llandudno 0, Colchester 1.

Malaga 0, Sheffield Utd 1.

Mickleover Sp 0, Burton Alb 4.

Northampton 4, Birmingham u-23 1.

Shamrock Rovers 0, Burnley 4.

Sparta Prague 1, Blackburn 0.

Taffs Well 0, Cardiff 1.

Undy AFC 1, Newport County 1.

Wigan 1, Liverpool 1.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Bath City 0, Exeter City 2.

Bishop’s Cleeve 0, Cheltenham 6.

Melksham Tn 2, Dorchester Tn 3.

Shortwood 0, Forest Green 4.

Street FC 7, Mangotsfield Utd 0.

Tiverton Town 3, Torquay Utd 1.

TEAM OF YESTERDAY

Sport, Sunday Independent, Oakland Mews, Liskeard, PL14 3UX; sport@sundayindependent.co.uk

THURSDAY UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND FIRST LEG Aberdeen 1, Siroki Brijeg 1.

Apollon Limassol 3, Zaria Balti 0.

AS Trenchin 1, Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv 1.

Astra Giurgiu 3, FC Zire 1.

Baitar Jerusalem 1, Botev Plovdiv 1.

Brondby IF 2, VPS Vaasa 0.

Cork City 0, AEK Larnaka 1.

FC Vaduz 0, Odd 1.

Ferencvarosi TC 2, FC Midtjylland 4.

FK Haugesund 3, Lech Poznan 2.

FK Liepaja 0, Suduva 2.

FK Qabala 1, Jagiellonia Bialystok 1.

Hajduk Split 1, Levski Sofia 0.

IFK Norrkoping 2, FK Trakai 1.

Irtysh Pavlodar 1, Red Star B’grade 1.

Kairat Almaty 1, Skenderbeu 1.

Maccabi Tel Aviv 3, KR Reykjavik 1.

MFK Ruzomberok 0, Brann 1.

NK Osijek 2, Luzern 0.

Nomme Kalju 0, Videoton 3.

Ostersunds FK 2, Galatasaray 0.

Panionios 2, Gorica 0.

Progres Niederkorn 0, AEL Limassol 1.

Rabotnicki 1, Dinamo Minsk 1.

SC Rheindorf Altach 1, Dinamo Brest 1.

Shamrock Rovers 2, Mlada Boleslav 3.

Shkendija 3, HJK Helsinki 1.

SK Sturm Graz 0, Mladost Podgorica 1.

Slovan Bratislava 0, Lyngby BK 1.

Valletta 0, FC Utrecht 0.

Valur Reykjavik 1, Domzale 2.

Zeljeznicar Sarajevo 0, AIK 0.

FRIENDLIES Gor Mahia 1, Everton 2.

Sydney FC 0, Arsenal 2.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES AEK Boco 3, Hallen 2.

Brislington 4, Uphill Castle 1.

Clevedon Town 3, Nailsea Utd 1.

Hengrove Athletic 4, Little Stoke 1.

Nailsea & Tick 3, Bridgwater Tn 0.

Pewsey Vale 1, Amesbury Tn 3.

WEDNESDAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND FIRST LEG Apoel Nicosia 1, F91 Dudelange 0.

Bate 1, Alashkert FC 1.

Dundalk 1, Rosenborg 1.

FH Hafnarfjordur 1, Vikingur 1.

FK Spartaks Jurmala 0, Astana 1.

FK Zalgiris 2, Ludogorets 1.

Hapoel BS 2, Budapest Honved 1.

IFK Mariehamn 0, Leg Warsaw 3.

MSK Zilina 1, FC Copenhagen 3.

Malmo FF 1, Vardar 1.

Sheriff 1, FK Kukesi 0.

Zrinjski Mostar 1, Maribor 2.

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND FIRST LEG Inter Baku 1, Fola Esch 0.

FRIENDLIES AFC Telford 0, Aston Villa 4.

Accrington Stan 0, Huddersfield 1.

Barnet 1, Swansea City 0.

Benfica B 3, Lincoln City 1.

Kidderminster 0, Aston Villa XI 3.

Kidsgrove Ath 0, Burton Albion 5.

Livingston 0, Sunderland 3.

Middlesbrough 0, Oxford Utd 0.

North Ferriby Utd 0, Leeds Utd 2.

Slavia Prague 2, West Brom 1.

Szeged 1, MK Dons 0.

Tranmere Rov 0, Liverpool 4.

UC Dublin 4, Charlton 1.

Werder Bremen 0, Wolves 1.

West Brom Alb 1, Slavia Prague 2.

Workington 0, Carlisle 3.

Young Boys 2, Stoke 2.

(Stoke City win 4-3 on pens) York 2, Scunthorpe 2.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Bodmin Town 2, Truro City 2.

Buckland Ath 1, Plymouth Argyle 5.

Exmouth Tn 3, Bideford 3.

Ilminster 2, Chard Town 5.

Liskeard 1, Plym Parkway 8.

Malmesbury Vic v. B’scombe. (match abandoned) Mangotsfield Utd 1, Bristol Rov 2.

Oldland Ab 3, Bishops Cleeve 0.

Torquay 2, Bristol City 0.

GROUP A Netherlands v Denmark (BE-2, 7.45).

Norway v Belgium (BE-2, 5.0).

SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND FIRST LEG Hibernians 0, Salzburg 3.

@thesundayindy

FRIENDLIES

BIDEFORD: These lads had their sights set on a fifth Toolstation Western League Premier crown in six years as they headed into the 2006-07 campaign. In fact, in the only season that they didn’t win the title during that period they still finished third. But manager Sean Joyce was facing a headache on the eve of the campaign, having lost last season’s top scorer Andy Watkins to Truro City, while postman Mike Southgate was uncertain about his availability. Back row, left to right: Robbie Gough, Danny Gee, Steve Orchard, Anthony Lynch, Ellis Laight, Kenny Griffiths, Rob Francis, Matt Hare, David Steele, Russell Gee and Darren Hawkins; front: Jason Williams, Jamie Price, Sean Joyce (manager), Tony Beal (physio), Shane Kidstone, Liam Moseley and Ryan Draper P’zan Belgrade 2, Buducnost Pod 0.

Qarabag 5, Samtredia 0.

Rijeka 2, The New Saints FC 0.

FRIENDLIES AFC Totton 1, Aldershot 2.

Alfreton Tn 0, Sheffield Wed 5.

Arbroath 1, Bolton Wdrs 2.

Armthorpe 0, Doncaster 9.

Barrow 1, Motherwell 0.

Berwick 0, Hibernian 2.

Brackley 2, Shrewsbury 1.

Brechin 0, Dundee 2.

Buxton 1, Crewe 3.

Chesterfield 0, Benfica B 0.

Dartford 1, Gillingham 2.

Dumbarton 2, Partick 1.

FAC Wein 1, Rotherham 7.

Folkestone Invicta 2, Millwall 2.

Guiseley 3, Barnsley 3.

Karlsruher 2, Fleetwood Tn 1.

Kidderminster H 0, Derby Co 4.

Limerick 3, Charlton 2.

Nuneaton 3, Peterborough 5.

St Albans 0, Cambridge Utd 1.

Stevenage 2, Norwich City 2.

Valenciennes 3, Coventry 2.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Bath City 0, Bristol City 3.

Bishop’s Cleeve 0, Forest Green 2.

Bishop Sutton 0, Wells City 2.

Bridport 3, Wincanton Town 2.

Chipping S’bury 0, R Wootton 2.

Longlevens 1, Cirencester Town 3.

Oxford City 2, Cheltenham 1.

Penryn Ath 2, St Austell 3.

Poole Town 3, Portsmouth XI 6.

Stonehouse 1, Shortwood Utd 2.

Street FC 0, Bristol MF 1.

Swin S’marine 1, Gloucester 2.

Tiverton Tn 1, Plym Argyle 2.

Weston-s-Mare 0, Bristol Rov 3.

Weymouth FC 1, Yeovil Town 2.

Wick 1, Ashton & Backwell 3.

MONDAY FRIENDLIES Crumlin United 0, Charlton 5.

Neuchatel Xamax 0, Stoke 1.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Barnstaple 2, Plym Argyle 3.

Bitton AFC 5, Paulton Rovers 3.

Bradford Tn 2, Dorchester Tn 0.

LAST SUNDAY UEFA UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS GROUP B England 4, Germany 1.

Netherlands 1, Bulgaria 1.

PW D England................3 3 0 Netherlands.........3 1 1 Germany ..............3 1 0 Bulgaria................3 0 1

L GD Pts 0 6 9 1 2 4 2 -3 3 2 -5 1

FRIENDLIES Hibernian 2, Sunderland 2.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Bristol Manor 0, Bristol City 11.

H

All fixtures subject to change...

TODAY

TUESDAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

(1-0 from first leg) Red Star Belgrade v Irtysh (7.30).

(1-1 from first leg) SK Brann v MFK R’berok (6.0).

(1-0 from first leg) Siroki Brije v Aberdeen (7.45).

(1-1 from first leg) Skenderbeu v Kairat Almaty (7.0).

(1-1 from first leg) Trakai v IFK Norrkoping (5.0).

(1-2 from first leg) VPS v Brondby (5.0).

(0-2 from first leg) Videoton FC v Nomme Kalju (8.0).

(3-0 from first leg) Zaria Balti v Apollon Lim (6.0).

(0-3 from first leg) Zira IK v FC Astra Giurgiu (6.0).

(1-3 from first leg)

UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

UEFA UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMI-FINALS England 1, Czech Republic 0.

Portugal 1, Netherlands 0.

Odd v Vaduz (6.0).

UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP A Denmark v Belgium (7.45).

Holland v Norway (BE-2, 5.0).

◆

FRIENDLIES Bury v Huddersfield Tn. FC Ingolstadt v Leeds Utd (4.0).

LA Galaxy v Manchester Utd. Philadelphia v Swansea (0.00).

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Bitton v Paulton Rovers.

GERRY PAGE TROPHY Christchurch v Wimborne Town.

TOMORROW UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP B Germany v Sweden (BE, 7.45).

Italy v Russia (BE, 5.0).

LOCAL FRIENDLIES AFC Tavistock v Cardiff City (7.0).

Evesham Utd v Cheltenham (7.45).

Glastonbury Res v Timsbury Res. Plzen v Watford.

Real Salt Lake v Man United (12.0).

Richmond Kickers v Swansea (0.00).

Tavistock v Cardiff City (7.0).

FRY CLUB CUP FIRST ROUND Ashton & Backwell v Totterdown Utd. Stockwood Wndrs v Cadbury Heath.

Winterbourne Utd v Keynsham Town.

TUESDAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND SECOND LEG Alashkert FC v Bate (5.0).

(1-1 from first leg) Astana v FK Spartaks Jurmala (3.0).

(1-0 from first leg) Buducnost Pod v Partizan Bel (7.45).

(0-2 from first leg) Samtredia v FK Karabakh (6.0).

(0-5 from first leg) The New Saints v Rijeka (7.0).

(0-2 from first leg) Vardar v Malmo FF (5.0).

(1-1 from first leg) Vikingur v FH Hafnarfjordur (7.0).

(1-1 from first leg)

UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP C Austria v Switzerland (BE-2, 5.0).

France v Iceland (BE-2, 7.45).

BETFRED CUP GROUP A Brechin City v Forfar Athletic (7.45).

Stirling Albion v Inverness CT (7.45).

GROUP B East Fife v Dunfermline (7.45).

Elgin City v Hearts (7.45).

GROUP C Raith Rovers v Dundee (7.45).

GROUP D Alloa Athletic v Arbroath (7.45).

Montrose v Ross County (7.45).

GROUP E Dumbarton v Ayr United (7.45).

Kilmarnock v Clyde (7.45).

GROUP F Edinburgh City v Berwick Rgs (7.45).

Greenock Mor v Queen’s Pk (7.45).

GROUP G Albion Rov v Stenhousemuir (7.45).

Queen of South v E Kilbride (7.45).

GROUP H Airdrieonians v Stranraer (7.45).

St Mirren v Livingston (7.45).

FRIENDLIES AC Milan v Borussia Dortmund.

AFC Fylde v Bolton (7.30).

Barnsley v Coventry City.

Bristol Rovers v Hull City (6.30 pm). (at the Estadio da Nora, Portugal) Chesterfield v Sheffield td (7.30).

Doncaster Rov v Derby XI. Jablonec v Wolverhampton (5.0).

Morecambe v Preston NE (7.0).

Peterborough Utd v Ipswich Tn (7.0).

Port Vale v Derby Co. Real Salt Lake v Man Utd (2.0).

Solihull Moors v Burton Alb (7.30).

Walsall v Aston Villa.

York City v Blackburn Rov (7.30).

LOCAL FRIENDLIES AEK Boco v Cribbs (7.15).

Andover v Salisbury FC (7.45).

Ashton & Back v Street FC (6.30).

Bath City v Reading u-23 (7.30).

Bideford v Grimsby Town (7.30).

Bishops Cleeve v Hereford (7.45).

Bognor v Portsmouth (7.0).

Bridport FC v Portland United (7.45).

Brimscombe & T v Forest Gr (3.0).

Bristol MF v Bridgwater Tn (7.30).

Buckland v Plym Parkway (7.30).

Chippenham Tn v Newport Co (7.30).

Clutton AFC v Keynsham Town.

Frampton Utd v Almondsbury (7.30).

Frome Tn v Northampton Tn (7.45).

Glastonbury v Cheddar (7.30).

Hamworthy Utd v Ringwood Tn. Havant & Wat v Newport County.

Malmesbury Vics v Longlevens.

Newquay v St Just (7.30).

Paulton Rov v Melksham Tn (7.30).

Shortwood Utd v Highworth (7.30).

Stonehouse Tn v Slimbridge (7.0).

Swin S’marine v Hungerford (7.30).

Taunton Town v Bristol Rov (7.45).

Thornbury Tn v Yate Town (6.30).

Tiverton Town v Truro City (7.30).

Torquay Utd v Plymouth Argyle (7.30).

Westbury v Shepton Mallet (7.30).

Weston-s-Mare v Forest G (7.45).

Weymouth v Exeter City (7.30).

FRY CLUB CUP FIRST ROUND Cribbs v Sneyd Park.

Lebeqs Tavern v Easton Cowboys.

Nicholas Wanderers v Cutters Friday.

WEDNESDAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND SECOND LEG Budapest v Hapoel Be’er S (8.15).

(1-2 from first leg) Celtic v Linfield (7.45).

(2-0 from first leg) F91 Dundelange v Apoel Nic (5.0).

(0-1 from first leg) FC Copenhagen v MSK Zilina (6.30).

(3-1 from first leg) FK Kukesi v Sheriff (6.30).

(0-1 from first leg) Legia Warsaw v IFK M’hamn (7.45).

(3-0 from first leg) Ludogorets v FK Zalgiris (7.0).

(1-2 from first leg) Maribor v Zrinjski Mostar (7.15).

(2-1 from first leg) RB Salzburg v Hibernians (7.30).

(3-0 from first leg) Rosenborg v Dundalk (6.15).

(1-1 from first leg)

UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP D England v Scotland (C4, 7.45).

Spain v Portugal (BE-2, 5.0).

BETFRED CUP GROUP C Buckie Thistle v Dundee Utd (8.0).

Borussia M’gladbach v Leeds (1.15).

Richmond Kickers v Swansea (0.30).

Roma v PSG (2.0).

West Ham v Fulham (6.0).

LOCAL FRIENDLIES

FRIENDLIES Accrington Stan v Preston NE (7.30).

Arsenal v Bayern Munich (11.0). (at Shanghai International Stadium) FC Twente v Everton (6.0).

Leicester v West Brom (Sky-1, 11.0).

Liverpool v C Palace (Sky-1, 1.30).

Mansfield Tn v Middlesbrough (7.30).

Norwich City v MSV Duisburg (6.0).

Notts County v Nott’m Forest.

Oxford Utd v Brentford.

Portimonense v Sheffield Wed (7.0).

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Bishop Sutton v Brislington.

Bodmin Town v Cardiff City (7.0).

Brislington v Mangotsfield.

Callington Tn v Elburton Villa.

Cirencester Tn D v Hardwicke (7.30).

Devon Senior v Plymouth Arg. Devizes Tn v Pewsey Vale (tbc).

Llanelli Town v Yeovil Town (7.0).

Merthyr Tn v Newport County (7.30).

Millbrook v Launceston (6.45).

Oldland Abbot v Frome Town (7.30).

Portugal Tour Game v Bris Rov (tbc).

Roman Glass v Little Stoke.

Sidmouth Tn v Cullompton Rgs (7.0).

Witheridge v Barnstaple Tn (7.30).

FRY CLUB CUP FIRST ROUND Bristol Bilbao v Mendip Broadwalk.

Odd Down v Talbot Knowle.

St Aldhelms v Old Elizabethans.

FRY CLUB CUP FIRST ROUND Bitton v De Veys.

Hanham Athletic v Old Sodbury.

Longwell Green v Stapleton AFC. Torpedo v Fry Club.

FRIDAY UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP B Germany v Italy (BE-2, 7.45).

Sweden v Russia (BE-2, 5.0).

BETFRED CUP GROUP D Ross County v Hibernian (BT-1, 7.45).

FRIENDLIES AFC Bournemouth v Portsmouth.

AFC Wimbledon v Burton Albion.

Arminia Bielefeld v Norwich (5.0).

Man United v Man City (2.30). (at NRG Stadium) Rotherham Utd v Sheffield Utd. Swansea City v North Carolina.

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Camelford v Carharrack (7.30).

Chard Town v Mere Town (7.30).

Exmouth Town v St Martins (7.45).

Plymouth Argyle v Cardiff City (7.0).

Poole Tn v Dorchester Tn (7.30).

THURSDAY UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND SECOND LEG AEK v Cork City (6.0).

(1-0 from first leg) AEL v Progres Niederkorn (6.0).

(1-0 from first leg) AIK v Zeljeznicar Sarajevo (6.0).

(0-0 from first leg) Bnei Yehuda v AS Trencin (6.0).

(1-1 from first leg) Botev Plov v Beitar Jerusalem (6.30).

(1-1 from first leg) Dinamo Brest v Rheindorf (6.0).

(1-1 from first leg) Dinamo Minsk v Rabotnicki (4.0).

(1-1 from first leg) Domzale v Valur Reykjavik (7.30).

(2-1 from first leg) FC Midtjylland v Ferencvaros (6.0).

(4-2 from first leg) FC Utrecht v Valletta (6.30).

(0-0 from first leg) FK Suduva v FK Liepaja (5.0).

(2-0 from first leg) Fola Esch v Inter Baku (6.30).

(0-1 from first leg) Galatasaray v Ostersunds (6.30).

(0-2 from first leg) HJK v Shkendija Tetovo (5.0).

(1-3 from first leg) Jagiellonia v Qabala (7.30).

(1-1 from first leg) KR Reykjavik v Maccabi (8.15).

(1-3 from first leg) Lech Poznan v Haugesund (7.0).

(2-3 from first leg) Levski Sofia v Hajduk Split (6.0).

(0-1 from first leg) Luzern v Osijek (6.45).

(0-2 from first leg) Lyngby v Slovan Bratislava (5.30).

(1-0 from first leg) Mlada Boleslav v Shamrock (5.0).

(3-2 from first leg) Mladost Pod v Sturm Graz (7.30).

(1-0 from first leg) ND Gorica v Panionios (7.45).

(0-2 from first leg)

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Banwell v Uphill Castle (6.45).

Bath City v Cheltenham Town (7.30).

Hallen v Bristol Manor Farm (7.30).

Longwell Green v Yate Town (7.30).

Nailsea & Tick v Clevedon Town.

St Austell v Cardiff City u-23 (7.0).

Taunton Town v Exeter City (7.45).

Tavistock v Grimsby Town (7.0).

Wadebridge v Ply Parkway R (7.30).

Yatton & Cleeve v Uphill Castle.

◆

FRY CLUB CUP FIRST ROUND Hillfields v Wick.

Kingswood AFC v Highridge United.

Oldland Abbots v Almondsbury UWE.

SATURDAY UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP C France v Austria (BE-2, 7.45).

Iceland v Switzerland (BE, 5.0).

Crawley Tn v Brighton & HA. FC Groningen v Everton (4.0).

FC Kaiserslautern v Derby Co. Fleetwood Tn v Bolton Wds. Genk v Everton XI. Gillingham v Ipswich Town.

Matlock Town v Burton Albion.

Oxford Utd v Birmingham City.

Preston NE v Newcastle Utd. Rochdale v Middlesbrough.

Shrewsbury v Wolverhampton.

Union Berlin v QPR (2.30).

Vitoria Setubal v Sheffield Wed (8.0).

LOCAL FRIENDLIES Almondsbury v Longwell Green (3.0).

Ashton & B v Mangotsfield Utd (3.0).

Banbury Utd v Chippenham Tn (3.0).

Bideford v Cardiff City u-23 (2.0).

Bishop Sutton v Afan Lido.

Bitton AFC v Welton Rovers (7.30).

Bridport FC v Weymouth (3.0).

Brislington v Cullompton Rgs (3.0).

Brixham AFC v Plymstock (2.0).

Burnham Utd v Cheddar (3.0).

Chippenham v Ludgershall (3.0).

Clevedon Town v Bath City (3.0).

Corsham Tn v Abergavenny (1.0).

Corsham Tn R v A’gavenny R (3.0).

Crediton Utd v Heywood St J (3.0).

Devizes Tn v Melksham Tn (3.0).

Dobwalls v St Austell Res. Forest Green Rov v Bristol Rov (3.0).

Frome Town v Yeovil Town (3.0).

Glastonbury v Oldland Abbot (3.0).

Gloucester v Newport County (3.0).

Hamworthy Utd v N Milton Tn. Launceston v Elburton Villa.

Liskeard v Bodmin Town (1.30).

Longlevens v North Leigh.

Lydney Town v Monmouth Tn (3.0).

Malmesbury Vic v Patchway Tn. Millbrook v Plymouth Parkway (1.0).

Millbrook Res v Callington Tn (4.0).

Newquay v Newquay Res (3.0).

Parson St v Ashton & B’well R (3.0).

Pegasus Jrs v Slimbridge (3.0).

Plym Parkway v Barnstaple (2.0).

Portsmouth v Bournemouth (3.0).

Royal Wootton v Swin S’mar (3.0).

Saltash Utd v Bristol Manor Fm (3.0).

Shepton Mal v Welton Rov. Shortwood Utd v Westfields (3.0).

Sidmouth Tn v Hengrove Ath (2.0).

Staplegrove v Frome Town (3.0).

STM Sports v Keynsham Tn (2.30).

Stoke Gabriel v Kettering Town.

Stonehouse v Yate Town (3.0).

St Blazey v Ivybridge Tn (3.0).

Swanage Tn v Shaftesbury (3.0).

Tavistock v Highgate Utd (3.0).

Teignmouth v Cullompton Rgs (2.0).

The Windmill v St Dominic.

Torpoint Ath v Galmpton Utd (3.0).

Trowbridge Tn v Cheddar Res (3.0).

Undy Ath v Croesyceiliog (2.30).

Wadebridge v Plympton Ath (1.0).

Wadebridge R v Plympton A R (3.0).

Wells City v Truro City (3.0).

Welton Res v Shepton Mallet R (3.0).

Westlands v Wincanton Town.

Weston-s-Mare v Cheltenham (3.0).

Weymouth v Torquay United (3.0).

Willand v AEK Boco (3.0).

Wimborne Tn v Verwood Tn (3.0).

Yate Town v Bath City (3.0).

Yatton & Cleeve v Cadbury H (3.0).

STEVE MOORE TROPHY Wimborne Tn v Verwood Tn. TOOLSTATION CHARITY CUP Street v AFC Mansfield (3.0). (at Cribbs FC) BICKLAND PARK 60TH ANNIVERSARY Falmouth Legends Match.

LEWARNE TROPHY Redruth United v St Day. JIM NEWMAN TROPHY Carterton v Kidlington Res. (at Clanfield FC; 5.0) Shrivenham v Didcot Tn Res. (at Clanfield FC; 2.0)

NEXT SUNDAY

BETFRED CUP (3.0 pm, unless stated) GROUP A Forfar Ath v Stirling Albion.

Inverness CT v Falkirk.

GROUP B Dunfermline v Peterhead.

Hearts v East Fife.

GROUP C Dundee v Buckie Thistle.

GROUP D Arbroath v Montrose.

GROUP E Annan Athletic v Kilmarnock.

Clyde v Dumbarton.

GROUP F Motherwell v Greenock Morton.

Queen’s Park v Edinburgh City.

GROUP G East Kilbride v Albion Rovers.

Hamilton Acad v Queen of South.

GROUP H Livingston v Airdrieonians.

Partick Thistle v St Mirren (BT-1).

FRIENDLIES Arsenal v Chelsea (ITV, 12.40).

Barcelona v Juventus (11.0).

Barnet v Millwall.

Barnsley v Huddersfield Town.

Bayern Munich v AC Milan (11.0).

Benfica v Hull City (8.30).

Bradford City v Sunderland.

Brentford v Southampton.

Burnley v Alfreton Town.

UEFA WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP D England v Spain (C4, 7.45).

Scotland v Portugal (C4, 5.0).

BETFRED CUP GROUP C Dundee Utd v Cowdenbeath (3.0).

FRIENDLIES Brechin v Aberdeen (2.0).

Eibar v Leeds United (4.0).

Lokomotiv Leipzig v QPR (1.0).

North Carolina v Swansea (0.30).

Real Madrid v Man Utd (10.0). (at Levi’s Stadium) Tottenham Hotspur v PSG (1.0). (at Orland Citrus Bowl)

LOCAL FRIENDLIES

Cheltenham Ladies v B Lydeard Ladies.

Plym Arg Ladies v Bournemouth Ladies.

Plym Arg Res Ladies v B’mouth Res Ladies.

Torbay Police v Argyle Legends (12.0). (at Stoke Gabriel FC) JIM NEWMAN TROPHY Abindon Utd v North Leigh Utd. (at Clanfield FC; 2.0) Clanfield v Purton. (at Clanfield FC; 5.0)

@thesundayindy

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat)

25

sport@sundayindependent.co.uk www.sundayindependent.co.uk

★ pre-season MONDAY, JULY 24

Bath City v Exeter City (7.30).

Bitton v Welton Rovers (7.30).

Glastonbury Res v Meadow Rgrs.

Hamworthy Rec v Verwood Tn (6.30).

Saltash Utd v Elburton Villa.

NORTHERN IRELAND SUPERCUP

Plymouth Argyle v Co Tyrone.

FRY CLUB CUP SECOND ROUND

TBC.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

AEK Boco v Cadbury Heath (7.15).

Almondsbury v Hengrove Ath (7.30).

Barry Town v Newport County (7.30).

Bashley v Wimborne Town (7.45).

Bitton v Keynsham Town.

Bridgwater Tn v Middlezoy (tbc).

Brislington v Mangotsfield Utd (7.45).

Buckland Ath v Bideford (7.30).

Chard Town v Staplegrove (7.30).

Cinderford v Weston-s-Mare (7.45).

Corsham Tn v Melksham Tn (7.30).

Crediton Utd v Exwick Villa (7.30).

FC Emmen v Plymouth Argyle.

(Match cancelled) Frome Town v Paulton Rovers (7.30).

Hallen v Chippenham Town (7.30).

Hamworthy Utd v Christchurch.

Longwell Gr v C’penham Pk (7.30).

Lydney Town v Yate Town (7.30).

Malmesbury v Royal Wootton (7.45).

Millbrook v Mount Gould (6.45).

North Leigh v Cheltenham Tn. Odd Down v Larkhall Athletic.

Plym Parkway v Torquay (7.45).

Poole Town v Exeter City (7.30).

Porthleven v St Austell (7.30).

Portland Utd v Dorchester Tn (7.30).

Slimbridge v Gloucester City (7.45).

Street v Tiverton Town (7.30).

Taunton Tn v Weymouth FC (7.45).

Teignmouth v Ivybridge Yn (6.30).

Wadebridge v Callington (7.30).

Wells City v Bristol MF (7.45).

Wincanton Tn v Shepton Mal (7.30).

Yeovil Town v Bristol Rovers (7.45).

NORTHERN IRELAND SUPERCUP

Plymouth Arg v Chivas Guadalajara.

FRY CLUB CUP SECOND ROUND

TBC.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

Bath City v Bristol Rovers (7.45).

Bradford Tn v Shortwood Utd (7.45).

Cheddar v Yeovil Town XI (7.0).

Exmouth Tn v Wellington (7.45).

Glastonbury v Westfield (7.30).

Hutton v Uphill Castle (tbc).

Oldland A v New Col Swindon (7.30).

Purnells v Shepton Mallet Res (6.30).

JIM NEWMAN TROPHY Semi-Final. (at Clanfield; to be advised)

Brislington v Chippenham Pk. Bristol Rov v West Bromwich (3.0).

Brixham AFC v Exwick Villa (2.0).

Broad Plain v Ashton & Backwell R. Caldicot Town v Hallen (3.0).

Carteron Tn v Malmesbury Vic. Chard Town v Bridgwater Town (3.0).

Cheddar v Ely Rangers (3.0).

Cheltenham v Peterborough (3.0).

Clanfield v Slimbridge (3.0).

Clevedon Tn v Aberdare Town.

Coleford bv Shepton Mallet Res (3.0).

Corsham Tn v Wroughton (3.0).

Crediton Utd v Cronies (3.0).

Cribbs FC v Mangotsfield Utd (3.0).

Devizes Tn v Frome Town (3.0).

Dobwalls v Totnes & Dartington.

Dorchester Tn v Exeter City (3.0).

Eastleigh v Newport County (3.0).

Elburton v Plym Parkway (3.0).

Forest Green v Kidderminster (3.0).

Galmpton Utf v Ivybridge Tn (2.0).

Gloucester City v Derby County.

Hengrove Ath v Keynsham Tn (3.0).

Kidlington v North Leigh.

Lydney Town v Wellington (3.0).

Melksham Tn v C’penham Tn (3.0).

Millbrook v Callington (1.0).

Nailsea & Tick v Kirby Muxloe.

Newquay v Wareham Rangers (3.0).

Odd Down v Bristol City u-23.

Oldland Abbot v Frampton (3.0).

Pen-y-Bont v Clevedon Town.

Plym Parkway Res v St Blazey.

QPR v Bournemouth (3.0).

Roman Glass v Sea Mills.

Royal Wootton v Shortwood (3.0).

Salisbury v Weston-s-Mare (3.0).

Saltash Utd v Buckland Ath (3.0).

Shepton Mal v Radstock Town (3.0).

Street v Barnstaple Town (7.30).

Swanage Tn v Over Wallop (1.0).

Swindon S’marine v Babury (3.0).

Tiverton Town v Yeovil Town (3.0).

Totterdown v Ashton & Back (3.0).

Verwood Tn v Shaftesbury (7.45).

Weymouth FC v Poole Town (3.0).

Winscombe v Nailsea Utd. Yate Town v Bath City (3.0).

Yatton & Cleeve v Uphill Castle (1.0).

ANDY CULLIFORD TROPHY Wimborne Tn v Gosport Boro (3.0).

STAN BOWLES BENEFIT MATCH QPR v Bournemouth (3.0).

ALLIANCE SHIELD Westbury United v Trowbridge Tn.

SUNDAY, JULY 30 Bournemouth v Valencia (3.0).

Cardiff Ladies v Plymouth Arg Ladies.

Cheltenham Ladies v Cardiff D Ladies.

JIM NEWMAN TROPHY Final. (at Clanfield; to be advised)

CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA CHARITY VASE Sticker v Stoke Gabriel (12.0). (at Newton Abbot Spurs FC) CHARITY BOWL Tavistock v St Austell (3.0). (at Newton Abbot Spurs FC)

MONDAY, JULY 31

FRY CLUB CUP

Corinthian Cas v Bristol Rovers.

Cullompton v Barnstaple Tn (7.30).

Dorchester Tn v Bideford AFC (7.45).

Gloucester City v Hereford (7.45).

Saltash United v Millbrook (7.30).

Swindon S’marine v Forest Gr (7.30).

SECOND ROUND

FRY CLUB CUP

NORTHERN IRELAND SUPERCUP

Plymouth Argyle v NC Elite.

TBC.

SEMI-FINAL

THURSDAY, JULY 27

Ashton & Back v Nailsea Utd (6.30).

Bitton AFC v Patchway Tn (7.30).

Camelford v Liskeard (7.30).

Royal Wootton v Devizes Tn (7.30).

Salisbury v Weston-s-Mare (7.45).

JIM NEWMAN TROPHY Semi-Final. (at Clanfield; to be advised)

FRY CLUB CUP QUARTER-FINALS

TBC.

FRIDAY, JULY 28

Axminster Tn v Bridport FC (7.30).

Bideford v Bodmin Town (7.45).

Bristol Manor Fm v Tavistock (8.0).

Cardiff City v Portsmouth (7.0).

FC Twente v Plymouth Argyle (2.0).

Glastonbury v Timsbury (7.30).

Millbrook Res v Rame Pen (6.30).

Torquay Utd v Truro City (7.45).

Willand Rov v Taunton Town (7.30).

AEK Boco v Almondsbury (3.0).

Amesbury Tn v Weymouth (3.0).

Appledore v Bridgwater Tn (tbc).

Barnstaple v Street (2.0).

Bideford AFC v Bodmin Town (3.0).

Bitton AFC v Albion Rovers (3.0).

Bournemouth El v Winchester (2.0).

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 Bideford v Stoke Gabriel (7.45).

Camelford v Wadebridge (7.30).

Dorchester Tn v Evesham Utd (7.45).

Frome Town v Bristol MF (7.45).

Taunton Tn v Bristol City XI.

THROGMORTONS CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL TBC

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Banbury U v Mangotsfield U (3.0).

Barnstaple Tn v Tiverton Tn (3.0).

Brixham v Ivybridge Tn (3.0).

Chippenham Tn v Havant & Wat. Millbrook v Polperro (4.0).

Millbrook Res v Tavistock (1.0).

Newquay v Ilminster (12.0).

Paulton Rovers v Ton Pentre (3.0).

Salisbury FC v Basingstoke Tn (3.0).

Saltash Utd v Teignmouth (3.0).

Sidmouth Tn v Elburton Villa.

St Blazey v Plymstock Res. Stockwood v Ashton & Backwell R. Swanage Tn v Corfe Castle (2.0).

Undy Ath v Slimbridge (3.0).

Wells City v Cadbury H (tba).

Wimborne Tn v Weymouth FC (3.0).

Yatton & Cleeve v Draycott.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 Bournemouth v Napoli (7.30).

Charlestown Ladies v Plym Arg Ladies.

Cheltenham Ladies v Buckland Ladies.

Torquay Ladies v Alphington Ladies.

FRY CLUB CUP FINAL TBC.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7 Cullompton Rgs v Tiverton Town.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 Bovey Tracey v Taunton Town.

Caldicott Ladies v Cheltenham Ladies.

Camelford v St Blazey (7.30).

Swanage Tn v Dorchester Tn (7.45).

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 Yeovil Tn Ladies v Plym Arg Ladies.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 B Lydeard Ladies v Plym Arg Res Ladies.

Oxford D Ladies v Cheltenham Ladies.

Torquay Ladies v Callington Ladies.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 Cheltenham Ladies v Evesham Ladies.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 Torquay Ladies v Plym Arg Ladies.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 Torquay Ladies v Bideford Ladies.

Ashton & Back v Bristol MF (6.30).

Banwell v Nailsea & Tickenham.

Bideford v Stoke Gabriel (7.45).

Bishop Sutton v Shepton Mallet (7.30).

Bitton v Mangotsfield Utd (7.45).

Bridgwater Tn v Taunton Tn. Camelford v St Dennis (7.30).

Cheddar Res v Uphill Castle (7.30).

Chippingham Pk v Cadbury H (7.0).

Chippenham Tn v Swindon Tn. Havant & Wat v Swindon Town.

Paulton Rov v Frome Town (7.30).

St Austell v St Blazey (7.30).

Westfields v Slimbridge (7.45).

Worthing v Forest Green (7.30).

Yate Tn v Chipping Sodbury (7.30).

ALAN SPILLER MEMORIAL TROPHY Bitton AFC v Mangotsfield Utd (7.45).

FRY CLUB CUP SEMI-FINAL TBC.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

TBC.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Draycott v Bridgwater Sports.

Fry’s v Cadbury Heath (tba).

Middlezoy v Uphill Castle (6.45).

Millbrook v Windmill FC (6.45).

TBC.

FRY CLUB CUP QUARTER-FINALS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

Bovey Tracey v Elburton Villa.

Bristol MF v Thornbury Town (7.30).

Crediton Utd v Braunton (7.30).

Cribbs FC v Bristol Rovers (tba).

Exmouth Town v Alphington (7.45).

Hamworthy v Wimborne Town (6.30).

Newquay v Illogan (3.0).

Tavistock AFC v Tiverton Tn (7.30).

Verwood v Swanage Town (7.30).

Yeovil Town v Bournemouth (7.45).

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 Torquay Ladies v Port Talbot Ladies.

★ TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 SYDENHAMS WESSEX (7.45 pm, unless stated) PREMIER AFC Portchester v Alresford Tn. Andover Tn v Bemerton Heath.

Blackfield & Lang v Amesbury Tn. Bournemouth v Brockenhurst.

Cowes Sports v Sholing.

Fareham Town v Horndean.

Hamble Club v Newport (IoW).

Hamworthy Utd v Lymington Tn. Petersfield Tn v Baffins Milton.

Portland United v Team Solent.

Shaftesbury v Bashley.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Nottingham Forest v Millwall.

Sunderland v Derby County (7.45).

SYDENHAMS WESSEX (7.45 pm, unless stated) DIVISION ONE Christchurch v Weymouth.

Fawley v Totton & Eling.

Folland Sports v Downton.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (3.0 pm, unless stated) SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Aston Villa v Hull City (5.30).

Bristol City v Barnsley.

Burton Albion v Cardiff City.

Fulham v Norwich City.

Ipswich Tn v Birmingham City.

Preston NE v Sheffield Wednesday.

QPR v Reading.

Sheffield United v Brentford.

Wolverhampton v Middlesbrough.

SKY BET ONE Bradford City v Blackpool.

Bury v Walsall.

Charlton Athletic v Bristol Rovers.

Doncaster Rovers v Gillingham.

Fleetwood Tn v Rotherham Utd. Milton Keynes Dons v Wigan Ath. Oldham Athletic v Oxford United.

Peterborough Utd v Plym Argyle.

Portsmouth v Rochdale.

Scunthorpe Utd v AFC Wimbledon.

Shrewsbury Tn v Northampton Tn. Southend Utd v Blackburn Rov. SKY BET TWO Accrington Stan v Colchester Utd. Carlisle Utd v Swindon Town.

Chesterfield v Grimsby Town.

Coventry City v Notts County.

Crawley Town v Port Vale.

Crewe Alexandra v Mansfield Tn. Exeter City v Cambridge Utd. Forest Green Rovers v Barnet.

Luton Town v Yeovil Town.

Morecambe v Cheltenham Town.

Stevenage v Newport County.

Wycombe Wds v Lincoln City.

VANARAMA NATIONAL (3.0 pm, unless stated) NATIONAL AFC Fylde v Boreham Wood.

Bromley v Eastleigh.

Dagenham & Red v Barrow.

FC Halifax Town v Aldershot Town.

Guiseley v Ebbsfleet United.

Hartlepool Utd v Dover Athletic.

Maidstone Utd v Maidenhead Utd. Solihull Moors v Chester.

Sutton Utd v Leyton Orient (12.30).

Torquay Utd v Tranmere Rov. Woking v Gateshead.

Wrexham v Macclesfield Town.

SOUTH Bognor Regis Tn v Bath City.

Chelmsford City v Gloucester City.

Chippenham v Havant & Water.

Dartford v Hungerford Town FC. East Thurrock v Hampton & Rich.

Eastbourne Boro v Braintree Tn. Hemel Hempstead v Whitehawk.

Oxford City v St Albans City.

Truro City v Welling United.

Wealdstone v Concord Rangers.

Weston-s-Mare v Poole Town.

NORTH Alfreton Tn v Blyth Spartans.

Brackley Tn v FC Utd of Man. Curzon Ashton v North Ferriby.

Gainsborough v Leamington.

Harrogate Tn v Nuneaton Tn. Kidderminster v Chorley.

Salford City v Darlington.

Southport v Boston United.

Spennymoor Tn v Stockport.

Tamworth v Bradford Pk Ave. York City v AFC Telford Utd.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (3.0 pm, unless stated) LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP Aberdeen v Hamilton Academical.

Celtic v Heart of Midlothian (12.30).

Dundee v Ross County.

Hibernian v Partick Thistle.

Kilmarnock v St Johnstone.

Motherwell v Rangers.

LADBROKES CHAMPIONSHIP Dumbarton v Greenock Morton.

Inverness v Dundee United.

Livingston v Dunfermline Athletic.

Queen of the South v Brechin City.

St Mirren v Falkirk.

LADBROKES LEAGUE ONE Albion Rovers v Ayr United.

Alloa Athletic v Raith Rovers.

Arbroath v Queen’s Park.

Forfar Athletic v Airdrieonians.

Stranraer v East Fife.

LADBROKES LEAGUE TWO Annan Athletic v Peterhead.

Berwick Rangers v Clyde.

Edinburgh City v Montrose.

Elgin City v Cowdenbeath.

Stenhousemuir v Stirling Albion.

Bridgwater Town v Keynsham Town.

Brimscombe & Thrupp v Sun Sports.

Brislington v Sherborne Town.

Buckland Athletic v Bodmin Town.

Cadbury Heath v Longwell Green.

Cheddar v Willand Rovers.

Chipping Sodbury v Brackley Tn Sts. Clevedon Town v Bitton.

Fairford Town v Longlevens.

Flackwell Heath v Burnham.

Hamworthy Utd v Bemerton H’th Har. Highmoor-Ibis v Buckingham Tn. Horndean v Melksham Town.

Lydney Town v Wantage Town.

Plymouth Parkway v Portland United.

Ringwood Town v Ascot United.

Royal Wootton Bas v Crawley Green.

Shaftesbury v Exmouth Town.

Shepton Mallet v Tavistock.

Street v Hallen.

Thatcham Tn v Petersfield Tn. Wellington v Hengrove Athletic.

Wells City v Cribbs.

Whitchurch Utd v Laverstock & Ford.

Windsor FC v Wembley FC. Woodley United v Tuffley Rovers.

SYDENHAMS WESSEX (3.0 pm, unless stated) PREMIER Baffins Milton v Hamble Club.

DIVISION ONE AFC Stoneham v Verwood Town.

Andover New Street v Alton.

East Cowes Vic v New Milton Tn. Ringwood Town v Laverstock & F. Romsey Town v Hythe & Dibden.

Tadley Calleva v Utd Serv Ports.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 FA COMMUNITY SHIELD Arsenal v Chelsea (2.0). (at Wembley Stadium)

ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Bolton Wand v Leeds United (4.30).

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP Motherwell v Rangers (1.30).

THE EMIRATES FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND (Selected Ties) Highworth Town v London Colney.

Ebbsfleet Utd v Maidstone Utd. Gateshead v Guiseley.

Leyton Orient v Solihull Moors.

Macclesford Tn v Hartlepool Utd. Maidenhead Utd v Wrexham.

Tranmere Rovers v Woking.

SOUTH Bath City v Chippenham Town.

Braintree Town v Dartford.

Concord Rgs v Hemel Hempstead.

Hampton & Rich v Oxford City.

Havant & Water v Eastbourne Boro.

Poole Town v Bognor Regis Tn. St Albans City v Wealdstone.

Welling Utd v Chelmsford City.

Whitehawk v East Thurrock Utd. NORTH AFC Telford Utd v Brackley Tn. Blyth Spartans v York City.

Boston Utd v Alfreton Tn. Chorley v Salford City.

FC Utd of Man v Spennymoor Tn. Leamington v Tamworth.

North Ferriby Utd v Harrogate Tn. Nuneaton Tn v Kidderminster.

Stockport County v Curzon Ashton.

SYDENHAMS WESSEX (7.45 pm, unless stated) PREMIER Amesbury Town v Brockenhurst.

Bashley v Hamworthy United.

Bemerton Heath v Blackfield & L. Fareham Town v Petersfield Town.

Hamble Club v Bournemouth.

Horndean v AFC Portchester.

Newport (IoW) v Lymington Town.

Portland United v Shaftesbury.

Sholing v Baffins Milton Rovers.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 CARABAO CUP (7.45 pm, unless stated) FIRST ROUND SOUTH Colchester Utd v Aston Villa.

NORTH Crewe Alexandra v Bolton Wdrs.

Leeds United v Port Vale.

Oldham Athetic v Burton Albion.

Sheffield United v Walsall.

VANARAMA NATIONAL NORTH Darlington v Gainsborough Trin (7.45).

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 CARABAO CUP

MONDAY, AUGUST 7 VANARAMA NATIONAL (7.45 pm, unless stated) SOUTH Gloucester City v Truro City.

Hungerford Tn v Weston-s-Mare.

NORTH Bradford Pk Avenue v Southport.

FIRST ROUND NORTH Bury v Sunderland (7.45).

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 SCOTTISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP Partick Thistle v Celtic (7.45).

SYDENHAMS WESSEX

CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA

PREMIER Team Solent v Cowes Sports (7.45).

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

PREMIER Ivybridge Town v Plym Argyle (7.30).

DIVISION ONE (EAST) Axminster Tn v Galmpton Utd (7.30).

CARABAO CUP

SYDENHAMS WESSEX

(7.45 pm, unless stated) FIRST ROUND SOUTH AFC Wimbledon v Brentford.

Birmingham City v Crawley Town.

Bristol City v Plymouth Argyle.

Bristol Rovers v Cambridge United.

Cardiff City v Portsmouth.

Exeter City v Charlton Athletic.

Forest Green Rovers v MK Dons.

Luton Town v Ipswich Town.

Millwall v Stevenage.

Newport County v Southend United.

(To be played at Roots Hall) Norwich City v Swindon Town.

Oxford United v Cheltenham Town.

Peterborough United v Barnet.

QPR v Northampton Town.

Reading v Gillingham (8.0).

Wolverhampton Wdrs v Yeovil Town.

Wycombe Wanderers v Fulham.

NORTH Accrington Stanley v Preston NE. Barnsley v Morecambe.

Bradford City v Doncaster Rovers.

Coventry City v Blackburn Rovers.

Fleetwood Tn v Carlisle Utd. Grimsby Tn v Derby County.

Mansfield Town v Rochdale.

Nottingham Forest v Shrewsbury.

Rotherham Utd v Lincoln City.

Scunthorpe v Notts County.

Sheffield Wednesday v Chesterfield.

Wigan Ath v Blackpool.

THE EMIRATES FA CUP

VANARAMA NATIONAL

EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND (Selected Ties) AFC St Austell v Bridport.

Amesbury Town v E’sley & California.

Badshot Lea v Verwood Town.

Binfield v Chichester City.

Bracknell Tn v Cowes Sports.

Bradford Town v Odd Down.

(7.45 pm, unless stated) NATIONAL Aldershot Tn v Torquay Utd. Barrow v FC Halifax Town.

Boreham Wood v Dagenham & Red. Chester v AFC Fylde.

Dover Athletic v Bromley.

Eastleigh v Sutton United.

DIVISION ONE Fawley v Andover New Street (7.45).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 PREMIER LEAGUE (3.0 pm, unless stated) Arsenal v Leicester City.

Brighton & H v Manchester City.

Chelsea v Burnley.

Crystal Palace v Huddersfield Tn. Everton v Stoke City.

Manchester Utd v West Ham Utd. Newcastle Utd v Tottenham.

Southampton v Swansea City.

Watford v Liverpool.

West Bromwich v Bournemouth.

ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (3.0 pm, unless stated) SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Barnsley v Ipswich Town.

Birmingham City v Bristol City.

Brentford v Nottingham Forest.

Cardiff City v Aston Villa.

Derby County v Wolvehampton.

Hull City v Burton Albion.

Leeds United v Preston NE. Middlesbrough v Sheffield Utd (5.30).

Millwall v Bolton Wanderers.

Reading v Fulham.

Sheffield Wednesday v QPR. SKY BET ONE AFC Wimbledon v Shrewsbury Tn. Blackburn Rov v Doncaster Rov. Blackpool v Milton Keynes Dons.

Bristol Rov v Peterborough Utd. Gillingham v Bradford City.

Northampton Tn v Fleetwood Tn. Oxford United v Portsmouth.

Plym Argyle v Charlton Athletic.

Rochdale v Scunthrope Utd. Rotherham Utd v Southend Utd. Walsall v Oldham Athletic.

Wigan Athletic v Bury.

SKY BET TWO Barnet v Luton Town.

Cambridge Utd v Carlisle Utd. Cheltenham Tn v Crawley Town.

Colchester Utd v Stevenage.

Crewe Alexandra v Newport Co. Grimsby Town v Coventry City.

Lincoln City v Morecambe.

Mansfield Town v Forest Green Rov. Notts County v Chesterfield.

Port Vale v Wycombe Wds. Swindon Town v Exeter City.

Yeovil Town v Accrington Stanley.

VANARAMA NATIONAL (3.0 pm, unless stated) NATIONAL Aldershot Town v Guiseley.

Barrow v Woking.

Boreham Wood v Solihull Moors.

Chester v FC Halifax Town.

Dover Athletic v Wrexham.

Eastleigh v Dagenham & Red. Ebbsfleet United v AFC Fylde.

Gateshead v Torquay United.

Leyton Orient v Maidstone Utd. Macclesfield Town v Bromley.

Maidenhead Utd v Hartlepool Utd. Tranmere Rov v Sutton Utd. SOUTH Bath City v Chelmsford City.

Braintree Tn v Chippenham Tn. Concord Rgs v Truro City.

Gloucester City v Wealdstone.

Hampton & Rich v Eastbourne Boro.

Havant & Waterlooville v Dartford.

Hungerford Tn v Hemel Hempstead.

Poole Town v East Thurrock Utd. St Albans City v Weston-s-Mare.

Welling Utd v Bognor Regis Tn. Whitehawk v Oxford City.

NORTH AFC Telford Utd v Salford City.

Blyth Spartans v Tamworth.

Boston Utd v Spennymoore Tn. Bradford Pk Avenue v York City.

Chorley v Curzon Ashton.

Darlington v Alfreton Town.

FC Utd of Man v Kidderminster.

Leamington v Southport.

North Ferriby Utd v Brackley Tn. Nuneaton Tn v Gainsborough.

Stockport County v Harrogate Tn.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (3.0 pm, unless stated) LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP Hamilton Academical v Dundee.

Kilmarnock v Heart of Midlothian.

Partick Thistle v Celtic.

Rangers v Hibernian.

Ross County v Aberdeen.

St Johnstone v Motherwell.

LADBROKES CHAMPIONSHIP Brechin City v Livingston.

Dundee Utd v Queen of the South.

Dunfermline Ath v Inverness.

Falkirk v Dumbarton.

Greenock Morton v St Mirren.

LADBROKES LEAGUE ONE Airdrieonians v Arbroath.

Ayr United v Forfar Athletic.

East Fife v Alloa Athletic.

Queen’s Park v Albion Rovers.

Raith Rovers v Stranraer.

LADBROKES LEAGUE TWO Clyde v Annan Athletic.

Cowdenbeath v Edinburgh City.

Montrose v Stenhousemuir.

Peterhead v Elgin City.

Stirling Albion v Berwick Rangers.

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTHERN PREMIER Banbury United v Dorchester Town.

Basingstoke Town v Frome Town.

Biggleswade Tn v Chesham United.

King’s Lynn Tn v Gosport Borough.

Kings Langley v Hereford.

Merthyr Town v Hitchin Town.

Redditch United v Dunstable Town.

Royston Town v Stratford Town.

Slough Town v Kettering Town.

St Neots Town v Farnborough.

Tiverton Town v Bishop’s Stortford.

Weymouth v St Ives Town.

DIVISION ONE (SOUTH & WEST) AFC Totton v Barnstaple Town.

Bideford v Didcot Town.

Cinderford Tn v Swindon S’marine.

Cirencester v Taunton Town.

Kidlington v Yate Town.

Larkhall Athletic v Evesham United.

Mangotsfield United v Salisbury.

North Leigh v Bristol Manor Farm.

Paulton Rovers v Slimbridge.

Shortwood Utd v Winchester City.

Wimborne Town v Bishops Cleeve .

CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA (3.0 pm, unless stated) PREMIER Bodmin Tn v Torpoint Athletic.

Callington Tn v Cullompton Rgs. Exmouth Town v Sticker.

Falmouth Town v Tavistock.

Launceston v Plym Parkway.

Saltash Utd v Witheridge.

St Austell v Stoke Gabriel.

DIVISION ONE (EAST) Appledore v Uni of Exeter.

Brixham v Totnes & Dart.

Budleigh Salt v N Abbot Spurs.

Ilfracombe Tn v St Martins.

Liverton Utd v Crediton Utd. Sidmouth Tn v Torridgeside.

Teignmouth v Alphington.

DIVISION ONE (WEST) Bude Town v Dobwalls.

Elburton Villa v Illogan.

Millbrook v Ludgvan.

Penzance v Plymstock Utd. Porthleven v St Blazey.

St Dennis v Mousehole.

Wadebridge Tn v Wendron Utd.

SWAZ TEAMWEAR PLYMOUTH AND WEST DEVON Resumes.

MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER Resumes.

LWC DRINKS COMBINATION Resumes.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Norwich City v Sunderland (1.30).

SKY BET ONE Wigan Athletic v Bury (3.0).

MONDAY, AUGUST 14 CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA DIVISION ONE (EAST) Uni of Exeter v Sidmouth Tn (6.30).

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (7.45 pm, unless stated) SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Barnsley v Nottingham Forest.

Birmingham City v Bolton Wds. Brentford v Bristol City.

Cardiff City v Sheffield United.

Derby County v Preston NE. Hull City v Wolverhampton Wds. Leeds United v Fulham.

Middlesbrough v Burton Albion.

Millwall v Ipswich Town.

Norwich City v QPR. Reading v Aston Villa (8.0).

Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland.

CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA (7.30 pm, unless stated) PREMIER Cullompton v Plym Parkway.

Newquay v Helston Athletic.

Torpoint Athletic v St Austell.

DIVISION ONE (EAST) Bovey Tracey v Galmpton Utd. Crediton Utd v Honiton Tn. Liverton Utd v Brixham (6.30).

N Abbot Spurs v Alphington.

St Martins v Teignmouth (6.30).

Torridgeside v Ilfracombe Tn (6.30).

DIVISION ONE (WEST) Dobwalls v Millbrook (6.30).

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA (7.30 pm, unless stated) PREMIER Bodmin Town v Ivybridge Tn. Camelford v Launceston.

Exmouth Tn v Saltash Utd (7.45).

Godolphin Atl v Falmouth Tn. Stoke Gabriel v Plym Argyle (6.30).

Tavistock v Witheridge.

DIVISION ONE (WEST) Illogan v Wendron Utd (6.30).

Holsworthy v Plymstock Utd. Liskeard Ath v St Blazey.

Penzance v Ludgvan (6.30).

Porthleven v Mousehole.

St Dennis v Wadebridge Tn (6.30).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 MACRON DEVON AND EXETER LEAGUE Resumes.

WHIRLWIND SPORTS TRELAWNY LEAGUE Resumes.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 FA WOMEN’S PREMIER Resumes.

l Continues on page 26

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New report suggests that Premier clubs face bankruptcy PREMIER League clubs are hurtling towards bankruptcy due to chronic overspending, according to a new report by financial analysts Vysyble.

The document also claims that the long-term implications of those losses could SOCCER SHORTS be a breakaway by the League’s biggest clubs

by Matt Slater and the creation of a European Super League.

Titled ‘We’re so Rich it’s Unbelievable’, the document is based on the accounts of all Premier League clubs between 2008-09 and 2015-16, the last season for which data is available.

Based on the principle of ‘economic profit’ – the difference between revenue and costs, including the so-called ‘opportunity of cost’ of not doing something else with your money – the report claims Premier League clubs lost £2-billion in eight years.

One of the report’s co-authors, Roger Bell, said: ‘Financially, football is failing. Britain’s biggest football clubs are spending much, much more than they are making.

‘The Premier League, and its executive chairman Richard Scudamore, should be very worried.

‘Our analysis shows clubs are losing a record £876,700 every single day. Despite tv bringing in huge amounts of cash every year, it does not meet the many millions spent on players’ wages.

‘Clubs needs to face reality about their dire financial situation before they can’t afford to pay the bills and some go to the wall.’

This stark warning runs counter to most recent analyses of the Premier League’s financial health, with many experts pointing to restrictions on excessive spending introduced after Portsmouth’s collapse in 2012 and the gravity-defying rise in broadcast revenues.

But Vysyble’s John Purcell told me that he and Bell disagree with the view that football clubs are better run now than they were a decade ago.

‘Most of them are spending a lot more than they’re taking in,’ said Purcell.

‘Across the League, clubs are losing £8.80 for every £100 they bring in, and that’s based on 2015-16. I suspect it will be more like £12 or £13 now. The game is facing massive financial and structural risk.’

Purcell said that only five clubs made an economic profit in 2015-16, the worst performance since 2012-13, with Chelsea and Manchester City accounting for more than half of the League’s total losses over the report’s eight-year period.

The report’s findings, however, will raise eyebrows among many fans, as it ranks relegated Norwich City ahead of champions Leicester City in its ‘Profitability Index’ for 2015-16 and notes that Blackpool managed five straight years in profit as they plummeted down the league pyramid.

The report does, though, commend Burnley for their sustainable approach; points out that Leicester managed the rare feat of making a profit while winning the League, and says that Spurs are the most profitable club since 2008.

The real crunch for the Premier League, according to Bell and Purcell, will come when the 70 per cent three-yearly increases in domestic tv rights dry up.

Said Purcell: ‘We’re getting to the point where the cycle of ever bigger domestic tv deals is unsustainable.

‘I think we’ve had seven renewals since 1991 and they work to a formula – if we follow the trend, the next deal will have to clear £8-billion.

‘I don’t think there is any way BT orSky can commit to that kind of money.

‘Okay, you can put on more live games, and we’ve seen that trend already, but ultimately it dilutes the product.

‘I suspect we are heading towards a European Super League where the new breed of owners, many of them from North America, can organise the type of League they know and understand: fixed squads, salary caps, big tv events.

‘That is when I think the likes of Amazon, Google and Facebook would get interested in football rights.’

Bell added: ‘The EPL was formed to gain increased monies from broadcasting. There is nothing to stop the top six or seven clubs breaking away and joining forces with other top clubs from Italy, Spain, Germany etc, forming a European Super League and negotiating a Europe-wide or even global tv deal for many, many billions of pounds.’

The Premier League has yet to comment on the survey.

@thesundayindy

l Continued from page 25 SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER FRED BINKS PREMIER DIVISION CUP FIRST ROUND St Stephens Boro v Liskeard Ath.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29 CHECKATRADE TROPHY (7.45 pm, unless stated) NORTHERN GROUP A Fleetwood Tn v Leicester City.

Morecambe v Carlisle United.

NORTHERN GROUP B Accrington Stan v Middlesbrough.

Blackpool v Wigan Athletic.

NORTHERN GROUP C Blackburn Rov v Stoke City.

Bury v Rochdale.

NORTHERN GROUP D Crewe Alexandra v Newcastle Utd. Oldham Athletic v Port Vale.

NORTHERN GROUP E Coventry City v Shrewsbury Tn. Walsall v West Bromwich Alb. NORTHERN GROUP F Chesterfield v Bradford City.

Rotherham Utd v Manchester City.

NORTHERN GROUP G Mansfield Tn v Lincoln City.

Notts County v Everton.

NORTHERN GROUP H Grimsby Town v Doncaster Rov. Scunthorpe Utd v Sunderland.

SOUTHERN GROUP A Crawley Tn v Charlton Ath. Portsmouth v Fulham.

SOUTHERN GROUP B Colchester United v Reading.

Gillingham v Southend United.

SOUTHERN GROUP C Swindon Town v West Ham Utd. Wycombe Wds v Bristol Rovers.

SOUTHERN GROUP D Exeter City v Yeovil Town.

Plymouth Argyle v Chelsea.

SOUTHERN GROUP E Cheltenham Tn v Swansea City.

Forest Green v Newport Co. SOUTHERN GROUP F Barnet v AFC Wimbledon.

Luton Town v Tottenham.

SOUTHERN GROUP G Milton KD v Brighton & HA. Stevenage v Oxford United.

SOUTHERN GROUP H Northampton Tn v Cambridge Utd. Peterborough Utd v Southampton.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30 BRISTOL DOWNS BBC CHARITY CUP Sneyd Park v Old Elizabethans.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 BRISTOL PREMIER COMBINATION Resumes.

MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER SWAZ TEAMWEAR LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Bude Town v Padstow United.

Lanreath v Tavistock.

Mevagissey v St Blazey.

Millbrook v Roche.

St Stephens Boro’ v Looe Town.

St Minver v Nanpean Rovers.

Torpoint Athletic v St Austell.

Vospers OV v Plymouth Parkway.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Q CORNWALL VETERANS LEAGUE Resumes.

KERNOW YOUTH LEAGUE Resumes.

FA WOMEN’S PREMIER DETERMINING ROUND Cheltenham Town v Old Actonians.

Crystal Palace v Brislington.

Enfield v Keynsham Town.

Larkhall Athletic v Ipswich Town.

St Nicholas v Cambridge United.

Swindon Town v Charlton Athletic.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 THE BUILDBASE FA VASE FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING AFC Aldermaston v Romsey Tn. AFC St Austell v Bishops Lydeard.

Abingdon Utd v Highmoor-Ibis.

Almondsbury UWE v Clevedon Utd. Ardley United v Longlevens.

Ascot United v Farnham Town.

Ashton & Backwell v Godolphin Atl. Axminster Town v Crediton United.

Bitton v Brislington.

Bovey Tracey v Keynsham Town.

◆

Bridport v Wincanton Town.

Cadbury Heath v St Blazey.

Camelford v Helston Athletic.

Cheddar v Radstock Town.

Clanfield 85’ v Holmer Green.

Cove v Westbury United.

Crawley Green v Tuffley Rovers.

Cullompton Rgrs v Torpoint Athletic.

East Cowes Victoria v Calne Town.

Hadley v Milton United.

Hamworthy United v AFC Stoneham.

Highworth Town v Easington Sports.

Laverstock & Ford v Fawley.

Leighton Tn v Brimscombe & Thrupp.

Lydney Town v Winslow United.

Malmesbury Vic v Chipping Sodbury.

New College Swindon v Ampthill Tn. Oxford City N’mads v Woodley Utd. Petersfield Town v Corsham Town.

Pewsey Vale v Chippenham Park.

Plymouth Parkway v Sherborne Tn. Roman Glass SG v Elburton Villa.

Royal Wootton Bassett v Fairford Tn. Shaftesbury v Brockenhurst.

Swanage Tn & Herston v Ash United.

Tavistock v Hallen.

US Portsmouth v Verwood Town.

Warminster Town v Folland Sports.

Wellington v Wells City.

Welton Rovers v Willand Rovers.

Welwyn Garden City v Brackley Tn. Windsor v Devizes Town.

Witheridge v Cribbs.

BRISTOL DOWNS Resumes.

MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER SWAZ TEAMWEAR LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Morwenstow v Plymstock Utd. St Teath v Launceston ROY RADFORD DIVISION ONE CUP FIRST ROUND Lanreath v Lakeside Athletic.

Roche v St Minver.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 SYDENHAMS WESSEX LEAGUE CUP SECOND ROUND Team Solent v Baffins Milton Rov.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SYDENHAMS WESSEX LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Blackfield & Lan v Hythe & Dib. Bournemouth v AFC Portchester.

Downton v Ringwood Town.

Portland Utd v Amesbury Tn. Shaftesbury v Whitchurch Utd. SECOND ROUND Bemerton Heath v Hamble Club.

Fareham Tn v AFC Stoneham.

Horndean v Brockenhurst.

Newport (IoW) v Tadley Calleva.

Petersfield Tn v Andover Tn. Utd Serv Portsmouth v Alton.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 SYDENHAMS WESSEX LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Alresford Town v Christchurch.

East Cowes Vic v Fawley.

New Milton Tn v Laverstock & Ford.

SECOND ROUND Andover NS v Folland Sports.

Weymouth v Hamworthy Utd.

MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER SWAZ TEAMWEAR LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Liskeard Ath v Callington Tn. Saltash Utd v Elburton Villa.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA WALTER C PARSON LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Falmouth Town v Helston Athletic.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA WALTER C PARSON LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Alphington v Axminster Town.

Appledore v University of Exeter.

Bude Town v Teignmouth.

Callington Town v Torpoint Athletic.

Dobwalls v Newton Abbot Spurs.

Galmpton United v Liskeard Athletic.

Godolphin Atl v Wadebridge Town.

Holsworthy v St Martins.

Ilfracombe Town v Budleigh Salt.

Ivybridge Town v Bovey Tracey.

Launceston v Brixham.

Liverton United v Elburton Villa.

Ludgvan v Mousehole.

Penzance v St Blazey.

Plymstock United v Plymouth Marjon.

Sidmouth Town v Crediton United.

St Dennis v Newquay.

Sticker v Porthleven.

Stoke Gabriel v Witheridge.

MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER SWAZ TEAMWEAR LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Wadebridge Tn v Lakeside Ath. ROY RADFORD DIVISION ONE CUP FIRST ROUND Bude Town v Elburton Villa.

Millbrook v Nanpean Rovers.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 LWC DRINKS COMBINATION COMBINATION LEAGUE CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND Perranwell v West Cornwall.

RNAS Culdrose v Hayle.

St Agnes v St Just.

St Ives v Goonhavern.

FA WOMEN’S SUPERLEAGUE Resumes.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 DEVON COUNTY FA ST LUKE’S CHALLENGE CUP FIRST ROUND Witheridge v Plymouth P’way (7.30).

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 DEVON COUNTY FA ST LUKE’S CHALLENGE CUP FIRST ROUND Barnstaple Tn v Plymouth Argyle.

Bideford v Stoke Gabriel.

Cullompton Rgs v Torquay Utd. Tavistock v Exeter City.

Tiverton Town v Buckland Ath. Willand Rovers v Ivybridge Tn.

MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER FRED BINKS PREMIER DIVISION CUP FIRST ROUND St Austell v Plym Parkway.

SWAZ TEAMWEAR LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND Newquay v Bere Alston Utd.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 THE BUILDBASE FA TROPHY PRELIMINARY ROUND (Selected Ties) Bishop’s Cleeve v Larkhall Athletic.

Bristol Manor Farm v Cinderford Tn. Evesham United v Cirencester Town.

Fleet Town v Yate Town.

Mangotsfield United v Thame United.

Moneyfields v Bideford.

North Leigh v Wimborne Town.

Salisbury v Paulton Rovers.

Shortwood United v Didcot Town.

Slimbridge v Hartley Wintney.

Swindon S’marine v Barnstaple Tn. Taunton Town v AFC Totton.

UHLSPORT HELLENIC (3.0 pm, unless stated) BLUEFIN SPORT CHALLENGE CUP FIRST ROUND Binfield v Woodley United.

Burnham v Thame Rangers.

Chalfont Wasps v Oxford City.

Chalvey Sports v Headington.

Cheltenham Sar v Woodstock Tn. Cirencester Tn v Bishops Cleeve.

Clanfield 85’ v Royal Wootton B. Didcot Tn v Wokingham & E. Easington Sports v Newent Tn. Fairford Town v Kidlington.

Henley Town v AFC Aldermaston.

Highmoor-Ibis v Wantage Town.

Highworth Tn v Tytherington.

Holyport v Chinnor.

Letcombe v Borton Rovers.

London Rgs v Abingdon Utd. Longlevens v Tuffley Rovers.

Lydney Tn v Faringdon Town.

Milton Utd v Long Crendon.

New Col Swindon v Moreton Rgs. North Leigh v Ardley United.

Penn & Tylers v Abindon Tn. Pewsey Vale v Carterton.

Sandhurst Tn v Bicester Town.

Shortwood Utd v Brimscombe & T. Shrivenham v Brackley Town.

Wallingford Tn v Ascot United.

Virginia Water v Aston Clinton.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Toolstation XI v FA XI.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER FRED BINKS PREMIER DIVISION CUP FIRST ROUND Bere Alston Utd v Vospers Oak Villa.

Pensilva v Polperro.

Plymstock Utd v Looe Town.

WHIRLWIND SPORTS TRELAWNY LEAGUE ARTHUR PEARCE CUP FIRST ROUND Frogpool & Cus v Lizard Argyle.

JUBILEE CUP FIRST ROUND Hayle v Madron.

Lizard Argyle v Wendron United.

Penzance v Troon AFC. Mousehole v Constantine.

Stithians v Probus.

PERCY STEPHENS CUP FIRST ROUND Camborne SoM v West Cornwall.

Carharrack v Penwith.

Chacewater v Troon AFC. Constantine v Newlyn N-Athletico.

Falmouth DC v Mullion.

Falmouth Tn v RNAS Culdrose.

Gwinear Churchtown v Illogan RBL. Halsetown v Marazion Blues.

Holman SC v Perranporth.

Lanner v Four Lanes.

Lizard Argyle v St Erme.

Ludgvan v Madron.

Penryn Athletic v Newlyn Lions.

Penzance v Stithians.

Praze-an-Bebble v Mawnan.

Probus v St Day. St Buryan v St Just.

St Keverne v St Ives Mariners.

Storm v Perranwell.

Wendron United v Mabe.

RUSSELL HALL CUP FIRST ROUND Rosudgeon v Carharrack.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER ROY RADFORD DIVISION ONE CUP FIRST ROUND Morwenstow v St Teath.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER FRED BINKS PREMIER DIVISION CUP FIRST ROUND Callington Tn v St Blazey FC. ROY RADFORD DIVISION ONE CUP FIRST ROUND Mevagissey v Newquay.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 MORTGAGE ADVICE BUREAU EAST CORNWALL PREMIER FRED BINKS PREMIER DIVISION CUP FIRST ROUND Launceston v Saltash United.

Tavistock v Torpoint Athletic.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA DIVISION ONE (EAST) ‘GROUND HOP’ 2018 Newton Abb Spurs v Teignmouth.

(Recreation Ground; 7.30)

GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 30 CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA DIVISION ONE (EAST) ‘GROUND HOP’ 2018 Axminster Tn v Crediton U7d (7.0).

Honiton Tn v Ilfracombe Tn (3.00.

Sidmouth Tn v Budleigh Salt (11.0).

EASTER SATURDAY, MARCH 31 CARLSBERG SOUTH WEST PENINSULA DIVISION ONE (EAST) ‘GROUND HOP’ 2018 Brixham v Galmpton Utd (3.0).

St Martins v Alphington (11.0).

DIVISION ONE (WEST) ‘GROUND HOP’ 2018 Plymouth Marjon v Millbrook (7.0).

TOOLSTATION WESTERN LEAGUE LES PHILLIPS CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND (Dates to be determined) Cadbury Heath v Bishop Sutton.

Hengrove Athletic v Almondsbury.

RG St George v Chard Town.

Bridport v Keynsham Town.

Hallen v Radstock Town.

Calne Town v Bradford Town.

Chippenham Park v Longwell Green.

Malmesbury Vic v Bishops Lydeard.

Bitton v Welton Rovers.

Clevedon Town v Wincanton Town.

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◆

Hostile crowd get behind McGregor for Wembley date CONOR McGregor bragged that he won every round of his promotional tour alongside Floyd Mayweather but the UFC superstar was once again forced to defend himself against allegations of racism.

The claims levelled MARTIAL ARTS against McGregor first arose during the

by Chris Gray opening two legs of the four-date journey through North America and Europe to generate publicity for their Saturday, August 26, clash when he told Mayweather ‘dance for me, boy’ – a phrase that has racial overtones.

And in trying to diffuse the situation in New York, the UFC lightweight champion only inflamed it by stating ‘I’m half-black from the bellybutton down,’ before appearing to refer to black people as ‘dancing monkeys’ when discussing the film Rocky III on a chat show.

Before the two faced each other for a verbal tussle in the ring in front of a 10,000 crowd at SSE Arena, Wembley, undefeated former five-weight world champion Mayweather rounded on his rival.

‘Racism still exists. It’s all about treating people like you want to be treated. To get respect you must give respect,’ said Mayweather.

‘He totally disrespected black women. He called black people monkeys. Then he spoke disrespectfully to my mother and he spoke disrespectfully to my daughter.

‘There are certain levels you don’t stoop to and certain levels you just don’t go to.’

Irishman McGregor, who has predicted he will win inside four rounds despite never having previously boxed as a professional or amateur, rubbished the suggestion that he is a racist.

‘You can be fooled by him if you want to be fooled by him. You know the man’s character and his history. He’s trying to sway people in his favour and it’s a cheap move,’ McGregor said.

‘I was trying to address something in my own little way but whatever, if he feels it’s disrespectful then he’s an idiot. It’s a dirty play.

‘I think it (the accusation that McGregor is a racist) is ridiculous. I don’t understand it. I know who I am as a person and I think that most realistic people will look at me and know who I am.’

McGregor was by far the more popular when the two fighters arrived on stage in front of a packed Wembley crowd.

Cheered on by a swarm of supporters whose spirits were not dampened by a near-two-hour delay to proceedings, a suit-clad McGregor goaded the 40-year-old with taunts about his age, bald head, tiny hands and tax bill.

Mayweather was booed as soon as he took the microphone and endured a hostile reception from the pro-McGregor crowd.

Happy to perform the role of pantomime villain, he repeatedly called him ‘quitter’ and tapped the desk behind which he sat, but was repeatedly told to ‘sit down, shut up’ by the crowd.

‘The tour became a verbal battle that people were scoring and I didn’t anticipate it being so back and forth,’ McGregor said.

While the money generated by the clash in Las Vegas is expected to eclipse the previous record held by Mayweather’s victory over Manny Pacquiao, its credibility has been questioned.

McGregor, who turned 29 on Friday, is a boxing novice and is facing a man regarded as the finest fighter of his generation.

‘They call that jealousy. It comes with the territory.

This is big for both MMA and the boxing world. This is huge,’ Mayweather said.

‘Every MMA guy is trying to fight a boxer. A fight like this can only happen once in a lifetime.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● OLYMPIC bronze medallist Sally Conway will be part of a 12-strong Great Britain squad targeting success at the Judo World Championships in Budapest.

The Scottish under-70-kg fighter recently returned to competitive action following her efforts in Rio last summer with a silver medal at both the Cancun Grand Prix and Bucharest European Open.

Wales judoka Natalie Powell is the highest ranked member of the British team, currently third in the world standings at under-78-kg, while Alice Schlesinger and Amy Livesey are fifth and eighth respectively at under-63-kg.

At under-57-kg, England’s 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nekoda Davis will continue her comeback following wrist and thumb surgery, which saw her miss the European Championships in April, where both Powell and Schlesinger claimed a bronze.

Two-time Olympian Ashley McKenzie has moved back into the world top 20 at under-60-kg, having secured a bronze medal at last month’s Cancun Grand Prix, where Ben Fletcher took silver at under-100-kg.

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the RUGBY round up ● MATCH REPORTS ● POINTS SCORERS ● ACTION PHOTOS ● LEAGUE TABLES PAGES ● FIXTURE PICTURE ● OPINIONS

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TOUCHING DOWN: Gloucester’s Mason Tonks scores a try for England against Spain during the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s at Sandy Park yesterday Match report and reaction inside Picture: Tom Sandberg / PPAUK

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Fresh deals for coaching team is great news for champions

E

XETER Chiefs fans were naturally delighted to hear this week that the club’s coaching staff have been given new contracts.

Rob Baxter, Ali Hepher, Rob Hunter and Ricky Pellow have all agreed fresh three-year deals with the Aviva Premiership champions.

EXETER CHIEFS Baxter will take on the new title of director of rugby for the 2017/18

by Nigel Walrond season (something that BT Sport and Sky Sports have been calling him anyway, ever since the Chiefs were promoted into the top flight!).

Hepher has been named the club’s new head coach, while Hunter (forwards coach) and Pellow (skills coach) will continue in their current roles, both of which have seen them help take the Chiefs to a new level in both English and European rugby.

There was a lot of speculation doing the rounds towards the end of last season that Hepher could soon be on his way to pastures new.

The club’s then assistant coach/backs coach was head coach of the England Saxons on their tour of South Africa last summer, and has played a major part in the Chiefs’ success since coming to the club.

He is ambitious, and with his former club Northampton Saints struggling last season, and director of rugby Jim Mallinder coming under pressure, people in Devon were fearing Hepher could be tempted back to Franklin’s Gardens.

But he is very happy with life at the club, and by changing his title to head coach, it helps to meet his ambitions, and keeps together the brilliant coaching team at Sandy Park.

However, supporters are not likely to see too much of a change in his role, according to Baxter, because Hepher has been doing the job already in recent seasons.

‘In a lot of ways we all fill roles that probably don’t have specific boundaries,’ explained Baxter. ‘That will continue moving forward, but at the same time there will be new bits and pieces for all of us to oversee.

‘Obviously I’ve had large responsibilities for things like squad recruitment and running budgets, so a large part of what I do day to day won’t change that much.

‘What I will say, however, is that I think it’s fantastic recognition for Ali. He has worked extremely hard for an awful long time and in many ways has been in what a lot of people would call the head coach role for numerous years.

‘When you look at the type of rugby we want to play and the intricacies of our game plans over the years, I think a lot of that is down to his organisation and his coaching.

‘Everyone will be aware since Rob Hunter’s arrival (in 2013), the club have been on the up and up and bringing in that additional member of the team, whose focus has been on the forwards, has been a huge positive for us. What people probably don’t realise is that Rob’s role is not just on things like scrums and line-outs, he has a focus way beyond that. A lot of that comes within things like how we link in our attacking game and the contact area.

‘He also has a big responsibility for how he wants our forwards to play and how they need to react in all aspects of their game.

‘As for Ricky, he’s been here probably as long as I have in various capacities. He’s been heavily involved in the work of the academy and the first team, while his energy and enthusiasm is boundless.

‘He works with every player that comes into the club – and that includes all the academy youngsters – and he’s been fundamental in the development of a lot of players like Jack Nowell, who he’s brought through from a young teenager at Truro College to that of a British and Irish Lion.’

Baxter added: ‘We have a great group of coaches, all of whom want to do well and get even better.

‘We’re no different to players when it comes to being ambitious and being successful. We want to have further achievements in the Premiership and we want to do a bit better than we have in Europe.

‘Having that desire and that ambition is what drives you forward and I would like to think all of the ambitions we have can be met here at Exeter at least over the duration of this next contract.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● FORMER Exeter Chiefs back Mark Nicholson, who played on the wing for Gloucester in the 1990s, has signed on as the new coach of Painswick.

He joins up with the club after they were relegated to Gloucester Three following a difficult season in Gloucester Two. From their 22 games, they won only four and finished 11th of the 12 teams.

Nicholson started his career with Exeter in 1989, where he played a few games at the old County Ground, and was coached by Pete Drewett and played alongside the likes of Harry Langley, Andy Green and Andy Maunder before moving to Gloucester. He represented the Cherry and Whites before going on to play for Birmingham-Solihull.

Since retiring from rugby, Nicholson has been Head of Physical Education at Marling School in Stroud.

@thesundayindy

‘A’ LEAGUE IS BACK UNDER I NEW FORMAT

EXETER Braves will kick off their Aviva A League fixtures with a visit to Harlequins on Monday, September 4.

Bath United will entertain Saracens Storm at the Recreation Ground the same evening, while last season’s beaten finalists Gloucester United clash with London Irish at their training complex at Hazelwood.

Bristol United have to wait until week two of the season for their first game, when they visit Exeter at Sandy Park on September 11.

Bristol will play their A League games at their former home at the Memorial Stadium.

Northampton Wanderers will start the defence of their A League title with a trip to Sale Jets in the North Pool.

Tom Collins scored two tries as the Wanderers produced a dominant secondhalf display to down Gloucester 36-15 at Franklin’s Gardens back in the final in May, while Sam

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP LATEST

by Nigel Walrond

Olver controlled the match from fly-half – kicking 16 points. The Wanderers will be desperate to repeat their success this season but they face a major challenge – with matches against rivals Leicester Tigers A and Worcester Cavaliers hot on the heels of the trip to the Jets.

Gloucester, who will compete in a seven-team South Pool, will follow their London Irish trip with a clash against rivals Bath United a week later.

The structure of the A League has changed significantly this season, with 13 teams set to compete before the semi-finals and finals in April.

The six-team North Pool will play each other home and away, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals. In the South Pool, the sides will play each other once. The top five after six matches then meet again,

and play an additional four games in a second phase mini-league, with the top sides reaching the semi-finals, which are set to take place on the week commencing April 22, with the final on Monday, April 30.

A League fixtures involving South West clubs: Sept 4 – Bath v Saracens, Harlequins v Exeter, London Irish v Gloucester; Sept 11 – Exeter v Bristol, Gloucester v Bath; Sept 25 – Bath v Harlequins, Bristol v London Irish, Saracens v Gloucester; Oct 2 – Bristol v Bath, Exeter v London Irish; Oct 23 – Exeter v Bath, Gloucester v Harlequins, Saracens v Bristol; Nov 27 – Bath v London Irish, Bristol v Gloucester, Saracens v Exeter; Dec 18 – Gloucester v Exeter Harlequins v Bristol.

❑ ❑ ❑ ● THERE is plenty of South West representation in the 26-man England Under-18 squad for their three-match tour of South Africa next month.

England face South Africa Schools in their opening fixture on Friday, August 11 in Cape Town before a match against Wales four days later. The side then finish their campaign against France on Saturday, August 19 in Stellenbosch.

Those included from the region are: Forwards – Will

Capon (Bristol, Bristol Grammar School), Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs, Exeter College), James Dun (Bristol, Millfield School), Aaron Hinkley (Gloucester, St Peter’s High School), Kieran Verden (Bath, Beechen Cliff School); Backs – Tom de Glanville (Bath, Beechen Cliff School), and Tom Seabrook (Gloucester, Dean Close School).

England U18 head coach John Fletcher said: ‘The tour is a fantastic chance for these players to play in the southern hemisphere in a challenging environment.

‘On the field, I want to see us improve in each game, we are in our off season and lots of the boys will not have had much rugby so it will take a little bit of time to get them back up to speed.

‘We’ve chosen a strong, talented group and we will only focus on ourselves, the skills and principles that we think are important for this age group within our pathway. We’re really looking forward to spending time with the players; it’s important for us coaches to get to know them both on and off the field.’

results, tables and fixture picture… pre-season

SUN AUG 20 Ospreys v Bath (Liberty Stadium 2.0).

FRI JULY 28 Singha Premiership 7s (Northampton).

SAT JULY 29 Singha Premiership 7s (Northampton).

SAT AUG 5 Bristol v Harlequins (Cleve RFC, 2.30).

FRI AUG 11 Newton Abbot v Cornish ABs (tbc).

SAT AUG 12 Bedford Blues v Plymouth Albion (3.0).

Bideford v Tiverton.

Bristol v Bath (Clifton RFC, 2.30).

Brixham, Teignmouth and D’port Ser’s.

Cornish Pirates v Aberavon (4.30).

Gareth Steenson Testimonial (Sandy Park. 2.00).

Hornets v Barnstaple.

L Irish v Harlequins (Hazelwood, 3.0) Liskeard-Looe v Plymouth Argaum.

Newton Abbot v Cornish AB’s (tbc).

Northampton v Newport-G-Dragons.

Penryn v St Ives (3.00).

Tavistock v Paignton.

Wellington v Sidmouth

THU AUG 17

WED AUG 23 Wasps v Connacht (7.30).

THU AUG 24 North Tawton v Tavistock.

FRI AUG 25 Cardiff Blues v Exeter Chiefs (7.15).

Leinster v Bath (Donnybrook Stadium 7.45).

Northampton v Ulster.

Tavistock 1st XV v Saltash 1st XV. Tavistock 2nd XV v Saltash 2nd XV.

SAT AUG 26 Blackheath v Bedford Blues.

Connacht v Bristol (3.00).

Cornish All Blacks v Wadebridge C. Cornish Pirates v Plymouth Alb (5.0).

Hornets v Hartpury II. Newton Abbot v Barnstaple.

Penryn v Truro (3.00).

Richmond v London Irish (3.0).

Sidmouth v Honiton.

★

RUGBY LEAGUE

P W Toronto ..............14 14 Barrow Raiders .14 12 Whitehaven........14 12 York City ............14 9 Newcastle ..........14 9 Doncaster ..........14 8 Workington Tn ..14 7 Keighley C’gars.14 6 North Wales.......14 6 Hunslet RLFC....14 6 Uni of Glous ......14 6 London Skolars.14 5 Oxford RLFC .....14 4 Coventry Bears .14 2 South Walen ......14 1 Hemel Stags ......14 1 ◆ ◆

D L 0 0 1 1 1 1 5 0 5 0 4 2 6 1 7 1 7 1 8 0 8 0 8 1 10 0 12 0 13 0 13 0 ◆

-151 -194 -253 -215

18 15 11 10

KINGSTONE PRESS LEAGUE ONE PD 701 338 207 148 132 84 100 117 -79 40 -182 -106 -268 -305 -422 -505

Pts 28 25 25 18 18 18 15 13 13 12 12 11 8 4 2 2

WEST OF ENGLAND

SAT AUG 19

THURSDAY BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE: Warrington v Widnes (8.00 pm).

WHEELCHAIR WORLD CUP (at Halle aux Sport, Carcassonne): Australia v Wales (1.00 pm BST), France v England (7.00 pm, BST), Scotland v Italy (3.30 pm BST).

FRIDAY BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE: (8.00 pm unless stated): Hull v Huddersfield, Leigh v Salford, and Wigan v Leeds.

SATURDAY

Australia 46 England 18.

Pacific Islands 44 Scotland 12. ◆ ◆ ◆ BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE: St Helens v Catalans Dragons (3.00 pm).

KINGSTONE PRESS: (3.00 pm unless stated): Batley v Bradford, Featherstone v Halifax, Hull K R v Toulouse, Rochdale v London Broncos, Sheffield v Oldham, and Swinton v Dewsbury.

KINGSTONE PRESS ONE: (3.00 pm unless stated): Coventry v North Wales Crusaders, Gloucestershire All Golds v Doncaster, Hunslet v Newcastle, Keighley v Oxford, London Skolars v South Wales, Toronto Wolfpack v Hemel Stags (12 midnight),

BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE: Wakefield v St Helens (3.00 pm).

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP: (3.00 pm unless stated): Bradford v Swinton, Dewsbury v Sheffield, Halifax v Hull K R, London Broncos v Batley, and Oldham v Rochdale.

WHEELCHAIR WORLD CUP (at Gymnase du Lac, St-Jory): England v Australia (6.00 pm BST), France v Wales (3.30 pm, BST), Scotland v Spain (1.00 pm BST).

POOL ONE Bath & Wiltshire 0, Cheltenham 24.

Forest B’dogs 24, Somerset Vik’s 0.

Gloucestershire 82, Swindon St G’ 18.

POOL TWO Bath RL 58, Southampton Spitfires 8.

Bristol Sonics 0, US Portsmouth 24.

Oxford Cav’s 8, Swindon St G’ 54. ◆ ◆ ◆

TODAY

Castleford 38, Salford 14.

Huddersfield 26, Leigh 4.

Leeds 10, Hull 7.

Widnes 8, Wakefield 36.

– All Played Friday P W D L PD Pts Castleford...........22 19 0 3 383 38 Leeds Rhinos ....22 15 0 7 110 30 Salford Red Dev 22 13 0 9 101 26 Wakefield Trinity 22 13 0 9 91 26 Hull FC ................22 12 1 9 54 25 St Helens ............21 10 1 10 50 21 Huddersfield G ..22 9 3 10 27 21 Wigan Warriors ..22 9 3 10 -23 21

Whitehaven v Barrow (2.00 pm), and York v Workington.

STUDENT WORLD CUP FINAL: Australia v Pacific Islands (Pepper Stadium, 4.15 pm).

ARMED FORCES WORLD CUP FINAL: Australia v Fiji (Pepper Stadium, 2.00 pm).

BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE: Catalans Dragons v Castleford (5.00 pm).

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP: Toulouse v Featherstone (5.30 pm).

WHEELCHAIR WORLD CUP (at Complexe La Rijole, Paimers): France v Australia (7.45 pm BST), Spain v Italy (3.30 pm, BST), Wales v England (1.00 pm BST).

WEST OF ENGLAND LEAGUE, Pool One (2.30 pm unless stated): Gloucestershire Warriors v Bath & Wiltshire Romans – cancelled, Somerset Vikings v Cheltenham Phoenix, Swindon St George A v Forest Bulldogs. Pool Two: Bristol Sonics v Oxford Cavaliers, Swindon St George v Southampton Spitfires, US Portsmouth Seahawks v Bath RL.

SEMI-FINALS

FRI AUG 18 L Irish v Ealing (Hazelwood, 7.30).

◆

2 12 1 13 1 16 0 17 ◆

STUDENT WORLD CUP

Northampton v Nottingham.

Ulster v Wasps (7.30).

Barnstaple v Brixham (2.30).

Bedford v Saracens.

Bristol v Scarlets (Clifton RFC, 2.30).

Cornish All Blacks v Camborne.

Devonport Services v Hayle.

Exeter Chiefs v Cornish Pirates (1.30).

Exeter Chiefs v Dragons (3.30).

Harlequins v Jersey Reds (2.00).

Ivybridge v Cullompton.

Glasgow v Northampton (at Stirling).

Matson v Hornets.

Old Techs v Tavistock.

Plymouth Argaum v OPMs. Tiverton v Plymouth Albion Oaks.

Wadebridge Camels v Penryn.

Warrington W ....22 8 Catalan Dragons 21 7 Widnes Vikings ..22 5 Leigh Cents ........22 5 ◆ ◆

NEXT SUNDAY

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Aussie White keen to help make Exeter a Euro power

F further proof was needed to underline Exeter’s growing reputation in the world game, the fact that seasoned internationals in the prime of their careers are willing to sacrifice hope of appearing at a World Cup to jump aboard their bandwagon provides exactly that.

TALKING RUGBY

by Neale Harvey

Australian Test stars Dave Dennis, Lachlan Turner and Greg Holmes have already enjoyed the benefit of life at Sandy Park and become Premiership champions to boot.

And another multi-capped Wallaby has tied his colours to Exeter’s mast in the shape of Nic White.

The former Brumbies and Montpellier scrum-half suffered the huge disappointment of being omitted from Australia’s squad prior to the 2015 World Cup here in England.

However, at 27, he could have put himself in contention for Japan 2019 by returning home.

Instead, White has opted to extend his stay in Europe and has explained his reasons why.

White told me: ‘Being left out in 2015 will hurt for a long time, probably until after I’ve finished rugby as well, but that’s just fire in the belly now and I use that as motivation each day.

‘I missed out on the opportunity of a World Cup but I didn’t want to miss out on the huge opportunities being offered by Exeter to play in big games and win trophies.

‘Going back to Australia certainly crossed my mind and I had conversations with (Australia coaches) Stephen Larkham and Michael Cheika, but I felt I had unfinished business in Europe.

‘My own form wasn’t as good as I’d wanted in Montpellier and I didn’t want to go home and have that feeling of not having acquitted myself as well as I’d have liked. So, hopefully, I can come to Exeter now and make this place home for as long as I possibly can.

‘It was a tough decision for me and it will be hard to make a World Cup now, but I’m pleased to have the opportunity to play some good footy and repay some faith.’

In explaining to me his choice of Exeter, White went on to emphasise why the Devon outfit can now be regarded as a genuine giant of European rugby.

White said: ‘The way they’ve played over the last few years, I think anyone who’s watched these players has fallen in love with their style.

‘It’s pretty well known amongst rugby followers across Europe that Exeter is just about everyone’s favourite second team in the way they leave everything out on the field and they’re really good to watch.

‘I’ve kept a pretty close eye on the English scene and since the back end of last year I’ve known I was coming, so I’ve watched a lot of footy and the English competition is going from strength to strength, with Exeter leading in both defence and attack.

‘They’re playing great rugby and that suits my style. I like to play a quick-paced game with the ball in play and the way this competition is going, it will suit me a little better than the French way, where things are a bit slower and more forwardorientated.’

The one concern, of course, is that Exeter already have three excellent scrum-halves in Will Chudley, Stu Townsend and Jack Maunder, with the latter pair having come through the club’s academy and Maunder acquitting himself superbly for England in Argentina.

Says White: ‘Those two young guys (Townsend and Maunder) got thrown in at the deep end last year and exceeded all expectations.

‘Will Chudley has obviously been down here for a while now and he’s certainly a good player, so somebody is going to be upset.

‘But I can already tell from my first couple of weeks with the boys that we’re pushing each other and whoever gets the job will be doing the best for the team.

‘It’s “team first” here and the depth of the squad in all positions is going to be a real strength of the club.’

You hope that situation can be managed, but one thing for sure is that White’s arrival at what is the peak point of his career is yet another sign of Exeter’s trophy intent.

White added: ‘Exeter are the hunted now but I’m at an age where I feel my experience can benefit a team and as well as going after the Premiership again, hopefully I can help this team go further in Europe this year and gun for those quarters, semis and finals.’

Neale Harvey is an award-winning writer for the weekly Rugby Paper

@thesundayindy

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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Hartpury are among B&I Cup opponents for Pirates

A

S I revealed in the Indy more than a month ago, Cornish Pirates have been drawn in a British and Irish Cup group with Championship rivals Hartpury, Scarlets Select and Ulster A.

It should provide some very entertaining CORNISH PIRATES matches in a cup which the English sides are

by Nigel Walrond likely to give even more focus to this campaign, given the fact there are no end-of-season play-offs any longer in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Pirates kick off away to Championship newcomers Hartpury on Saturday, October 14, with a 2.30 pm start time.

Their first Mennaye Field date in the competition sees the visit of Ulster A on Sunday, October 22 (2.30 pm).

Back-to-back fixtures against Scarlets Select follow in December, with the exact date and kick-off time for the away game on the weekend of December 9 still to be confirmed, but the home match will be on Sunday, December 17 (2.30 pm).

Ulster A are still to nail down a date and start time for their home game with the Pirates, but it will be on the weekend of January 13, while the Cornishmen round off their pool fixtures with a visit from Hartpury on Saturday, January 20 (2.00 pm).

Following the pool games, the quarter-finals are scheduled to be played on the weekend of March 31, the semi-finals on the weekend of April 21, and the final on the weekend of May 12.

POOL ONE: Bedford Blues, Munster A, Nottingham, Ospreys Select.

POOL TWO: Bristol, Cardiff Blues Select, Doncaster, Leinster A. POOL THREE: Dragons Select, L Scottish, Yorkshire Carnegie, Jersey.

POOL FOUR: Connacht A, Rotherham, Richmond, Ealing Trailfinders.

POOL FIVE: Cornish Pirates, Hartpury RFC, Scarlets Select, Ulster A.

Meanwhile, after a welcome week’s break, the Pirates have started Phase Two of pre-season training (see Brian Tempest’s picture below), with contact and kicking introduced to the schedule.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Pirates’ chosen charity for the 2017-18 season will be ‘The Chestnut Appeal’.

Founded in 1999 at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, it is at the forefront of prostate cancer care right across the region.

It supports the very latest in treatments and technology that would not be available without community fundraising.

Pirates’ chief executive officer Peter Child said: ‘It might surprise many to learn that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, thus by working with The Chestnut Appeal this is something that we can help highlight.

‘A message is repeatedly stated that it is important to get more men talking about their health and to take action when they feel like something could be wrong, so we’ll be taking the opportunity to promote this through our players, our supporters, and the community in general, besides organising two match day collections during the season and incorporating The Chestnut Appeal logo on our shirts.’

The charity has just started a large-scale fundraising operation to bring MRi-Fusion, which will mean a faster and more accurate diagnosis to Cornwall, so this partnership could not have been better timed.

Lesley-Ann Simpson, director of the Chestnut Appeal, commented: ‘This fundraising campaign for Cornwall is a huge undertaking and we need as much help as possible to ensure this happens.

‘We want as many men across the county of Cornwall to get access to this amazing technology.

At a cost of £105,000 Ultrasound-MRi Fusion really is state of the art and, with your help, we can fusion the entire region.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Pirates are holding their popular annual Meet the Players night on Friday, July 28 in the ‘Westholme’ clubhouse from 6.30 pm.

There will be a Rugby Training Display, plus a chance for everyone to meet the new players and check out all Pirates apparel with Whirlwind Sports.

Season tickets can also be collected on the night from the club’s ticketing manager, Sue, who will be based by the clubhouse Honours Board from

KVESIC EAGER TO HELP EXE GAIN DOUBLE

NEW Exeter Chiefs signing Matt Kvesic says the fact he has joined a club who have just won the Aviva Premiership title has made him feel ‘even more nervous’.

The talented 25-yearold openside flanker has made the summer move to Devon – where he was a former pupil at Blundell’s School – after four seasons with Gloucester.

Speaking at the launch of the club’s new Premiership and cup kits for the 2017-18 season, Kvesic said: ‘I am probably a little bit more nervous than I would have been if the club had not been champions.

‘The environment has been really good and really positive looking ahead to the new season.

‘They are at a place where they know they have still got lots to work on, but they are the sort of team that want to kick on again and do the double and also do well in Europe, so it is a great enviroment to be involved in, and I hope I can add as much as possible.’

Kvesic added: ‘Exeter are a club I have admired for a number of years.

‘Since they have come up into the Premiership they have not really looked back, which is testament to the coaches and players at the club, and it is nice for me to

EXETER CHIEFS

by Nigel Walrond

most competitive areas of the Exeter squad.

Thomas Waldrom, Dave Ewers (currently injured), new signing James Freeman, Sam Simmonds, specialist openside Julian Salvi, Don Armand and Kai Horstmann are all competing for places with him.

‘I think you can say that of any squad really, but in particular here at Exeter, there is a really, really competitive back row, but that is good,’ said Kvesic.

Exciting be involved in that sort of set-up and get back to developing myself as a player and add to the team, and aim to win the Premiership again this year, and hopefully kick on in Europe as well.’

He has enjoyed his first couple of weeks of pre-season training and said: ‘It has been good and it has been very different.

Brilliant ‘There are a lot of new things for me to take in, learning what is going on at the club, and new calls and that sort of thing.

‘The boys have been great, the coaching has been great, and I have really enjoyed it.

‘It is good to come out and meet the supporters at the kit launch, and after last year’s success the support has been brilliant and there is a good turnout today, even though it is midweek and at lunchtime.’

Kvesic knows he plays in a position that is one of the

‘Not only does it give you competition for places, which means players improve a lot more and training is of a lot higher quality, but it is also an area of the team that can get full of injuries, so the boys are going to have the opportunity to play, and there will be a rotation going through the squad, so hopefully we will have a pretty fresh back row out on the pitch and they will be able to do a good job.’

Kvesic is looking forward to playing Exeter’s exciting, attacking brand of rugby that has earned them plaudits across the board.

‘I am looking forward to chucking the ball around a bit and hopefully scoring some tries,’ admitted Kvesic.

‘I know Tank (Waldrom) scores all of the tries here!

‘I have enjoyed watching Exeter play, and now I am just trying to nail the calls myself and learn the systems, but it has been going pretty well so far.’

The irony of Exeter’s first

game of the season being away to his old club Gloucester has not been lost on Kvesic, who struggled for a place in the starting lineup at Kingsholm in the second half of last season.

‘You couldn’t write that, could you?’ he said. ‘Hopefully I will have a good preseason and get that under my belt first. That is first and foremost.

‘It is always tough coming to a new place, especially when they have won the league as well, so I will make sure I do the best I can in pre-season and then look forward to that Gloucester game. Hopefully I will be involved in some aspect of that, and it would be nice to win away there and start the season well.’

Kvesic has failed to make a real impression with current England head coach Eddie Jones since he took over after the 2015 World Cup, but he is hoping his move to Exeter will help him add to his three international caps so far.

‘I have been away with some of the lads at Exeter on international tours, and I have known Sladey (Henry Slade) since I was 16 or 17, so I know a lot of the lads pretty well, which has been helpful coming to Exeter, and hopefully I can get back to bettering myself as a player,’ said Kvesic. ‘The coaches alluded to that before I signed, that is what they want to do, to develop the players, and hopefully I can do that and potentially push for international honours again.’

NEW RECRUITS: Argentinean Nico Coronel, (left), and Kiwi Dan Koster are obviously enjoying pre-season training with Cornish Pirates, judging by their smiles Pictures: Brian Tempest

Inspirational Lam has clear vision of what he is seeking

S

HOULD former Samoan international Pat Lam, who was also capped once by New Zealand in 1992 – All Black no. 928 – ever turn his back on rugby then he certainly won’t be short of work as a motivational speaker.

Forget any of the BRISTOL RUGBY countless management theory textbooks and

by John Harding videos because, just spending a couple of hours with the new Bristol coach would inspire you – no matter what your role in life.

Lam and Bristol have a clear vision that the players and backroom staff have bought into and, as the 48-year-old former No.8 aptly puts it – ‘that’s the direction this bus is going; it’s a choice to be on the bus, but that’s the way the bus is heading.

‘That’s the clear mandate we have right from owner Stephen Lansdown, through chairman Chris Booy,’ said Lam. ‘I have challenged all the players as to whether it aligns with their vision. It certainly aligns with my vision and that is why I’m excited to be here at Bristol.

‘All the players are on a clean slate and everyone gets the chance to prove what they can do.

‘I can’t develop any player – no person can develop another person – it’s up to the person to decide that they want to learn.

‘But what I can guarantee is that the programme we have will give them a great chance to develop as rugby players; develop as people; develop as teammates, and as a result of that Bristol Rugby will get stronger.

‘I have been very fortunate, and very blessed, to have been involved in some very successful teams as a player and a coach. I’ve been very fortunate and blessed, to have been involved in some very horrific teams.

‘Therefore, I have been able to sit back and see the key differences and the three things are the game.

‘You have to have a game that can beat any team; and secondly, you have to have a good culture – basically how we do things and relationships are massive.

‘The third thing is leadership; if you don’t have the leadership then it won’t be sustainable – it will just be a flash in the pan.

‘There has been a lot of good work done here at the club but ultimately the results haven’t been what was wanted.’

Lam stresses that he isn’t making changes for changes sake but making the changes so that the club get the results they need.

‘You won’t find any supporter disagreeing with him there after one failed season back in the Premiership.

After four seasons with Guinness PRO12 side Connacht, Lam has another important task on his plate – finding a new home for his wife Steph and their five children aged ten through to 25 – though they are not all at home now.

He has been landed with the unenviable job because Steph is in Samoa visiting their eldest, Michigan, and his family, but it has given the new Bristol head coach an opportunity to see the area and meet people.

Lam added: ‘I’m really passionate about getting out into the community and I want to get into schools – having been a school teacher.

‘We all come from different places but in the amateur days, you only played for your school, your club, your province and your country.

‘Woe betide if you moved out of that. But now that rugby has gone professional, it doesn’t matter whether the players come from Bath, Newcastle, Samoa, New Zealand, South Africa or wherever when they are playing for Bristol.

‘I’m dead set on making sure they understand who they represent.

‘The only way we can do that is to get out and meet the people in the community, and from that, when we are down or up by five points – you need to know that you will give that extra effort for your mates.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● BRISTOL, as we exclusively revealed in the Indy on June 11, will be in the same Pool as Cardiff Blues Select, Championship rivals Doncaster Knights and Leinster A for this season’s British and Irish Cup. Doncaster Knights visit Ashton Gate on Sunday, October 22, kick-off 2.00 pm; Leinster A on Friday, December 8, kick-off 7.45pm; and Cardiff Blues Select on Friday, January 19, kick-off 7.45 pm.

The dates, venues and kick-off times for Bristol’s three away matches have still to be confirmed, but they will face Cardiff Blues Select on October 13/14/15; Leinster A on December 15/16/17 and Doncaster Knights on January 12/13/14.

Bristol won the British and Irish Cup in 2010/11, its second season, when they beat Bedford Blues 17-14 in the final, with replacement Anthony Elliott crossing for Bristol’s only try in the second half and fly-half Ed Barnes landing four penalties.

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IRELAND NEX AFTER VICTOR

TONKS STARS WITH TRIES IN THREE GAMES ENGLAND will face Ireland in the quarter-finals of the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s.

They ended day one with a 19-5 victory over Italy with tries from George Chatterton, Alex Davis and Mason Tonks.

That followed two earlier defeats to Spain and Germany in the final leg of the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series.

England’s opening game saw Spain sealing a 22-17 victory courtesy of two late tries. They trailed 12-10 at the break with England scoring fine individual tries through Harry Glover and Tonks.

In between those scores Callum Sirker was stretchered off but England came fighting back and Henry Martin went over in

MITSUBISHI MOTORS EXETER SEVENS

by Adrian Potts the corner to give them the lead. However, Spain won it, crossing twice with their winning try coming in the final seconds of the game.

They next faced Germany and were beaten 17-5, however Tonks continued his impressive tournament with another try.

The day ended with a win over Italy, Chatterton running a good support line to finish off a decent team move as England led 7-5 at the break.

Captain Davis scored a try to extend the lead with Will Edwards’ conversion taking it to 14-5. Tonks then powered through three tackles to seal victory. Com-

menting on England’s performance, England Sevens assistant coach Tony Roques who leads the team this weekend, said: ‘I’m so pleased that the boys dug deep to get the win against Italy; achieving that will give them a lot of confidence going into tomorrow.

‘We got progressively more aggressive in our defence and showed what we can do if we stick to a simple pattern.

‘The most pleasing thing from today is that the attitude was phenomenal throughout. They worked really hard for each other and in sevens that’s massively important.’

The England team for this European series has consistently contained a mix of players predominantly from the England Sevens academy, Premiership academy

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and the universities programme.

Roques added: ‘This tournament is huge for the development of this young side; they’re playing on an international stage which is a great stepping stone and as a result, we’re building a really strong pool of players that we can start selecting from for the World Series.”

England will face Ireland in the quarter-final today at 11.30 am which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 3. Walk-up tickets for day two of the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s will be available from the Sandy Park ticket office today.

England Sevens squad for the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s:: George Chatterton, Mason Tonks, Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas, Charlie Kingham, Alex Davis, Jordan Ainslie, Will Edwards, Tom Ffitch, Harry Glover, Ryan Olowofela, Henry Martin and Callum Sirker

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GIRL, 15 DIES IN ‘LEGAL HIGH’ SHOCK

A 15-year-old girl has died the community, don’t touch new psysubstances, they are very, after suf fering an ad- choactive very dangerous. verse reaction to a sus- ‘Equally we are confident the compected ‘legal high’, police munity will know who supplied these drugs and we would appeal for said. them, maybe the youngsters who Devon and Cornwall Police said were there or parents of the youngthe teenager, who is believed to have sters... taken a ‘new psychoactive sub‘This girl has made a mistake, a stance’, was found unconscious in lifestyle choice mistake, and has Bakers Park in Newton Abbot in the paid the ultimate price. early hours of yesterday.

Precaution Detective Superintendent Ken Lamont said officers are ‘confident’ ‘I am certain the community know people know where the drug came who has sold or given those drugs.’ from.

The teenager was taken to Torbay He urged the community, includ- District Hospital at around 4.50am, ing ‘maybe some of the youngsters where she later died. who were there or the parents of the Two other teenage girls were also youngsters’, to come forward. taken to hospital as a precaution.

They were checked because police Dangerous believe they may have taken the He said: ‘Our working hypothesis same substances but they have since is that this girl has taken what’s left hospital, Mr Lamont added. called new psychoactive substances The tragedy came a day after the and unfortunately people still do Government launched a new drug term them as legal highs, that tends strategy targeting both illegal subto give it some legitimacy. stances and ‘legal highs’, performThey’re not legal. They’re illegal, ance enhancers, ‘chemsex’ drugs for they’re very, very dangerous, proba- sexual activity and the misuse of bly more dangerous than traditional prescription medicines. drugs. People do not know what it is Psychoactive substances (NPS) in them. like Spice were made illegal in May ‘It is a real safeguarding plea to last year.

Local family-run business 2 cubic yard skips 40 cubic yard roll on/off bins

JULY 16, 2017

Honour for Chiefs coach

EST. 1808

Police to hold knife amnesty POLICE in Devon and Cornwall are declaring a knife amnesty this week (tomorrow to July 23).

Devon and Cornwall Police is supporting Operation Sceptre, a Home Office instigated week of action aimed at knife related crime, the main part of which is a knife amnesty.

The policing teams taking part are Cornwall; South Devon; Exeter, East and Mid Devon; North and West Devon and Plymouth.

Officers say people can dispose of unwanted bladed items, without fear of prosecution, such as knives, zombie knives, swords, kitchen knives and unwanted collectables.

There will be collection bins at Heavitree Road in Exeter; Torquay; Charles Cross and Crownhill in Plymouth; Camborne, St Austell and Bodmin in Cornwall and at Barnstaple.

Dangerous

EXETER Chiefs’ head coach Rob Baxter will be awarded an honorary degree from the University of Exeter after his team’s historic Premiership-winning season.

Baxter oversaw the Chiefs’ rise from the Championship to winning the English Premiership within less than a decade.

And he was an Exeter Chiefs player for 14 years.

Baxter said he was ‘delighted and hugely honoured’.

He said: ‘I have a long history with the city of Exeter and the University and both have played a huge part in my career as both a rugby player and now a professional coach.

‘When working as the head coach at the University the most enjoyable aspect was the purity of the commitment and attitude of the players.

‘They all took part in training and playing for the right reasons, to challenge themselves, to be part of something bigger than the individual and to build friendships and memories.

‘This has always been an influence on me in my coaching career.

‘I now have been allowed the opportunity to share a day which marks the recognition and celebration of hard work and achievement for many graduates and their families and I feel very fortunate to be able to congratulate them and share a few thoughts with them on what their futures may hold.’

The ceremony will take place later this week.

Baxter will join other illustrious figures who have made a contribution to science, journalism, the Army, education and charity work.

VALE MILL, NEW PORTREATH ROAD, GILBERT COOMBE, REDRUTH TR16 4HG

Chief Superintendent David Thorne, based in Plymouth, said: ‘This amnesty is for any kind of knife or bladed item that could be used as a weapon.

‘If you possess a knife that has no legitimate use in your home, hobby or profession, please use this opportunity to get rid of it, otherwise it is potentially dangerous to you and others.’

Additional activities include school visits by neighbourhood officers in South Devon, police officers and PCSOs visiting secondary schools and youth clubs in Plymouth to talk about knife crime and, in the Exeter, East and Mid Devon area, metal-detecting wands will be used at various licensed premises.

The Exeter, East and Mid Devon team began activities on Friday to include the night-time of two weekends.

32

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

News round-up Indy teams up with West news group

THE future of local newspapers in the West Country received a massive boost this week when the iconic Sunday Independent joined forces with a popular group of weekly newspapers and magazines that serve Dorset, Devon and Somerset.

Entrepreneur Peter Masters, who embarked on a plan to rejuvenate the 200-year-old Indy when he acquired the famous regional title in April, has now moved to add the Lyme Regis-based ‘View From’ series of free newspapers to his expanding stable of publications.

The move, which aims to create a formidable, independent, local publishing group, offers further evidence of the revival of print media, he said.

The eight ‘View From’ papers, which serve Lyme, Bridport, Dorchester, Weymouth, Axminster, Seaton, Honiton and South Somerset, were acquired from Capital Media Newspapers, who had owned the titles for 18 months.

The Lyme operation, which employs 31 people and is headed by veteran publisher Philip Evans, 68, also produces a series of local ‘Experience’ magazines and runs news websites for the West Country communities it serves.

Peter, who is also chairman and co-owner of Truro City Football Club, said he was excited to bring the two publishing businesses together.

The Somerset-born businessman (right) stepped in to save the Indy in April. The paper had come under threat following the sudden death of its previous proprietor, Brian Doel.

Peter is now constructing an investment plan to develop the multiedition title, which focuses on professional and grass roots sport, leisure and news in Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

He said: ‘These are extremely exciting times for the View From group and the Sunday Independent as we work on plans to deliver even better quality, value and ideas for their readers.

‘I and all the dedicated staff at both titles believe in the future of print newspapers as the heart of their communities, where people can share their successes, their challenges, their events, their joys and criticisms.

‘Both will have a vibrant web presence delivering news and sport updates and digital platforms for advertisers to reach these communities – but we all also believe that nothing beats sitting down with a paper that covers your community or your sphere of interest and reading all the things you can’t find on the internet!’

West Country’s top man

COUNCILLOR John Hart was elected unanimously by members representing authorities from across the West Country as the chair of South West Councils at the body’s AGM this week.

The leader of Devon County Council, Cllr Hart takes up a two-year term, with support from deputy Cllr Stephen Jordan (leader, Cheltenham Borough Council) and Cllrs Harvey Siggs (leader, Mendip District Council); Helen Holland (Bristol City Council) and Cllr Philip Sanders (leader, West Devon District Council).

SW Councils encompasses all 41 local authorities in the West Country, 999 services, town and parish councils and National Parks.

Have you got a story to tell? Does your club, event or cause need publicity?

Have you taken a great picture you’d like to share? Contact your Sunday Independent at newsdesk@ sundayindependent.co.uk Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @thesundayindy

DOING THE HOOVERING

CONSERVATIONISTS have a new weapon in their armoury – a giant Hoover.

And now rangers are hard at work on the vacuuming job to end them all – hoovering West Country flower meadows.

A giant vacuum is being used to collect wild flower seeds on the Bath Skyline so they can be spread over meadows and improve plant diversity.

National Trust rangers are using a seed collector that looks and works just like a vacuum cleaner to collect the seed of the yellow rattle plant.

Yellow rattle acts as a parasite on the roots of grasses, and causes them to grow less vigorously, allowing more space for other plants.

It is hoped that by developing yellow rattle on other areas of the Bath Skyline, a more diverse wildflower-rich grassland will develop, and provide an ideal habitat for pollinating insects to flourish.

In the last few years the National Trust team have been collecting yellow rattle seed (Rhinan-

thus minor) by hand, a process that provides a purer harvest but is slow and labour-intensive.

This year’s loan of a seed-harvester from the Avon Wildlife Trust has enabled the team of rangers and volunteers to cover much more ground, in the short window between the seed ripening and it being released by the plant.

This work on the Bath Skyline has been championed by assistant ranger Tabi Collins (above), who has been visiting other local Na-

tional Trust sites to investigate methods of seed collection.

When the vacuuming is complete the seed will be dried and stored until winter, when it will be spread on the areas of the Skyline that need a little helping hand. l Volunteers are being asked to lend a hand with another ootdoor tidying job at a West Country landmark.

A prickly problem is being tackled by the ‘Great British Rake Off’ on Glastonbury Tor (left).

Summer brings a rash of nettles and thistles to the Tor, and the National Trust ranger team for the Mid Somerset countryside are tackling it with the help of volunteers.

Area ranger Rebekah West says: ‘Nettles and thistles seek to take over the Tor every year and we have a tough time keeping them at bay - we need your help to look after this nationally important and sacred place. You can stay for an hour or join us all day.’

The ranger team are asking volunteers to join them at Glastonbury Tor on Saturday, July 29, 11am to 3pm.

bys

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Major barn fire FIREFIGHTERS from across Devon battled a major blaze in a barn containing animals and some 500 bales of hay.

A farmer at Zeal Monachorum in West Devon made a 999 call as animals were being safely evacuated.

Fire crews found smoke and flames pouring from the barn and the lane busy with animals as they arrived on Friday evening.

Crews from all over Devon fought the fire at different stages through Friday night and into Saturday morning.

The farmer and fire crews used a tractor and telehandler to try to save some of the bales.

But much of the hay had to be left in the barn and allowed to burn under control.

Ghostly

MORE than 300 students from across Cornwall will be performing a unique version of one of the most celebrated contemporary dance pieces ever at the Eden Project next week.

Fourteen schools and colleges will be showcasing their creative responses to Ghost Dances, the 1981 masterpiece by famed choreographer Christopher Bruce, on Thursday, July 20, in and around the Mediterranean Biome.

In a cross-arts project entitled Ghost Dancers, the students, aged from five to 18, have been working with internationallyrenowned dance company Rambert and Cornish dance group Dance Republic 2.

The performances will take place from 1pm to 3pm.

Fall flat HOUSE price inflation slowed further in June, according to the latest South West RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

At the same time there is little encouragement for sales activity with new instructions declining and new buyer enquiries remaining flat across the region, said the report.

Mysterious CHILDREN at St Mary’s School in Bridgwater took part in an interactive murder mystery made by local firm Murder Inc to help with literacy and problem-solving skills.

ON THE MARCH FOR TOP AWARD

SUPPORT is growing for a project fostered in the West Countr y to win a major national award.

We’re here because we’re here, the modern memorial created by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, has been nominated for a prestigious National Lottery Award.

We’re here because we’re here left a lasting impression on people across the country last July.

‘Ghost’ soldiers appeared from nowhere at public places like Bristol Temple Meads and the Tamar Bridge between Devon and Cornwall. The silent soldiers simply handed a card to people who spoke to them, bearing the name and details of a soldier who died on July 1, 1916.

Theatre Royal Plymouth and the Bristol Old Vic were among 26 organisations across the UK who collaborated on the project with 1418 NOW – the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary.

33

Sweet memories A TRIP to the farm brought back sweet, happy memories for a pensioner who is living with dementia.

Ian Spreadbury visited Halberton Court Farm, near Tiverton, along with fellow residents, as part of an activities programme organised by Camelot House and Lodge in Wellington, Somerset, Activities coordinator Richard Dempslake said: ‘We knew Ian used to love going strawberry picking when he was younger and hoped it would jog his memory about days gone by.

‘It was wonderful to see him enjoying himself. He immediately took charge, telling me what to pick and which fruits were ripe and which were not.

Family ‘It was as though the years had been stripped away and he went back in time to when he used to go strawberry picking with his family.’

Ian’s wife Jenny said the visit had brought back some fond memories. ‘He and our three young children loved being allowed to go and pick strawberries at a farm near our home in Batheaston.

‘We had to make sure that most of what they picked actually went into the baskets provided rather than into their mouths!’

Reminder

Star role

The volunteers who walked the streets were a reminder of the 19,240 men who were killed on the first day of the Somme.

One of the Plymouth volunteers, James Elston, said: ‘What really affected me was being given the name card of the soldier I was representing, and seeing that we shared the same name.’

Another, Edward Borlase, said: ‘The whole experience of the project remains incredibly significant and is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was a privilege to be a part of something so significant on both a national, historical and personal scale at the same time.’ l To vote, visit: www. lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/ project/were-here-becausewere-here

ACTOR and singer Darren Lake has been cast as one of the lead characters in a new production of Aladdin at The Stockport Plaza, this Christmas – alongside a Corrie baddie.

Darren, from Plymouth, who recently had a role in upcoming Will Ferrell movie, Holmes & Watson, will play The Emperor Of China when the production opens on December 1 alongside comedian and actor Ted Robbins and Coronation Street baddie, Brian Capron, who famously tried to kill Gail Tilsley.

Holmes & Watson is due for release in 2018.

West trial for bid to cut delays TRAIN delays could be cut by 15% under a new traffic management system, Network Rail said.

Digital technology is being introduced on the Great Western main line to improve the monitoring of trains and highlight potential causes of disruption.

This will enable action to be taken to minimise knock-on delays resulting from single issues.

A one-year trial of the system is due to be

newsdesk@sundayindependent.co.uk

launched between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway in June 2018.

It is being paid for by an innovative funding agreement between Network Rail and British technology firm Resonate.

The latter will pay most of the cost of installing and running the system. If the expected reduction in delays is achieved, Network Rail will pay less compensation to train operators and share the savings with Resonate.

Saddle up BARRATT Homes Exeter’s Alun Potter took to the saddle for the Dartmoor Classic cycle ride this week and has raised £1,100 so far for Barratt’s nominated charity, the Exeter Foundation.

34

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Wildlife on Sunday

Homing snails

SNAILS have a homing instinct and a sense of direction, according to an experiment for a BBC Four documentary.

Dave Hodgson, Professor of ecology at the University of Exeter, collected 65 snails from four corners of a garden, as well as a control group imported from Cornwall.

He then painted each snail in neon colours so they could be easily tracked.

The snails all headed back to the patch in the garden where they originated.

Meanwhile, the Cornish snails, which had further to travel, headed due west – in the right direction to get home.

The experiment was recorded for The British Garden: Life and Death on Your Lawn.

Birthday

NOT SO CHOUGHED

BABYFACE – believed to be Europe’s oldest common seal –has been celebrating his birthday with an icy fish cake.

He joined the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in September 2010 after 26 years at Colchester Zoo. Unfortunately his partner passed away, so he joined the Sanctuary family so he could live with other common seals.

Babyface previously lived with females Luna and Sija, but for two consecutive years he got Sija pregnant so Sija and Luna were given a new home at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park.

Babyface now lives with his two sons Bo and Buddy and a recent addition to the bachelors’ pool, Jarvis.

Memory

SQUIRRELS can remember problemsolving techniques for long periods and can apply them to new situations, researchers have discovered.

University of Exeter scientists found grey squirrels quickly remembered how to solve a problem they had not seen for almost two years.

The squirrels also quickly worked out how to use those skills in a redesigned version of the test.

‘This might be why grey squirrels can survive very well in towns and cities,’ said Dr Pizza Ka Yee Chow, of Exeter’s Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour.

‘For example, they’re very good at getting food from bird feeders.

‘People may try different types of bird feeders to keep the squirrels away, but this research shows grey squirrels can not only remember tricks for getting food but can apply those skills in new situations.’

Cool cats RESIDENTS in Midsomer Norton are invited to show their support for felines when Cats Protection opens a new charity shop in the town on July 18.

AFTER a successful 2016, 2017 has been ‘challenging’ for the Cornish chough.

That’s according to reports from the RSPB and the National Trust.

Claire Mucklow, speaking for the RSPB in Cornwall said: ‘An unfortunate combination of natural losses of adult birds, young inexperienced pairs and predation, has meant that numbers this year are lower than hoped.

‘The cool spring and prolonged dry conditions haven’t helped either.’

Digger The cool conditions mean higher mortality in the nest. And choughs, also known as ‘digger’ birds, use their long red bills to dig in the ground for invertebrates but struggle in hard dry ground to do this.

Claire added: ‘If the ground is dry, birds hunt for insects around cow pats, which proves how

Natural colonists THE wild choughs of Cornwall have recolonised naturally and have not been reintroduced, as is often reported.

The Cornish Chough Conservation Network includes the RSPB, National Trust, Natural England, volunteers, farmers and local communities working together.

For more on choughs: visit: www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/ chough/ For more on Cornish choughs visit: www.cornishchoughs.org

important grazing cattle on the coastal fringes are for choughs, especially with such uncertainty around climate. Six pairs were successful

and most nests have fledged now. Fourteen chicks in total is still a pretty amazing result, although everyone involved in supporting chough conservation in Cornwall is aware that the population is not at a sustainable level yet and there is work to do to keep them safe and secure. We estimate that there are approximately 30 adult birds currently across Cornwall.

Monitoring ‘Volunteers from RSPB and National Trust have spent hundreds of hours protecting and monitoring nests.

‘Those lucky to see the young fledging have been rewarded by glimpses of parents feeding their chicks and first tentative flights.

‘This is a great time to see good numbers of choughs in the skies as the family groups are now flocking together and are venturing further as they explore the Cornish coast.’ l Sunday Twitchers: Page 44.

President PLYMOUTH University academic and TV geologist Professor Iain Stewart MBE is the new president of local conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust.

Prof Stewart is only the third person to take on the honorary role since the charity was founded in 1962.

He succeeds Prof Ian Mercer CBE, the eminent conservationist who had held the position from 1985 until his death in September 2016.

The big count

Swivel-eyed

SIR David Attenborough has warned that butterflies across the West Country face a critical summer, after a string of poor years has seen the numbers of many common species decline. Last year was the fourth worst on record and Sir David is urging the public to take part in the Big Butterfly Count survey to help reveal if widespread species can mount a comeback.

Common species such as the Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper experienced declines in 2016 but the warm, dry spring and early summer heatwave over much of the UK has given many species a head start. The Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, which encourages people to spot and record 18 species of common butterflies and two day-flying moths during three weeks of high summer. www.butterfly-conservation.org/BBCevents

THIS could just be the strangest animal on the planet. With its swivelling gun-turret eyes, tonglike gripping feet and rapid-fire tongue, the chameleon has an appeal that’s all its own.

This portrait of a male Parson's chameleon at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon was taken by Zoo volunteer Cathy Oetegenn.

The largest chameleon species in the world by weight, Parson's chameleon (Calumma parsonii) is found only in isolated pockets of humid forest in north and east Madagascar. It is listed on CITES Appendix II, which means trade in this species is regulated and it is illegal to export them. They are classified as ‘Near Threatened’.

Paignton Zoo’s pair are in separate enclosures; they have mated and keepers are hoping they will breed.

But although they lay as many as 50 eggs at a time they can take up to two years to hatch.

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Sunday Sports News

Coast run DETERMINED runner Duncan Ward was this weekend taking on the challenge of his life – a 100-mile run along the Jurassic Coast in just 36 hours to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The outdoors activities teacher from Poole decided he wanted to do something to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, from which his dad, Ronnie, died.

He and his brotherin-law Anu Dhir, 39, hope to raise £2,000.

Duncan said: ‘I chose to do this as a way of challenging and focusing myself in a productive way as I want to raise awareness and money to battle this harrowing and merciless disease.

‘Both my sisters have undertaken challenging events to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK and I thought it was my turn.

‘Running the Jurassic Coast was dreamt up as it is effectively running from where we both live now to where I grew up and my dad’s favourite place.’

Duncan’s dad was a businessman in Exeter and East Devon.

The duo, who were due to start on Friday, have been training for this challenge since October 2016.

To sponsor them please visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Duncan Ward109miles

30:30 THE Royal British Legion is looking for teams to take part in the Exmoor 30:30, an event organised by Soldier 30:30.

The challenge for the physically fit involves carrying 30lbs of kit over either 30 miles or 30km of Exmoor.

The challenge starts and finishes at the Memorial Hall, Exford on Saturday, October 14.

To enter, visit: www.british legion.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraise/ adrenalineevents/exmoor-3030/

newsdesk@sundayindependent.co.uk

35

Shake up

SPORT FOR LIFE PLAYING football can improve bone development in adolescent boys, new research shows.

In a study comparing adolescent footballers to swimmers, cyclists and a control group of boys not involved in regular sport, scientists at the University of Exeter found football led to significantly better bones after one year of training.

Scientists say adolescence is the key period for bone development, and poor development at this stage is linked to reduced peak bone mass (the amount of bone mass at the end of the skeletal maturation, around age 30), increased fracture risk and osteoporosis later in life.

Though swimming and cycling have proven health benefits, the scientists said their study ‘raises a question’ about whether they are good for bone development due to the non-weight bearing training – and they say young swimmers and cyclists could benefit from more weight-bearing exercise in training regimes.

‘Our research shows that playing football can improve bone development in comparison to swimming and cycling,’ said first author Dimitris Vlachopoulos, of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter.

Aspiring ‘Though we focussed on aspiring professionals who played as much as nine hours a week, playing football for three hours a week might be enough for a substantial effect.

‘We already knew exercise was key for bone growth, but here we clarify what type of exercise.

‘Although we didn’t study other sports, it’s reasonable to suppose that weight-bearing, high-impact, high-intensity exercise such as tennis, badminton, basketball and handball will have similar effects to football.’

The year-long study, of 116 boys aged 12-14, took a variety of measures.

The research was funded by the EU. The athletes in the study were all playing high-level sport – the footballers in Exeter City FC’s youth setup, and the swimmers and cyclists at leading clubs in the West Country.

The paper is published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. The research is part of a larger University of Exeter study called PRO-BONE.

A NATIONAL campaign to get children more active is being launched next week in Devon.

Public Health England’s Change4Life is launching a national ‘10 Minute Shake Ups’ programme with Disney, Sport England and schools to help get the nation’s children active.

Currently, PHE says just 22% of boys and 19% of girls in the West Country meet the national recommended level of activity.

New ‘10 Minute Shake Ups’ from Change4Life with Disney will be released each week over the summer holidays with games, featuring characters from Disney Pixar’s latest animation Cars 3, as well as Disney’s Moana, Frozen Fever, Zootropolis, Beauty and the Beast and The Lodge.

The Shake Ups aim to inspire longer-term activity among children, promoting healthy habits all year round. It also encourages parents to join in with their children.

Keri-anne Payne, Olympic marathon swimmer and ambassador of SportsAid, said: ‘Physical activity has always been an important part of my life, as I started swimming from a very young age.

‘The 10 Minute Shake Ups provide a load of fun activities to get kids moving more.

Anyone can try them.’

Race call THE countdown is on to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Exeter – but organisers are calling for local women to join in as fewer women than expected have registered for the Pretty Muddy 5k event on July 22 or the 5k and 10k events on July 23 at Westpoint Arena.

Entry closes at midnight on Friday and women can sign up at www.raceforlife.org

Pool prize

Walk time

MAJOR engineering and refurbishment works to renovate Jubilee Pool in Penzance saw Cormac and Cornwall Council secure the People’s Choice Award at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) 2017 South West Civil Engineering Awards.

THE latest programmes of walks in the Tamar Valley, aimed at those who are looking to improve their health and meet new people, are available now to pick up from local outlets or to view online.

View all walking programmes at www.tamarvalley. org.uk

Mayor gets pupils on board BRISTOL Mayor Marvin Rees joined local primary schools making a move to inspire future chess grandmasters as 120 pupils took part in a chess competition at City Hall.

This is the sixth time the annual tournament, organised by the Chess in Schools and Communities charity, has taken place.

Marvin Rees said: ‘I used to run a chess club in my old school.

‘The game is an excellent way to learn problem solving skills, logic and it can also

help children to become more resilient and learn how to lose gracefully.’

The tournament saw pupils from across the region, with a greater number of girls taking part than in previous tournaments.

Fourteen schools took part: Ashton Vale, Badock’s Wood, Cabot Primary, Combe Down, Compass Point, Henbury Court, Little Mead, Shield Road, St Bonaventure’s, St Michaels on the Mount, Stoke Park, Victoria Park and Wrington.

36

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Holsworthy Show Advertising feature

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Holsworthy Show

News round-up

Advertising feature

£1.1m Poldark hotel for sale

Show on the road

PLANS are well under way for the 121st Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show, which will take place on Thursday, August 24.

The organisers are excited to be hosting the grand finale of the Mole Valley young handlers competition.

Young competitors compete at a number of local shows during the summer, accumulating points; the overall winners will be announced at the show.

A great day out for all the family with a range of entertainment for everyone, it is first and foremost an agricultural show.

With a wide range of equestrian, cattle, sheep and pygmy goat classes, there should be a class to suit everyone. Judging is followed by a grand parade of prize winners.

The fun dog show is open to all, with the proceeds going to charity. There will also be more than 200 trade stands offering everything from handmade jewellery to huge

A HOTEL in the heart of Cornwall’s Poldark Country is on the market with a guide price of £1.1 million.

Boscundle Manor, which dates back to the 18th century, opened as a hotel in 1978 and has three Silver AA stars.

The hotel has been in the same ownership since 2002 and

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Ed Jefferson from the firm’s Bristol-based hotels team said the extended and extensively refurbished manor has a history as rich and varied as its surroundings.

‘It even boasts a piano said to have belonged to Hollywood leg-

Wishing Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show every success

A CARER from Devon is the star of a new fund-raising video for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Caroline Savage, 50, has raised more than £2,000 for the dementia research charity after taking part in the fund-raising initiative, Running Down Dementia, both last year and this year.

The challenge encourages participants to run 100km over the summer and raise £100 for dementia research while linking their running app to the Running Down Dementia website and competing in virtual leaderboards.

A new video featuring Caroline talking about her experience with dementia and the campaign has been shared across social media and is available to watch on the Running Down Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research UK websites.

Caroline, who lives in Georgeham, North Devon, first heard about Running Down Dementia on Facebook and thought it was the perfect summer challenge to get fit.

She said: ‘When I started off I was a non-runner and my first few kilometres were really difficult.

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end Herbert Lom, of the Pink Panther films,’ he said.

Boscundle Manor is said to have been built as two attached houses with detached barns. It was once home to the mine captain of Wheal Eliza, the 13th largest – and one of the more prosperous – tin mines in Cornwall.

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‘I thought I was never going to be able to complete it, but thankfully you don’t have to run it all in one go! That was fantastic because I knew one way or the other I could do it.

‘Suddenly, I became a runner! I clocked the 100km up relatively quickly and began to feel the health benefits. I found an online community of runners with people from all walks of life and all abilities.

‘Everybody was encouraging everybody else and the campaign helped my confidence, helped my fitness, helped me lose weight, it gave me a feel-good factor, it was fun, and the friendships that were built online were fantastic. We’re all still friends now.’

You can watch Caroline’s video at www. runningdowndementia.org/teamaruk If you would like to sponsor Caroline you can visit her page at runningdowndementia2017.every dayhero.com/uk/caroline For more information about Running Down Dementia or to sign up, visit www.running downdementia.org

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Anyone for helping out a cat?

BLUE Cross rehoming centres in Tiverton and Torbay have taken to a spot of tennis to help find new homes for cats in Wimbledon season.

The teams have put their Photoshop skills into action to try to encourage potential owners to serve an ace and adopt one of the moggies.

At the rehoming centre in Tiverton, one of the

cats even has a Wimbledon name – 14-year-old Pimms is looking for a new home after his previous owner sadly passed away. His tennis skills are on show at https://youtu.be/olhUESmBbwU For more information aboput the pets looking for homes at the Tiverton and Torbay rehoming centres, visit www.bluecross.org.uk

38

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

newsdesk (01579) 556970

Birthday bash

STON Easton Park, the manor house hotel between Bath and Bristol, is celebrating its 35th birthday on July 21.

Ston Easton Park is renowned for its historic 18th century interiors and Repton gardens.

Little-known tales from the country house hotel’s past include the time Queen Mary insisted on calling for tea in 1945.

She admired a honeyspoon fashioned from a coin of the realm, which was then presented to her as a souvenir.

In 1958, Ston Easton Park narrowly avoided a demolition order, as there were plans to build the A37 road through the middle of the estate.

West Country Heritage

Luxurious secrets of iconic West Country site revealed

THE GOOD LIFE

Park your deer here MORE than 220 students will be helping prepare for the grand opening of a new deer park.

Young people from King Edward VI Community College, Totnes, will be on the Dartington estate (July 18-21) to help prepare the new Dartington Deer Park for its launch to the public on July 27, from 11am to 4pm.

At the launch of the new free heritage attraction, families will be invited to take part in ‘medieval mayhem’ in the woodland, archery with Dynamic Adventures, and tractor and trailer rides around the Deer Field, which is home to fallow deer.

Building

Features

There’ll be wall building and stonemason demonstrations from Sally Strachey Historic Conservation (who have been repairing and conserving the 18th century Deer Park wall), and guided tours round the new accessible trails.

Look out too for a very original surprise theatre performance in the 65-acre deer park.

In preparation for the launch more than 40 Year 8 students will shoot pewter tipped arrows with Totnes Archery Club, and watch a longbow demo by medieval reenactors.

The application is said to have been rejected due to one of the country house’s many unique features – a pioneering plunge pool in the bedroom of former owner, Lady Hippisley.

Ston Easton Park was the home to Somerset’s first motor car and hosted one of the first motor rallies in England, held at the estate in 1906 – an image of which still adorns the walls of the Print Room.

On Friday (July 21), Ston Easton Park will be opening its doors as it was 35 years ago in 1982 for a celebration dinner.

Bath night

Outdoors

THE Roman Baths will host a special evening of archaeological discovery, ‘Bath’s Archaeology by Torchlight’, tomorrow from 5pm.

The event is part of the national Festival of Archaeology (www.archaeology festival.org.uk).

Visitors of all ages will be able to explore the Roman Baths museum and see the torchlit Great Bath.

There’ll be a range of archaeology-themed activities to try, including having a go at identifying archaeological objects.

A new digital heritage mapping project, ‘Know Your Place West of England’ (www.kypwest.org.uk), will also be on display, allowing visitors to see how the area has changed over time by comparing historic and modern maps.

The event is free for Bath and North East Somerset residents with a Discovery Card.’

Roman Baths tickets can be booked online at www.romanbaths.co.uk

WITH National Parks Week around the corner (July 24 to 30), a new poll has revealed that people living in the West Country rate national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty as their top places to visit and that it’s the moodboosting potential of a place that makes it special to them.

In the poll, more than a third of people in the region said that national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty are their favourite places to visit (37%), with heritage sites and historic buildings in second spot (10%) and theatres and concert halls next on the list (7%).

Schools were the places that most people in the West Country said their community would be lost without (14%) followed by the local shop (11%) and the high street in third.

Nationally, parks and public spaces (14%) were second to schools (19%) in this list.

riod. These finds reveal a fascinating insight into the lives of those at Tintagel Castle more than 1,000 years ago.

‘It is easy to assume that the fall of the Roman Empire threw Britain into obscurity, but here on this dramatic Cornish clif top they built substantial stone buildings, used fine table wares from Turkey, drank from decorated Spanish glassware and feasted on pork, fish and oysters.

‘They were clearly making use of products like wine and oil contained in amphorae traded from the eastern Mediterranean.’

EARLY Cornish kings feasted on oysters, roast pork and wine out of bowls imported from Turkey and glass goblets from Spain, excavations at Tintagel Castle have shown.

The evidence of fine dining and luxury in the late 5th and early 6th century was unearthed as part of the first research excavations to take place in decades at the legendary coastal castle, by the Cornwall Archaeological Unit in 2016.

While Tintagel is intricately bound up in the legend of King Arthur, who was said to have been conceived there, experts said the finds showed it was almost certainly a royal site with trading links to the Mediterranean during ‘Cornwall’s First Golden Age’.

Results of the dig, which have now been published by CAU and English Heritage, show finds include oyster shells, livestock bones with signs of burning and butchering, and a cod cranial bone which provides the first evidence of deep sea fishing at Tintagel.

The dig, which only covered a small area, also turned up a red slipware bowl from Turkey, amphorae or jars from southern Turkey or Cyprus,

Revealing and fine glassware from Spain, as well as iron brooches and dress hooks, knives and nails.

The excavations uncovered a selection of stone-walled structures on the southern terrace of Tintagel Castle’s island area, with substantial stone walls and slate floors reached by a flight of slate steps.

Following on from the successful dig, the archaeologists have returned to examine a much wider area, with the public able to see them in action.

English Heritage properties curator Win Scutt said the finds drew a ‘highly evocative picture’ of life at the site in the post-Roman pe-

Jacky Nowakowski, project director at CAU, said: ‘Our excavations at Tintagel last summer exceeded all expectations by partially revealing amazingly well-preserved stone walls, a slate floor and a flight of steps which belong to a pair of well-built buildings.

‘Accompanied by many finds, we have at present, a broad date range which suggests these buildings were part of the major post-Roman settlement at Tintagel.’

She said the plan for excavations this year was to open up a much larger area on the southern terrace to get a look at the scale and size of the buildings they had discovered.

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Sunday TV

GAME TIME

features@sundayindependent.co.uk

39

SoapBox The week’s storylines

With Game Of Thrones returning, some of the show’s key cast members reveal everything you need to know about the penultimate series of the HBO drama

G

EMMA Whelan was best known as a comedian when she was first asked to audition for Game Of Thrones in 2011. Since winning the role of Ironborn Yara Greyjoy, the 36-year-old’s stock has soared.

Earlier this year she left a huge impression on viewers and critics alike for her portrayal of Karen Matthews in The Moorside.

But while it appears Whelan has a number of paths to choose from as both an actress and a comedian, her character in the hit HBO series has been left between a rock and a hard place.

The end of series six saw Yara and brother Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) flee their home and strike a deal with Daenerys Targaryen. As part of the agreement, Yara promises the Ironborn will change their ways.

‘She’s got no choice,’ Gemma explained. ‘She meets Daenerys and Tyrion (Lannister) and agrees to no more reaving, roving, raiding or raping, even though that’s their way of life.

‘There’s no alternative ... they are running for their lives and time is against them,’ she continues. ‘Yara can see it’s time for change.’

Gemma believes the character’s open-mindedness to this shift shows political prowess.

‘She really has an idea of taking care of the bigger picture and not just herself or her own rise to power. I can’t tell you where she is at the beginning of season seven but we know where she was heading and who with,’ she adds.

Influential

Her alliance with Daenerys comes as the show’s female leads grow increasingly influential.

Fans may recall that Yara and Theon’s decision to flee their home was motivated by the return from exile of her uncle Euron, portrayed by Borgen star Pilou Asbaek, who is looking forward to getting his teeth into the character.

‘The good thing with Mr Greyjoy is he’s not only a problem for the Greyjoys – he’s going to be a problem for everyone,’ the Danish actor promises.

And he’s also adamant he’ll be able to show off the character’s nefarious aspects in a series which has forged so many villains.

Gemma and Pilou have maintained a fond rapport since first meeting during the making of season six in a small hotel in rural Ireland alongside Allen.

‘It was one of those things you couldn’t cheat. It was wonderful and like meeting family members,’ said Pilou.

In terms of what lies ahead for their characters, the pair remain naturally guarded. The show, for the first time since it premiered, now begins to overtake George RR Martin’s novels.

So in a spoiler-free series of Game Of Thrones, the only certainty is to expect the unexpected. l Game Of Thrones Season 7 on July 17 on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV at 2am, repeated at 9pm.

ABOVE: Yara Greyjoy, aka Gemma Whelan ALLIANCE: Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, and Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy

THE BIG LIE: Steven just can’t resist telling Lauren whoppers

Prom could be a real shambles EastEnders SHAKIL still hasn’t asked Bex to be his date at the Prom, while Louise is horrified to discover someone else is planning to wear the same dress.

They would be even more nervous if they knew Keegan and Alexandra were plotting to ruin the night.

Abi discovers the truth about Steven’s shocking ‘news’ and urges him to confess to Lauren. He decides to stick with the lies...

Max suffers a setback when Ian pulls out of the chippy sale after discovering the identity of the buyer, and Carmel later catches him taking a sneaky look at her council planning files...

PLOTTERS: Adam and Eva with Aidan

Ordeal is over Coronation Street EVA thinks Adam Bald-

win may hold the key to her taking revenge on Aidan for cheating on her. They join forces, first to persuade Aidan to sign over the flat he’s buying to Eva, and Adam comes up with a scheme that should see Aidan hand over his part of the factory to his embittered girlfriend.

While David attempts to build bridges with Shona, Craig figures out a way to prove to his superiors that Neil’s behaviour is far from befitting of a police officer, bringing an end to Bethany’s ordeal in the process.

Nicola demands that Phelan take a DNA test, and Brian and Cathy grow ever closer.

FLIRT: Jools causes a fight

Question popped Emmerdale AS Rhona’s court case looms,

Marlon fears Paddy is a little too keen to be there for his ex-wife. DC Osborne later shows the former couple photos of them embracing and warns they could be used to back up Pierce’s defence in court.

Ross has arranged for flirty Jools to hold a party at the Woolpack. However, Jools’ jealous husband lashes out at Ross. Will Debbie be tempted to offer him a little ‘comfort’?

Pete fails to propose so Leyla pops the question herself. But what will he say – and how will Priya react?

Chrissie meets Tim at a restaurant, unaware of his real identity.

40

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BIG CHIEFS AND LITTLE INDIANS

Sunday Indepe

41

dent July 16, 2017

F

RIENDS and families joined Aviva Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs to launch their 2017/18 kit – and they’re certainly going to stand out from the chasing crowd in Europe.

Following the club’s historic title triumph at Twickenham in May, the Chiefs have been clad in bright pink by suppliers Samurai Sportswear.

The club said ‘something spectacular’ was wanted to take into their fixtures both in the Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup. The home shirt has been stripped back to the raw basics with a classic black shirt, while the new pink European shirt, said Samurai, ‘has been inspired by a spiritual and tribal theme design, which exhibits Exeter’s ability as champions’.

The new kits were officially unveiled this week at an event outside Exeter Cathedral, led by Jack Yeandle and club captain Gareth Steenson.

Chiefs coaches and players ran skills sessions on the Green and played touch rugby with young fans, for whom they formed a guard of honour afterwards.

And their hard-won Premiership trophy was on hand too.

Pictures: Tom Sandberg and Phil Mingo / PPAUK

42

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Leisure Advertising feature

CHARLESTOWN REGATTA

C

HARLESTOWN Regatta returns on July 22-28 with a full programme of events in celebration of one of the most iconic villages in the county.

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In addition to these events there will be the crowning of the regatta queen, charity triathlon, knobbly knees contest, gig racing, stalls, games, barbecues, ‘Proms in the Park’ and a fireworks display.

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various displays and truck manufacturer stands.

For daytime entertainment there will be bouncy castles, mini karts, F1 simulator experience, side games, and a radio-controlled truck

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indoor/outdoor display running on both days by South West RC Truckers.

The tug o’war challenge has proved a popular addition to the show and has been won by M Way and Son three years running!

Friday night’s live music in the beer tent is from Cover Up, one of Cornwall’s finest rock/indie/pop cover bands.

With an ever-evolving set, they play a wide range of material spanning five decades, including artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Bruno Mars, The Killers, Abba, Oasis, Robbie Williams, The Beatles, U2, Coldplay, Simple Minds and David Bowie.

For Saturday night there’s Totally Funked Up, a party band playing songs to make you dance, with funk, disco, pop and Motown influences.

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

Sound of summer WADEBRIDGE Choral Society’s summer concert will take place at Egloshayle Church on Saturday, July 22 at 6.30pm.

The programme will include Jazz Folk Songs by Bob Chilcott, Whitacre’s Seal Lullaby and a selection from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.

There will also be piano solos and other instrumentalists in the programme.

Tickets at The Wadebridge Bookshop and on the door.

More about the Choir at www.wadebridge choralsociety.org.uk

newsdesk@sundayindependent.co.uk

Sunday What’s On

Outdoor movies

Highlights of the week ahead DAVID Walliams’ children’s favourite Gangsta Granny is at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal from July 19 to 23.

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be so boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime...

Tickets at www.theatreroyal.com or on 01752 267222.

OUTDOOR cinema returns to the Dartington estate near Totnes (July 20-22).

Choose from Sofia Coppola’s La Traviata (Thursday), Ryan Gosling in the multiaward winning musical La La Land (Friday) and the original Ghostbusters (Saturday), with Sigourney Weaver and a young Bill Murray.

Cinema manager Jim Whittle said: ‘This year we’re on the Great Lawn for the first time – so audiences will have a really stunning backdrop.

‘Don’t forget to bring what you fancy to sit on, whether it’s a cushion, picnic blanket or folding chair.

‘And it’s a short step into the rest of our gardens for a stroll as you wait for the sun to go down.’

01803 847070 or boxoffice@dartington. org, or Totnes Bookshop.

On show THIS summer, Overbeck’s, set high on the cliffs above Salcombe, is hosting an exhibition by felt artist Sarah Brooker and local artist Jo Crook.

From July 22 to September 10, the two women will display a selection of their works that evoke the natural world and, in particular, coastal landscapes.

Water sports

Be seated

ACTOR and comedian Rob Rouse is coming to Calstock Arts on Friday, July 21 with his new show, Are You Sitting Comfortably.

Part of Ben Elton’s award-winning hit BBC2 Shakespeare sitcom Upstart Crow, Rob has also been seen regularly on other TVshows – 8 out of 10 Cats, The Friday Night Project, Celebrity Juice, Dave’s One Night Stand and John Bishop’s Only Joking.

Kitchen

THIS afternoon, from 2pm, Calstock Hall's newly-refurbished kitchen is open for business.

This project is the successful result of joint funding by Awards for All, individual donors and local fund-raising.

The project was supported by many volunteers and involved the work of local tradesmen.

In celebration Calstock Hall invites you to come and see the new kitchen space and enjoy Pimm’s and freshly-baked scones, straight from the new oven.

All proceeds will go to the village hall.

The kitchen will officially be declared open with a ribboncutting ceremony by Calstock’s local celebrity Viva Hamnell at 3pm.

43

Every day’s a big adventure

SUMMER jazz sessions are being launched by SpeakEasy Torquay.

Three performances over two weeks will present contemporary jazz by artists from Canada, USA and the UK. July 19: A/B Trio.

July 27: Sue Richardson with The Matt Carter Trio August 2: Allison Adams Tucker (above).

All performances are at The Toorak Hotel in Chestnut Avenue, Torquay.

Details at speakeasytorquay.com/summerjazz-sessions

FROM the makers of Peppa Pig, the BAFTA award-winning television animation Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom is live on stage at Hall for Cornwall for four performances on July 18 and 19.

Holly is a young fairy princess, who is still learning how to fly – and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan.

Her best friend, Ben the elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the ladybird.

They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure.

Their musical adventure features games, songs and laughter.

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom hails from the award-winning animation studio Astley Baker Davies. www.hallforcornwall.co.uk, 01872 262466.

Live music with Suzie THE Beach Cafe at Caerhays, near Gorran, is hosting a drive-in outdoor cinema and other entertainment, including live music with local artist, Suzie Mac on July 22.

A PENZANCE-based choir is on a mission to get more people singing with a free singing workshop and free concert today, 2-4.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street, Penzance.

Levow an Bys has organised an afternoon of singing to showcase the songs they have been practising during their usual Wednesday night rehearsals but also to allow the audience to experience the thrill of singing in harmony.

The 45-minute concert, which starts at 3pm, will be followed by a free cream tea.

Levow an Bys, which means ‘world voices’ in Cornish, meet on Wednesdays during term-time from 7-9pm at St Mary’s School, Peverill Road.

SATURDAY is the date for Bere Ferrers Watersports at the Quay in the Bere Peninsula village.

New attractions this year include a canoe obstacle race and an exciting project for teams to build a raft, but only from materials supplied, then race them against each other.

For people not wanting to get wet or muddy, there’s the popular ancient sport of Welly Wanging and other delights.

There will be team games in the mud and then the water of the Tavy with the greasy pole as the tide comes in, crabbing for the kids, an afternoon barbecue and an evening hog roast.

The bar on the Quay has been enlarged and will feature a section for acoustic music.

Local ales from the Stannary Brewery in Tavistock and Bere Brewery in Bere Alston will be on sale, in addition to Prosecco and strawberries.

There will be stalls outside the Olde Plough and music to finish the day with local band The Cabarats, and support acts.

Got an event coming up?

Tell us so we can tell everybody else!

Contact us at newsdesk@sunday independent.co.uk

44

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

features@sundayindependent.co.uk

John Blunt on Sunday

Sunday kitchen Cut out and keep recipes from the Indy.

Have you got a favourite? Take a picture, write it up using the style shown here and send it to Sunday Independent, 1 Oakland Mews, Owen Sivell Close, Liskeard Business Park, Liskeard PL14 3UX or features@sundayindependent.co.uk

Walk and cook on the wild side THIS summer sees the rare chance to forage on St Michael’s Mount with a Wild Woodland Walk in the Northern Woods with wild food expert Emma Gunn and one of the gardening team (July 23, 11am - 1pm and August 20, 11am - 1pm; www.stmichaels mount.co.uk for details).

The walks are intended to be insightful and enjoyable with the opportunity to forage sorrel, sow thistle, bramble shoots (blackberries), crocosmia, nettles, scurvy grass, silverweed, navelwort, conifers, hogweed, daisies, dandelions, cleavers, dock, plantain, three cornered leek, and honeysuckle.

Gregory Milne, head chef at St Michael’s Mount, offers this week’s recipe utilising some of the things to be found: ‘This is a flavoured butter utilising all the wonderful produce we have on and around St Michael’s Mount.

‘The flavours are all perfectly matched for grilled and poached seafood particularly subtle and meaty fish such a turbot, brill and plaice but flavourful enough to pair with salmon and shellfish too.

‘The seaweed we use is sea lettuce found along the causeway and the herbs are all grown in our kitchen garden on the island.’

That was the week...

We never stop learning, do we?

N ICE to know that even at my age I can learn something, in this case from the higher education sector.

We Blunts are generally graduates from the School of Hard Knocks and the University of Life, but younger generations are making their parents and grandparents look extremely nervous by discussing the prospect of going to university.

I paid close attention, therefore, to the interesting slant on the debate over tuition fees from the University and College Union this week.

From the UCU I learned that university vice-chancellors received an average pay package, including benefits, of £277,834 in 2015/16.

The UCU’s question, obviously, was: ‘Is this what tuition fees were introduced for?’

In discussing the UCU’s call for a public register of senior unviersity pay, Lord Adonis, speaking in the House of Lords, highlighted the University of Bath’s ViceChancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell, saying she earned £406,000 last year.

When the University leapt to Prof Breakwell’s defence, I learned another thing: they said her pay package was comparable to that of other long-serving figures at successful institutions. So £406k a year is not unusual.

Whenever I hear arguments of this type, I recall dear Arthur Kay,

late photographer of this parish.

He was once arguing with an accountant over pay. The accountant was defending his generous package, to which Art was comparing the pay packets of the staff of the newspaper they were discussing.

‘Look,’ said the accountant, ‘it may be a lot but I work hard and I earn my money.’

Arthur drew on his cigarette and replied: ‘Look. My dad walked down a hole in the ground and hacked coal out with a shovel for 12 hours. That’s working hard and earning your money.’

Because there’s a part of me that says this: It is impossible to earn £406,000. Or even £277,384. And anyway, how much do you need?

The problem is not just with higher education, of course: a 2014 Telegraph report showed 8,000 people in the NHS earn six-figure salaries.

And then we have the sickening

obscenity of pay scales in football: there is nothing anybody can do with a football to justify tens of thousands of pounds a week, nothing, nothing, nothing. Yet we permit it.

My point is this: if everybody earning over £100,000 a year was paid just £10,000 a year less, they’d still be as rich as Croesus and able to live an extravagant lifestle beyond the reach of most of us.

But the exchequer would be millions better off and maybe we could have more money in the health service and the free unvirsity edcation that the generation who enjoyed that luxury is so intent on denying to the next generation.

A COUPLE of weeks ago I highlighted the West Country projects up for National Lottery Awards, including Devon and Cornwall’s Man Engine: the giant mechanical puppet (the biggest

ever made in this country) of a tin miner that toured West Devon and Cornwall last year in tribute to the area’s mining heritage.

In Cornwall, a third of the entire population turned out to see The Man Engine.

There turns out to be a massive head of steam behind the project in the awards, and now the National Lottery has opened up social voting (in addition to the phone and web voting options which are still available).

If you have a Twitter account you can cast a vote by tweeting or retweeting so long as you always add the hashtag #NLAManEngine to your post.

And you can also vote on Facebook by going to the National Lottery Good Causes Facebook page @LotteryGoodCauses, finding the post with all of the Arts category contenders on it, and adding a comment to the Arts category post, again using the hashtag #NLAManEngine.

You can still use the other methods to back the Man Engine and the other West projects in the running in other categories (you can vote for them all because of the different categories): Avalon Marshes Somerset is a magical landscape around the mystical Isle of Avalon. Sixty projects over four years have helped conserve it.

Bristol-based Jessie May Trust offers respite care to families facing unimaginable difficulty.

Vote at lotterygoodcauses. org.uk/ awards, or by telephone at: Avalon Marshes on 0844 836 9684 Jessie May on 0844 836 9695 The Man Engine on 0844 836 9676.

Indy Twitchers Bird watching with Steve Rogers Ingredients 250g good salted butter (Lescure) 1 banana shallot 2 tbsp dried seaweed 65g capers 1 tsp Dijon mustard ½ tsp cider vinegar 2 tbsp chopped tarragon 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 tbsp chopped mint 2 tbsp gherkins Half a lemon zest Seasoning to taste Take the dried seaweed and blitz in a blender until you have a fine powder.

Decant the powder into a bowl and set aside. Don’t clean the blender.

Finely chop the shallots and set aside. Individually chop the tarragon, parsley, mint and add to the shallots.

In the blender add the capers and gherkins, blitz until roughly chopped.

Add the butter at room temperature, the mustard, lemon zest and cider vinegar to the blender, drop the seaweed back in and blend until the ingredients are fully emulsified.

Check the seasoning and decant into a mixing bowl. Gently fold the shallots and herbs into the butter mix.

Either roll up into a log using cling film or empty onto a clean surface, roughly form and wrap with baking paper ready for use. The butter will last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Melt this butter over simply-prepared fish and serve with a wedge of lemon.

Makes eight portions.

First sighting of falcon in Cornwall ON the evening of July 6, West Cornwall birder Mark Wallace found the rarest bird of his career so far. On a regular walk after tea down Bosisto Lane, Polgigga, he chanced upon the county’s first Amur Falcon, a small falcon displaced thousands of miles from where it should be.

After discussion and checking of photos, the bird was identified as a first summer female (a young bird no more than a year old, by the heavy wear to the flight feathers and scapulars).

The news was relayed and a few locals connected that evening. At dawn some 200 of the UK’s keenest assembled for a sighting, and it was found roosting in a bush by the side of the road near the disused quarry.

It remained at the roost site until 9.20am when it flew off towards Nanjizal. It was briefly seen in flight at 11.03am and that was the last sighting.

The key question is how it found its way to West Cornwall? One theory is that it could have hooked up with migrating Redfooted Falcons coming out of Africa and wandered with them into western Europe.

Given the high number of vagrant Redfoots in the UK alone, it’s a plausible theory.

The record is the first for Cornwall and only the second for Britain, following a male in Yorkshire at Tophill Low in 2008. This bird was misidentified as a Red-footed Falcon throughout its stay and was only identified retrospectively from photos.

The species breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in southern Africa. The route they take from Africa back to their breeding grounds is unclear. It was earlier treated as a subspecies of the Redfooted Falcon and was known as Eastern Red-footed Falcon.

If one major rarity wasn’t enough, the following day a Blyth’s Reed Warbler was trapped and ringed no more than a mile from the Amur falcon! The skulking warbler has only been recorded twice in Cornwall and that was in the same place two years previously.

Steve Rogers, South West Optics, Truro. www.swoptics.co.uk l Steve will be back in two weeks on Sunday, July 30.

45

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

OUR BERYL The Sunday Essay Guy Channing RTIST Beryl Cook will always be associated with Plymouth, having recorded the very fabric of what makes the city tick since arriving with her husband John in the 1960s.

A

A new exhibition of her work, entitled Our Beryl: Beryl Cook at Home, is now on show in the city.

Beryl was born in Surrey and worked in the theatre and the fashion industry before the couple briefly lived in South Africa, where Beryl first began to paint having borrowed her son’s painting set.

In Plymouth, captivated by life on the Barbican and the lively but somewhat earthier night life on Union Street, she recorded the often gritty but always humorous events on the city’s streets.

Her early works were painted on almost anything that came to hand, including, in one instance, a bread board.

Persuaded by a family friend to let him sell a few paintings, Beryl was both surprised and delighted when they sold out very quickly. Her first exhibition in 1975 at Plymouth’s Art Centre was a huge success, prompting national interest.

Since those humble beginnings she has been the subject of endless TV shows and newspaper articles.

What sets her apart is the very real nature of her work. Bold, colourful and very often irreverent, her work reflects some very colourful aspects of city life as well as conveying bucket-loads of humour and compassion.

Beryl’s work has featured on TV and in many exhibitions, at Glasgow Museum of Modern Art and most recently at Plymouth’s Council House where staff from the city’s Art Gallery have recreated her studio complete with painted theatre seats and a set of self-deprecating ‘flying’ Beryls.

Curated by her family, the exhibition marks what would have been her 90th year.

Beryl passed away in 2008 leaving a legacy of beautiful images.

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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2009 (09) PEUGEOT PARTNER LX800 1.6 HDI 90 [EURO 4] CAGED TIPPER in White. One council owner from new (direct from Cornwall Council) with only 78,000 miles and full service history (inc recent full service). Aluminium tipping body, 3 stage tipping ram, electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking with spare key, work beacons. April 2018 MOT. In good condition throughout. Very rare vehicle. P/X welcome.

2009 (58) CITROEN DISPATCH COMBI 1000 L1 H1 1.6 HDI 90 [EURO 4] SWB 6 SEATER CREW VAN in White.

One owner from new (direct from the Ministry of Justice) with only 71,000 miles and full Citroen SH (inc. recent full service), 6 seater factory crew van, fold away/removable rear seats, side and rear windows (with opening side windows), privacy glass, dual passenger seat, EW, EM, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, CL, air con July 2018 MOT. Excellent condition. Very well cared for vehicle. P/X welcome.

2009 (09) IVECO DAILY 65C18 3.0 TURBO DIESEL [EURO 4] LWB TIPPER in White. One company owner from new (direct from South West Highways). 94,000 miles. Full SH (just had a new clutch). Behind cab storage box with lockable roller shutter doors, hot / cold hand wash basin, work lights, beacons, side storage box, fold away rear step, tow bar, remote CL, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, digital tacho graph, 6 speed gearbox. April 2018 MOT. Excellent condition. P/X welcome.

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2012 (12) CITROEN RELAY ENTERPRISE 35 L3 H2 2.2 HDI 130 [EURO 5] LWB VAN in White. One company owner from new with only 90,000 miles.

Side loading door, ply lined, bulkhead, dual passenger seat, electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, Sat Nav, air conditioning, remote central locking, 6 speed gearbox, roof rack. May 2018 MOT. In good condition. Ideal camper conversion.

P/X welcome.

2007 (57) MITSUBISHI SHOGUN SPORT COMMERCIAL 2.5 TURBO DIESEL LWB 4X4 in White. One company owner from new (direct from BT Group) with full service history. Up and over rear taulgate, opening rear doors, bulkhead, electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), radio / cassette, central locking, hi/low gearbox, tow bar. May 2018 MOT. In good condition throughout. P/X welcome.

2009 (59) FORD RANGER DOUBLE CAB 2.5 TDCI 140 [A/C] 4X4 PICK-UP in White. One company owner from new (direct from Wales and West Utilities) with full service history (maintained by BT Fleet to a very high standard). Lockable Truck-man top, ply lined, EW, EM, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote CL, air con, hi\low gearbox, diff lock, tow bar, work beacons. July 2018 MOT. Excellent condition inside and out. Very well cared for vehicle that must be seen. P/X welcome.

2011 (61) PEUGEOT EXPERT COMFORT 1.6 HDI 90 [EURO IV] WHEELCHAIR/DISABILITY ACCESS VEHICLE IN SILVER. One owner from new (direct from the NHS with full 8page SH (inc full wheelchair ramp service history). 6 seater plus wheelchair, twin side doors, up and over rear tailgate, lowered rear floor with quick release fold down wheelchair ramp, tip & turn rear seat, EW, EM, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote CL, air con, pull-out side step, side windows.

June 2018 MOT. Good condition throughout. P/X welcome.

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2006 (06) IVECO DAILY 35C14 3.0 TURBO DIESEL 6 SEATER XLWB DOUBLE CAB TIPPER in Yellow. One council owner from new. Aluminium tipping body, storage box behind cab with fuel fired heater and hand wash basin and lockable roller shutter doors, work lights, beacons, dual passenger seat, ABS, air bag(s), radio / cassette, remote central locking, tow bar.

May 2018 MOT. In good condition. Very hard to find vehicle. P/X welcome.

2014 (14) FORD TRANSIT T350L 2.2 TDCI 125 [EURO 5] FWD LONG WHEEL BASE HIGH ROOF VAN in White. One company owner from new with full Ford service history. Side loading door, ply lined, bulkhead, rear step, dual passenger seat, electric windows, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking, 6 speed gearbox. April 2018 MOT. In excellent condition inside and out. P/X welcome.

2007 (57) RENAULT TRAFIC LL29+ 2.0 DCI 115 [EURO 4] 6 SEATER LWB FACTORY CREW VAN in Silver. One council owner from new (direct from Cornwall Council) with only 82,000 miles and full SH. Twin side doors (with opening side windows), ply lined, bulkhead, rear windows with wipers, dual passenger seat, EW, EM, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, air con, remote CL, 6 speed gearbox.

June 2018 MOT. In excellent condition inside and out. Very well cared for vehicle that must be seen. P/X welcome.

2008 (58) PEUGEOT PARTNER 850 SE 1.6 HDI 90 [EURO 4] SWB VAN in White. One council owner from new (direct from Cornwall Council) with full service history (just has new cambelt kit and water pump), twin side loading doors (very rare), ply lined, bulkhead, dual passenger seat (3 seater), electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking with spare key, tow bar, full length roof rack.

July 2018 MOT. Excellent condition. P/X welcome.

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2012 (62) FIAT SCUDO COMFORT L2 H1 2.0 MULTIJET 130 [EURO 5] LWB 6 SEATER CREW VAN in White. One company owner from new with full Fiat SH. Twin side loading doors, bulkhead, ply lined, dual front passenger seat, electric windows, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking, 6 speed gearbox. July 2018 MOT. In excellent condition. P/X welcome.

2009 (59) FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDCI 70 [EURO 4] VAN in White. One council owner from new (direct from Cornwall Council) with only 74,000 miles and full service history. Up and over rear tailgate, rear window, bulkhead, electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking, factory fitted roof rack. June 2018 MOT. In excellent condition. P/X welcome.

2011 (61) PEUGEOT 207 1.4 HDI 70 [EURO 5] VAN in White. One company owner from new with full Peugeot SH (inc brand new cambelt kit and water pump). Up and over tailgate with rear window bulkhead, electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking with spare remote locking key. July 2018 MOT. Excellent condition inside and out. P/X welcome.

2011 (61) VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T30 T5.1 2.0 TDI 102 [EURO 5] SWB VAN in White. One company owner from new with only 75,000 miles and full Volkswagen service history (inc. just had new genuine cambelt and water pump). Side loading door, up and over rear tail-gate, bulkhead, dual passenger seat, EW, EM, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote CL, Bluetooth hands free kit. June 2018 MOT. Excellent condition inside and out. Very well cared for vehicle. P/X welcome.

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2011 (11) FORD RANGER XL 2.5 TDCI 140 DOUBLE CAB 4X4 PICK-UP in Blue. One company owner from new with full Ford SH. Lockable rear canopy with full LED lighting, side opening canopy doors, rear shelving, slide out storage box, front mounted ‘Super Winch’ with wander lead, electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote CL (inc rear canopy remote central locking), tow bar, reversing camera, reversing beeper, speed limiter, hi/low gearbox, diff lock. March 2018 MOT. Excellent condition. P/X welcome.

2013 (13) VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35 2.0 TDI 143 [EURO 5] MWB HIGH ROOF 5 SEATER CREW VAN in Silver. One company owner from new with only 71,000 miles. Side loading door, ply lined, bulkhead, rear double seat (removable), electric windows, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking, 6 speed gearbox, tow bar. May 2018 MOT. In excellent condition inside and out. Very well cared for vehicle.

P/X welcome.

2009 (09) IVECO DAILY 50C15 3.0 TURBO DIESEL 150 MEDIUM WHEEL BASE HIGH ROOF VAN in White. One council owner from new (direct from Cornwall Council) with only 74,000 miles and full 11 page service history. Side loading door, bulkhead, dual passenger seat, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking with spare key, rear step, tow bar. April 2018 MOT. Excellent condition inside and out. Very well care for vehicle, a credit to it’s former keeper. P/X welcome.

2009 (59) PEUGEOT EXPERT L1 H1 2.0 HDI 120 [EURO 4] SWB VAN in White. One council owner from new (direct from Cornwall Council) with full service history. Twin side loading doors, ply lined, bulkhead, dual passenger seat, electric windows, electric mirrors, ABS, air bag(s), CD player, remote central locking with spare key, 6 speed gearbox, work beacons, tow bar. July 2018 MOT. In good condition. P/X welcome.

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Sunday Motoring

Aiming to lead the world

THE West of England is set to lead the world in the development of ultra-low emission vehicles.

Investment from the West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership will support the University of Bath in establishing a new Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS).

IAAPS aims to be a global centre of excellence, delivering transformational research and innovation.

Located at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, it aims to lead the development of future generations of ultra-low emission vehicles and attract sector-related businesses to the region, generating economic growth.

Construction of the £60m IAAPS facility will start in the summer of 2018, and it is scheduled to open in early 2020.

DREAM MACHINE

Exploit

The Institute’s target is to exploit the engineering expertise of the University of Bath for the benefit of the UK’s automotive industry, stimulating more than £67m in additional automotive research investment by 2025, creating an additional turnover of £800 million for the sector and supporting nearly 1,900 new jobs.

Global companies, including McLaren, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Hofer Powertrain and HORIBA Group, as well as more local businesses such as HiETA Technologies, have been key to the IAAPS concept.

The West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership has committed support for the project with the allocation of £10m through the Local Growth Fund.

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Bridge to be hoisted over main trunk road THE A39 near Roundswell in Barnstaple will be closed overnight next week for a new £2.7 million pedestrian and cycle bridge to be lifted into place.

To allow the safe installation of the structure, the A39 will be closed overnight from July 17 to, and including, July 21. The closures will be in place from 7pm to 6am on each of these evenings.

The scheme is being part funded with £1.879 million from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP), through its Growth Deal with Government. Match funding is being provided through Devon County Council and developer contributions. l Road users are being advised to expect further overnight closures of Bridge Road in Exeter which are scheduled over the next two weeks for surfacing and road marking.

Additional closures will be carried out 8.30pm to 5.30am on July 18, 19 and 20, and from 10pm July 21 to 5am July 22.

There will also be night-time closures 8.30pm to 5.30am from July 24 to, and including, July 27.

Some works are weather-dependent so some dates could be cancelled.

Improvements

STON Martin has been voted the ultimate dream car brand by UK motorists, according to the Britain Under the Bonnet report produced by Close Brothers Motor Finance.

A

The luxury sports car brand beat competition from the likes of Audi and BMW, as well as other quintessentially British brands such as MINI and Rolls-Royce – both of which failed to make the top 10.

The car brands the nation aspire to own sees luxury sports makers Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bentley making the top 10: 1, Aston Martin; 2, Audi; 3, BMW; 4, Jaguar; 5, Mercedes; 6, Land Rover; 7, Ferrari; 8,

Lamborghini; 9, Porsche; 10, Bentley.

While the nation has voted for high-end car makers as their dream vehicle, the reality is in most cases quite different.

Dealer feedback in the Britain Under the Bonnet report has revealed the most financed car brand of 2016 was Ford, followed by Vauxhall.

The BMW is again in third place, suggesting that aspiration can become reality for some.

Over the last decade Vauxhall and Ford have remained in first and second place amongst those taking out finance to buy their cars, while Land Rover and Mitsubishi have crashed out of the top 10 altogether.

Audi and Nissan have experienced impressive growth and revved up the leader board in 2016.

l Work is under way on drainage on the A373 between Honiton and Cullompton.

The scheme will address standing water issues at three locations along the road, with work at all three sites expected to be completed by the end of July.

Work has started at Came Cross/Crammer Barton to install a new drainage system which will reduce surface water run-off in this area.

Access is available from the Cullompton end of the A373 as far as Crammer Barton and from the Honiton end as far as Colliton.

From July 17 work will also start on replacing a damaged culvert and kerbs at Post Cross, across the junction of the road to Kentisbeare.

Improvements will also be made to existing ditches. This will be carried out while work continues at Came Cross.

The road will be closed around the area of each of these sites with local diversions in place, although HGVs and buses will not be able to use the entire A373.

Existing gullies will be replaced at Hembury Fort, with temporary traffic lights in use.

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50

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Your heart will be very much in your home this week and the thought of spending time brightening it up and bringing it up to date is exciting.

However, watch the pennies! Next weekend will be full of playfulness thanks to the openhearted attitude of some of your loved ones.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Impatience, combined with a home-loving attitude, will see you getting the attic and cupboards sorted out and throwing out anything no longer needed. Will you also at last tell someone how you feel about them? Take special care with decisions on money and travel arrangements.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You’ll be at your communicating best, so have meetings, sort out finances, negotiate and turn on that charm! Be aware that, when passions are high, what is said cannot be taken back so tread carefully at home. Feeling overwhelmed?

Step back and give yourself time to recover.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) It is a week of fresh starts, but gain all the facts before going in with all guns blazing. You’re determined to get things moving but others may prove sluggish. Does someone press your buttons to frustrate you? Resist throwing money around to solve an irritating situation.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Discussions and meetings are best left for now. Feeling not quite yourself? Keep thoughts logical and practical and avoid missing details or losing important items. You will see the best in loved ones and have a great weekend showing them how much fun can be had.

VIRGO (August 24 - Sept 23) With the emphasis on plans and plotting, be aware that any hidden intentions may be exposed. Yes, if you are not comfy with something you have done, be ready to face the music. By bringing your charm and sharp wit to bear, you could come up with an ideal solution. Just do it fast!

LIBRA (Sept 24 - Oct 23) This is a week to learn and listen.

Give your attention to colleagues and friends and don’t cut corners.

Bearing in mind that your midweek will be extra busy, make those important conversations count before then. Interesting facts will come to light so what have you been missing?

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Your intuition will put you in the right position to make wise decisions, especially where money is concerned, so stay sharp. The best opportunities can come suddenly, but you don’t have to make sudden decisions. Love flits around you, but is this the time to try to capture it?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 21) Wanting to be spontaneous will lead you down new paths. Not interested in hearing advice from a friend? You could feel differently next week.

This is a time for romance though settling plans for the future is not on the agenda so think carefully before making any propositions.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Sparks will create spats this week. You’re no stranger to fun but now the chance of excitement will be boosted. After some surprises and loving moments, you’ll wonder if your heart will ever be the same again. Memories are being made, so get out the camera and be creative.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Long-distance, last-minute travel could involve a relative. Get out those walking boots as adventure beckons. Some responsibilities can be made easier by taking an optimistic attitude – talk is cheap but actions can really get things moving.

Time to relax? Maybe wait till next week.

PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) Someone who needs to let off steam may upset you. Don’t take it personally. By being practical you’ll sail through any lumps and bumps this week. You don’t need to splash the cash to have fun with your lover. Going for outdoor and simple activities can get the romance flowing.

Quicky ACROSS 7. Forward (5) 8. Century (7) 9. Apprehensive (7) 10. Bizarre (5) 12. Uneasiness (10) 15. Kind (10) 18. Evict (5) 19. Tally (7) 21. Adjust (7) 22. Repeated (5)

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DOWN 1. Noteworthy (10) 2. Deputiser (5) 3. Beginner (4) 4. Medicine (6) 5. Rare (8) 6. Speech (7) 11. Lure (10) 13. Complicated (8) 14. Animate (7) 16. Place (6) 17. Regional (5) 20. Close (4)

Last week’s quicky solution ACROSS

DOWN 1 Distinguished; 2 Vital; 3 Lair; 4 Lagoon; 5 Withdraw; 6 Entwine; 7 Strike-breaker; 12 Dictator; 13 Carcass; 15 Stable; 18 Grant; 19 Brew.

1 Devil; 4 Lawless; 8 Sitting; 9 Tutor; 10 Idle; 11 Hoodwink; 13 Crib; 14 Cape; 16 Irritate; 17 Ogle; 20 Heart; 21 Barrack; 22 Deserve; 23 Water.

Westwords Reader Competition Listed below are the names of ten different towns and villages in the Westcountry. All the names have been hidden in the grid but one.

Can you find which name is not in the grid?

B K F W Y N O T P M A H K L .I K Z

W H A T L E Y L W F B M T S D A W

DOWN 1. A day in France not available to catalogue writer (10) 2. Rogue in the pack?

(5) 3. Put a coin in, hope something comes out (4) 4. Help the stupid one

Scribble pad

CALLESTICK ST GLUVIAS WILLAND

ACROSS 7. Declare the girl’s fallen for a lightweight (5) 8. View money, say, as being an aid to navigation (7) 9. Right, Olivia, go out and get the food! (7) 10. He’s a scatterbrain (5) 12. Port notice possibly giving warning of security (10) 15. Ten police scattered outside Minehead – needing more? (10) 18. Exercise on the rail, perhaps (5) 19. Disregard the girl with the ring, she’s unpunctual (7) 21. Nice tan achieved a long time ago (7) 22. It isn’t slang, but still a defect (5)

FOWEY BUCKFAST BAGLEY WHATLEY

S M D P F L K T O N R M W K Z Y E L G A Y M B H T X B U T S K R C S O C Y K A U I L L F T T W E K H S F J C B E M B U R L W A B E L Q G W N A X E K T C U L G T I L L A N

Y G A B K C T S D N D Y V F H S D

KILKHAMPTON SOUTH BRENT MEMBURY

HOW TO ENTER: Send your answer on a postcard along with your name, address, postcode and telephone number to reach us before the closing date of Friday, July 21.

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first (6) 5. Cabby at loggerheads over time spent with pet (5,3) 6. Not a troublesome stretch of water? (7) 11. Drinking hole? (10) 13. It helps one remember being a jogger (8)

14. Withdraw from top class golf tournament? (7) 16. Lightness in weight is not serious (6) 17. From day one, he has a keen following (5) 20. He’s in trouble and has a lot to answer for (4)

Last week’s tricky solution ACROSS

DOWN

1 Heart; 4 Giraffe; 8 Unequal; 9 Evict; 10 Elan; 11 Fresh air; 13 Play; 14 Base; 16 Alliance; 17 Icon; 20 Extra; 21 Article; 22 Spectre; 23 Plant.

1 Housebreakers; 2 Arena; 3 Thus; 4 Galore; 5 Rheostat; 6 Frigate; 7 Entertainment; 12 Cataract; 13 Palette; 15 Scrape; 18 Cocoa; 19 Stop.

Word spiral Starting from 1, fill in the grid in a clockwise direction with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next word. If you have correctly filled in the grid there should be a seven-letter key word reading across from eight.

Don’t get in a spin!

CLUES 1. Beach grains 2. Diesel oil 3. Morally despicable 4. Otherwise 5. Fencing sword 6. Epochs 7. Break suddenly 8. Single step 9. Simple 10. Sharp tug 11. Eager

12. Requirement 13. Unable to hear 14. Drop 15. Produces eggs 16. Synchronise, in short KEY WORD CLUE Food item

Post to Westwords Competition, Sunday Independent, 1 Oakland Mews, Owen Sivell Close, Liskeard PL14 3UX or email competitions@sunday independent.co.uk

Last week’s solution: Polkerris

Last week’s winner: Mr Stuart Dolton, Plymouth

Smile Spot Q: What do postal workers do when they’re mad?

We welcome jokes, suitable for a family newspaper, from readers. Please keep them to under 50 words.

Send your jokes to Smile Spot at Sunday Independent, 1 Oakland Mews, Owen Sivell Close, Liskeard PL14 3UX or email competitions@sundayindependent.co.uk

SOLUTIONS: 1. Sand 2. Derv 3. Vile 4. Else 5. Epee 6. Eras 7. Snap 8. Pace 9. Easy 10. Yank 11. Keen 12. Need 13. Deaf 14. Fall 15. Lays 16. Sync Key word solution: PANCAKE

Your life in the stars with Cassandra Nye

Crosswords & puzzles

A: They stamp their feet.

Horoscopes

Sunday Independent – a good read every week

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All Golds can head into date with Donny in confident mood

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NIVERSITY of Gloucestershire All Golds will be back at their own stomping ground at Cheltenham’s Prince of Wales Stadium this afternoon, having experienced the plush surrounds at the Lamport Stadium last weekend.

RUGBY LEAGUE

by John Harding

While the All Golds were unable to halt Kingstone Press League One leaders Toronto Wolfpack’s unbeaten run, they produced an amazing, determined performance and certainly returned to England with their heads held high.

The Wolfpack ran out 62-10 winners, with All Golds captain Steve Parry burrowing over from close range in the first half, Jack Mitchell converting, and Lewis Reece scoring in the corner off the back of some great work from Joe McClean and Luke Stephens.

This afternoon the All Golds host Doncaster (3.00 pm), who are five places above them in the table and looking to confirm a top-eight finish to their season, having romped to a 70-12 victory away to South Wales Ironmen last weekend. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● LAST week in the Indy, we briefly mentioned that Bath & Wiltshire Romans were unable to field a side for their home game against Forest Bulldogs and would be withdrawing from the West of England League.

Problems appear to be mounting for other clubs and the West of England League coming just 12 months after the South West of England League, covering Cornwall and Devo,n folded due to similar circumstances.

Player availability appears to be the biggest problems because of distances required to travel to away matches as well as player commitments when the 13-man and 15-man games overlap at either end of the league season US Portsmouth Seahawks and Somerset Vikings were both unable to raise sides for their games so opponents Bristol Sonics and Forest Bulldogs received a 24-0 'walkovers' and two league points.

Gloucestershire Warriors secured their third victory of the season when they beat basement side Swindon St George A 82-18 to move into third place in the table.

The top two teams in Pool Two met at North Hinksey, where Swindon St George retained their pole position with a 54-8 victory over Oxford Cavaliers.

Bath RL moved off the foot of the table to be replaced by Southampton Spitfires whom they beat 58-8 at Chippenham RFC with hat-tricks from Shaun Allen and Alex Burns, who also kicked nine goals. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● ENGLAND have announced their 12-strong squad for the Wheelchair RL World Cup, where a record seven nations will be taking part in the tournament, which starts on Thursday in the south of France.

The 2008 Wheelchair World Cup runners-up, Australia, will take on Wales in the opening game of the tournament at Halle aux Sport in Carcassonne, followed by Scotland against Italy and then France versus England. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● AUSTRALIA will face Pacific Islands in today’s final of the Student World Cup at the 22,500-seat Pepper Stadium in New South Wales, having successfully negotiated their way through Friday’s semi-finals at the Windsor Sports Complex.

England, who lost their opening game 54-10 to reigning champions Australia, bounced back with a promising 22-4 victory over arch-rivals Wales in Round Two, thanks to three unanswered tries in the opening 15 minutes.

Jason Bass crossed twice for England, with Matt Ross and Aaron Hall also getting over the whitewash, while University of Gloucestershire All Golds’ Ben Stead added three goals while Marcus Webb scored a late try for Wales.

In round three, England faced Scotland, who had beaten Wales 48-18 in their opening-round match, and then went on to defeat Ireland 38-24. England held a comfortable 18-6 lead at the break before taking the game 30-20. Scotland still managed to finish top of their pool, while the Pacific Islands earned themselves a spot in the final after a commanding 40-12 victory over a gutsy Wales outfit at New Era Stadium.

Wales’ 28-16 victory over Ireland saw them take fifth place in the competition; England lost their semi-final 46-18 to Australia while Scotland were beaten 44-12 by the Pacific Islands.

Running alongside the Student World Cup in the RLIF Festival of World Cups in Australia is the Defence Forces World Cup, with Australia facing Fiji at the Pepper Stadium this afternoon (2.00 pm).

@thesundayindy

COV LOOKING SO GOOD FOR NEW SEASON

COVENTRY are being tipped as one of Plymouth Albion’s main rivals for promotion from National League One in 2017-18, and it is not hard to see why, when you look at the wealth of talent they have signed during the summer.

Their headline acquisition is undoubtedly Kiwi centre Sam Tuitupou from Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks, where he was a team-mate last season of new Plymouth Albion arrival Dan Mugford.

However, he is closely followed by several other big names from the Premiership and Championship as the Midlanders spend a budget that must be way above the pot of money available to Albion head coach Kieran Hallett for the coming campaign.

The 35-year-old Tuitupou, who is coming to Coventry on a two-year contract, made 110 appearances for Sale, also captaining the side. He skippered New Zealand to World Championship success at U19 and U21 levels and, a Super 14

PLYMOUTH ALB

by Nigel Walrond championship winner with Auckland Blues, went on to gain nine senior caps for the All Blacks between 2004 and 2006.

He moved to the Northern Hemisphere in 2007 and joined Worcester Warriors, where he played 54 games in two seasons before spending a season at Munster and then moving to Sale.

‘Sam is well known for being a hard-hitting, powerful midfielder and I have no doubt that he will add further quality to our back line,’ said Coventry director of rugby Rowland Winter.

‘Our intention has been to add more experience to our young squad with players who understand what we are building and trying to create, and who add value to our club. Sam was looking

for the right opportunity to develop his business interests alongside playing, as well as beginning the transition over the next couple of years towards becoming a coach.

‘Sam will bring experience and leadership, both on and off the pitch and that will be a huge advantage for us.’

His capture is closely followed in terms of making headlines by former England and Gloucester back rower Luke Narraway from newly-promoted Premiership side London Irish.

The Worcester-born 33year-old, who skippered Irish last season, has joined as a player-coach on a twoyear contract.

He captained Gloucester during nine years at the Premiership club, making 163 appearances and winning the European Challenge Cup and LV= Cup. ‘Luke will be a great addition to Coventry. He brings a huge amount of experience and quality from the highest level,’ said Winter.

‘He understands what we are building at Coventry and his signing demonstrates our ambition to challenge the clubs at the top of the league. We’re committed to supporting Luke’s transition into coaching over the next couple of years.’

Another familiar face is

Yorkshire Carnegie hooker Phil Nilsen, who has left the Headingley club at the age of 32 to join Coventry’s title bid.

Other impressive signings are 22-year-old former Northampton Academy prop Harry Morley from Championship side Nottingham, and 35-year-old Tongan international back rower Latu Makaafi from their divisional rivals Doncaster Knights.

Back row/second row forward Nile Dacres, of course, has made the move from Albion after two years at Brickfields, and he will be joined in the engine room of the team by Birmingham Moseley lock George Oram, and the latter’s Billesley Common and England Counties team-mate Dave Brazier, who is a 24-year-old scrumhalf.

Coventry’s 11 new signings are rounded off by 27year-old Gloucestershire and Birmingham-Solihull back rower and former England Sevens and England Counties player Jack Preece, three-cap Scotland international and former Worcester Warriors centre Alex Grove, and Old Albanian fly-half Ben Palmer.

If Albion get promoted this coming season against that sort of opposition, they will have thoroughly deserved their success!

HURRIED HENRY: England’s Henry Martin evades tacklers from Germany during the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s at Sandy Park yesterday Picture:: Tom Sandberg / PPAUK

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Bailey praises squad as they seal World Cup Sevens place

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NGLAND Women will be heading to the World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco, having sealed qualification by finishing as runners-up last weekend in the final leg of the Rugby Europe Women’s Grand Prix Series in Kazan.

WOMEN’S RUGBY

Five teams will

by John Harding represent Europe in San Francisco, with Russia, Spain and France having pre-qualified and now joined from Rugby Europe Sevens by England and Ireland, who claimed third place with a 40-0 play-off win over France.

England coach James Bailey said: ‘We are thrilled to achieve our season goal and secure qualification for the World Cup Sevens in San Francisco next year. I’m extremely proud of this squad, how they have approached and played through the weekend.

‘The work rate and energy never wavered, with the players working hard for each other, leaving nothing behind. We wanted to come to Kazan and put in consistently good performances, and that’s exactly what the squad delivered.’

Having finished Day One at the top of their pool after victories over Sweden, Poland and Ireland, England’s 21-7 win over Wales in the quarter-final of the Cup earned them qualification for the World Cup Sevens.

England, who included Bristol’s Chantelle Miell, Olivia Jones and Katie Mason in their squad, then went on to beat France 26-15 in the semi-final before Russia proved too strong in the final as they triumphed 21-0 to win the tournament.

Ireland’s superior scoring difference over the two legs – plus-208 compared to France’s plus-149 and England’s plus-85 – means they have broken new ground by finishing second in the Grand Prix Series standings for the first time.

In a change to England Rugby’s performance structure, Simon Amor will lead and oversee both the women’s and men’s sevens programme.

Amor will continue to be head coach of the men’s side and Bailey the lead coach for the women’s squad.

RFU Director for Professional Rugby, Nigel Melville, said: ‘Following the conclusion of the Women’s World Cup, we will switch our focus back onto Sevens and the Olympic Games in 2020.

‘This season has seen focus intentionally put on the 15s game and preparing for the Women’s World Cup next month. From a Sevens’ perspective in doing this, it has allowed us to identify and develop new talent in the Sevens format of the game.’

Next season’s Sevens calendar will be an exciting one beyond the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with women’s sevens featuring in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in April in the Gold Coast, and the World Cup Sevens in San Francisco.

Amor, the former Gloucester half-back, said: ‘I enjoyed coaching the England Women’s Sevens squad several years ago and gained a good understanding of the set-up through that experience.

‘Longer term, there are great benefits in the two programmes working closely together as we grow the game in England and are successful on the world stage. It is an incredibly exciting time for Sevens off the back of a successful Olympics.’

With the concentration switching after the Women’s World Cup to Sevens, the number of RFU central player contracts will be dramatically reduced, with many players reverting to clubs – many in the new Women’s Super League. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● BARELY have we had time to recover from the tense finale to the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and questions being raised as to whether there will be future tours, than support is going for a women’s version of the tour.

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips told BBC Wales Sport that the time is right for the Lions’ brand to embrace the women’s game.

He added: ‘For me it would be a “when” rather than an “if”.’

‘Women’s rugby is growing so quickly globally and definitely in Wales. I think a couple of my colleagues elsewhere in the Lions have said it’s not something they’d ever rule out. As a player it’s such a brilliant thing to be involved in.

‘To see how much these players get out of this tour and how much they genuinely enjoy the experience, to think that there would be an option for women there at some point is something that we should absolutely consider.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● TOPSHAM Ladies will be hosting their annual 10s tournament on Sunday, October 1 from 1.00 pm.

As with previous years, it will be an opportunity to play a number of games against ladies’ teams within Devon and Cornwall. It is seen as the perfect opportunity for new players to experience their first games of contact rugby. If you would like to enter a team, please enter free of charge as soon as possible, but definitely before September 15, using this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/25YBLCZ

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Ambitious Hakes add experienced forward duo to growing squad

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T IVES have made a double swoop on South West Premier side Camborne by bringing in tighthead prop Leigh Hocking and flanker Cameron Bone.

It follows hard on the heels of the arrival of two more ex-Cherry DUCHY DIARY and White men, in fly-half/full-back Rhys

by Nigel Walrond Brownfield and lock John Lamsin.

‘Leigh didn’t play a lot of rugby last year because he was building and doing work on Saturdays,’ explained St Ives director of rugby Joff Rowe.

‘He is 6ft 1in and 19-and-a-half stone so he is a big forward, and we are delighted to sign him.

‘Cameron is an openside flanker, who came to us for a year and then left in the middle of last season to join Camborne and then got injured, and has now decided to come back to us.’

The 27-year-old Hocking will help bolster a front row that already includes Ben Jenkins, Ben Taylor, Tom Chandler and player-coach Rob Elloway as options.

The 29-year-old Bone, meanwhile, can play hooker as well and has won the Cornwall Cup five times.

St Ives have also made a change to their firstteam captain, with experienced former Cornwall U20 coach and ex-Camborne centre Steve Kenward, who joined the club last summer, taking over from hooker/prop Taylor.

‘Ben has been our captain for the last four to six years and has been an absolute stalwart for the club, but I have asked him to be club captain for this coming season,’ explained Rowe.

‘Ben has accepted that position, and we have chosen Steve as our first-team captain.’

NEW LEADER: New St Ives captain Steve Kenward, (right), with joint player-coaches Rob Elloway, (centre), and Paul Thirlby

MATAVESI IS LOVING LIFE AS A FALCON

FORMER Exeter Chiefs and Camborne centre Josh Matavesi believes he has found the perfect home at Newcastle Falcons, with the ex-Osprey tailor-made for the ambitious playing style of the Aviva Premiership club.

Now 26 and with 17 Fijian caps to his name, the Cornish midfield man is full of enthusiasm for the new campaign as the Falcons look to build on a highest league finish in 11 years.

Famed for his creativity and handling, Matavesi said: ‘One of the big things that pulled me to this club was the style of play, the attacking philosophy and the things that people like Dave Walder are bringing to the coaching.

‘There is a real attacking mindset here, people want to play with ambition and I wanted to be at a club which shares those sorts of beliefs.

‘It suits me down to the ground, and as I become more familiar with the players around me it will become a lot easier to fit into the system.’

Currently a month into pre-season training, the hard-hitting back is acclimatising well to life on Tyneside, saying: ‘It has been an easy transition. Rugby is a small world and I know quite a few of the boys already from having played with or against them.

‘Newcastle as a city has been really good. I didn’t really know what to expect other than watching a cou-

PREMIERSHIP

by John Simpson ple of episodes of Geordie Shore, but all joking aside, myself and my family are loving it here.

‘My wife and kids have settled well, the boys from the club are incredibly friendly and everyone we’ve met in the region has been exactly the same towards us.’

Having helped Ospreys to last season’s Pro12 semi-finals, Matavesi knows his three seasons in Wales have brought with them an additional level of expectation and experience as he settles into his new surroundings.

‘For probably the first time in my life I feel like I’ve been brought in to be one of the senior players,’ said the former Racing Metro and Worcester man.

‘I absolutely loved it down at Ospreys, playing for such a prestige team. Being with guys like Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Alun Wyn Jones and those sorts of people, they’re just back from a Lions tour and it gave me a real insight into what you need to do to make it to the top.

‘You definitely pick up good habits from those guys, and to be in an environment where such high standards are expected of you has defi-

nitely been beneficial.

‘I’ve grown as a player during that time, both in a rugby sense and also in how I deal with that expectation.

‘I’ve been around for a little while now and hopefully I can offer some little insights to the younger players, or tricks of the trade, but there’s huge competition within the squad and I’m under no illusions about being an automatic selection.

‘When you look at guys like Juan Pablo Socino, Maxime Mermoz, Chris Harris, Dom Waldouck and a load of others, we’re certainly not short on quality or experience in the centres.

‘It’s a busy position and it’s all about partnerships, but we’re all here to win and to learn. I can definitely learn from all of those guys, and with our fly-half options this season it will be great to also feed off the guys we have at 10.’

With Newcastle’s backline power also including the likes of Vereniki Goneva, Toby Flood, Sinoti Sinoti, DTH van der Merwe, Sonatane Takulua, Joel Hodgson and Simon Hammersley, to name just a few, Matavesi said: ‘Last year the Falcons were probably regarded by some people as a bit of a surprise package, but that’s not the case now.

‘With the signings we’ve made and what the guys here showed last season, we know there’s a bounty on our head now.

‘Expectations have been lifted, we’re not being talked about as being in that relegation fight and our sights have to be on that top six.

‘As a playing group that’s what we’re aiming for, because we want to do more than just survive. We want to crack on and really achieve something.

‘Pre-season has been tough but that’s the same at any club, and it’s about laying the foundations for the start of the season.

‘It has been a bit of both in terms of getting beasted but also getting a rugby ball in our hands.

‘The lungs have been working overtime but we’ve also been developing our game plan, and it’s all about making sure we’re ready for when the Aviva Premiership starts.

‘There will be a lot more rugby in this second block of pre-season which we are now entering, and the core group of players are all here, apart from a couple of boys coming back from internationals.

‘We are getting down to the game plan, finalising what we’re going to do, and that’s the side of the game that I enjoy.’ ❑ ❑ ❑

Reporter needed

THE Sunday Independent is seeking someone to assist in compiling Cornwall and Devon, Devon One and Two League match reports for the coming season.

The successful candidate will be someone with a knowledge of rugby and a love of writing. They would also need access to phone, text and e-mail for a couple of hours, early on a Saturday night throughout the winter months. Training and guidance available.

E-mail: sport@sundayindpendent.co.uk to register your interest.

West seven on tour FRESH FACES: New St Ives signings Leigh Hocking, (left), and Cameron Bone ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● CAMBORNE have finalised all their pre-season fixtures.

The senior squad has some testing matches lined up – games which will give the coaches chances to ring the changes and have a look at their new signings.

They will play Surrey-based London Two South West side Camberley at home on Saturday, August 12 (3.00 pm), visit South West One West side Cornish All Blacks on Saturday, August 19 (3.00 pm), and finish their programme with a visit to Western Counties West club Truro on Wednesday, August 23, with the kick-off time for that game still to be confirmed.

Camberley will also be playing London Cornish in pre-season, away from home on August 19.

Camborne’s Duchy League side will take on Camberley’s second XV at Crane Park on Saturday, August 12, with the kick-off time still to be confirmed; play St Just at Tregeseal on Sunday, August 27 (2.30 pm); and travel to Astley Park to tackle Brixham Reserves on Saturday, September 9 (3.00 pm).

A NUMBER of West Country players have been named in the England under-18s squad for their threematch tour of South Africa in August.

Bath Rugby’s Kieran Verden and Tom de Glanville; Exeter Chiefs’ Richard Capstick; Bristol Rugby’s Will Capon and James Dun, and Gloucester Rugby’s Aaron Hinkley and Tom Seabrook have all been selected for the squad which will take on South Africa Schools, Wales and France next month.

England face South Africa Schools in their opening fixture on Friday, August 11, in Cape Town before a match against Wales in Paarl four days later. Head coach John Fletcher’s side then finish their campaign against France on Saturday, August 19, in Stellenbosch.

England will be boosted by the experience of forwards Ted Hill, Sam Moore

RUGBY ROUND-UP

by Liam Read and Tom Willis – all three featured in last year’s tour to South Africa. Hill and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith both also received England under-20 caps in this year’s Six Nations.

Coached by Fletcher, Russell Earnshaw, Mark Luffman and Peter Walton, England under-18s have enjoyed an impressive season so far, most recently winning all of their games in April’s International Series in Wales.

Said Fletcher: ‘The tour is a fantastic opportunity for these players to play in the southern hemisphere in a challenging environment.

‘On the field, I want to see us improve in each game, we are in our off-season and lots of the boys will not have had much rugby so it will take a little bit of time to get

them back up to speed.

We’ve chosen a strong, talented group and we will only focus on ourselves.

‘We’re really looking forward to spending time with the players; it’s important for us coaches to get to know them on and off the field.’ b ENGLAND UNDER-18 SQUAD: Forwards – Aaron Hinkley (Gloucester Rugby, St Peter’s High School), Beck Cutting (Worcester Warriors, Bromsgrove School), George Head (Harlequins, Tonbridge School), James Dun (Bristol Rugby, Millfield School), James Scott (Worcester Warriors, Malvern College), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, Wyggeston & QEI College), Josh Basham (London Irish, Wellington College), Kieran Verden (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff School), Nick Rigby (Worcester Warriors, Warwick School), Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs, Exeter College), Sam Moore (Sale Sharks, Sedbergh School), Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors, Worcester College), Tom Willis (Wasps, The Henley College), and Will Capon (Bristol Rugby, Bristol Grammar School); Backs – Arron Reed (Sale Sharks, Kirkham Grammar School), Cadan Murley (Harlequins, Bishop Wordsworth's School), Cameron Redpath (Sale Sharks,

Sedbergh School), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, Bedford School), Kieran Wilkinson (Sale Sharks, Kirkham Grammar School), Marcus Smith (Harlequins, Brighton College), Ollie Fox (Yorkshire Carnegie , New College Pontefract), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, St Paul’s School), Sam Spink (Wasps, Wellington College), Tom de Glanville (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff School), Tom Seabrook (Gloucester Rugby, Dean Close School), and Will Porter (Wasps, Merchant Taylors’ School)..

❑ ❑ ❑ ● BATH Rugby have announced their pre-season schedule which will include a West Country derby against Bristol.

The first of three pre-season fixtures will see Bath take on their South West rivals at Clifton RFC on Saturday, August 12 (2.30 pm).

They then travel to take on Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, August 20 (2.00 pm), before finishing their schedule in Ireland against Leinster at Donnybrook Stadium on Friday, August 25 (7.45 pm).

Finding fly-half top priority for ‘Tavy’ coach as season looms

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AVISTOCK player-coach Marc Kerswill is working hard to strengthen his squad before the season starts.

The Moorlanders, who had an average season in the Tribite Cornwall and Devon division last winter, are DEVON DIARY aiming higher this term.

Tavistock have lost a few players due to work

by Conrad Sutcliffe commitments, which has made the recruitment process all the more important. ‘I am in talks with a couple of potential fly-halves but both are very undecided,’ said Kerswill. ‘If we get one or both it could be the difference between us being a top-five side or not.’

‘We have had a number of colts to step-up with possible extras depending on results.’

Aidan Mason, Josh O’Neill and Andrew Smerdon have all left as they are living and working in and around Exeter. Smerdon played fly-half at times last season but has moved away. Even if he were thinking of traveling back to play he needs a knee operation. Mark Webber also wore the No.10 shirt, but he has patchy availability for the season ahead.

Training has already started at Sandy Lane and Kerswill reports ‘positive vibes’ throughout.

‘We have had Nick Lane and Jamie Turpin doing strength and conditioning over the last few weeks,’ he said. ‘Jamie plays for us and Nick is an ex-player is a successful strength-and-conditioning coach based in Tavistock.’

Pre-season action starts on Friday with the Devonport Tens. Fifteen-a-side action begins with Paignton at home on Saturday, August 12; Old Techs away (Saturday, August 19); North Tawton away on Thursday, August 24, and an inter-club game on Bank Holiday Saturday.

‘Can’t wait to get going now and hope to pick up a few extra lads, particularly backs,’ said Kerswill. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● DEVONPORT Services have a new-look coaching team for the season coming up.

Bryan Crichton, who was in overall charge, called it a day at the end of last season after four years in the job.

Mike Lewis, who was coaching, is now head coach and will be assisted by player-coaches Matt Anstis and Richard Goldsby-West.

Lewis is a former Services colt and Albion forward whose career ended early due to injury. He has been part of coaching teams at Tavistock and the Cornish All Blacks.

Anstis is a Services lifer at stand-off. He is waiting for results of a knee scan and may do more coaching than playing at first.

‘He wants to see how much damage was done by a hard tackle in the last game of the season,’ said team manager Kieran Leach.

Goldsby-West was a colt with Services who has since played for Tavistock and, for the last two years, been a player-coach at Plymstock AO. Training has already started with 50 turning up for the first session this week.

‘Twelve of them were colts – which is a great starts considering we had no colts team last season,’ said Leach.

Services go to Brixham on Saturday, August 12, for a three-way with Teignmouth.

They host Hayle on Saturday, August 19 and play Saltash at first and second XV level at home on Friday, August 25. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PLYMOUTH Argaum have some familiar faces on board as coaches for the season ahead.

Mark Sullivan, the new director of rugby, coached the club a decade ago before his career in the Royal Navy took him away.

Working under Sullivan are Mark Albiston, once an Argaum youth player who has been coaching youngsters elsewhere, and Callum Mills.

Mills was ‘discovered’ through Argaum’s hugely successful involvement in the RFU’s ‘Return to Rugby’ initiative. He is a Level Two coach - always worth having on board.

Argaum must be keener than most at this time of the year as they are training twice a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays – at Roborough.

Half-a-dozen of last year’s colts have been training and will be pushing for places in senior teams. Argaum want to get a second XV out regularly this season and need players coming through to achieve that aim.

Adam Fitpatrick, a prop who played in Argaum’s Devon One promotion-winning side of a couple of years ago, has re-signed for the club, having been on a world tour.

Argaum have booked friendlies away to Liskeard-Looe (Saturday, August 12) and home to OPMs (Saturday, August 19).

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Pape getting his side in to shape for ‘Barum’ test

Whiffin given Academy head position at Kingsholm

S

TEVE Pape believes South West Premier side Hornets will be in good shape to play their first pre-season friendly at home to Barnstaple in just under a month’s time.

GLOUCESTER have confirmed that Richard Whiffin has been appointed as the club’s new Head of Academy.

The North Devon SOMERSET RUGBY side will be heading to Weston-super-Mare on by Barry Knott Saturday, August 12, to face a Hornets team strengthened since last season by new player-head coach Pape.

‘Training has been going extremely well and we’ve been getting 40-plus numbers at sessions,’ said the ex-Gloucester and Bristol second row.

‘I’m extremely excited about the new season. The Barnstaple game will also provide me with the first chance to see many of the players in competitive action.

‘We’ve got three warm-up games before the season gets underway and I think that’s just about right.’

Hornets, who finished eighth in National Three (South West) last season, are away to Cleve in their opening league game on Saturday, September 2.

One player who will not be taking part in Hornets’ friendlies is utility player Liam Symonds, who played for Wellington last season and had been offered a trial by Pape.

He has dislocated his shoulder while playing sevens rugby and could be out of the game for months.

Wellington had been aware of Pape’s interest in Symonds and had been hoping to hold on to their player. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● CHARD’S new head coach Jim Wagstaff has already begun toughening up his squad for the new season.

Following regular fitness sessions in the summer, Wagstaff challenged his players to take part in the Forde Abbey 10k, a gruelling cross-country race which involved two river crossings.

The event saw 20 players from the South Somerset club – some of whom had never attempted a 10k before – join more than 200 other runners.

Unsurprisingly, the first Chard pair back were seasoned iron men Wagstaff and Stuart Gold, with Harry Miller not far behind them.

All the others got back in one piece and in good time, showing true team spirit by lining the finish to cheer the last man home.

Pre-season training continues for the senior men on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Chard – new and old players will be made very welcome.

For more details, call Jim Wagstaff on 07989 557407. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● TWO players who broke legs while playing rugby for the Wellington club last season are on the mend.

Second row Will Hinchcliffe is already back training twice-weekly, while prop and hooker Harry Tredwin is close to making a comeback.

However, back rower or second rower Sandy Kiddle, a doctor at Musgrove Park Hospical, is struggling with a hamstring injury.

Club spokesman Allyn Chetland said: ‘We’ve been getting good numbers at training – 25-plus.

‘At the moment things are looking good and the club’s coaches are working really well with new man Graham Dawe and feeding off his ideas.’

Wellington will have to choose a new first XV skipper because Dan Smythe-Moore will not be playing due to increased commitments. He missed games towards the end of last season through injury.

Wellington’s training nights are Mondays and Wednesdays.

A captain for the senior side will be chosen at a players’ meeting, which will be held before the club’s annual meeting on Friday, July 28 (7.30 pm). ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WIVELISCOMBE returned to pre-season training this past week and sessions will be on Mondays and Wednesdays until the season gets underway.

Twenty-one-year-old tight-head prop Will Ellis, who will captain the side again, explained: ‘We have chosen Mondays and Wednesday to avoid clashing with cricket training nights.’

Wiveliscombe won their last ten matches in Somerset Premier last season and just missed out on promotion.

‘I don’t think we’ve lost any players from last season,’ added Ellis. ‘Hopefully we’ll have the same squad available. Some of the lads play cricket so we’ll have to see how things pan out.

‘Obviously, we’ll be making another big effort to get promotion. We could not have done any more last season. It was a great effort to win our last ten matches.’

@thesundayindy

Pictures: Chris Davis and Chris Bousfield

◆

BEACH BALL: Rugby teams from across the country took part in a charity tournament on Weymouth Beach in honour of Julian Quick, a former rugby captain who died from cancer earlier this year. Weymouth and Portland RFC organised a memorial five-a-side festival to raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare, which supported 28-year-old Julian through his battle with cancer until his death in February. Before being diagnosed with cancer, Julian was heavily involved in the club on and off the field and captained the men’s first team. Club chairman Ian McMillan said: ‘On behalf of Weymouth and Portland RFC I would like to thank all the teams and volunteers who made it a fantastic weekend, with proceeds going to the Weldmar Hospice. We are going to make it an annual event in Julian’s name, called Quick Fest. It will just get bigger and better as rugby is one big family which covers the whole country. Saturday was for seniors and was one big party, with Air FM supporting the music. It was a carnival of rugby. Sunday was mini’s and youth sections, 11 years of age upwards. The atmosphere was great.’

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Whiffin, who joined Gloucester as Academy backs coach in the summer of 2016 from London Irish, succeeds Neil McCarthy, who left at the end of last season, AVIVA and will seek to follow PREMIERSHIP on from the success, knowledge and structures that

by Liam Read McCarthy put in place.

Prior to joining Gloucester, he spent more than ten years with London Irish, starting in an analysis role before becoming an assistant coach to the first team. He also worked with the England Saxons and Argentina.

Last season saw him involved as part of the management team for the Singha Premiership Sevens squad and also the Gloucester United side in their 2016-17 A League season which saw the team reach the final.

But, perhaps the ultimate endorsement of the work of the Academy last season was the ‘graduation’ of three of its members – Freddie Clarke, Lloyd Evans and Ben Vellacott – into the first team squad, while numerous others featured in the first team in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. The Gloucester Rugby Academy and the production of top-class local talent is a huge focus for the club, and Whiffin will be working closely with director of rugby David Humphreys and new head coach Johan Ackermann.

Whiffin said he was incredibly excited about his new role and seeking to build on some solid foundations.

‘I’m absolutely delighted. We had a very successful year at the back end of last season, and I’m just pleased that I’ve been given the opportunity to take that forward and try and grow what is already a very good programme and achieve more success,’ he commented.

The club took training out to Sir Thomas Rich’s school last week and Whiffin knows that links to local clubs and educational establishments are a key part in helping the Academy to achieve success. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

New Cleve coaches

CLEVE have announced an exciting new coaching team for the 2017-18 season.

Following the departure of former head coach Ryan Davis to Bath Academy in a full-time role, director of rugby David Partington has quickly secured the services of Bristol fly-half Tusi Pisi as a backs coach to assist new head coach Chris Brooker.

Partington explained: ‘I’d firstly like to personally thank Ryan for the three years that he has spent at Cleve. With the help of James Scaysbrook and Chris Brooker, he gained promotion in the first season and then maintained our status in National Three South West for the next two years.

‘Ryan also brought a new-found professionalism to Cleve, which has in turn changed the attitudes of the senior squads.

‘The decision to promote Chris to head coach was a relatively easy one, due to his playing experience and history with the club.

‘Having been in and around the club since he was five years of age, Chris shows the passion, drive and determination that you would expect from someone that has the club at heart.

‘Ryan and Chris worked so closely together that Chris fully understands the demands of the role and I’m sure he will excel in it.

‘Chris was very complimentary about the coaching abilities of Tusi. Once I knew he was interested, I wanted to move to bring someone of his experience to Cleve at the earliest opportunity.’

Pisi recently won his 31st cap for Samoa against Wales. He has played Super Rugby for the Crusaders, Hurricanes and Sunwolves whilst also enjoying a period of time in France with Toulon.

Cleve have started pre-season training. They currently run three senior squads and are always looking for players of all ages and abilities to represent the club at first, second and third team level.

Please contact David@cleverugby.co.uk for any information on senior, junior or mini rugby.

Meanwhile, Cleve are hosting Bristol’s pre-season friendly with Harlequins on Saturday, August 5 and they have set up a ticket selling site at http://www.seetickets.com/tour/bristol-rugby-vharlequins – but you will also be able to pay on the gate.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for under-14s and over-60s and a family ticket is £25 (two adults and two children). Gates will be open from midday for the 2.30 pm kick-off, and no dogs are allowed on site.

There will be children’s entertainment in the form of a bouncy castle and meeting the players etc.

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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SPECIAL NIGHT: Guests line up before the Dorset & Wilts RFU annual dinner at the Wardrobe Salisbury

GRATEFUL THANKS: Retiring Dorset and Wilts RFU president John Constable, (left), gives Twin Counties secretary Nick Dart an award to mark his decade in the role at the Dorset & Wilts RFU annual dinner at the Wardrobe.

John said: ‘Nick is stepping down as secretary after ten years in the role and this cannot go unmarked. Knowing we will still have your input at meetings will help us all to continue in the right direction.’

Picture: Idris Martin / www.idrismartin.wordpress.com

STERLING SERVICE: Retiring Dorset and Wilts RFU president John Constable, (left), is presented with an inscribed hip flask by his deputy Stuart Murrow to mark his three years in office. John said: ‘A huge thank you to the whole committee past and present for making my role over the past three years such an enjoyable experience, and without you this would have been impossible.’

Picture: Idris Martin / www.idrismartin.wordpress.com

Picture: Idris Martin / www.idrismartin.wordpress.com

INCREDIBLE STINT: Retiring president John Constable, (left), makes a presentation to John Palmer at the Dorset and Wilts RFU annual dinner, and said: ‘The final presentation from me is to recognise and extend a huge vote of thanks to our treasurer, who has been steering us through the financial waters over the last 30 years. I am sure he will continue to do so for some years to come.’

Picture: Idris Martin / www.idrismartin.wordpress.com

EASING OFF: Retiring Dorset and Wilts president John Constable, (right), said of Willie Wildash: ‘After many years Willie has decided he would like a break, having served Dorset & Wilts and the RFU with enthusiasm and energy. I am told Willie first “joined” Dorset & Wilts in the 73-74 season so has amassed 43 years of service to the game in D&W. I hope that we will still see you at times out and about on a Saturday afternoon.’

Picture: Idris Martin / www.idrismartin.wordpress.com

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sports NOTICEBOARD

● ACADEMY Soccer Cyprus trials.

Football week long trials/tours to Cyprus professional league clubs for 18 to 21-year-olds. Must meet player profile requirements and be free 2016-2017. More details from Sav Savva on (07811) 183 271 or (01803) 844 464 or via website: www.academysoccerpro.com

● ACADEMY Soccer. Plymouth Argyle Torbay Centre of Excellence for boys under-eight to under-14, run in line with Argyle’s Academy system. Will not interfere with local grass-roots football. Paignton College Sports Hubb Thursdays (5.30-7.00 pm). More details call Sav Savva C of E manager on (01803) 844 464 or (07811) 183 271.

● ACADEMY Soccer two-day camp, linked to Plymouth Argyle Torbay Youth Development, on Thursday and Friday, July 27-28 for children aged four-14 at Paignton College (10.00 am until 3.00 pm). For more information, contact Sav Savva on (07811) 183 271, or visit: www.academysoccercamps.co.uk

● ACADEMY Soccer Camp’s weekly courses at Paignton Community and Sports College. Boys and girls unless stated. Monday: four to six-year-olds (tbc) (5.306.30 pm), seven to 14 (5.30-6.30 pm). Tuesday: eight to 14 (5.306.30 pm). Thursday: eight to 12 (boys only) (5.30-7.00 pm). Saturday: four to seven (9.30-10.30 am), eight to 12 (9.30-10.30 am).

FA qualified coaches. Linked to PAFA youth development and Academies. Contact: Torquay (01803) 844 464 or (07811) 183 271; or visit: www.academy soccercamps.co.uk

● AFC PLYMPTON under-11s, School Year Five, require outfield players to join a good friendly squad. Please contact the manager Nick on (07779) 349 097.

● AFC Plympton under-15s (School Year Ten), require a coach for the coming season. For more details, please contact Paul on Plymouth (01752) 331 245.

● AFC PLYMPTON require players in all positions for their undertens boys side (School Year Five). Please contact manager Nick for more details on (07779) 349 097.

● AFC PLYMPTON Girls are looking for girls in School Years Two and Three to join their undernines; Years Four and Five to join the under-11s, and Years Six and Seven for the under-13s. For more information on training times and the like please contact Barry on (07779) 730 351.

● BUCKFASTLEIGH Rangers FC are holding a ‘Reunion’ day on Saturday, August 26 at Ducks pond. All players, supporters and club members past and present are welcome along with families!

Fixtures permitting, there will be the opportunity to watch the current crop of players followed by a BBQ, bar games and the chance to catch up with old friends and reminisce over those 30-yarders scored at Chagford! The evening will culminate with some entertainment (disco or live music) and a late bar. The clubhouse will be open from mid-day. Follow the event on Facebook or for further information, contact Matt Crimp on (07818) 410 422.

● BUCKLAND Athletic require manager for their WBW Solicitors South Devon Division One side (third team) for the 2017-18 season. All applications treated in confidence. Those interested please call Newton Abbot (01626) 369 345.

● BUDLEIGH Salterton seek firstteam manager or coach for Carlsberg South West Peninsula One (East) side. Applications, in confidence, together with footballing cv, to club secretary Richard Tapp at: chardtapp1@ hotmail.co.uk, or (07811) 179 238.

● BUTLEIGH CRICKET CLUB – New members welcome. Please contact chairman Dan Durston on (07968) 796 643 or first-team captain Sam Bilsborough on (07964) 962 068.

● CHADDLEWOOD Miners are recruiting outfield players to play competitive under-12 football.

Community Standard Club with fully qualified and CRB checked

coaches. Players to be going into Year Six in September. Contact Chris Watkins on (07944) 875 475 or Phil White on (07789) 911 674.

contact the club secretary Mark Gower on: (07583) 235 685 or email: drakefc.secretary@hotmail.com

● CHADDLEWOOD Miners under12 team are recruiting players in all positions. Community Standard Club with fully qualified and CRB checked coaches. Players should currently be in Year Seven. Contact Trevor Nelder on (07768) 305 009.

● DRAKE under-nines seeking players for fun and friendly squad (School Year Five in September 2017). Training and matches at Lipson Co-operative Academy.

Anyone interested, please contact manager John on (07711) 497 369.

● CHADDLEWOOD Miners are recruiting outfield players, including a striker, for a top league under-13 team. Community Standard Club with fully qualified and CRB checked coaches. Players should currently be in Year Eight.

Contact Brad Smith on (07584) 051 055.

● DRAKE FC seeking players for newly established under-tens (School Year Six in September 2017). Especially searching for goalkeeper. Training and matches at Lipson Co-operative Academy.

For more details contact secretary Mark Gower on (07583) 235 685, or manager Armond on (07800) 541 333.

● CHADDLEWOOD Miners are recruiting players in all positions for under-14 team. Community Standard Club with fully qualified and CRB checked coaches. Players should currently be in Year Nine. Contact Paul Solomon on (07980) 863 792 or Lee Simpson on (07931) 328 973. ● CHADDLEWOOD Miners are recruiting central defence and central midfield players for an under15 mid-league team. Community Standard Club with qualified and CRB checked coaches. Players should currently be in Year Ten. Contact Steve Mumford on (07592) 604 280. ● CHADDLEWOOD Miners are looking for players in all positions for under-15 youth squad.

Players should currently be in Year Ten. Community Standard Club with fully qualified and CRB checked coaches. Contact Sam Boyd on (07772) 328 664. ● CHAGFORD FC seeking to fill the following positions: general secretary, fixtures secretary, Reserve team assistant/manager, and additional volunteers. Training/mentoring available within a friendly club boasting superb pitches and facilities. Among requirements for these posts are IT and man-management skills and, most importantly, commitment.

Training re-commences on Wednesday (6.00 pm). More details from the secretary at: jp@cosmicvibes.net ● CHARD TOWN FC: Five-a-side adult football tournaments, male and female (separately), starts 10.00 am Saturday, July 22. £20 a team BBQ and bar open all day.

Contact: lukejackson@ecfc.co.uk ● CULLOMPTON RANGERS Junior six-a-side tournaments, Saturday, July 22 (under-sevens, nines, 11s and 13s) and Sunday, July 23 (under-eights, tens, 12s and 14s). Entry fee £20; details Marcus Scott on (07740) 168 072 or e-mail: scott.marcus@ukgateway.net ● CULLOMPTON RANGERS seek a physio for their first team who play in the Premier Division of the South West Peninsula League. Interested parties should contact club chairman Brian Horner on (07969) 857 708. ● CULLOMPTON Rangers require a commercial officer. Excellent remuneration package available for the right person who can help to take this ambitious club forward. Contact club secretary Marcus Scott on (07740) 168 072. ● DEVON County Veterans Football League invite applications for 2017-18 season. Those interested in entering a team should contact secretary Graham Moore on (07969) 789 934; or e-mail: bigwormy@hotmail.com ● DEVON & Exeter League Premier Division Heavitree United are seeking a first team manager and second team assistant manager, or manager, for next season, and also require a new secretary. South West Peninsula League is their target for next season. For details, call chairman Barry King (07584) 497 270. ● DRAKE FC are looking for a manager and players to form new teams for next season (2017-18) at under-eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 18 levels. Also girls teams at under-nine, 11, 13 and 15 levels plus a new Plymouth and West Devon men’s team for next season. For details please

@thesundayindy

● DRAKE FC under-tens looking for a centre-forward or striker type of player to join their already established team. For more information, please contact manager John Hensman on (07711) 497 369. ● DRAKE FC under-12s (School Year Eight in September) looking for additional players. Especially a striker and defender. If interested please contact manager Paul Irons on (07730) 285 274. ● DRAKE FC under-12s looking for a goalkeeper to join established and friendly squad. For more details please contact Mark Ashton on (07816) 037 009. ● DRAKE FC Seeking players for newly formed under-14s (School Year Ten in September 2017). All positions available. Training and matches at Lipson Co-operative Academy. For more details contact secretary Mark Gower on (07583) 235 685. ● DRAKE FC under-15s (School Year Ten in September) seeking players in all positions for newlyestablished team. If interested, please contact Brett Morgan on (07788) 289 430. ● DRAKE under-18 Seniors are looking for players to join their already established squad. All positions considered but key areas are central defender and a goalkeeper. For more information, please contact Mike Bailey on (07594) 179 659. ● EFFORD COMMUNITY FC require players for established under-eights, nines, tens, 11s, 12s, 13s and 15s, and a manager for the under-eights. Players are in place and support will be given. Contact: secretary.effordcfc@gmail.com or chairman.effordcfc@gmail.com ● EFFORD COMMUNITY FC under15s looking to bolster squad for new middle league season. Open training sessions/trials throughout June. More information, contact Paul on (07873) 386 882. ● EFFORD COMMUNITY FC under13s looking to bolster middle league squad for transition from nine to 11-a-side. Open training sessions/trials throughout June.

More information, contact Andrew on (07974) 245 898. ● EFFORD COMMUNITY FC under11s looking to bolster squad for transition from seven to nine-aside. Open training sessions/trials on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout June. More information, contact Dan on (07912) 185 630. ● ELBURTON Villa under-tens are looking for outfield players to strengthen squad for under-11s (nine-a-side) next season. Contact Lewis on (07735) 287 060 ● ELBURTON VILLA Juniors require players for an under-sevens side with a view to playing friendly games before joining the DJM League next season. If your child is in School Year Two, and this is something you would be intrested in, please call Mark on (07709) 202 418. ● EXETER & District Football League welcome new applications for 2017-18 season. Those interested in entering a team should contact secretary Graham Moore on (07969) 789 934; or e-mail: bigwormy@hotmail.com ● EXPERIENCED kit-man and groundsman looking for a club

◆

for the start of 2017-18 season.

Plymouth based but happy to travel within reason. Call Aaron on (07456) 203 365 or e-mail: duffs323@gmail.com ● FRIARY Mill Youth, based in Efford, seek players for their undertens (Year Five), 12s (Year Six/Seven), and 16s (Year Ten/11) sides. Anyone interested should contact the club secretary on (07702) 584 001; or e-mail: steveconteh111@gmail.com ● GOALKEEPER required by Signal Box under-16’s to train and play with a great bunch of lads.

Please contact manager Trevor on: (07894) 951 802. ● HORRABRIDGE under-tens, going into under-11s, 9v.9, looking for players to expand an already successful Cup-winning team.

Great team spirit and parents. For more information please e-mail: mail@yelvertonconstruction.co.uk, or call Jan on (07720) 287 224. ● IVYBRIDGE Town under-11s seek additional players. All positions considered. Anyone interested, please contact Dave Francis on (07807) 096 314. ● IVYBRIDGE TOWN under-12s (2017/18) are looking for additional players. All positions considered. Contact Dave Francis on (07807) 096 314. ● IVYBRIDGE Town’s Mini Soccer Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 22 (under-sevens, nines, 11s and 12s) and Sunday, July 23 (under-eights, tens, 12s, girls under-13s and 14s). Age groups as per 2016-17 season.

For more information contact Paul Cocks on (07967) 736 952; or secretary@ivybridgefc.com ● KEWSTOKE LIONS require club secretary for sides in Division Two (West) of the Somerset County League and Division Four of the Weston-super-Mare and District League. Initial enquiries to (07825) 713 279. ● KEYNSHAM TOWN Ladies commence pre-season training today (4.00 pm) and on Thursday (7.00 pm) at their Bristol Road ground.

Triallists most welcome. Any enquiries, contact Barrie Newton (07977) 784 167. ● LAKESIDE ATHLETIC undereights are looking for new players to start up a new team for the coming season ahead. Players must be in Year Three at school.

For more information, please contact Boyde on (07553) 325 737. ● LAKESIDE Athletic under-nines are looking for new players to join their Friendly team. Training is on a Tuesday nights at Stoke Damerel in the Sports Hall from 7.00-8.00 pm. For more information, please contact Boyde on (07553) 325 737. ● LAKESIDE Athletic under-14s are looking for two more players.

The team currently play in the DJM under-14s Raleigh Division.

Training is on Wednesday nights at Stoke Damerel from 6.00-7.00 pm. For information, please contact Mick Harvey on (07734) 957 440; or call Boyde on (07553) 325 737. ● LARKHALL LADIES require a new manager and additional players for the 2017-18 season.

Based at Plain Ham, in Larkhall, near Bath, the club has full use of all the facilities for both matches and training. Anyone is interested in either the manager’s position, or playing, should contact secretary Nicola O’Connell via e-mail at: redfox295@hotmail.com or call (07841) 847 977. ● MARCLIFF Gloucestershire County League 2016-17 matchday programmes for sale. Pack of 17 costs £5.50 including postage & packaging. Please make cheques payable to ‘Gloucestershire County Football League’, and send, with your name and address, to Ron Holpin, 27 Brockley Close, Little Stoke, Bristol, BS34 6HA. Alternatively e-mail: sec.gloscountyleague@btinternet.com; or call: (01454) 612 842. ● MARINE Academy Juniors under-16’s are looking for a player to join top league team. For more information please contact FA Level Two coach Matt Perrott on (07879) 407 545.

(Truro). ● MARINE Academy Kings underten’s are looking for new players to join our squad. Training Tuesday evenings. Please call James Toulson on (07999) 888 918 or e-mail james@1lessworry.co.uk ● MARINE Academy Plymouth. Introduction to football programme.

New players wanted for soccer tots sessions ages four to five and five to six, Friday evenings £2 a session. Telephone (01752) 213 951 or send e-mail: darren. stewart@marineacademy.org.uk for more details. ● MARINE Academy Plymouth Juniors under-ten and under-12 girls looking to add new players to teams. Call (01752) 213 951 or send e-mail samantha.drewery@ marineacademy.org.uk for more details. ● MARINE Academy Plymouth. Introduction to football programme.

New players wanted for soccer stars sessions ages six to seven, School Year Two, Monday evenings 5.00-6.00 pm, £2 a session. Telephone (01752) 213 951 or e-mail: darren.stewart@ marineacademy.org.uk for more details. ● NEWTON Abbot Pacers looking for players to revive men’s side.

Training takes place on Wednesday’s at Coombeshead Academy between 8.00 until 9.30 pm at a cost of £4. Anyone interested in joining can either turn up to training, visit the team’s Facebook page, or contact Agambar-Froud at: itsdevonsfinest@gmail.com ● PLYMOUTH Argyle Community Trust is launching a new football programme for people with downs syndrome. The programme runs once a month, costing £2 per session. For more information, contact Josh Grant on (01752) 562 561 ext.4; or e-mail: josh.grant@pafc.co.uk. ● PLYMOUTH Argyle Community Trust ‘Wildcats’ programme for primary school aged girls. Sessions take place at Launceston College on Mondays (6.00-7.00 pm) (£3); Plympton Academy Sports Hall on Tuesdays (5.006.00 pm) (£2), and at Stoke Damerel Community College on Wednesdays (4.30-5.30 pm) (£2).

First session free. More information, contact Bow Jackson: bow.jackson@pafc.co.uk or call Plymouth (01752) 562 561 (Ext.4). ● PLYMOUTH Argyle Community Trust Summer Courses. Open to boys and girls of all abilities (aged five to 15). Tiny Tots for younger footballers (three-six).

Courses run from 10.00 am-3.00 pm. For more information, please contact community@pafc.co.uk or call (01752) 562 561 ext.4; or bookings can be made by visiting www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk JULY: FRIDAY, 28: Start of Summer Party (£5) – Home Park, Bodmin YFC (Coldharbour Ground), St Leonards Riding School (Launceston), Okehampton Primary School, and Falmouth School.

MONDAY, 31: Soccer Roadshow (Two-Day Course unless stated; £26) – Home Park, Bodmin YFC (Coldharbour Ground), and Falmouth School (Five-Day Course; £60); Train Like a Pro (Two-Day Course; £26) – Bude Football Club.

AUGUST: WEDNESDAY, 2: Activities Day (£10) – Home Park (Plymouth); Tiny Tots (£6) – Home Park; Search for a Star (£14) – Saltash.net.

THURSDAY, 3: Multi-Sports (£10) – Brickfields; Girls Only Roadshow (£10) – Home Park; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Lux Park Leisure Centre (Liskeard) and St Teath Youth (Two-Day Course; £26); Pan Disability (£12; Half-Day Option Available) – Home Park. FRIDAY, 4: Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Ivybridge Community College and Carbeile Primary School (Torpoint); Strikers and Goalkeepers (£14) – Home Park.

MONDAY, 7: Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Home Park (Five-Day Course; £60), Bodmin YFC (Coldharbour Ground) (Two-Day Course; £26) and Helston FC; Search for a Star (Two-Day Course; £26) – St Josephs School (Launceston); Matchday Special (Two-Day Course; £26) – Okehampton Primary School.

TUESDAY, 8: Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Boringdon Primary School (Plympton), and Penair School

WEDNESDAY, 9: Tiny Tots (£6) – Home Park; Search for a Star (£14) – Saltash.net; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Week St Mary YFC; Train Like a Pro (£14) – Carn Brea Leisure Centre.

THURSDAY, 10: Train Like a Pro (£14) – Lux Park Leisure Centre (Liskeard); Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Polkyth Leisure Centre (St Austell); Matchday Special (TwoDay Course; £26) – Wadebridge FC; Pan Disability (£12; Half-Day Option Available) – Home Park.

FRIDAY 11: Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Carbeile Primary School (Torpoint) and St Columb Major FC. MONDAY, 14: Goalkeepers’ Day (£14) – Home Park; Soccer Roadshow (Two-Day Course; £26) – Bodmin YFC (Coldharbour Ground); Search for a Star (£14) – St Neot Primary School (Two-Day Course; £26), and Lewannick Primary School (Launceston); Matchday Special (£14) – Helston FC. TUESDAY, 15: Matchday Special (£14) – Home Park and Penair School (Truro).

WEDNESDAY, 16: Activities Day (£10) – Home Park; Search for a Star (£14) – Carn Brea Leisure Centre; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Saltash.net; Matchday Special (£14) – Bude FC. THURSDAY, 17 – Strikers and Goalkeepers (Two-Day Course; £26) – Ivybridge Community College; Multi-Sports Day (£10) – Brickfields; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Lux Park Leisure Centre (Liskeard); Matchday Special (£14) – Launceston FC (Two-Day Course; £26), Falmouth School, and Home Park (Half-Day Pan Disability Option Available).

FRIDAY, 18: Search for a Star (£14) – Home Park; Matchday Special (£14) – St Teath FC; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Carbeile Primary School (Torpoint). MONDAY, 21: Soccer Roadshow – Home Park (Three-Day Course; £34), and Bodmin YFC (Coldharbour Ground) (Two-Day Course; £26).

Search for a Star (£14) – South Petherwin Primary School. TUESDAY, 22: Matchday Special (TwoDay Course; £26) – Bude FC; Search for a Star (£14) – Penair School (Truro).

WEDNESDAY, 23: Tiny Tots (£6) – Home Park; Search for a Star (£14) – Saltsh.net; Strikers and Goalkeepers (£14) – Carn Brea Leisure Centre.

THURSDAY, 24: Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Wembury Primary School, and St Teath YFC (Two-Day Course; £26); Pan Disability (£12; Half-Day Option Available) – Home Park; Matchday Special (£14) – Lux Park Leisure Centre (Liskeard); Search for a Star (£14) – Polkyth Leisure Centre (St Austell); Strikers and Goalkeepers (£14) – Home Park.

FRIDAY, 25: Girls Only Roadshow (£10) – Home Park; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Carbeile Primary School (Torpoint); Matchday Special (£14) – St Josephs School (Launceston); Search for a Star (£14) – St Columb Major FC. TUESDAY, 29: Train Like a Pro (£14) – Home Park, and Bodmin YFC (Coldharbour Ground); Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Okehampton Primary School, Holsworthy FC, and Penair School (Truro).

WEDNESDAY, 30: Activities Day (£10) – Home Park; Tiny Tots (£6) – Home Park; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Saltash.net, and Bude FC; Search for a Star (£14) – Carn Brea Leisure Centre.

THURSDAY, 31: Multi-Sports Day (£10) – Brickfields; Soccer Roadshow (£14) – Lux Park Leisure Centre (Liskeard), and Polkyth Leisure Centre (St Austell); Pan Disability (£12; Half-Day Option Available) – Home Park; End of Summer Party (Two-Day Course; £26) – St Josephs School (Launceston).

SEPTEMBER: FRIDAY, 1: End of Summer Party (£16) – Falmouth School, Bodmin YFC (Coldharbour Ground), and Home Park. ● PLYMOUTH Argyle ‘Match-Day Magic’ promotion returns for 2016-17 Sky Bet One campaign.

Open to schools, youth football clubs and other youth organisations. Guided tour, coaching session, buffet and match tickets. £22 for adults, £15 for children.

Anyone interested, contact Alec

www.facebook.com/Sunday-Independent

◆

Brenton on (07908) 431 272, or e-mail: alec.brenton@pafc.co.uk

tact Kevin or Pete on (07969) 555 996 (07498) 555 841. All welcome.

● PLYMOUTH KOLTS need coaches for their popular Mini Soccer Programme at Goals, Plymouth on Tuesdays (6.00 pm until 7.00 pm). Also opportunities to manage our new teams at this extremely friendly, long-established Club. Enthusiasm and reliability a must; we’ll provide the support with coaching badges and plenty of encouragement. Just call Mark Boswell on (07731) 543 401 for more information.

● TOPSHAM TOWN FC are looking to appoint a club manager for the forthcoming season in the Macron Devon and Exeter League. Please contact chairman Chris Skinner on (07546) 599 844 or secretary Graham Park on (07711) 022 705.

● PLYMOUTH Marjon seeking a couple of players for next season’s under-15s. For more information on training sessions in June, please contact either James on (07835) 307 376 or Terry on (07974) 788 706. ● PLYMOUTH Trophyman under15s seek new players in all positions to join their top tier team in the Nash & Co Devon Junior and Minor League. For more information contact Shane Connolly on (07747) 897 525 ● PLYMPTON Ladies FC require assistant manager/coach for the new season. Could also include working with new under-18s team. Training Thursdays with matches on Sundays. For more information call (07779) 730 351. ● PLYMPTON LADIES under-18s are looking for girls in current School Years Ten, 11 and 12 to play on Saturday mornings in the new Devon Junior Minor under18s Girls’ League. If you are interested in our under-18s or Ladies’ team please call Barry on (07779) 730 351. ● PLYMSTOCK UNITED require a club assistant referee for the coming season. Training given.

Expenses and all travel paid. Applications to Dave Baskwill, secretary, on (07885) 561 378 or email:dave.baskwill@googlemail.c om ● PLYMSTOCK UNITED require a commercial manager for season 2017-18. Terms to be finalised on application. Interested parties please contact Dave Baskwill, secretary, on (07885) 561 378 or e-mail: dave.baskwill@googlemail.com ● RAILWAY Beacon YFC have vacancies for players for next season’s under-14 team. Please contact manager Steve Aplin on Plymouth (01752) 795 507 for training details. ● RAILWAY Beacon YFC require players to form a new undernines team for the 2017-18 season. Please contact chairman Larry Reed on (07899) 893 715 for training details. ● SLIMBRIDGE AFC looking for a physio/sports therapist for next season. Anyone with an FA Intermediate qualification and first aid certificate interested in applying, contact secretary Colin Gay on (07702) 070 229; or colin.hamish@icloud.com ● ST DENNIS AFC under-15s require pre-season friendlies.

Please contact Ian Stephens on (07708) 657 510 or St Dennis (01726) 824 910. ● ST IVES BAY 10k, Tuesday, August 1, organised by Hayle Runners, incorporating one-mile fun run for under 15s. Pre-entries for the 10k on-line at: www.stivesbay10k.co.uk, £9 for affliated runners and £11 for unaffliated. A donation from each entry is being made to Cornish Hospices in memory of Jane Greef, one of the club’s long-standing group leaders. Marshalling help also required on the day. Details from race director Andy Moore at: andymoore58@tiscali.co.uk ● STOKE Gabriel Cricket Club recruiting new players of all ages and abilities for 2017. Devon Premier League coach. Seniors train Tuesdays (6.00 pm), juniors Fridays (6.00 pm). Subscription £30pa. Great facilities. Progressive club. Contact Andy at: andrew32jh@blueyonder.co.uk ● TEIGNMOUTH FC Reserves are looking for a goalkeeper and players for their forthcoming season in the Macron Devon and Exeter League. Training Tuesday and Thursday nights please con-

● TORPOINT Athletic Youth seek experienced players for new under-18 team. Players wanting to make transition to senior football will, over the season, be given opportunity with men’s Duchy teams. Anyone interested should contact manager John Robertson on (07889) 999 056.

● TORQUAY UNITED Community Sports Trust, holiday courses for boys and girls aged five to 14 years (£12 unless stated): Torquay Boys Grammar School: Strikers and Goalkeepers – Monday, July 31; Midfield Play – Tuesday, August 1; Game Day with TUFC Players – Wednesday, August 2. Torquay Academy: Strikers and Goalkeepers – Mondays, July 24, August 7, 14, 21; Midfield Play – Tuesdays, July 25, August 8, 15, 22, 29; Game Day with TUFC Players – Wednesdays, July 26, August 9, 16, 23, 30. Dartmouth Leisure Centre: Strikers and Goalkeepers – Monday, July 31, August 7, 14; Midfield Play – Tuesdays, August 1, 8, 15, 29.

Kingsbridge Community College: Game Day – Wednesdays, August 2, 9, 16, 30. Paignton Community and Sports Academy: Skills Training Day – Thursday, August 24; Crossing and Finishing – Fridays, July 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1; JPL Training Day (Invite Only; £6) – Thursdays, August 3, 10, 17, 31.

Coombeshead Academy: Skills Training Day – Thursdays, July 27, August 3, 10, 17, 31; Crossing and Finishing – Fridays, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1.

All sessions 10.00 am until 3.00 pm (registration from 9.00).

Sibling discounts available, www.tucst.co.uk. For more information, please call: (01803) 322 551, or e-mail: mattanthony@torquayunited.com.

● TOTNES and Dartington seeking a number of players to make up a squad to compete in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula Division One (East). Anyone interested should contact club secretary Simon Head on (07802) 205 716.

● UPHILL CASTLE are looking for a manager for their successful and progressive under-18s side who play in the North Division of the Somerset Youth League. Successful applicants need a minimum of an FA Level One coaching certificate and a valid DRB. For more information, please email: uphillcastlefc@hotmail.com ● YATE ATHLETIC FC Reserves play in Bristol and District Four and require a new manager; someone keen and enthusiastic to work closely with first-team manager and take club forward.

Please contact secretary Kevin Milford on (07526) 660 878.

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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Britain enjoy medal success in events all over Europe BRITISH artistic and rhythmic gymnasts, and trampolinists, won medals against international rivals at competitions across Europe.

The biggest British successes came in the trampoline, tumbling and double-mini trampoline (DMT) competitions at the GYMNASTICS Scalabis Cup in Portugal.

by Peter Willmott Luke Strong won the gold medal in the senior trampoline final, scoring 57.550 for the title.

Abigail Brown and Jessica Clark won silver and bronze medals respectively in the junior event, having already taken team gold with Erifilly Heonos.

In the tumbling section, there were medals across the board, and five of them were gold. Dominic Mensah won the senior men’s title, scoring 71.6.

Megan Kealy collected a women’s silver, and Tilly Nash landed a bronze.

Aimee Antonius and Kaitlin Lafferty were gold and silver winners in the juniors, and Jack Leahy took an under-14 gold. In the under-12s, Naana Oppon won a female competition gold, Ben CollingtonMears collected a men’s gold, and Sebastian Williams won a silver.

In the DMT events, Kirsty Way took the senior silver with 66.1 points. Ryan Devine was a junior gold champion. In the under-12s, Scarlett Fletcher and Grace Owen won the gold and silver medals respectively.

At the women’s artistic gymnastics international in Germany, British girls Phoebe Jakubczyk, Taeja James, Amelie Morgan, Zoe Simmons, and Sioned Thomas claimed the team bronze, scoring 153.300, in the competition against Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany.

Individually, Taeja James was the star Great Britain performer, scoring an all-around score of 52.000 to give her the silver medal.

The FIG Berlin Masters World Challenge Cup competition featured rhythmic gymnasts from across Europe.

British competitor Mimi Cesar scored 12.6 with the ribbon, 12.850 with clubs, 11.7 with ball, and 12.85 with hoop.

Team-mate Stephani Sherlock scored 10.45 with ball, 11.8 with clubs, 11.5 with ball, and 13.35 with ribbon.

Both gymnasts are preparing for the forthcoming British Gymnastics Championship Series. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● ORGANISERS of the 2017 British Gymnastics Championship Series are encouraging fans of the sport to watch the TeamGym competition on Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30.

‘The floor programme consists mainly of gymnastic elements and meticulous choreography,’ said a series spokesman of the floor part of the TeamGym competition.

‘You are allowed between six and 12 gymnasts on the floor. For mixed teams, there must be an even number of men and women. All team members must perform the floor programme.

‘A fluent and good technical performance, properly-linked movements, certainty of execution and synchronisation as well as expressive presentation is the aim.

‘Teams perform a tumbling series on a 15-metre tumbling track with good “streaming”, i.e. consecutively and quite close to each other. This can produce a very dynamic and entertaining section of the sport. The evenness of the streaming is very important.

‘The complete programme is performed to music with each team performing three different rounds.

Each series must consist of at least three different acrobatic elements, without intermediate steps. All members of the team must perform the same series for the first round.

‘Teams perform somersaults on trampette with good streaming. A part of the trampette programme is performed on a vault table. Like tumbling, the complete programme is performed to music with each team performing three different rounds with six gymnasts in each. The first round they should all perform the same element.

‘The streaming and complexity of the elements produces some very exciting moments in this sport and again a controlled landing is important. Look out for twisting double somersaults. It is a safety requirement that two coaches stand in the landing area.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● BRITISH champions Ellie Downie and Joe Fraser believe they are ‘on the road’ to further successes after receiving new cars to drive.

The 2017 artistic gymnastics all-around champions have collected Honda Civic cars, courtesy of official Honda dealer J T Hughes, and British Gymnastics.

A British Gymnastics spokesman said: ‘As reward for their British titles, J T Hughes are backing our champions with the new cars, which will be a huge benefit to both gymnasts in transporting them for training and competition commitments.’

HETTY CUP GOES TO THATCHER FOR CONGER CATCH

A MIXED bag of weather conditions teased competitors at the 54th British Conger Club Members’ Championship fished out of Plymouth.

The anglers used wrecks within 17 miles of the coast, the distance being governed by the allowed fishing time of five hours.

Brisk winds opened the festival but were followed by calms. On the first of the two days in excess of 125 eels were caught all but two being released, these weighed 55-lb 14-oz and 51-lb 4-oz.

The second day was fished in near-perfect conditions and again just two of the many eels brought to boat gunwales were brought ashore for official weighing, under the rules.

Most successful angler, in terms of fish numbers was Andy Gouriet, last year’s champion, who had a total of 29 eels over the two days but none exceeding the minimum weight of 40-lb.

He received the Reg Quest Memorial Trophy, a special competition within the championship for which the £10 entry fee goes traditionally to the RNLI which, again, benefitted by a substantial sum.

Peter Thatcher won the championship, and the Hetty Eathorne Cup, for his eel of 55-lb 14-oz. Runner up was Steve Dawe, with an eel of 51-lb 4-oz, and third place went to Cornishman Alan Mason, with an eel of 47-lb.

The leading skipper, by virtue of the biggest eel, was Roy Strevens of Tamesis, based at South East Cornwall’s Torpoint.

The team prize was won with a total of 2,520-lb-points and the runners up score was 1,651-lb-points – a point being awarded for every pound of estimated weight.

FISHING

by Mike Millman ❑ ❑ ❑ ● EAST Cornwall’s inshore waters have three of the most significant reefs in the whole of the English Channel and now is a prime time to fish them.

The Eddystone needs little introduction as it has been in the forefront of recreational fishing since hand-lines were replaced by rod and line.

Although numbers have declined bass are available in the main gully that runs East to West on the North side of the reef and a trolled artificial or a drift-lined launce invites takers.

But keep in mind that no matter how many you catch, under current restrictions only one bass per day may be retained.

Pollack also respond to baits fished in the gully but much the better sport for this species is the South Reef Pinnacle which comes out of deep water and is best fished during a spring flood.

The fish concentrate on the sheltered side of the rock and wait for the tidal rush to bring victims.

The North East Rock is also the best area for conger and you can do very well during a neap tide in the late evening and a great deal better if you stay through the night.

It’s not everybody’s idea of fun, but the result can be very worthwhile. I recall a personal catch of 212-lb within it an eel of 42-lb made

BANK PAYS OUT: Paignton Sea Anglers’ Association’s Rob Jones had this specimen spotted ray of 5-lb 2-oz 11-drm when he fished from a private boat on the Skerries Banks during a Conger Club Interport event.

To the South West of the Reef is the Hands Deeps where pinnacles rise like great cathedrals and several come to within sixty feet of the surface at the bottom of a spring tide.

Daylight fishing in a good run of water using the long trace method trolling or drift-lining either worm, live sandeel, or an artificial eel will bring a steady stream of pollack to the net but you can’t do better than fish on a summer evening when the light is beginning to go.

The action continues until the sun sinks below the horizon.

Now put the pollack gear away and begin a quest for conger that are widespread and fish in the 50-lb class can be expected.

South of Polperro is the Hatt Rock Reef featuring two main peaks surrounded by low rough ground spaced with sand patches. A pol-

lack mark of high repute, the chance of double-figure fish taking lures or baits is great.

Although, the red bream has virtually disappeared from the English Channel it was at the Hatt in July 1925 that a British record for this species was set at 7-lb 8-oz by Arthur Bell who was then secretary of the British Sea Anglers Society.

Off Looe, ‘Briggie’ Caunter who, in the 1950s formed the Shark Angling Club of Great Britain, had a specimen of 6-lb 3-oz and in 1966 Gordon Arnold, fishing a Lyme Bay wreck, took a specimen of 6-lb 7-oz.

But all three fish were swept contemptuously aside in July 1974 by Brian Reynolds’ amazing fish of 9lb 8-oz 12-drm taken off Dodman Point.

Will the red bream ever return to the lower English Channel? That’s million dollar question…

Miles defeats field at Valley THE Fishtec League at Chew Valley Lake was contested by 44 anglers who, between them, registered 171 fish.

Top bag with a catch of 12 was local Somerset rod Mark Miles who fished the Stratford Heriots of the lake.

Kieren Jenkins and Matt Russell, over from Wales, had 11 and eight respectively. Midge tips, Diawl Bachs and Blobs did much of the catching.

The rod average was minutely short of four fish which was a great result considering the conditions that were prevailed. Flying black ants have been noted during the past week, these often tempt the fish up so if conditions are right try Black blobs, Bits or similar patterns.

There is a bulk of fish in

and around the dam basin, but anglers are reminded that there is no anchoring in the basin so ‘Don’t do it!’ is the hard instruction. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● AT South West Lakes Trust’s Roadford reservoir, off the A30 between Okehampton and Launceston, Duncan Kier caught and released consecutive bags of 32 and 20 fish, all brownies up to 3-lb 1-oz.

All were caught from boat and at drift where the water is crystal clear.

Boat anglers and float tubers have also had great sport off the woods and in the deeper water near the Dam. Malcolm Griffiths down from Gloucester recorded the best fish of the month a 3-lb 8-oz rainbow taken tubing near the Dam. On the carp front, Lee Whitfield’s latest 48-hour

HIGH FIVE: There are some excellent commons to be tempted at Argal Reservoir as proved by this 24-lb 6-oz beauty for Lee Whitfield, a regular at the Penryn water in West Cornwall. His fish was in a bag of five session at Argal in West Cornwall had him banking five commons over 20-lb all

taken over a sizeable bed of Blakes Baits Snowberry boilies.

Former World champ Davis ‘VIP’ guest for charity event SIX times World champion Steve Davis and World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn will be the guests of honour at Ashton Gate in Bristol for a special evening to raise money for children’s hospice charity Jessie May on Thursday, October 19 (6.30 pm).

SNOOKER and BILLIARDS

Held at the

by Liam Read Lansdown Club Restaurant in the Bristol City Football Club complex, guests will be greeted with a welcome drink before sitting down to a three-course meal.

England rugby’s Mark Regan will introduce Davis and Hearn for a ‘Question and Answer’ session and the evening will conclude with an auction and raffle.

Tickets cost £60 per person or £500 for a table of ten. For more information, please visit: www.jessiemay.org.uk/events/an-evening-with/ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE West of England Billiard and Snooker Foundation are staging an open billiards competition at the Galaxy Centre in Torquay on Saturday, September 2 (9.00 am).

The non-handicapped event will begin with a ‘round robin’ group stage followed by a knock-out competition (timed matches) to determine the winner.

The dress code is smart casual so no jeans, shorts or trainers will be permitted. Pre-registration is required for the event and for details on how to enter please contact Chris Coumbe on Chris.Coumbe@gmail.com, or visit: https://websfsnooker.com/2017/07/04/websfbilliards-open-2017/ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PARK Bottom D are almost out of sight after only nine weeks of the West Cornwall Summer Mining League following their 5-1 victory over closest rivals Redruth British Rail.

Jason Opie made a break of 36 for the leaders as they stretched their advantage at the top to 11 points.

Park Bottom A are a further four points behind in third place with a match in hand after their scheduled fixture against club rivals Park Bottom B was postponed.

Four Lanes B are in an unaccustomed fourth place after drawing 3-3 with Illogan while Four Lanes A enjoyed a better result with a 4-2 success over Park Bottom C.

Gary ‘taking a step back’ GREAT Britain bobsleigh performance WINTER SPORT director Gary

by Mark Staniforth Anderson has announced that he is ‘taking a step back’ from some of his duties due to health issues and personal circumstances.

Anderson’s announcement comes in the wake of bullying allegations levelled against the broader programme and UK Sport’s decision to cut its funding by £48,198 last month.

However the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (BBSA) maintain that Anderson’s decision is unrelated which is hampering preparations for next year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

‘Over the past 12 months I have had some personal health issues which now need some further urgent attention,’ said Anderson.

‘I also have pressing family commitments that now require more of my time and I have therefore taken the decision to take a step back from some of my wide-ranging duties as PD.’ Anderson, who broke the news to the team at their pre-season training camp in Italy on Wednesday, is still expected to lead the squad in South Korea.

Currently five British sleds are set to qualify for the Games but GB officials are yet to determine whether the funding cut could directly affect the size of the squad for Pyeongchang.

In a statement the BBSA said: ‘We are fully supportive of Gary’s decision and will do all we can as an organisation to ensure he is given the time he needs to address his health and family matters.

‘By allowing Gary to focus his work attentions on preparations on Pyeongchang, the BBSA and Gary believe he now has the best chance to do just that.

‘Gary is a highly-valued member of the team and his enthusiasm to lead Great Britain Bobsleigh at the upcoming Winter Olympics is as clear as ever.’

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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Devon golf in good hands as Jack takes up new role ANDY Jack will be helping to strengthen Devon golf clubs after taking up a new role as an England Golf clubs support officer.

GOLF

by Ross Reid

It will be Jack’s aim to assist with the business side of clubs as well as helping them to attract more players and members.

‘I’m really excited about this opportunity to work with clubs in Devon, listening to and understanding their business needs,’ he said.

‘Using that knowledge, I can support them to provide the experience their customers want.’

Jack, (right), joined England Golf after a five-year career in event management and previous sports development roles. He studied sports science at the University of Leeds and is a keen golfer with a current handicap of five.

England Golf’s new strategy for 2017-21, ‘Growing the game of golf in England’, focusses on the customer and the importance of providing them with the golfing experience they want, whether that’s competitive play, social opportunities or short format golf.

It also has the over-arching aim of encouraging more women and girls into the sport. Currently only 15 per cent of club members are women, but research shows that 640,000 women and girls are interested in taking up the sport.

Among the initiatives Jack will be promoting is the ‘Get into Golf’ campaign, which offers coaching opportunities to new and improving players, and ‘Golf Express’ which promotes shorter format golf.

Paul Cloke, England Golf’s regional manager, said: ‘I am sure Andy will be a tremendous asset to the county.’

Jack can be contacted on (07702) 913 921, or by e-mailing: a.jack@englandgolf.org

HARRY HAPPY TO POCKET HIS FIRST PRO-AM

TORBAY Golf Centre assistant Harry Mayers achieved his greatest feat since turning professional by combatting almost impossible conditions at St Mellion to win his first regional pro-am and £750.

He was obliged to share the spoils with seasoned winner Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) who matched his one-underpar 71 over arguably the South West’s toughest track in the shotgunstart event.

It is amazing any player broke par at the South East Cornwall course. ‘The horrible wet weather all day left us like drowned rats,’ said Mayers.

Now in his third year of training with Neil Holman

GOLF

by Peter Godsiff the 21-year-old former Churston amateur from Paignton made just 27 putts.

‘I played very steadily and swung within myself with the aim just to get the ball down the middle. St Mellion is not a course to be off line.

‘I have been playing well and knew there was a good round in there. Let’s just hope my first win will be the start of more success.’

He made birdies at the

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FAMILY AFFAIR: Husband and wife Phil and Debbie Sedgmen are joined by West Cornwall club captain Richard Glasson, (middle), after winning the mixed greensomes event, sponsored by Philps Pasties, during the club’s Festival of Golf Week fifth, 13th, 17th and 18th. A double bogey at the ninth followed by a bogey at the tenth were the only blemishes to the best round he has ever played.

Hendriksen, who is used to all conditions, played steadily without any disasters.

Dropped shots at ten and 13 were boosted by gains at the third, seventh and 16th.

Former St Mellion pro Adam Frayne (Yelverton) and ex-Devon county star Billy Hemstock (Beaverbrook, Leatherhead) shared third three shots behind on 74.

James Ruth (China Fleet, Saltash) and Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre, Weymouth) were a further shot back. Ruth recovered from taking eight at the second while Watson carded six bogeys.

The amateurs also found it a slog. Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf, Caerphilly) and his team won on nine-underpar 81 followed four shots behind by Jon Bevan (Sherborne) with Ross Whitelock (St Mellons, Cardiff) two shots further back. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● KEVIN Harper has seldom played regional golf this season but the East Devon professional invariably provides stiff competition.

He achieved his first win of the summer with an impressive three-under-par 66 at Torquay, but he was inevitably caught later by Paul Hendriksen who has been mastering Torbay courses since first picking up a club at Churston.

Harper dropped a shot at the first but went on to add five birdies at the second, fourth, fifth, 14th and 16th Hendriksen eased to twounder after nine with birdies at the second and ninth. He was derailed with bogeys on ten and 11, but birdies at the 12th, 16th and 18th brought him level with Harper. It was his third win following success in the Exeter Ladies and at Radyr in Cardiff.

That left three players on two-under to share third.

Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) dropped four shots over the first seven holes but rallied with four birdies on the way home.

Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf) made five birdies while Chris Gill (Newquay) made

four in five holes from the fifth to be out in four-under 31. But his hopes of winning were dashed by three bogeys in the way home.

Giuseppe Licata (Chipping Sodbury) made six birdies to help the winning Britvic team to 119 and team victory. Churston assistant Mark Curnoe led the Devon Garden Machinery team in to second on 122 with Gill leading the Torquay B team into third in 124. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● DAVID Dixon’s appearances in the West are restricted this season but he has certainly made the most of his limited opportunities.

The 40-year-old Enmore Park man gained his second triumph after teeing-up only for the fourth time. He achieved a one-stroke win over Adam Frayne (Yelverton) in the annual Carlyon Bay pro-am .

He started the year with victory at Minchinhampton but is seeking a return to the European Tour via the Challenge Tour where he is ranked 69th.

He shot five-under-par 67 over the hill-top Cornwall course. A double bogey at the second failed to derail his round. He followed with eight birdies in 14 holes before his only other error in the 17th.

Frayne made a poor start dropping shots at the fifth and third. But a birdie at the fourth, an eagle at the tenth and three successive birdies from the 12th set his round back on course.

Jon Bevan (Sherborne) was two under after four but dropped shots at the fifth and eighth. But he returned in style with an eagle at the tenth, birdie at 12 and a succession of pars to take third on 69.

Barry Austin (Downes Crediton) also eagled the tenth to claim fourth while Richard O’Hanlon (St Kew, North Cornwall) with five birdies and James Ruth (China Fleet, Saltash) with four shared fifth as the only other players to better par on 71.

Austin’s Varco Wills team won the team prize on 123.

Dixon’s exploits inevitably helped Black Horses into second on 127, one clear of O’Hanlon and the Masters Skips trio.

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TOP OF THE PILE: Ollie Naylor, (middle left), and Andy Postans, (middle right), are joined by sponsor Frank Symes (The Watermill) and club captain Richard Glasson after winning the better ball competition during the West Cornwall Golf Club’s Festival of Golf Week

Clean sweep puts national title in reach for West girls BARNSTORMING GOLF Gloucestershire women’s golf team

by Ross Reid will defend their England Golf national title later this year after a clean sweep of wins at South West Week.

Gloucestershire, who won the national crown for the first time last summer, will seek to retain their crown at the top women’s amateur golf team title at Felixstowe Ferry from September 18-22.

At Wrag Barn, near Swindon, they proved unbeatable again, clinching the regional title for a seventh successive summer.

Gloucestershire topped the South West Week leaderboard by ending Cornwall’s four-match winning streak and unbeaten run in the sun 8-1 on the final day of competition as the title race went down to the wire.

The champions edged into a 2-1 lead following the morning foursomes before powering to win all six singles matches – and points – in the final afternoon.

Cornwall finished runners-up and will hope to fare better on home soil at St Enodoc next summer. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● IT was a mixed week for Axe Cliff’s ladies with the Sheelah Creasy side winning their final divisional game against Staddon Heights, 6-1.

However the Devon Ladies League side went down 5-1 to Teign Valley but they would enjoy success in the reserve game.

The ladies also held their Vets County qualifying round to win a place in the team which will compete at the Killard Levy Foursomes at Saunton Sands later this year. Despite the lovely weather the scores were quite low with Helen Kenworthy and Pauline Willis taking first with 29 points. Sandra Walker and Stella Thompson (26) were second on count-back ahead of Jo Donmall and Janet Dack. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● SOMERSET’s Tom Sloman has been selected to represent England in the Dutch Junior Open at Toxandria Golf Club starting on Wednesday.

The Taunton and Pickeridge golfer was picked to join Essex’s Todd Clements, Yorkshire’s Bailey Gill and Sussex’s Laird Shepherd to make up the four-man team which will compete over the four-day competition.

Sloman earned his place after finishing as the runner-up in the Irish amateur open while also taking third in the Darwin Salver. Other highs for the 20-year-old includes a tenth place finish in the Welsh open stroke play and 14th in the Duncan Putter in Wales.

TEAM EFFORT: Gary Wal, (middle), is presented with the team event trophy by sponsor Antony Richards, (left), and captain Richard Glasson following victory in the West Cornwall Golf Club’s Festival of Golf Week. Wal teamed up with John Mallett and Tom Maddern to score 88 points, three ahead of Viv Rowe, Yolanda Drinkwater and Mike Masters

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Will it be an eighth first time victor at Birkdale?

THE last seven THE OPEN majors have all ended with a

by Phil Casey first-time winner lifting the trophy – but will that continue when the 2017 Open Championship get under way at Royal Birkdale on Thursday.

Can’t quite remember those last seven winners.

Well, let me remind you…

JASON DAY (2015 US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP) THE Australian shot a closing 67 to finish on a major championship record 20-under-par and win at Whistling Straits by three strokes.

Day, who had previously had nine top-ten major finishes, held off a chasing pack led by the formidable Jordan Spieth.

DANNY WILLETT (2016 MASTERS) YORKSHIRE’s Willett capitalised as third-round leader Spieth capitulated, carding a final-round 67 to claim a shock win at Augusta.

Spieth led by five at the turn but then dropped six shots in three holes and ended in a tie for second with Lee Westwood, three behind Willett.

DUSTIN JOHNSON (2016 US OPEN) BIG-hitting Johnson held his nerve amid controversy to win by three strokes at Oakmont.

Johnson was told on the 12th green he faced a possible penalty stroke for an infringement on the fifth, meaning he had to complete his round without knowing how big his lead actually was.

He was eventually punished but still had a big enough cushion.

HENRIK STENSON (2016 OPEN) THE charismatic Swede shot 63 as he emerged from a thrilling final-day duel with Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon with the Claret Jug. There was little between the pair for most of the day but Stenson finished with four birdies in his final five holes to win by three on an Open record 20 under.

JIMMY WALKER (2016 US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP) RAIN forced him to play 36 holes on the Sunday and defending champion Day pushed hard, but Walker held on to claim a one-shot win at Baltusrol with a bogey-free final-round 67.

The finish was a nervy one as a Day eagle on the 18th slashed a three-shot advantage as Walker visited the rough, but the American prevailed.

SERGIO GARCIA (2017 MASTERS) THE Spaniard was a hugely popular victor at Augusta, pipping Justin Rose in a sudden-death play-off following an epic contest.

The pair began the final round tied at the top of the leaderboard and both had spells out in front before finishing together on nine under. Garcia won with a birdie as they replayed the 18th.

BROOKS KOEPKA (2017 US OPEN) THE American, who had a previous top-five US Open finish to his name when he tied for fourth at Pinehurst in 2014, was the model of consistency with rounds of 67, 70, 68 and 67 to equal Rory McIlroy’s record winning score in the event of 16 under par. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Stenson out to defend his title

HENRIK Stenson will defend his Open Championship title at Royal Birkdale this week but can he become the first back-to-back winner for nine years?

Padraig Harrington was the last player to successfully defend the Open title, coincidentally when it was last staged at Royal Birkdale in 2008.

Stenson’s form this season has been something of a mixed bag, with five top-ten finishes and four missed cuts, two of those coming in the Masters and US Open.

However, the 41-year-old Swede was third at Birkdale in 2008 after recovering from an opening 76 and while a repeat of last year’s record-breaking feats at Royal Troon might be asking a bit much, he certainly has the talent to mount a title challenge.

Will there be a first English winner in 25 years?

While Northern Ireland has produced two Open champions in the last six years and Scotland’s Paul Lawrie lifted the Claret Jug in 1999, Nick Faldo’s third victory at Muirfield in 1992 remains the last by an Englishman.

The chances of that depressing statistic ending at Birkdale look good though, with 12 English players in the world’s top 100 and the likes of Tyrrell Hatton, Andrew Johnston, Andy Sullivan and Matthew Southgate all finishing in the top 12 last year.

RAHM HOPING TO FOLLOW IN STEPS OF SEVE ANOTHER major championship without Tiger Woods and the first on these shores since the death of Arnold Palmer, the 146th Open Championship could be forgiven for looking back rather than to the future.

Woods remains sidelined as he tries to recover from his latest back operation and the most recent blow to his reputation caused by his arrest for driving under the influence in May. The former World No.1 also did not compete the last time the Open was staged at Royal Birkdale in 2008 due to injury, but the Lancashire links nevertheless has a reputation for producing high-class champions.

A relative latecomer to the rota, Birkdale first staged the Open in 1954 as Australia’s Peter Thomson won the first of his five titles, with the last also coming at the same venue in 1965.

The first of Palmer’s backto-back Open wins came at Birkdale in 1961 and is commemorated with a plaque on the old 15th hole (now the 16th), where the swashbuckling American produced a remarkable recovery from thick undergrowth to the right of the fairway.

Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson also got their hands on the Claret Jug in the shadow of the artdeco clubhouse, while Padraig Harrington successfully defended the title there in 2008. Miller’s win in 1976

Johnson’s still top contender despite his dip in form HENRIK Stenson will THE OPEN defend his Open Championship title at

by Phil Casey Royal Birkdale this week as the year’s third major championship takes place from Thursday until next Sunday.

Here are my four possible contenders for one of golf’s biggest prizes. They don’t include former champion Ben Curtis, who has withdrawn.

Curtis, who was ranked 396th in the world at the time of his shock win at Royal St George’s in 2003, is replaced in the field by fellow American Tony Finau.

The 40-year-old is currently ranked 1,959th and has played just two events in 2017, missing the cut in the Puerto Rico Open and withdrawing from the Valero Texas Open citing a shoulder injury.

James Hahn is now first reserve for the year’s third major, with New Zealand’s Danny Lee and US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk next on the list.

DUSTIN JOHNSON JOHNSON’s form has suffered a dip since he won three tournaments in succession earlier this season, including back-to-back World Golf Championship events, before a back injury forced him to withdraw from the Masters.

Since returning to action, Johnson has finished second, 12th and 13th before missing the cut in the Memorial Tournament and the US Open.

However, the world number one has a decent record in the Open with three top-ten finishes in his last six appearances, while he also led at halfway at St Andrews in 2015 before fading over the weekend.

THE OPEN

by Phil Casey also marked the breakthrough performance of a certain Seve Ballesteros, who secured a share of second place with Jack Nicklaus thanks to a memorable chip threaded between greenside bunkers on the 72nd hole.

Ballesteros was just 22 at the time and by the type of coincidence which occurs so often in golf, another 22year-old Spaniard heads into this year’s Open as the hottest property in the game.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

SEALED WITH A KISS: Sweden’s charismatic Henrik Stenson, who shot 63 to emerge victorious from a thrilling final-day duel with Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon 12 months ago to lift the Claret Jug Picture: Danny Lawson / PA Wire

Remarkable Jon Rahm only turned professional in June last year but has since won on both the PGA Tour and European Tour, with his sixshot victory in the Irish Open lifting him to a remarkable eighth in the world.

‘Seve is the reason why I’m sitting here today,’ Rahm said in his post-event press conference. ‘If it wasn’t for that Ryder Cup in Spain, my father would have never started to play golf.

‘If he had never started, I would have never picked it up. Nobody in my family did up until Seve put it on the map in Spain with that Ryder Cup in 1997.’ Rahm’s vic-

tory at Portstewart proved to the US-based player that he has the game to win on links courses and cemented his position as one of the favourites to win at Birkdale, which would extend the run of first-time major champions to eight.

That run started with Jason Day’s win in the 2015 US PGA and was followed by victories for Danny Willett, Dustin Johnson, Henrik Stenson, Jimmy Walker, Sergio Garcia and Brooks Koepka, while Rory McIlroy’s last major success came back in 2014.

And although the fourtime major winner has recorded five top-ten finishes since winning his sec-

ond US PGA title at Valhalla, the 28-year-old has not been in contention on the back nine of a final round.

Three years ago, McIlroy embarked on a similar schedule to this season and missed the cut at the Irish Open, just as he did the other week. He then went on to the Scottish Open and finished 14th.

The following week he went to the north west of England and surged to a convincing Open triumph at Royal Liverpool, before winning the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and US PGA in consecutive starts.

How the Northern Irishman would love history to repeat itself.

MATSUYAMA’s Open record is nothing to write home about, with his sole top-ten finish in four appearances coming on his debut at Muirfield in 2013.

However, since missing the cut at Troon last year the World No.2 has gone from strength to strength, finishing fourth in the US PGA, 11th in the Masters and second in the US Open after a superb closing 66 at Erin Hills.

Away from the majors, Matsuyama has also collected five wins around the world and was 14th in the Irish Open at Portstewart.

SERGIO GARCIA FIVE years after claiming he was not good enough to win a major, Garcia proved himself wrong in dramatic fashion by beating Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose in a play-off for the Masters at Augusta National.

Shedding the tag of ‘best player not to have won a major’ should do wonders for the talented Spaniard, who has ten top-ten finishes in the Open since 2001, including the last three years in succession.

TOMMY FLEETWOOD FROM 188th in the world as recently as September 2016, Fleetwood has climbed to within reach of the top ten thanks to some brilliant performances, including victories in the Abu Dhabi Championship and HNA Open de France and fourth place in the US Open.

The 26-year-old from Southport is thrilled to have the Open Championship on his doorstep, although he does not have as much local knowledge as might be expected after revealing he had to sneak on to Royal Birkdale for a few illicit holes as a kid.

THE OPEN - 18 STATS TO MARK YOUR CARD THE 146th Open Championship starts on Thursday and we tee up the tournament with a ‘round’ of 18 facts and figures.

1) WORLD No.1 Dustin Johnson has three topten finishes at the Open but has yet to win the tournament.

2) PETER Thomson twice won the Open at this year’s venue, Royal Birkdale. The Australian won the event five times in all.

3) THE last time Birkdale

THE OPEN

by Tom White hosted the Open, in 2008, was the only time this century that nobody has finished under par – Padraig Harrington’s winning score was three over.

4) THE most consecutive Open wins, by Young Tom Morris from 1868 to 1872 – the championship was not held in 1871.

5) THOMSON and Tom Watson each won their

fifth Open at Royal Birkdale.

6) ONLY Harry Vardon, the designer of the South East Cornwall course at Looe Bindown, has more Open titles than that duo, with a record halfdozen wins between 1896 and 1914.

7) THE last seven major championships have seen first-time major winners, from Jason Day’s success at the 2015 US PGA Championship to Brooks Koepka’s recent US Open win.

8) THERE were eight players in the first ever Open, in 1860. This year there will be 156.

9) THE lowest round in relation to par at an Open Championship is nine under, by Paul Broadhurst in 1990 and Rory McIlroy in 2010.

10) THIS will be the tenth Open contested at Royal Birkdale.

11) KOEPKA’s current world ranking as he prepares for his first major championship since his maiden win in such an event.

12) EARLY Open Championships were played over a 12-hole course, with three rounds.

13) THE record winning margin at the Open, by Old Tom Morris in 1862 over the 36-hole format.

14) THE number of courses to have hosted the Open.

15) IF a play-off is required in this year’s tournament, it will be played over four holes starting at the 15th.

16) THE 16th is marked

by a plaque commemorating Arnold Palmer’s 1961 victory, which was aided by a famous iron shot into that green in the final round.

17) THE longest hole at Royal Birkdale, at 567 yards.

18) IT is 18 years since one of the most memorable Open finishes in modern times, when Jean van de Velde’s meltdown allowed Paul Lawrie to claim victory at Carnoustie.

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FRENCH CONNECTION: Team GWR players – Lee Herring (Codrington Arms), Mo Annane and French exile Thierry Sarkissian (both Bath Grand Cru) – prepare to play at Parc Borély, Marseille, where Mondial la Marseillaise a Petánque is the sport’s largest and most prestigeous tournament in the world

Team GWR perform well on big stage in Marseille OUTSIDE of the boules world few will have heard of the Mondial la Marseillaise a Petánque but it is the largest and most prestigeous Petanque tournament in the world, held annually during the first week of July.

PETANQUE

It is to the game what

by Chris Bigmore that other great French institution, the Tour de France, is to cycling or what Wimbledon is to tennis.

Founded in 1962 by Paul Ricard-Pastis, the tournament takes its name from the other principal sponsor, the daily newspaper, La Marseillaise and this year was the 56th edition. It is an open tournament played in the traditional triples format and all the great names of the game have competed and won what is the sport’s biggest purse.

More than 4,000 teams take part (that’s 12,000-plus players) in an enormous logistical challenge and though the headquarters are in Parc Borély, early rounds are now also played on temporary pistes at many other venues in the city with free buses ferrying competitiors around. Later rounds are played solely in the Parc with the finals on specially constructed courts in the Old Port watched by thousands of spectators, and top games being covered by national television (well worth a look onYouTube!).

It is estimated that around 150,000 people play or come to watch over the five days. Competition is intense with high stakes and players can, and do travel hundreds if not thousands of miles – but the knock-out format means lose once and you’re eliminated.

It is very taxing for players, playing under blazing sun on various hard surfaces in front of often noisy, boisterous crowds.

Into this atmosphere a team from the Great Western League entered – Lee Herring (Codrington Arms), and Mo Annane and French exile Thierry Sarkissian (both Bath Grand Cru).

A cannon fired in Parc Borély, heard across the city, signifies the start of the tournament and on the first day, playing in a football stadium, they won their first match very comfortably. 13-1. That was followed by a 13-12 win at the Hippodrome (equestrian venue) in the second, against a very

MIXED MAGIC: Clive de Silva and Christine Spray, who won the GWR’s mixed doubles competition at the Codrington Arms in Yate

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE GET SECOND WIND TO BEAT SOMERSET

GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S women bowlers, who had seen off Devon and Warwickshire in their group, pulled off another notable victory in the quarter-finals of the National Intercounty Championship at the Chew Stoke club in Somerset yesterday.

Somerset, who fielded three members of the England side who recently won the British team title, found themselves 21 shots adrift after five ends across the green, but pulled themselves together, and actually took the lead briefly with less than an hour left to play.

But a swift response put the visitors back in front, and they held on to win 129120, thus qualifying for the Johns Trophy semi-finals, which will be played at Royal Leamington Spa on Saturday, August 5, when they will challenge Kent for a place in the final.

Gloucestershire rinks skipped by Joy Sheward and Jacky Howes both won by nine shots, while county secretary Lindsay Collin skipped her rink to a 25-23 win over Joan Walmsley, and Kay Gent earned a vital 20-20 tie with the Somerset rink skipped by Stef Branfield.

For Somerset, England star Laura Holden skipped her rink to a 28-22 win, and former international Elaine Amery also got home by five shots, 23-18, but Gloucestershire – who, in a sense, won the game twice – fully deserved their victory.

Gloucestershire team manager Maddie Hale said:

BOWLS

by David Rhys Jones ‘I'm proud of the girls, who started brilliantly, but they really showed their mettle by bouncing back after losing the lead. Losing to Worcestershire on 3 June was not the best start to our campaign, but everything seems to have clicked since then.’ b NATIONAL INTER-COUNTY SIX FOURS CHAMPIONSHIP (Johns Trophy: quarter-final at Chew Stoke): Gloucestershire bt Somerset 129-120 - Rink scores (Glos names first): F Stockford, R Gerry, J Stannard, L Collin 25, L Taylor, S Cooper, C Pearce, J Walmsley 23; V Osmond, P Baker, A White, R Hughes 18, L Newport, K Herbison, C Ball, E Amery 23; J Westlake, M Savage, P Gunn, K Gent 20, I Cracknell, C Whitmarsh, S Bird, S Branfield 20; S Rolls, C Prosser, G Fry, J Scott 22, R McMillan, K Malone, J Staunton, L Holden 28; V Molton, P Callaghan, I Bird, J Howes 23, H McDermaid, C Williams, E Bessell, K Hembrow 14; V Ayres, P McGregor, S Osborne, J Sheward 21, P Dando, M Gozna, B Colby, J Young 12. Other results - At Worthing Pavilion: Kent bt Surrey 118-102; At Haddenham: Norfolk bt Leics 112109

❑ ❑ ❑ ● PORTISHEAD Royal British Legion, who were hoping to lift the Clarence

strong local team. The next round saw their best performance on a stony Chateau venue, winning 13-7 and surviving to the next day.

Back at the Parc next morning the fourth round was to be their last as they lost to the strongest local team yet faced, but still ran them close, 13-10. So reaching that stage saw the trio bring home a guaranteed cash prize to add to sponsors’ gifts in what was a tremendous campaign from Team GWR. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE annual regional match, held this year at St Day, near Redruth, saw Kernow (Cornwall) beat Devon 21-15, their first win since 2013.

The match was contested by six teams of triples from each region playing six timed games in a ‘round robin’ format.

The first round of games ended with Kernow leading 5-1 as the Devon players took time to adjust to the unfamiliar terrain, and at the halfway mark Kernow were still in charge, leading 12-6. Devon fought back with round five their best, recording five wins and the match stood at 17-13 going into the final round.

Kernow though comfortably saw it out to seal the match and end their barren spell. Their two most successful teams were Kernow Three (Ray Beresford, Paul Lumley and Andrew Jarvis) and Kernow Five (Barbara Brown, Lena Daddow, Bill Kingdom and Pete Lynas). Both recorded five wins while Kernow One (Graeme Kirkham, Colin Booth and Roy Pemberton) had four wins. Devon’s most successful teams were Devon Three (Chris Jeffrey, John Violet and Gary Smith) and Devon Five (Stewart Brown, Joan Dixie and Peter Smith) both recording four wins each.

Devon captain John Thatcher congratulated the Cornwall side on a fine victory but is already anticipating revenge at next year’s encounter in Devon!

◆

Davey Trophy for the third year running, were stopped in their tracks by a team from Yate, who reached the semi-final of the City & County of Bristol's Inter-club Championship with a 73-68 victory.

In next Sunday's semi-finals, Yate will play Victoria Park at Knowle, while Bristol take on Olveston at Kingswood & Hanham.

In the quarter-finals, Victoria Park edged home 74-70 against Avonmouth, who had beaten Bristol St Andrew's in the previous round, Olveston pipped Knowle, 89-83, and Bristol swept to a comfortable 84-55 win over Redland Green ❑ ❑ ❑ ● YOU can write Devon’s men off at your peril – and a lot of people did just that when the Middleton Cup holders crashed to a shock defeat at the hands of Wiltshire in the first round of their group campaign on Saturday, June 3, which seems a long time ago, now.

Since then, they have bounced back, sustaining only one rink defeat in their matches against Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, which they won 151-86 and 140-80, taking 42 of the 44 points that were on offer.

However, all those heroics would have counted for nothing if Gloucestershire had not done Devon a favour by beating Wiltshire at Cheltenham last week.

Devon thus received a reprieve, and are back in the hunt for the national men’s inter-county title.

On Saturday, they are

hotly-tipped to beat Somerset in the national quarter-finals at Gillingham, but they should not be complacent because Somerset have shown character this summer, and have finished their matches on a high note.

Needing to take 16 points from their clash with Warwickshire at Welford-onAvon, Somerset’s chances seemed slim when trailing by 26 shots with around 40 ends to play across the green.

Crumbled ‘But we put on the pressure, and Warwickshire crumbled,’ reports team manager Reg Birmingham.

‘To win, 132-120, and by 20 points to two was a wonderful team performance across the six rinks, especially over the last 40 ends.’

And smiling broadly, he added: ‘Next weekend, it will be Devon’s turn to face the Somerset Steamroller treatment!’ b BOWLS ENGLAND – national men’s inter-county Six Fours championship (Middleton Cup) – Quarter-finals – Saturday – At Gillingham: Somerset v Devon; at Dunnington: Derbyshire v Northumberland; at Egham: Buckinghamshire v Kent, and at Woburn Sands: Bedfordshire v Hertfordshire.

❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE historic Victoria club in Weston-superMare was always a male bastion in the sport of bowls, but, like other hitherto male-dominated clubs, it has opened its doors to women.

To some chauvinists, it will still seem strange when the club this morning plays host to the regional quarter-

finals of the national women’s inter-county Two Fours championship, with Wiltshire, Herefordshire, Somerset and Cornwall vying for one place in the semifinals.

Wiltshire and Somerset are hot favourites to meet in the final this afternoon, but both Herefordshire and Cornwall are well-known for their fighting spirit.

b BOWLS ENGLAND – national women’s inter-county Two Fours championship (Walker Cup) regional final – Weston Victoria – Today – Semi-finals: Wiltshire v Herefordshire, and Somerset v Cornwall. Final: After lunch.

Wiltshire: C Mitchell, S Cooke, A Fail, A Jacobs; G Newman, A Hindley, M Hartley and K Yeoman.

Herefordshire: To be announced.

Somerset: R McMillan, C Whitmarsh, L Holden, S Branfield; P Dando, E Amery, J Walmsley and K Hembrow.

Cornwall: V Battersby, M Moore, J Prime, J Maunder; J Dunstone, S Collings, L Martyn and S Coad.

❑ ❑ ❑ ● TORQUAY Kings star Sophie Tolchard says that she was proud to be asked to captain the England under-25 side, who will defend their British women’s junior team title at the City of Derry club in Londonderry next weekend.

Tolchard will also skip a rink, while Devon duo Cassidy Lenton and Harriet Stevens line up at the backend of another rink, and Clevedon’s Laura Holden is in charge of yet another. b BRITISH WOMEN’S UNDER-25 HOME INTERNATIONAL SERIES – City of Derry – Next weekend – England (* denotes new cap and +, recall) – Rink One: E Cooper (Berkshire), * J Watt (Sussex), +V Room (Buckinghamshire) and K Rednall (Suffolk). Rink Two: H Arundel (Yorkshire), N Rogers

(Hampshire), K Richards (Warwickshire) and S Tolchard (Devon). Rink Three: * I Jenner (Kent), * E Ferguson (Kent), C Lenton (Devon) and H Stevens (Devon). Rink Four: D Cooper (Hertfordshire), R Tremlett (Hert fordshire), K Smith (Northamp tonshire) and L Holden (Somerset).

Reserves: A Bowe (Cumbria) and R Hill (Lincolnshire). Team captain: S Tolchard; manager: N Bowe (Cumbria).

❑ ❑ ❑ ● THIS quirky tale made me laugh, and reminded me of the sporting cliche we hear spouted so often: ‘It’s never over ’til it’s over!’

But when, exactly, is it over? And when can we expect the fat lady to sing?

In the final of the Somerset women’s under-25 pairs championship – with a place in the national championships in Royal Leamington Spa at stake – challengers Imogen Cracknell and Emily Corner ‘beat’ defending champions Becky McMillan and Laura Holden, 23-22.

That was after 21 ends, which is the traditional length for a game of pairs.

But it was pointed out to the finalists that the rules of this particular competition decree that games should be played over 18 ends – and at which point McMillan and Holden had been 21-18 in front.

To the disappointment of talented teenagers Cracknell and Corner, who were celebrating what they thought was a famous victory over the 2016 national runners up, Somerset’s competitions secretary Brian Pocock ruled that the 21-18 score after 18 ends should stand.

BORDER BASH: The Devon and Kernow (Cornwall) teams come together for their annual boules challenge match, this year played put at St Day, near Redruth ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Codrington Arms at Yate hosted the Great Western League’s mixed doubles championship and Clive de Silva and Christine Spray retained the title, adding it to their already burgeoning trophy cabinet.

Runners-up were Ali and Charlie Brown, contesting their first regional final, while Phil and Jan Weaver were the Plate winners. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● LEAGUE action took a back seat across all three regions, with few matches to report and little or no change in the tables. In the first division of the Brunel League, Bath Grand Cru beat Ship Inn, 4-3, and Old Inn defeated Horton, 6-1. The results mean Old Inn

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replace the Ship for second place.

In the Cotswold League, Gotherington beat Saxons One, 4-1, while the same scoreline saw MalmesburyU3A slip to their fourth straight defeat by visitors Upton Saints. Upper Thames Boules suffered their first defeat of the season, 3-2 at home to Saxons One, but remain on top.

In the Devon League, round seven continued with Ottery extending their lead despite a surprising 3-2 loss at home to bottom side Isca. Honiton moved to third, although also losing at home to Chudleigh by the same score. chrisbigmore@hotmail.com

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Change afoot at Raiders if takeover bid is successful ANY perceived lack of transfer activity on the part of Plymouth Raiders could all be about to change if rumours of a new consortium taking over the club come to fruition shortly.

Raiders’ troubled summer has also been BASKETBALL affected by technical issues surrounding the

by Liam Read hiring of head coach Jonny White 12 months ago but I also understand that, after a long and exhaustive investigation, the Home Office have decided that Raiders were at no fault whatsoever in any visa or other matters surrounding the Australian’s arrival.

With those issues finally resolved, and a sale soon to be agreed, expect some new signings to be announced shortly.

One face on the move out of the club, however, is chief executive Dave Briggs who is joining Nash & Co solicitors in the city after ten years with the Raiders.

‘I’ll certainly be sad to leave, but this is a phenomenal opportunity for me that I would have been crazy to turn down and one that I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into,’ said Briggs.

‘It’s a great opportunity for me to be part of a growing, ambitious and highly-supportive local law firm, and at the same time, it’s a fantastic new challenge for me personally.’

Briggs can be rightly proud of his time at Raiders, especially with the burgeoning partnership with the Marjon university that will transform the club, both on and off the court.

He was at the forefront of work on a potential new arena, and developing what has been the most successful community programme (Project Hub) of any of the other basketball teams in the country.

Raiders currently run 23 sessions a week across Devon and Cornwall, attracting new young players into basketball, and giving adults the chance to play. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● DEMONTE Flannigan has become the first signing for the London Lions under the new era of recently installed head coach Mariusz Karol.

The six-foot-eight forward/centre has just graduated from Cleveland State in the Horizon League of NCAA Division One. Flannigan averaged 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while leading his team in rebounds. At High School in Ohio, he averaged 17 points and ten rebounds and played for the USA under-16 National team.

Coach Karol has been impressed with the newcomer. ‘He is a hard worker in the key area and I think his style will suit the BBL,’ he said. ‘I think he can bring a physical presence for us.’

Flannigan is excited to be in London. ‘I want to get my professional career off to a good start,’ he said. ‘I like what I see in the London Lions and I want to continue to improve and work hard for the fans.’

Lions’ chief executive Vince Macaulay also hinted at more new signings. ‘As always at this time of year, I am very excited. But, there is an extra buzz with a new coach and what will be a lot of new players.

‘I think Demonte can really grow as a pro here. As a young player he was brilliant, and his college career saw him develop into a strong player inside with a nice touch.’

The Lions will start pre-season on Tuesday, September 5, when the team will fly to Poland for some tournament games, before returning in time for the British Basketball All Stars event at the O2 Arena on Sunday, September 24. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● MANCHESTER Giants’ captain and ‘Most Valuable Player’ Callum Jones has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

The 31-year-old has been with the Giants since the club returned to the BBL back in 2012 and was a star performer last season, earning him a place in the Molten BBL All-Star ‘British Team of the Year’.

‘I’m really happy to have signed,’ he said. ‘This is a club I’ve been with for five seasons now and it’s my home club. Obviously there’s a lot of work to be done to improve on last season, but Manchester is my home and I’m happy to be re-signed here.

‘It was nice to get recognition, though I thought I had a better year the season before, but I’d have traded those accolades for a few more wins. I think we need to improve in certain key positions; we need to improve our personnel, but I think as a team, we’ve got to stay focused for the entire game.

We had spells where we were good, but we’ve got to be much more consistent.’

Jones has had a month off and took the chance to visit his brother, and former BBL star, James, in Canada, where the couple have been celebrating the arrival of twins.

PLAY-OFFS ARE IN SIGHT FOR CORNISH SIDE

THE Cornish Sharks can get a tighter grip on a play-off spot when they take on lowly Jurassic Coast Raptors in the British American Football Association Division Two (West) today.

The Raptors will themselves be looking to restore some dignity to their season in Newquay as they aim for just their second win of the campaign. If achieved it would provide a great boost for the below-par performing team.

It was only a couple of weeks ago that the Sharks struggled to overcome a determined Raptors side and returned to Cornwall with a hard-fought 23-7 victory. It was a performance that gave the Raptors a considerable boost but I can’t see a repeat of that score this time.

For the Sharks they will be trying to make sure of a play-off position and to bring back their ever-impressive defence that has started to fall short in recent weeks. However, I don’t think they will have too many worries from the Raptors this week, but, then again, the addition of new players to the Raptors roster could be a telling factor.

The second game of the weekend sees the Worcestershire Black Knights travelling to Swindon to take on the Storm.

Apart from the Division’s leaders, Bristol Apache, the form team is certainly the Storm as they seek to maintain their fine run against the very unpredictable Black Knights.

The Worcestershire side will have to improve their game if they are to avoid a repeat of the 38-2 hammering they suffered only a few weeks ago. It was a performance that the Black Knights would like to forget and only an improved display will be the directive for the Worcester players as they enter their final three games of the season.

I expect the fine form of the Storm to continue and that they will come away from the game with another

BRITISH AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION DIVISION TWO (WEST)

W Bristol Apache....................7 Cornish Sharks ..................5 Swindon Storm ..................4 Worcestershire B’ Knights ..2 Torbay Trojans....................2 Jurassic Coast Raptors ........1

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

by Paul Morrison win to add to what has been an excellent season. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● ‘CLOSE but no cigar’ was the feeling for the Torbay Trojans last weekend as they came close to causing the shock of the season by nearly defeating the BAFA Division Two (West) leaders Bristol Apache.

There was hardly any signs prior to the game that we were about to witness a match that will live long in the memory for Trojans fans and players as the Bristol side left Foxhole breathing a massive sigh of relief with a 28-22 win.

The Trojans took the game to the unbeaten leaders early on and stifled the strong Apache offence with sheer guts and determination. And before you knew it Torbay running-back Kieran Calvert scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion saw the Trojans hold an 8-0 lead.

Bristol came back straight away and showed their class to tie the game within a few minutes. But back came the Trojans with Tim Rogers making a spectacular 80yard run to only by thwarted just yards away from the goalline.

Apache took advantage of their possessions and soon the lead was in their hands as they moved 22-8 in front thanks to some excellent play from Freddie Marshall, Jim Powell-Culingford and the outstanding Jon Walters.

Trojans running-back Mike Boraston was a challenger to Walters as the game’s ‘MVP’ and was rewarded for his efforts with a touchdown just before half time.

Against the run of play

Bristol stole another score to move 28-14 in front by the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Torbay’s Rogers found himself clear to spin and spin again to cross for a dramatic touchdown and bring the game to within a single score.

Once again the Trojans defence stopped the Apache and had the chance to try and win the match. They moved to within three yards of the end-zone but, with only a minute to go, Calvert was stopped and the chance to claim the win had gone.

The crowd had certainly been treated to a thriller and it wasn’t until the Apache took a knee at the end that the result was confirmed.

The performance will give the Trojans plenty of optimism as they head into the last few fixtures of the season. For the Apache it means they have to win just one of their remaining three games to clinch the Division. They now have to keep this momentum going in preparation for the play-offs.

As it stands three Division Two (West) teams hold spots in the end-of-season tournament, and, fingers crossed, they will hold on to keep these positions come the end of the regular campaign. b BAFA PLAY-OFFS – As it stands (seeds in brackets): Wembley Stallions (1) v Swindon Storm (8), Berkshire Renegades (4) v East Kent Mavericks (5), Bristol Apache (3) v Cornish Sharks (6) and Hertfordshire Cheetahs (2) v Portsmouth Dreadnoughts (7).

❑ ❑ ❑ ● MY apologies in the delay in announcing the Top 100 NFL players but I want to bring to your attention some important dates for your NFL calendar.

I have selected some key games that have caught my eye for various reasons.

Thursday, August 3: Hall of Fame Game – this season we shall see the Arizona Cardinals

L 0 2 2 5 6 6

T F A 0 254 89 0 175 78 0 200 85 0 88 199 0 96 225 0 71 208

Pct 1.000 0.714 0.667 0.286 0.250 0.143

host the Dallas Cowboys in the early hours of the morning.

Sunday, August 13: Week One of Pre-Season – potential eyecatching game sees the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to the New York Giants.

Sunday, August 20: Week Two of Pre-Season – Kansas City Chiefs at the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sunday, August 27: Week Three of Pre-Season – New England Patriots at the Detroit Lions.

Sunday, September 3: Week Four of Pre-Season – Seattle Seahawks at the Oakland Raiders.

Thursday, September 8: New Season Begins – Kansas City Chiefs travel to take on Super Bowl champions New England Patriots.

Sunday, September 24: NFL London Fixture – Baltimore Ravens take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.

Sunday, October 1: NFL London Fixture – New Orleans Saints face the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium.

Sunday, October 22: NFL London Fixture – Arizona Cardinals take on the Los Angeles Chargers at Twickenham.

Sunday, October 29: NFL London Fixture – Minnesota Vikings face the Cleveland Browns at Twickenham.

Sunday, December 31: Final Week of Regular Season – Carolina Panthers at the Atlanta Falcons.

Saturday, January 6, 2018: Wild Card Play-Off Games.

Saturday, January 13: Divisional Play-Off Games.

Sunday, January 21: AFC and NFC Championship Games.

Sunday, January 28: NFL Pro Bowl – held at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Sunday, February 4: Super Bowl 52 – held at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Tuesday, February 27: NFL Combine Begins – at Indianapolis.

Thursday, April 26: NFL Draft Begins – Venue to be announced.

Tasty battles are on the horizon IT’s a free weekend in the South West Baseball League and a time for teams to re-group ahead of the final three rounds.

The action resumes next Sunday with some tasty North and South clashes. Bristol Bats will entertain Taunton Musketeers at the Somerdale Pavilion, while

BASEBALL

by Chris Gray the Badgers visit the Muskets.

Down South, Exeter Spitfires travel to the Wilson Field to take on the Plymouth Mariners and St Austell Claycutters entertain the Newton Brewers.

NORTH CONFERENCE W Bristol Badgers ..........5 Taunton Muskets ........4 Bristol Bats ................4 Taunton Musketeers ....1

L WPCT RF RA 1 .833 128 35 2 .667 97 60 3 .571 96 76 6 .143 85 135

SOUTH CONFERENCE W Plymouth Mariners ......6 Exeter Spitfires ..........5 St Austell Claycutters ..1 Newton Brewers..........0

L WPCT RF RA 1 .857 166 47 2 .714 69 19 5 .167 45 153 6 .000 15 176

Lions’ heroic effort has inspired Fury even more WORLD heavyweight title contender Hughie Fury has hailed the British and Irish Lions heroic performance against the mighty All Blacks – and vowed to emulate them by defeating New Zealand’s WBO World champion Joe Parker in September.

BOXING

by John Collings

The Manchester ace watched the crucial decider in the Test series at his hotel ahead of his own exhibition contest at the Copper Box Arena and was gripped by the thrilling match. Inspired by that performance, Fury aims to continue the summer success of British sport when he takes on the fearsome and big-hitting Parker on Saturday, September 23, at the Manchester Arena in a potential thriller.

But just as the world champion All Blacks were expected to brush aside the Lions, there are many who feel that the thunderous punching Parker – undefeated in 23 fights with 18 knock-outs and 12 wins inside three rounds – will be too much for Fury.

Fury, though, is undefeated in 20 fights with ten knock-outs, and is relishing the underdog status. He says it’s also like his cousin Tyson’s epic victory over long-reigning world champion Wladimir Klitschko.

‘Watching the Lions put everything on the line, battling the All Blacks and fighting them until the end is a lesson for all of us to never give in,’ said Fury. ‘I was stunned watching that and it really hit home about pushing yourself to the absolute physical limit and digging deep into yourself to find that little bit more to come through, Nobody gave the Lions a shot a few months ago and they said they were going to get destroyed by the All Blacks, but by sheer determination, heart and will they defied the odds and came away with a “victory” even though it was a draw.

‘That is something that I will take into my fight against Parker and prove all my doubters wrong, People have dismissed me and said that I’ve fought nobody yet, but they don’t know what I’ve had to fight through and now this is my moment, like the Lions, to defeat the odds and become a world champion.’

‘Who gave Tyson a chance when he went to Germany to take on Klitschko? He was written off by the majority of people, the team all believed in him, but when Tyson tore the titles away it was the sweetest moment.

‘Parker won’t be coming here to give it up without a fight. He’ll have all of New Zealand’s hopes on him to win, especially after the Lions result. He’s coming here to fight and keep hold of that world title at all costs. I know what I’ve got to do to take it from him and I’ll do it.’

Tickets for the bout are now on sale (www.eventim.co.uk) costing £40, £60, £100, £150, £200 and £300. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● DAVID Haye intends to get back into the ring in December as he targets a return from the Achilles injury suffered in his heavyweight defeat against Tony Bellew.

Haye needed surgery in the wake of April’s bruising contest which saw the Achilles problem hamper the former two-weight world champion from the sixth round at the O2 Arena, being knocked down on to the ropes during the 11th before the towel eventually came in from his corner.

After parting company with trainer Shane McGuigan, 36-year-old Haye has recently teamed up with Cuban Ismael Salas. And the Londoner is confident things will fall into place for a return to action later in the year against an as yet unconfined opponent.

‘I will be back in the ring in December, who that will be against, I don’t know,’ Haye told a press conference in central London which announced the signing of Great Britain Olympic boxer Joe Joyce and Qais Ashfaq as well as Mixed Martial Arts fighter Michael Page to his Hayemaker Ringstar promotion stable. The new three-year deal will see the bouts broadcast on the free-to-air satellite comedy channel Dave.

Joyce won a super-heavyweight silver medal at the Rio Games last summer, while Leeds bantamweight Ashfaq and Scottish amateur Willy Hutchinson are also now signed up to Hayemaker Ringstar which will offer them the opportunity to showcase at least five fights per year.

Joyce had other options as he looked to further his professional career, but the 31-year-old London fighter is confident that this tie-up will suit him best, with Frenchman Tony Yoka, who beat him to gold on a controversial split decision in Brazil also part of the Hayemaker Ringstar stable ‘It is like a family and I have fitted in well,’ said Joyce, whom Haye feels has the ability to become world champion. ‘I am surrounded by great people and it is an honour to be around great promoters. I am fit and raring to go, I can’t wait to get back in the ring.’

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Silver medal for Toby after the agony of two no-throws AVON’s Toby Conibear showed nerves of steel to deliver a silver-medal winning performance at the English Schools’ Track and Field Championships in Birmingham.

The 15-year-old ATHLETICS Brimsham Green School student from

by Kevin Fahey Yate was facing a shock early exit from the competition after registering two no-throws so was left facing an all-or-nothing third attempt to stay in the completion and challenge for a medal in the second round of throws.

‘I just cannot say how stressful it was,’ said coach Matt Spicer, who himself was a former senior boys’ hammer champion in the 1990s.

‘Fortunately I was able to speak to Toby during the competition and told him he just needed to throw 40 metres to qualify for another three throws.

‘I reminded him he does that in training all the time but he was literally shaking and looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights.

‘I told him to calm down and just go out and throw 40 metres which he did with 43 metres and then in the fifth round he popped out a big one to get that silver medal.

THREE’S COMPANY: Hayle Runners’ Corine Gerard, (left), Thomas Rosenfeld and Deborah Pearce took part in the ‘Long Course Weekend’ in Pembrokeshire. The trio began the event with a long swim on Friday evening before completing a bike ride on Saturday and ended the weekend by taking part in the Wales Half-Marathon

SOUTH WEST ATHLETES FLYING OUT TO ITALY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP

SIX West Country athletes will gather in London tomorrow ahead of the European Junior Championships in Italy.

ALL SMILES: Avon hammer thrower Toby Conibear relaxes with his coach, Matt Spicer, after finally overcoming two ‘no throws’ to win the silver medal at the English Schools’ Track and Field Championships in Birmingham

Hilland teams up to win gold REBECCA Hilland said that she was delighted with her performance at the European Mountain Running Championships in Slovenia where Great Britain celebrated team gold.

The Team Bath runner, who has been hampered with a hamstring problem this year, again showed she can produce on the big occasion by finishing as the third scorer in the four-strong team.

‘I was very pleased to finish 12th and we were delighted to win team gold,’ said Hilland, who backed up silver medallist Sarah Tunstall and Victoria Wilkinson (fifth) with Katie Walshaw completed the scoring in 28th.

‘I was expecting it to be a tough race as there were a lot of strong runners who have been at the top of the game for a number of years, so it was a privilege to race alongside them.

‘I was fortunate to get some tips from the more experienced members of the team like Sarah and Vic and really appreciated that.’

@thesundayindy

DOUBLE SHOW: European Junior Championships-bound Cornwall pole vaulter Molly Caudery with her brother Fynley. Both won pole vaulting medals at the English Schools’ Track and Field Championships in Birmingham; Molly striking gold and Fynley, silver

Erme Valley Harriers’ Will Battershill (3,000metres steeplechase), Stroud AC’s Tom Mortimer (5,000 metres), Cheltenham’s Sophie Yorke (100-metres hurdles), Cornwall AC’s Molly Caudery (pole vault), Team Bath’s Tom Gale (high jump) and Exeter Harrier Sam Talbot (decathlon) will then fly out from Heathrow on Tuesday with the four days of action getting under way in Grosseto on Thursday.

‘I am really excited,’ said Gale, who is ranked joint second in Europe with a personal best (PB) of 2.22 metres.

‘I am going there to definitely try and win a medal.’

Gale certainly travels with his confidence sky-high after retaining his English Schools’ title in Birmingham last weekend and equalling his PB of 2.22 metres.

Caudery was also a winner in Birmingham and goes to Italy ranked fifth in Europe and with a fighting chance of making the podium if she can produce her best form.

Battershill is also ranked fifth in Europe, and if the Harvard University student can produce the race of his life he could be in with a shout of a top-six place.

◆

ATHLETICS

by Kevin Fahey ● ENTRIES for this year’s England Athletics South West Inter-County and Club Championships at the Exeter Arena on Sunday, August 20, are now being taken.

The event caters for athletes aged under 13 to seniors, and on-line entries, costing £8 for the first event and £5 for subsequent events, remain open until Sunday, August 6. Full details are available at: www.swic.athletics-uk.org ❑ ❑ ❑ ● HAYLE Runners will stage the sixth St Ives Bay 10k race on Tuesday, August 1.

The Triathlon Store and Fresh Cornish Fish-sponsored event, which is also supported by Hayle Town Council, will see competitors race along Hayle and Gwithian’s glorious beaches before heading across the Towans and returning to the beach for the final finish.

There is also a one mile ‘fun run’ for under-15s.

Registration will be held at the Hayle Surf Life Saving Club from 5.00 pm on race day with the ‘fun run’ due to get under way at 6.00 pm and the main event an hour later.

Pre-entries for the 10k can

be made on-line – www.stivesbay10k.co.uk – at a cost of £9 for affiliated runners and £11 for unaffiliated.

An extra £2 is added to the fee for entries made on the day. The ‘fun run’ will cost £3 on the day.

A donation from each entry is being made to Cornish Hospice Care in memory of Jane Greef, one of the club’s long-standing group leaders who died recently.

The minimum age for the main event is 15 but because of the beach terrain, which features steps and steep hills, the race is not suitable for wheelchair users.

All finishers will receive a bespoke medal and there is a trophy in both races for the first three male and female finishers.

Hayle Runners are also asking for help with marshalling on the day. Anyone interested should contact race director Andy Moore on: andymoore58@tiscali.co.uk ❑ ❑ ❑ ● UNIVERSITY of Bath sporting scholar Cameron Chalmers has been rewarded for his superb form this summer by being named in the British Athletics squad for next month’s IAAF World Championships in London.

The sport performance student has been selected in the men’s 4x400-metres relay squad after winning bronze at the recent team trials in Birmingham.

Chalmers, who broke a 17year record when he won his fourth successive British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) 400 metres title earlier this season, is one of four University-based athletes selected in the British squad.

M J Church ambassador

David King, from Plymouth – who, like Chalmers, is now coached by James Hillier at Bath’s Sports Training Village – will make his first appearance at a major global championships in the 110metres hurdles; Eilidh Doyle, coached by Brian Doyle, will contest the 400metres hurdles at a fifth successive World Championships, and Emily Diamond, coached remotely

by Jared Deacon, will race in the 400 metres.

Both girls are also in the women’s 4x400-metres relay squad, where they will be looking to match, or better still improve on their bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Also in the 78-strong team are two sport performance graduates – Danny Talbot goes in the 200 metres and the 4x100-metres relay, while Jack Green will race in the 400-metres hurdles and 4x400-metres relay.

The IAAF World Championships will take place at the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from August 4-13.

London is also hosting this weekend’s IPC World ParaAthletics Championships and three University-based athletes will be competing – World and Paralympic champion Paul Blake; worldrecord holder Sophie Kamlish and fellow Rio Paralympian Polly Maton. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● FOR the Caudery family of Illogan in West Cornwall, the 87th English Schools’ Track and Field Championships, Birmingham will linger long in the memory.

Molly’s gold in the senior girls’ pole vault event probably came as little surprise but older brother Fynley’s

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BACK WITH A BANG: Hayle Runners’ Timothea Cardell returned from injury to take first place in the over-75 age group at the ‘Turkey Trot’, a four-mile road race around Redruth and Pool silver in the senior boys’ competition, on his farewell appearance at the championships, did cause a stir as he produced a personal best of 4.40 metres to ensure a notable finale.

‘It was a great weekend for us,’ said Molly, who is a student at Truro College.

‘I was really delighted for Fynley on his final English Schools’ Championships. He doesn’t do a lot of competitions any more these days so to come out and jump a personal best was brilliant.

‘We help each other out a lot so that is really nice and it was so good we both won medals.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● HAYLE Runners picked up a number of prizes at the Turkey Trot four-mile road race around Redruth and Pool.

Jordan Morant led the

team home, taking fourth place overall and winning his under-35 category, while there were also category prizes for Floyd Ratcliffe (first, under-20), Scott Abraham (third, 45-49), Neil Cookson (second, 50-54), Kirsty Medlock (second, 3539), Julia Burns (second, 5054), Caroline Chesterfield (third 50-54), Diane Warren (second 60-64), and Ann Senior (third 60-64). Timothea Cardell made a welcome return from injury to win the over-75 age group.

Said women’s team captain Burns: ‘Turkey Trot was a tough race. Some of our regular ladies’ team members were not able to make the event but the team still ran brilliantly, giving it 100 per cent. As ladies captain I am delighted with the strength and depth we have in our club.’

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No doubles glory for Daniell and his partner MARCUS Daniell’s Wimbledon campaign came to an end as the Team Bath Monte Carlo Tennis Academy player and partner Marcelo Demoliner were edged out in the third round of the men’s doubles.

A tightly-fought TENNIS match against the British Skupski

by Chris Vincent brothers, Ken and Neal, went into a second day after poor light ended Monday’s play with Daniell and Demoliner trailing 6-7, 7-5, 6-7.

They returned to Court No.3 on Tuesday afternoon but only managed five points before rain forced them off again, with Daniell and Demoliner, 30-40 down. They were able to recover that situation when play resumed but were broken in the seventh game of the set and could not quite get back on level terms as they went down 6-4.

Despite missing out on a quarter-final place, reaching the third round matched the best-ever Grand Slam performance for Rio 2016 Olympian Daniell, who is coached by Dave Sammel and Ian MacDonald at the University of Bath’s Sports Village, and the Brazilian Demoliner.

Anna Smith, another player for Team Bath, competed in the second round of the mixed doubles. She and partner Neal Skupski were knocked out of the tournament by No.1 seeds Jamie Murray and his partner, Martina Hingis, who won 6-3 6-0.

Fellow Team Bath player Liam Broady fought well alongside his sister, Naomi, in their second-round match but went down 4-6, 5-7 to Roman Jebany and Lucie Hradecka, from the Czech Republic. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● TAUNTON’s British No.1 and World No.7 Lucy Shuker began her ninth Wimbledon with a women’s singles match against current World No.1 Yui Kamiji of Japan.

The top player in the world, the Australian Open and Roland Garros champion Kamiji, proved too strong for the Brit, winning 6-3, 6-1.

Shuker arrived at The Championships with recent grass court success behind her after reaching the women’s singles final and winning the women’s doubles with Dutchwoman Diede de Groot at last week’s inaugural Surbiton Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.

‘Having the event at Surbiton was a great initiative by the Tennis Foundation to provide players the extra opportunity to play on grass. It gave me some valuable match time in singles and doubles,’ said Shuker. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WILTSHIRE’s Amelia Bissett travelled to Italy with Great Britain to play in the European under-14 Summer Cup. They came up against Russia, who put in a strong performance winning 3-0. Bissett lost both sets of her singles match by small margins, 4-6, 3-6.

She also played doubles with Lily Hutchings against Maria Bondarenko and Polina Kudermetova but once again they lost 5-7, 1-6. Bissett also played in the following day’s defeat, losing her singles match 6-4, 6-0, but she was victorious in the final day’s contest against Belarus, defeating Anasyisa Abramovich, 6-7, 6-3 6-3.

However, a narrow doubles defeat for Bissett and Matilda Mutavdzic in the final rubber meant GB lost 2-1 overall and had to settle for an eighth-placed finish. tennissouthwest@hotmail.co.uk

WIMBLEDON WOE: Taunton’s Lucy Shuker who bowed out of her ninth Wimbledon, beaten by the World No.1 Yui Kamiji, of Japan, 6-3, 6-1

FED’S EIGHTH TITLE IS FAR FROM GIVEN

ROGER Federer ’s eighth Wimbledon title may appear to be destiny but the man himself knows Marin Cilic is perfectly capable of spoiling the party.

Federer has made serene progress through the fortnight and watched all his usual major rivals fall by the wayside.

This will be the first grand slam final since the US Open in 2009 where Federer has faced someone other than Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray. And on that occasion in New York, he was stunned by Juan Martin del Potro.

‘Thank God I’ve played also guys who were not called Rafa, Andy or Novak in the past,’ he said.

‘It’s a nice change, but it doesn’t make things easier.’

Cilic has only won one of his previous seven meetings against Federer, but that stands out as one of the more remarkable performances of recent years.

Croatian Cilic simply overpowered Federer in the semi-finals of the US Open in 2014.

Federer rates Cilic’s per-

WIMBLEDON

by Eleanor Crooks formance in New York as one of the best against him.

‘Conditions were fast, he was clocking returns and serves at will. He was doing a great job.’ said the Swiss.

Cilic is the first Croatian player to reach a Wimbledon singles final since Goran Ivanisevic’s famous victory in 2001 and knows he has his work well and truly cut out, saying: ‘I’m believing that I have the ability and that I have a good game and I played really well during the tournament. That is obviously very important in giving me a lot of confidence to prepare for this final.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ HEATHER Watson is ready to give her Wimbledon campaign one last big push when she faces fel-

COURT OF APPEAL: Roger Federer celebrates beating Tomas Berdych on day eleven of the Wimbledon Championships Picture: John Walton / PA Wire low Briton Jamie Murray over the net in today’s mixed doubles final.

The British No.2 singles player will bounce back into the world’s top 100 tomorrow and feels the grass-court stretch has provided the spur that her career was needing.

Standing in the way of Watson and partner Henri Kontinen is the new partnership of Murray and Martina

Hingis, the 22-time grand slam champion who won her first Wimbledon title 21 years ago, as a 15-year-old in women’s doubles alongside Helena Sukova.

Murray’s success means that his family is represented in a Wimbledon final for the fifth time in six years, and it is not known at this stage whether younger brother Andy will attend.

Funding suspended as vote for reform fails SPORT England has suspended Table Tennis England’s £9-million funding package after the national governing body narrowly failed to vote through a set of governance reforms at its annual meeting.

All sports organisations in receipt of public money have been given until October to comply with a governance code championed by sports minister Tracey Crouch to make sport more accountable and representative.

Several sports, most notably cycling and football, have been forced to make radical changes to their boards and national councils but until now no governing body has failed to meet the code’s provisions.

However, Table Tennis England confirmed that it was now in breach of the code after its Board’s reform proposals were

TABLE TENNIS

by Matt Slater only backed by 74.93 per cent of the voters at the AGM – 0.07 per cent of the required support.

Said chairman Sandra Deaton: ‘The Board had the only workable proposal on the table, together with a strong commitment that we would continue to work together to see if there were any improvements which could be made.

‘Had this received the support of threequarters of the counties and Leagues, we would now be compliant and our future would have been secured with a guarantee of nearly £9-million.

‘Despite being told of the consequences, the action of a small number of the individuals, some with their own agendas, have meant the association is now in a suspended state of business.

‘Table tennis has

become the first sport to fail to deliver on the government’s requirements for funding.

This has put our future at risk, as well as every programme we operate.

‘The Board’s absolute priority is to work with Sport England to agree a satisfactory plan of remedial action to see if we can get the immediate funding payment released.’

Grass-roots funding agency Sport England said that it was ‘disappointed’ by the result of the AGM. ‘Sport England’s policy is clear: organisations that don’t meet the code for sports governance will not be eligible to receive public investment.

‘Therefore no further investment can be made in Table Tennis England until changes are made.’

Noting the narrow margin of defeat, Sport England added that it hoped Table Tennis England would be able to meet the code soon so it could become eligible for funding again.

The suspension of funding to the governing body does not mean other applications for table tennis funding would not be considered

by Sport England, providing those alternative providers of grass-roots sport meet the code.

The code’s main requirements are that the Board is the ultimate decision-maker and has gender diversity of at least 30 per cent, with a general commitment to greater diversity.

The grass-roots funding set-back has come at the worst possible time for Table Tennis England as it has already been told by UK Sport that it will not receive any public money for its elite programme in the build-up to Tokyo 2020.

Sport England, which distributes about £300million of public money to get people more active every year, committed £9-million to Table Tennis England for 2017-21 in February.

Fletcher has chance to add another medal to collection LEWIS Fletcher, from Burderop in Wiltshire, has been selected to represent DeaflympicsGB at the 23rd Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey, from Tuesday until the end of the month.

TENNIS

The team will be led

by Chris Vincent by the Tennis Foundation’s National Deaf coach and former Deaflympics gold medallist Catherine Fletcher who, along with Lewis, are the head performance coaches at the Ramsbury Tennis Club, near Marlborough.

Fletcher will be contesting his third Deaflympics after reaching the bronze medal play-off in the men’s doubles in Taipei in 2009 and the mixed doubles bronze medal play-off in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2013. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● NEWQUAY Ladies celebrated winning the Babolat Central Cornwall Summer League with a 10-1 victory against Perranporth.

The team have won every match this season, dropping only four points out of a possible 70 and have won the League with three fixtures in hand.

Said captain Claire Florey: ‘We’ve had a really strong committed core squad this season who trained hard over the winter so we’re delighted to have done so well.’

Her successful team also included Florence Cameron-Webb, Fiona Dylan and Jessica Phillips with contributions from club members Louise Watson, Karen Marsland, Nadia Rawson, Liz Hawken and Tessa White. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● EXETER Golf and Country Club’s Tennis Club Championships came to a close after more than 40 matches to decide the winners of events ranging from eight and under singles to veterans’ doubles.

The biggest crowd of the day watched the men’s singles final between Sergey Yelnik and Richard Jackson.

With plenty of attacking tennis on display in a closely contest encounter it was the newest recruit to the men’s first team who came through, with Sergey winning 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Yelnick and Jackson then renewed competition in the men’s doubles final and in the most entertaining adult final of the day it was Sergey and Alun Evans who secured the title, winning 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 against Richard and club coach Tim Agutter.

The women’s singles final saw Emily Rushen defend her title, coming through a very tight first set before claiming victory over Juliet Chenery in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2.

In the ladies’ doubles final Rushden and Chenery paired up to defend their doubles title against Amanda Goodison and Anne Bulman. The match was decided by a final set tie-break with the defending champions prevailing 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (5). tennissouthwest@hotmail.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL CALL: Wiltshire’s Lewis Fletcher, who will represent the DeaflympicsGB squad at the 23rd Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey, which starts this week

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Government funding now on offer after recognition SPORT England has officially recognised Surfing England as the national governing body for the sport in England.

The move signifies the end of a seven-year journey by the organisation to have a surfing body officially welcomed at sport’s SURFING top table. And it means that English surfing is

by Stewart Castle now eligible to gain access to government funding and professional support, which has been closed for many years – that’s an essential step at a critical time with the sport continuing to grow and preparing for its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.

‘Sport England is pleased to announce that Surfing England is now a recognised national governing body,’ confirmed Phil Smith, Sport England’s director of sport. ‘As a recognised national governing body, we hope that Surfing England will continue to grow in its reach, providing more support and expertise to anyone currently in the sport or starting for the first time ‘The organisation’s vision and strategy towards “a healthy surfing community” can now be realised.’

With access to thousands of miles of wavedrenched coastline, especially here in the South West, and world-leading ‘wavepool’ technology set to radically improve performance, English surfers are already aiming for medals on the global stage.

The recognition follows the recent unification of English surfers under a national governing body that has passed rigorous testing and examination

by Sport England.

Built ‘by surfers for surfers’ with a strong foundation, professional staff and an adherence to proper and transparent process, the organisation is designed to meet the demands and delivery of a modern-day national governing body service.

Said Nick Rees, Surfing England’s operations manager: ‘Surfing England has succeeded largely thanks to the goodwill of its diverse membership and exceptional support from sponsors.’

Sport England’s multi-million pound ‘Towards an Active Nation’ strategy can now be a target for surfing and its affiliated clubs and organisations’ funding applications, alongside the sports council’s other funding opportunities and those that align with Surfing England’s vision for surfing.

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Black flag rule brings end to Payne’s Cup challenge MASTERS-FUL DISPLAY: Some of the Exeter rowers who enjoyed a successful weekend at Henley Masters Regatta

HOME WATER PERFECT FOR HOST CREWS

IT was all change in the West of England regatta championship standings at Exeter where the host club took the honours in the Senior A races for both men and women.

Paul Minchell, Jonty Webber, Graham Forrest and Sam Fotheringham became the fourth different winners of the men’s event this season while Kirsty Barker, Rebecca Kelly, Ros West and Georgia Bonfield finished ahead of DartTotnes in the women’s race.

Exeter also took first place in both the men’s and women’s Senior B events.

But Plymouth’s consistency this season sees Dave Reeby, Paul Brew, Danny Carlson, Jack Nottley, Nathan Gale and Lloyd Barron Robinson still heading the men’s championship table with seven points.

Paignton are second with four while Falmouth-Greenbank and Bideford Reds and Exeter all have three.

The Falmouth girls top their Senior A table with five points, with Dartmouth, Dart-Totnes and Exeter all on two points each.

Racing at Exeter was staged over the well-established 400-metres sprint course which as expected, provided some tight and exciting racing, and in a couple of cases the umpires were unable to separate the crews as they crossed the line.

With many of their senior crews opting to race ‘up country’ during the winter and spring, it was also the first time that a number of Exeter crews had been in action on the West of England circuit.

Perhaps not unexpectedly, they dominated the day’s racing with positive results across the board, including their successful junior squad who again recorded a number of category wins.

Exeter, however, did not have matters all their own way in Senior C where the Bideford Reds four of Steve

◆

ROWING

by David Godfrey Povey, Adam Bewes, James Williams and Theon Rogers squeezed home ahead of Bideford Blues and DartTotnes in a very tight men’s final.

In the corresponding women’s race it was the Blues combination of Lorna Colwill, Kirsty Andrew, Becka Brown and Hayley Wilson who edged out Exeter in their final.

As a result of both those results Blues currently head the Senior C rankings. Their men have eight points, two ahead of the Reds, and they hold a similar two-point advantage over Exeter in the ladies’ group.

West of England chairman Rob Harris recorded his first sculling victory of the season when he edged home just inches ahead of Blues’ Declan Monaghan in the final of the Senior C race, while club-mate Tom Windeatt was successful in the Novice sculls.

Although the majority of the sculling races were dominated by Exeter and Plymouth, there was, however, some success for Torquay, who secured top spot in the Senior A division through

the efforts of Elliot Barton and a fine double by Will Cleasby in both the Junior 15 and 16 categories.

In the overall points tally for championship fours and quads, Exeter currently head the table with 58, followed by the Blues on 50 and the Fowey-based Castledore club in third place on 47.

Exeter also top the single sculls table where they have recorded a total of 14 wins this season, two more than Plymouth with Dart-Totnes in third spot after seven victories. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WEST of England ‘veteran’ rowers competed at the Henley Masters Regatta, traditionally held over the same stretch of water as the Henley Royal Regatta.

Crews from FalmouthGreenbank, Exeter and DartTotnes all came away with an impressive array of medals to show for their efforts.

Exeter, in particular, were highly successful, with all five crews recording finals victories.

Dave Byrnes, Jo Thorpe, Matt Jacobs and Dan Rowse beat an Ardingly and Maidstone Invictus composite crew by four lengths in the Masters C 4x final in a time of 3:13, while the women’s Masters B 4x (Lisa Cocks, Lucinda Sanders, Eleanor Burke and Dani Wall) defeated Barnes Bridge by three lengths in a time of 3:46.

Julia Wood recorded two fine wins, linking up with Caroline Gordon (DartTotnes) to beat Eton Excelsior in the Masters E 2x event and also taking top spot in the Masters E 1x race.

Dart-Totnes’ Peter Atkin-

son joined a Masters F quad from the Crefelder club in Germany and picked up a gold medal, but missed out by just two feet in the final of the Masters F singles Falmouth-Greenbank’s Sarah Lewis won the ladies’ Masters B single sculls but her club-mate, Nicky Halse, was beaten in the final of the C singles and the men’s Masters E coxed four of James and Matt Kerr plus Rich Braunton and Andy Westcott also lost in the final. The same combination were in action in the corresponding coxless category, but went out in the semis after hitting the booms during the race. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● GREAT Britain won the overall World Cup title after their men’s four struck gold at the final regatta of the series in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Three regattas make up the Cup, with an overall winner in each event decided by the combined results from each leg.

The men’s quadruple scull won silver and took the overall title in the process while there was bronze from the women’s eight which helped Great Britain’s tally to four medals for the weekend, after the lightweight women’s quad had won silver on the Saturday.

But there was not such good news for Plymouth’s Jacob Dawson who was switched from his position in the coxless pair to the men’s eight, who had to settle for sixth place in the ‘A’ final.

Overall, Great Britain accumulated 134 points across the three regattas. New Zealand finished second, ahead of Poland. dd.godfrey@btinternet.com

HAPPY AT HENLEY: Exeter Rowing Club’s Masters C 4x crew, (left to right), Dave Byrnes, Jo Thorpe, Matt Jacobs and Dan Rowse, who beat an Ardingly and Maidstone Invictus composite crew by four lengths in the Masters C 4x final at Henley Masters Regatta

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◆

TOP Dragon sailor Martin Payne, so often a player in the Edinburgh Cup competition this century, probably thought his podium days were long gone when he rocked up at Cowes for this year’s event.

The West Country SAILING keelboat ace has been largely overtaken in the

by John Collings trophy stakes by younger rivals these days but nevertheless he remains capable of sailing a canny regatta. And so it again proved at this year’s Edinburgh Cup, sponsored by Oliver Morgan Architects and Stoneham Construction Ltd, where he led for much of the time.

Going into the final day, four boats were in contention to claim the Cup, which was first raced for off Cowes, from the Island Sailing Club, some 69 years ago.

And the top four from a fleet of 38 included Falmouth-based Payne, whose principal duties in latter-day Dragon events have been as MC at prizegivings and video-conference presenter.

But he showed that he has lost little of his sailing skills and, alongside Chris Britten and Gillian Hamilton in the keelboat, he was just four points off the pace as he set sail against Aimee (Graham Bailey, Julia Bailey, Will Heritage and Will Bedford), Danish Blue (with the legendary Poul Richard Hoj-Jensen on board alongside Hamish McKay and Paul Blowers) and the multi-talented Andy Beadsworth sailing the new-build Provezza Dragon with Simon Fry and Ali Tezdiker.

Payne, (right), the former lecturer at Torquay Boys’ Grammar school, had clearly done his homework and he knew he needed his Dragon, Full Speed, to live up to her name at the start – sadly, they were just a tad too impatient and a black flag for crossing the line early effectively wiped out all the good work of the past week.

Yet again the wind was incredibly shifty and ranging anywhere between six and 16 knots. The tide was taking many of the teams across the line and it took three attempts to get the fleet underway. Payne fell foul of the black flag on the second attempted start and his chances of victory were over.

West Country hopes of bringing the Cup back to the region may have been over, but the drama wasn’t and a thrilling series-decider saw Bailey, not renowned as one of the calmest men in yachting for nothing, kept his head and his nerve to claim the title.

Graham and Julia Bailey and their teenage crew of Will Heritage and Will Bedford were later awarded both the Edinburgh Cup and the Corinthian Trophy for the top all-amateur crew to rousing cheers.

Next year’s Cup will be back in Torbay, scene of many a Payne victory – and on his showing this past week, with an eighth-place finish overall, there could still be more to come from the veteran helm. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● YACHT crews from the West of England are in Paimpol, Brittany, this weekend at the end of their Classic Channel Regatta – a unique event with a distinctive blend of racing and passage-making involving wonderful boats and people… and, of course, parties.

The biennial regatta started with two days of racing at Dartmouth followed by the Channel race which was staged in two legs – the first from Dartmouth to St Peter Port, Guernsey, and the second on to Brittany.

A ‘Round Île de Bréhat’ race was followed by a night in Lezardrieux before a grand parade of sail into Paimpol harbour on Bastille Day. Most of the fleet were designed before the end of 1968, although approved builds from 1969 to the end of 1974, and later designs in classic style were also eligible to take part.

The regatta was organised by Classic Channel Regatta Ltd for the CRAB (Classic Regattas Anglo-Breton) Association whose members are the regatta entrants and crews. jc.collings@btinternet.com @jccollings1

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Princess Royal makes visit to Guildford for Cup opener EXETER University’s Annie Hillier and Bath’s Ruby Smith were among the players on duty when the Princess Royal visited the FIL Rathbones Women’s Lacrosse World Cup at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.

TALKING TACTICS: Exmouth’s Stevie Morrison, (right), with his Team Oman Sail crew-mates and their Diam 24 trimaran in the boat park at Jullouville for the Baie de Mont Saint Michel stage of the Tour de France à la Voile

STEVIE’S CREW HAVE SIGHTS ON SECURING PLACE ON PODIUM

WHILE reigning champions, Quentin Delapierre and Matthieu Salomon were bolstering their title defence in the Tour de France à la Voile, a lone English voice could be heard moving towards the top table – and asking for more.

The Lorina LimonadeGolfe de Morbihan crew may have posted a hallmark double win off the beaches of Jullouville on the Baie de Mont Saint Michel – taking victory in the 40-mile coastal raid and reinforcing that perfectly with 50 points from a win in an adrenalin pumping Nautical Stadium Super Final, – but it was one West Country skipper who was preparing to make his mark.

It was the best day yet for co-skippers Thierry Douillard and Stevie Mor-

Cheminées Poujoulat a finals place. Then with a second in the final the Oman crew move up to fourth overall, effectively climbing two places in Jullouville. They are now only four points off the podium, and look good to better last year’s fifth place finish.

‘Stupid’ SAILING

by John Collings rison’s Team Oman Sail which finished runners up to Lorina Limonade-Golfe de Morbihan.

Even so Exmouth’s Morrison, one of the few Englishmen in the race, admitted that they had gone afloat with a technical problem which could have been avoided; again perhaps an error attributable to tiredness on this ever-demanding tour.

Despite the problems Team Oman Sail delivered brilliantly when they needed to. After two back-to-back seventh places in qualifying they nailed a brace of excellent wins, crucially denying

‘We are travelling a lot, even if it is only the third act, (and) already people are starting to get tired and that can mean small mistakes, like even in your preparation,’ Douillard volunteered.

Explained Morrison: ‘When we went on the water we had a stupid issue with the gennaker, a mistake in the preparation and that put us in trouble for half the day. Finally it has been a good day, but that is the kind of thing that happens.’

Added Douillard: ‘I have done 12 Tours and won it four times. The end is (in) Nice. In 2015 (when he won with Spindrift) we won on a tie break on the last race.

‘I know you must never give up. And you need to always do your maximum to avoid all the mistakes.”

‘We had a hard beginning

to the day, we did not have a very good feeling with the boat. We had some issues we sorted. We had to win those two races to make the final.

‘Before we were taking time to sort our technical issues and we were too far from the line. But we said “right, now we need to put the hammer down”.

‘Stevie got two good starts and we won both. For sure the level is so high now.

Every small mistake is expensive.’

Jullouville’s was the closest and most exciting Super Final of the 40th Tour de France à la Voile so far, in front of a sizeable crowd on the sands and in the race village, but in the end it was the 2016 overall champions who prevailed.

The Tour has now moved on to Arzon Port du Crouesty for a coastal race and today’s Nautical Stadium Sunday.

Earlier in the week Morrison saw a handy position in the coastal race at Fécamp, just to the east of Le Havre, disappear and the crew finished the day with a slight air of disappointment, having slipped back to a seventh-placed finish

when they were third at the top end of the first beat.

‘It’s a bit like my school report “could do better”,’ admitted the Devon helm. ‘But in saying that, seventh is a solid score (and) we will probably get to Nice and consider it a useful result.

‘Tacking up the sandbank to start with was hard, with 30 boats like this, there were good shifts on the shore and if you could get in a good rhythm it was good. There were some big waves at the headlands and so you had to watch where you manoeuvred.

‘We were second when we got back to Fécamp but we felt like we were not so fast and having to stick our elbows out and defend rather than attack the young lads (Lorina Mojito-Golfe du Morbihan) crew who got away a bit.’

Frustrating For Morrison, the chance to complement their coastal race fifth place with another top result eluded them as a result of an unexpected penalty on the last leg of their first race, followed by a ‘BFD’ (black flag disqualification) in the second race –

an unfortunate result of a miscommunication of the final countdown to the star.

‘Overall, it was very frustrating,’ he admitted. ‘We also got a penalty when another boat unexpectedly match raced us. They went from fourth to sixth.

‘They could have tacked and got fourth and we would have been fifth. I had a bit of a lack of anticipation what they were doing.

Confident ‘You need to be more aware of that when you are up against teams who might not normally be up near the front of the fleet.’

And the second one was just miscommunication at the start. I thought I heard seven and we deployed, next I heard eight and we were just too early! We were confident in our starting which is good.’

The tour is now off to Brittany and the venues in Arzon and Les Sables d’Olonne on the Vendée coast. Then it is a switch to the Mediterranean with visits to Roses in Spain, followed by Port Camargue, Marseille and Nice. jc.collings@btinternet.com

Later, England got LACROSSE their campaign off to a winning start with a 12-6 victory over home

by Connie Gerdes nation rivals Wales with the squad featuring 27-year-old defender Hillier and 24-year-old midfielder Smith. A strong all-round display spearheaded by England captain and the game’s ‘Most Valuable Player’, Laura Merrifield, saw the hosts home after a tight first-half.

Of the two South West representatives, Smith has a wealth of international experience, having first represented England in 2008 at the Europeans in Lahti, Finland.

The former Godolphin School pupil took up the sport as an 11-year-old and says that her proudest moments were captaining the under-19 World Championship team and being selected for the All World Team. Princess Anne, who has been the patron of English Lacrosse for more than 20 years, was told that the opening ceremony marked the start of the largest women’s sporting event in the UK this year.

Some 25 nations will play a total of 97 games of lacrosse over the course of the tournament, building to the showpiece final on Saturday.

A 2,500 seat stadium has been created around the main pitch at Surrey Sport Park, and a total of 17,000 tickets have been sold for the event, reflecting the worldwide growth in popularity of the sport.

Said Mark Coups, chief executive officer of English Lacrosse: ‘What a fantastic way to kick off the FIL Rathbones Women’s Lacrosse World Cup (with a royal visit).

‘Whether you’re an avid follower of the sport, or a newcomer, we encourage everyone to get involved and join in the fun. We look forward to welcoming fans and players from all around the world to Surrey, for what is set to be a thrilling tournament.’

Philip Howell, chief executive of investment management firm, Rathbones, said that the year was shaping up to be a watershed one for women in sports, with events such as the Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and FIL Rathbones Women’s Lacrosse World Cup. ‘It’s our hope that the Rathbones World Cup will inspire existing and prospective lacrosse players to pick up a stick and get involved,’ he said. ‘We at Rathbones are very passionate about the opportunities and values that sport provides, such as team work, commitment and resilience.

‘We are proud of our collaboration with English Lacrosse and Lacrosse Scotland over the past six years and look forward to a brilliant World Cup.’ Lacrosse has experienced unprecedented growth over the past five years with more than 30,000 people picking up a stick and playing the game each year.

Jo hunts down the Germans A DEFLECTED goal HOCKEY from Jo Hunter guided England to victory over

by Ross Reid Germany in their Hockey World League semi-final clash in Johannesburg.

England dominated the match and deserved their 1-0 win that lifted them to second in pool A ahead of their final group game against Ireland this afternoon.

Said head coach Danny Kerry: ‘We were exceptional at being intelligent, fast and constantly threatening. We limited Germany to very few opportunities and created numerous chances ourselves. The girls can be very proud of how they went about their business.’

England, whose squad includes South West players Giselle Ansley, Maddie Hinch and Lily Owsley, started well but Germany responded strongly and Hinch saved well from Charlotte Stapenhorst just before the first break.

England, though, kept up their tempo and pressure and from a penalty corner Unsworth slapped towards the right post where Hunter was on hand to deflect high into the net.

Earlier in the week England suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Japan in Johannesburg.

Mami Karino struck after just three minutes as Japan secured their progression into the second round with a 1-0 success.

England created plenty of chances but strong defending from Japan left them frustrated.

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All the hard work pays off for Connor with two golds

Disqualification in Rio is driving Jack on to achieve more

PLYMOUTH Diving’s Connor West produced some excellent performances at the National Age Group championships, picking up two gold medals and a bronze.

West was the dominant force in the boys’ ‘A’ platform event.

SWIMMING He took an early lead and managed to keep

by David Potham widening the gap as each round passed. is final dive, the forward two-and-a-half somersaults with one twist impressed the judges, scoring him 62.35, and he finished with a score of 322.55, a full 27 points ahead of Ollie Breach from Albatross Diving Club.

‘It feels amazing to get gold, I don’t really know how to describe it,’ he said. ‘It’s just the realisation that all the hard work you’ve done in training has paid off. It’s amazing to get two medals in two events.’

West’s second gold came in the three-metre event. That was a much closer competition. He had looked favourite to win after the first three rounds but was challenged all the way by Albatross Diving’s Finlay Cook. The final round saw West hold on to his lead by less than a point to take the title on 339.30.

‘It feels amazing to get gold, especially after the one in the one-metre yesterday,’ he said. ‘Really happy with my performance today. I thought Finn (Finlay Cook) had it, but I obviously did enough in that last round to take the win.

‘I want to thank my coach for putting me through all the hard work and my family for cheering me on.’

Cook took silver with 338.65 and Southampton’s William Osbourne claimed his second bronze of the competition, finishing on a score of 312.30.

West’s third medal came in the one-metre event where Cook came out on top with 292.35 points, from Osborne (278.8) with West third (274.05).

Plymouth’s Joshua Hughes (239.55) came second in the ‘B’ one-metre competition, finishing behind Elliott Johnson, of City of Sheffield (248.25). Thomas Davis picked up third place in the ‘B’ three-metre (248.25) as did Maria Marasescu in the girls’ ‘B’ platform (204.10) b Other results – Boys’ ‘B’ one-metre: 7, Thomas Davis (223.15); 14, Joshua Gibbs (202.45). Three-metre: 7, Joseph Gibbs (235.10); 9, Joshua Hughes (232.95). Platform: 6, Thomas Davis (204.30); 7, Joshua Gibbs (203.60); 8, Joshua Hughes (200.65).

Boys’ ‘C’ one-metre: 7, Joshua Freeman (179.70); 21, Ben Bluett (136.50). Three-metre: 9, Joshua Freeman; 11, Ben Bluett 11th (185.95). Platform: 8, Joshua Freeman (190.60 ); 12, Ben Bluett (170.55).

Boys’ A/B three-metre synchro: 2, Sam Isaac and Joshua Hughes.

Girls’ ‘A’ one-metre: eq.7, Aimee Fishleigh (228.15); 13, Alice Burdett (203.90). Three- metre: 5, Aimee Fishleigh (256.20); 7, Alice Burdett (241.95).

Girls’ ‘B’ one-metre: 10, Evie McCabe (205.70); 11, Marin Marasescu (203.85); 21, Abby Fishleigh (188.95). Three-metre: 9, Frances Burdett (220.20); 11, Maria Marasescu (209.75); 18, Abbey Fishleigh (199.45); 22, Evie McCabe (190.50). Platform: 9, Frances Burdett (184.10); 15, Evie McCabe (168.15).

Girls’ ‘C’ one-metre: 34, Millie Ayres (140.70). Three-metre: 26, Millie Ayres (169.25). Platform: 21, Millie Ayres (159.15).

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PLYMOUTH Diving’s Tonia Couch is part of a 12-strong team for the World Championships in Budapest.

Couch, who has competed at six previous World Championships will line up with Lois Toulson in the ten-metre synchro today. ‘I’m excited to be back at a World Championships,’ she said.

‘I really love competing at this level and to be at my seventh World Championships is something I can’t quite believe. I don’t think when I started competing I would be able to say I would have been at this level for this long.

‘This year’s competition is a bit different, though, in that I will only be competing in the ten-metre synchro with Lois. Having one event to focus on is nice and I love competing with Lois. We are a great team and we learn a lot from each other.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● JACK Laugher and Chris Mears battled with the realisation of achieving a lifelong dream after winning Olympic gold medals.

Laugher and Mears became Great Britain’s first Olympic diving champions in Rio last August with victory in the synchronised three-metre springboard event, upsetting the favourites from China.

Speaking ahead of the World Championships in Hungary, Laugher reflected on how returning to diving after a break of two and a half months provided the stability he needed.

‘To be surprise winners... to actually win the Olympic Games was very difficult to deal with afterwards,’ Laugher said.

‘I struggled and went down a bit. I had no routine, because I was taking time off.

‘It was really good fun, but at the same time, going from such a high and back to normality is very difficult.

‘For me, diving ended up being the saviour. I ended up getting back into a routine and had something to get up for in the morning.

‘I hate coming back to training not with my heart

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JACK Burnell will never get over his Olympic disqualification, even if he can achieve his aim of World Championship glory on Tuesday.

SOMERSET SPECIALS: Taunton’s Justin Pipe who has guaranteed his place in next weekend’s BetVictor World Matchplay in Blackpool where his rivals will include No.2 seed Gary Anderson from Burnham-on-Sea Picture: PDC

BLACKPOOL IS THE PRIZE FOR JUSTIN

TAUNTON’s Justin Pipe produced his best performance of the year to reach the semi-finals of the Players Championship 15 and secure a place in the BetVictor World Matchplay in Blackpool, which starts on Saturday.

The summer’s biggest tournament sees a 32player field competing at the Winter Gardens with a £500,000 prize fund on offer in the prestigious event.

The top-16 players from the PDC Order of Merit qualify by right and they are joined by 16 qualifiers from the one-year ProTour Order of Merit, which includes Somerset’s Pipe, who will play Dutchman Jelle Klassen in the first round next Sunday.

The 45-year-old defeated Martin Schindler, Max

DARTS

by Peter Mutton Hopp, Joe Cullen, Wellington’s Ryan Searle and John Henderson on his way to the last four in last weekend’s event but lost to Jeffrey de Graaf in the second round of Sunday’s competition.

Pipe’s semi-final appearance saw him leap above emerging youngster Chris Dobey and though he lost in the second round of Players Championship 16, he held on to his qualifying place ahead of Jonny Clayton and Dobey to secure his seventh successive Blackpool appearance.

Rob Cross’ amazing debut

and mind into it. If you’re forced to come back at a time that you don’t want to, it feels too hard and the passion dies a little bit.’

Mears also found it challenging, having briefly considered retirement before opting to continue, including at the FINA World Series event in Beijing in March. The pair finished second to China.

‘Competing again, being Olympic champion standing up on the board was a little bit daunting,’ said 24-year-old Mears.

‘I felt the pressure of being Olympic champion and what that meant. I didn’t mentally feel ready to compete again.

‘I don’t feel like that any more. It was just that first World Series.’

Mears has also had to battle with a back injury, while Laugher expressed frustration at the departure of his long-time coach in Leeds, Adrian Hinchcliffe, to Australia.

Laugher is now in a relationship with diver Lois

◆

year on the PDC circuit sees him qualify for his first World Matchplay after accumulating over £60,000 in ProTour events already in 2017, including two Players Championship wins.

Spain’s Cristo Reyes, Huddersfield’s James Wilson, Essex-based Steve West and Dutchman Christian Kist will also make their World Matchplay debuts after being among the 16 ProTour Qualifiers.

Players Championship wins for Steve Beaton and Darren Webster in recent weeks has secured their qualifying places, with the latter having gone into last weekend’s events with an outside chance of being overhauled before taking victory on the Saturday.

With the world’s top 16 players seeded, reigning champion Michael van Gerwen will be the No.1 seed in his bid to win a third successive World Matchplay title.

Burnham-on-Sea’s Gary Anderson (he plays Christian Kist on Saturday) and Peter Wright are seeded second and third respectively,

with former finalist Adrian Lewis seeded fourth and Dave Chisnall the fifth seed.

The 2007 World Matchplay winner, James Wade, also a five-time runner-up in Blackpool, will be the sixth seed, with Austria’s Mensur Suljovic seeded seventh.

Legendary 15-time World Matchplay champion Phil Taylor will be seeded eighth for his final Winter Gardens challenge – with the potential for a second round match-up with great rival Raymond van Barneveld, who is seeded ninth.

b WORLD MATCHPLAY LINE UP – Order of Merit Qualifiers: 1, Michael van Gerwen; 2, Gary Anderson; 3, Peter Wright; 4, Adrian Lewis; 5, Dave Chisnall; 6, James Wade; 7, Mensur Suljovic; 8, Phil Taylor; 9, Raymond van Barneveld; 10, Jelle Klaasen; 11, Michael Smith; 12, Kim Huybrechts; 13, Ian White; 14, Robert Thornton; 15, Benito van de Pas, and 16, Simon Whitlock. ProTour Qualifiers: Alan Norris, Christian Kist, Cristo Reyes, Darren Webster, Daryl Gurney, Gerwyn Price, James Wilson, Joe Cullen, John Henderson, Justin Pipe, Kyle Anderson, Mervyn King, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Steve Beaton, and Steve West.

Toulson, who made her Olympic debut in Rio with Tonia Couch.

The 22-year-old Harrogate diver and Toulson have been together for six months and Laugher described her as ‘perfect’.

The ‘bromance’ between Mears and Laugher was scrutinised following their Rio success. As well as competing together, the pair share a house and are room-mates at training camps and competitions, but there is no more to it than friendship.

Laugher, who won Olympic silver in the individual three-metre springboard, added: ‘I understand why people gravitated to that, because we live together, we wear Speedos for a living. Two men crying in each other’s arms, passion and love for the sport and a great friendship.

‘I’m actually quite happy they did. It shows how close me and Chris are. We’re big parts of each other’s lives.’

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The 24-year-old open water specialist was furious at the end of the ten-kilometre event at Copacabana Beach in SWIMMING Rio last August.

Little more than six

by David Potham seconds separated 12 swimmers at the end of almost two hours of racing and Burnell felt he had been impeded as he made his renowned sprint finish.

Instead of being in a photo finish for an Olympic medal, a frustrated Burnell lashed out at the officials and later contemplated his future in the sport.

‘When something like that happens big questions are asked of yourself,’ he said. ‘It was a big decision. I’m taking it one race at a time. I’m not looking at Tokyo right now.

‘Tokyo is the end goal, but I’ve got Budapest and the World Championships to focus on right now.’

The events of Rio, where Burnell accused Tunisia’s Oussama Mellouli of pulling his leg but was sanctioned himself, still rankle.

‘It’s obviously still a sore subject and I think it will probably be forever a sore subject, no matter what happens in the future,’ Burnell added.

‘Everyone I meet who talks to me about the race was so behind me and so angry at what happened.

‘Unfortunately I can’t change that now. For me it’s all about looking forwards, looking at Budapest and the World Championships and trying to put the best performance in there to put that to the back of my mind.

‘The only target for me is to go out there and win it.

‘That was my aim going into the Olympic Games and that’s my aim going into the World Championships.’

Open water swimming can be rough, featuring tugs of limbs, clashes of elbows and the occasional punch. Burnell did not wish to comment on whether the officials have changed their approach since Rio, but merely wants consistency.

‘What I don’t want to do is put the spotlight on the officials,’ added Burnell, who won the FINA World Cup event in Abu Dhabi in March.

Referees are on boats alongside the swimmers.

But Burnell is uncertain whether technical support from under water cameras would be beneficial.

‘There’s just too much going on,’ he added. ‘(But) some changes could be made to make it a little bit more consistently regulated.’

The ten-kilometre swim in Lake Balaton is likely to be a non-wetsuit event, due to the water temperature. Burnell, who was fifth at the 2015 worlds, is swimming only the Olympic distance. And while he has been working on his tactics, Burnell knows his sprint finish remains a strength.

‘Everyone knows that I’m decent in the finish,’ he said.

‘But the reason we all train is to improve our weaknesses. That’s what I’ve been working on.

‘It’s such a tactical race, it’s fair enough going in with a plan, but so much can change.

‘We have 101 different plans we could go to. It’s all about being flexible and being open to change within the race and capitalising on things that happen.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● TEENAGE swimming sensation Tom Dollery destroyed two long-standing records at the Brymore School Annual Swimming Gala.

In the four length breaststroke, the 14-year-old recorded a time of one minute and 15 seconds, shaving five seconds off the Bridgwater academy’s previous record which had stood for more than 40 years.

He then went on to break the two-length butterfly mark which had been in place for more than 13 years.

Tom’s proud grandfather is former Minehead football manager and one-time Bristol City director Robert Boyd, whilst his uncle is Weston-super-Mare assistant manager Robert Boyd, jnr. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Cornwall and West Devon Summer League had a new winner with Paignton coming out on top over Devonport Royal.

Said League chairman Adrian D’Cunha: ‘I found the level of participation and energy on poolside invigorating and I hope that everyone enjoyed the event as much as I. ‘It was also good seeing half of the finalists from Cornish clubs, with St Austell winning the battle to have bragging rights until next year! With double points in the finalists’ gala, the positions were changing with every race.’ b CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON SUMMER LEAGUE: 1, Paignton A, 940 points; 2, Devonport Royal, 904; 3, Newton Abbot, 765; 4, St Austell, 728; 5, Truro City, 712; 6, Carn Brea and Helston, 694; 7, Tavistock, 489; 8, Penzance, 475; 9, Launceston, 454; 10, Dawlish, 426; 11, Torquay Leander, 376; 12, Exmouth, 301; 13, Devonport Royal B, 288; 14, Paignton B, 157.

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Tom’s death on Tour still talked about 50 years later FIFTY years after his death it remains difficult to talk about the life of Tom Simpson without conversation turning to the day he died.

Simpson was Britain’s first cycling world champion, the first Briton to wear the CYCLING yellow jersey in the Tour de France and

by Ian Parker remains the best Classics rider the nation has produced.

But talk to former team-mates, family members or his biographers, and the spectre of that fateful day on Mont Ventoux keeps returning.

It was on July 13, 1967, during stage 13 of the Tour, that Simpson collapsed less than a kilometre from the summit of Ventoux. Race doctors tried to resuscitate him to no avail. Simpson was dead at 29.

The official cause was ‘heart failure caused by exhaustion’ but there were other factors.

Race doctor Pierre Dumas said that he found amphetamines in the back pocket of Simpson’s jersey, while an autopsy said he had alcohol in his bloodstream.

Viewed through today’s lens, it is easy to lump Simpson in with cycling’s many pariahs, but it is a simplistic view.

Just two years after any form of doping controls were introduced, this was a time when the use of stimulants was still widespread. Many tested positive and were given a one-month ban before returning to race. For Simpson, being caught was the last thing he did.

‘They talk about his death as though Tom was one in a couple of hundred who took anything,’ said his former team-mate Barry Hoban.

‘You can’t talk about Tom’s death 50 years ago with the knowledge we have today because it’s distorted.’

To understand Simpson, you must also understand him as a pioneer not only in cycling but in sport, an innovator and entertainer whose popularity in Britain exceeded that of his chosen profession.

‘He’d been BBC Sports Personalty of the Year in 1965, he was the Bradley Wiggins of his time,’ said Jeremy Whittle, author of Ventoux: Suffering and Sacrifice on the Giant of Provence.

‘He was suited, booted, sharp. He was on stage at the London Palladium. He liked cars, he liked champagne, he liked oysters. He was fully into the idea of being a rock star.’

In an era before image rights, Simpson realised earning power was directly linked to public profile, and he played up to the cameras – adopting the ‘Major Tom’ persona of an Englishman abroad as he posed in a bowler hat with an umbrella and copy of The Times in hand.

Simpson raced fast and lived fast. The son of a Durham coal miner, raised in Nottinghamshire, had always been impatient. After winning Olympic bronze in the team pursuit in 1956 aged 19 he packed his bags for the continent and quickly made an impression on the road.

‘He finished fourth in his first professional race and carried on succeeding like he didn’t know how to fail,’ said his nephew, cycling journalist Chris Sidwells.

Simpson piled up an envious record in cycling’s greatest one-day Classics – known as the Monuments. He would win three of them in his career – the Tour of Flanders, Milan-San Remo and the Giro di Lombardia, and recorded 11 top-ten finishes in his 15 Monument starts.

‘When you tot up his wins in the Classics and then you tot up his top-10 placings, wow, that’s one hell of a career,’ said Hoban.

The world title was his breakthrough moment at home. But for Simpson everything came back to the Tour de France. He was desperate to make money during a career he knew would be short, and to earn the serious sums he had to make it in the Tour.

His 1962 performance, when he wore yellow and finished sixth aged 24, suggested he could contend, but the Tour was not a race that truly suited Simpson.

‘Basically, it was out of reach for Tom,’ said Brian Robinson, his former team-mate and flat-mate.

‘Maybe he could finish second or third, but he lacked the stamina over three weeks.’

He also lacked the discipline. ‘The Tour was the race he wanted the most but suited him the least,’ said Andy McGrath, author of Tom Simpson: Bird On The Wire. ‘He was too attacking, too nervy, too spasmodic. You could keep him cool for maybe ten days and after that you didn’t know what he would do.’

Impulsiveness was a theme in many aspects of Simpson’s life, but so was innovation. He was

What’s in store on the Tour…

TODAY Stage 15: Laissac-Severac l’Eglise to Le Puy-en-Velay (189.5-km) THIS is another very difficult stage to predict. There are no mountains on the menu but there are two category one climbs on a rolling day.

It could be one for the puncheurs to have a go, or it could see a general classification outsider look to upset the order of things ahead of the second rest day. The two final climbs are short, sharp and narrow, and look like natural launching pads for anyone with the legs to use them.

TOMORROW Rest day: Le Puy-en-Velay TUESDAY Stage 16: Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans-sur-Isere (165-km) DESPITE a rolling start, the long flat run to the finish should favour the sprinters and they will certainly hope so after a series of testing days in the hills.

The wind could be a factor, but the mistral rarely blows hard so far north, which should help keep everything under control.

WEDNESDAY Stage 17: La Mure to Serre-Chevalier (183-km) THE race moves into the Alps and will head to its highest point of the 2017 edition –the fearsome Col de Galibier, some 2,645 metres above sea level.

It was due to be used in 2015 until a landslide intervened and forced the race over the Col de la Croix de Fer – which features as a mere (italics) hors d’ouevre (end italics) this time around. This is classic Tour territory and the favourites should be to the forefront.

THURSDAY Stage 18: Briancon to Izoard (179.5-km) THE final mountain stage of the race comes relatively early but it should not lack drama.

The climb of the Col d’Izoard guarantees stunning scenery and should provide electric racing as the

climbers get their last opportunity to make an impression in the general classification - and those aiming for the polka dot jersey target the double points available at the finish.

FRIDAY Stage 19: Embrun to Salon-de-Provence (222.5-km) THE longest stage of the Tour comes near the end as they pack heads out of the Alps and into Provence.

It could be yet another chance for the sprinters – if they still have the legs – or it could be one for the breakway.

The only certainty is that the general classification contenders will be doing their best to preserve energy after the mountain battles that have been, and the potentially decisive time trial still to come.

SATURDAY Stage 20: Marseille to Marseille (22.5-km individual time trial) THE final chance – barring incident in the last day – to re-shape the general classification comes in 22.5-km battle against the clock around Marseille.

The short distance will make it difficult to overturn any looming time gaps, but if the battle is still close this is where it will be decided. Should the fight essentially be over, there will still be no shortage of spectacle, with a sell-out crowd of 67,000 expected at the Orange Stade Velodrome where the time trial starts and finishes.

NEXT SUNDAY Stage 21: Montgeron to Paris (103-km) MONTGERON hosted the start of the first stage of the first Tour de France all the way back in 1903.

But the race that sets off from there next Sunday is a very different affair to those free-wheeling days, with the battle for yellow effectively over and the focus entirely on the anticipated sprint to come on the Champs-Elysees.

Andre Greipel has won in Paris in each of the past two years, with Marcel Kittel winning in 2013 and 2014 having ended Mark Cavendish’s run of four straigth victories.

FROOME HITS BACK TO TAKE SLENDER LEAD

CHRIS Froome reclaimed the yellow jersey in the Tour de France as Michael Matthews won stage 14 in Rodez.

Australian Matthews burst clear of Belgian Greg Van Avermaet on the steep finish to the 181.5-km stage from Blagnac to claim honours on the day.

Team Sky’s Froome crossed the line just behind in seventh place while Astana’s Fabio Aru struggled up the hill and lost his overall lead.

Three-time Tour winner Froome now leads the gen-

TOUR de FRANCE

by Matt McGeehan eral classification by 18 seconds from the Italian, with Frenchman Romain Bardet, of AG2R La Mondiale third, 23 seconds back.

With gradients of 10 per

always pushing boundaries. He was into marginal gains long before the phrase existed. He made his own saddle out of his wife’s handbag, using a design which is now common-place. He carefully managed his own diet, drinking gallons of carrot juice after learning of its health benefits. He sought every advantage, every margin. It is soon easy to see the pathway to the tragedy on Ventoux.

‘Tom would try anything to win,’ said Robinson. ‘It was so sad. He didn’t need the drugs.’

The 1967 Tour was no ordinary Tour for Simpson, who was negotiating a move to a new team and needed a good result to land the contract he wanted. He piled pressure on himself, and things only got worse when he fell ill during the race. The man who rode up Ventoux in stifling heat was a man already on the edge of exhaustion and dehydration, but a man who would never give up.

‘He was a stubborn mule,’ added Hoban. ‘He went to his limit. But he wasn’t someone who could step back and able to fully understand the long-term implications of what he was doing.’

There may never be a consensus on what Simpson’s true legacy should be, but when friends, family and well-wishers gather on Ventoux for a memorial on Thursday, they will do their best to separate his life from his death.

cent in the 600-metre climb to the finish line, yesterday’s stage was primed for the punchers and so it proved as Matthews did battle with Philippe Gilbert, Edvald Boasson Hagen, and Van Avermaet – winner on this finish in 2015.

Quick-Step Floors’ Gilbert went early with BMC’s Van Avermaet on his wheel, but Matthews burst past them both and the Team Sunweb rider had time to celebrate before the line.

Van Avermaet finished second with Norwegian Boasson Hagen, of Team Dimension Data, completing the podium.

The climb was enough to create gaps in the peloton, and Froome pounced to significantly boost his bid for a fourth Tour crown and third in a row.

Irishman Dan Martin and Colombian Rigoberto Uran were with Froome at the line to strengthen their places in the overall top ten while others lost pockets of time.

Cannondale-Drapac’s Uran sits fourth, 29 seconds down, with Froome’s Spanish team-mate Mikel Landa 77 seconds off the pace in fifth place.

Martin once again defied the back problems he has been suffering since a crash on the Mont du Chat last week with a fine ride, and is now only 86 seconds off yellow in sixth.

Bury’s Simon Yates of Orica-Scott retains the white jersey as the best young rider, seventh overall and two minutes and two sec-

onds behind Froome.

Froome had lost yellow on Thursday’s stage to Peyragudes, but blamed the time he gave up on the brutal final climb up the mountaintop airfield on a lack of proper fuelling rather than a loss of form.

There was certainly no shortage of power in the way he attacked the finish to this stage, and he will now hope to carry yellow to Paris.

‘We’ve given up the yellow jersey once and I’ve seen a pretty disappointed Froomey when he had to hand it over,’ Sky’s Luke Rowe said at the finish. ‘He won’t do it again.’

This remains the closest the Tour de France has ever been at this stage in the race, but even after losing yellow Froome stayed favourite for overall victory with a time trial still to come in Marseille next weekend.

That status is only reinforced with the yellow jersey back on his shoulders.

‘It did help to know the finish from two years ago, but I’m back in yellow because the team kept me at the front,’ Froome said.

‘Without their job, there’s no way I could keep my position. In the last 500 metres, I heard shouting in radio, “push, push, push”... It’s amazing to hear that. Every second here is worth fighting for. It is still so close.’

It is a second victory in as many days for Team Sunweb after Frenchman Warren Barguil delivered on Bastille Day in Foix on Friday.

WSF delighted by selection for Olympic Youth Games THE sport of Squash has been confirmed as a showcase event at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires next October.

The Games Organising Committee have emphasised a desire to feature participation as a key component as part of SQUASH their ‘festivals of sport’ created in four ‘parks’

by Howard Harding across the Argentinean city. They want people ‘to experience a fusion of elite sport competition, music, culture and arts festivals, sport initiation, showcasing and educational programmes’.

The World Squash Federation (WSF), in conjunction with the Argentinean Squash Federation, were warmly received by the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee during the extended period in which discussions took place leading to the announcement.

Said WSF president Jacques Fontaine: ‘Youth are our future, and so a priority for squash. We hugely admire the participation policy of the Buenos Aires 2018 Organising Committee are grateful to the hosts in recognising that squash will be a vibrant addition, and are delighted to be a part of the promotion.

‘We, in collaboration with the Argentinean Squash Federation, look forward to bringing an all-glass showcourt to Technopolis Park. To be added to the Youth Olympic Games for 2018 is a great moment for squash and a step in the right direction towards our ultimate aim of Olympic Games inclusion. The Youth Games displays the very best in rising sporting talent as well as the very best in youth sports. We believe we have one of the most unique sporting products in the world and some of the most compelling athletes in the world, and we look forward to working closely with the hosts in the build up to Buenos Aires 2018 to ensure we make the most of the opportunity.’

The dates for the squash, within the October 6-18 overall programme and the format of the junior ‘showcase’ event, will be announced later.

Porte targets 2017 return RICHIE Porte hopes to return to racing before CYCLING the end of the season

by Keegan Woodhall after seeing his Tour de France bid ended in a high-speed crash last weekend.

Porte suffered a fractured collarbone and pelvis when he slid into an embankment on the technical descent of the Mont du Chat, late on stage nine from Nantua to Chambery.

He was placed in a neck brace at the side of the road before being taken to hospital in Chambery, where he has remained as the Tour moved on.

At the start of the Tour the Australian was seen as the man most likely to end two-time defending champion Chris Froome’s run of dominance, having looked in the form of his life over the first part of the season.

‘Obviously, I’ve felt much better than what I do right now,’ Porte said in comments released by his BMC team.

‘I’m in a fair bit of pain and it’s a big disappointment to be honest. I think I was in great form and the team were really strong around me too, so it’s disappointing but I think after seeing the crash I’m lucky that I have come away with the injuries I have.’

BMC expect Porte to spend a minimum of four to six weeks off the bike, but the 32-year-old wants to race again this season.

‘I don’t think I’ll be back on my bike for a good while now,’ he said. ‘I think the team is good with that. They just say to recover, there is no rush to come back. Hopefully, I’ll pull the BMC Racing team jersey on by the end of the year.’

Porte went down as he rode over grass on the inside of a corner, then hit the deck and slid across the road into an embankment, collecting Irishman Dan Martin as he went.

‘I remember I came into a corner and it wasn’t like we were going too fast or anything like that, but I just remember I locked the back wheel up and that was it really,’ he said.

‘Next thing I was heading for the grass verge on the corner. I stayed conscious the whole time. I remember the whole thing but I must say thank-you to the medical staff on the race and the hospital.

They have been absolutely fantastic.’

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❂ sport@sundayindependent.co.uk British fans not happy with Lewis’ no show in London A DEFIANT Lewis Hamilton has stood by FORMULA ONE his decision to snub

by Philip Duncan Wednesday night’s spectacular London demonstration – and he even warned that he would be prepared to do it again.

Hamilton was the sole driver of this year’s 20-strong field not to attend the stunning parade as Formula One cars roared along Whitehall from Trafalgar Square ahead of today’s British Grand Prix.

Hamilton, 20 points adrift of championship leader Sebastian Vettel, informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff of his desire to withdraw from the event in Austria last Saturday evening.

Mercedes insisted that they had no issue with the Briton’s move, but Formula One’s new American owners Liberty Media acknowledged their disappointment at his failure to attend.

Meanwhile, the mere mention of Hamilton’s name was subjected to boos by some of the tens of thousands of British fans who lined the streets of the capital hoping to catch a glimpse of the sport’s biggest star.

Hamilton, however, has been pleading no wrong-doing in the run-up to today’s race. He, instead, claimed that his two-day holiday in Mykonos – ahead of a race which last month he billed as the most important of the season – was the idyllic preparation.

‘Everyone has the right to make the decision for themselves,’ said Hamilton. ‘I felt it’s been a pretty intense season so far and I felt it’s the best way to prepare for this weekend.

‘I told the organisers last week that I wouldn’t be going. I told Toto and the team and they were very understanding and respectful.’

Asked if he would be in attendance if the sport staged a similar event next year, the 32-year-old driver replied: ‘I guess I will decide when the time comes.’

Hamilton is bidding to claim a record-equalling fifth British Grand Prix victory, and a fourth in a row here at Silverstone to get his stuttering championship charge back on track.

But the Englishman’s decision to dodge the London event has overshadowed his build-up, as well as taking the heat off Silverstone’s owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club, who earlier in the week announced that they will pull the plug on this famous race after 2019 unless they can broker a new deal with Liberty.

Hamilton pointed to his commendable charity work – he spent an afternoon with sick children at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital last week – to those who had accused him of not caring about the sport’s fans.

‘I think I do try to connect with the fans and I try to engage as much as I can,’ Hamilton added. ‘Fans mean everything. They always have.

‘Ultimately we have decisions to make and we have to stand firm with those decisions and feel proud of the decisions we make. This weekend I will give everything to shine as much light and raise the flag in the best way I can.

‘The goal is to win the British Grand Prix. I’ve been proud and fortunate in the last few years to do that and the aim is to do that again this weekend.’

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Hamilton rejected an invitation from FIA president Jean Todt to attend title rival Vettel’s investigation hearing in Paris earlier this month.

Vettel was hauled before the governing body to explain why he deliberately banged wheels with Hamilton in Azerbaijan.

I understand that Hamilton was asked by Todt if he wished to give his version of events at the Paris meeting, but opted to decline.

Vettel was penalised with a ten-second stop-and-go penalty during the race, but faced no further action from the FIA. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan believes that the city could one day host the British Grand Prix, describing a much-heralded street race in London as ‘a viable option’ in the future.

‘Let’s wait and see,’ he said. ‘F1 have only just got out of the deal with Silverstone. But the reality is, there are so many F1 fans in London.

‘Some hurdles we’ll have to overcome, but there’s no reason at all why it can’t be beyond the whit of us to organise an F1 race in London in the future.’

Khan confirmed that he had spoken to Liberty and backed London to add any potential grand prix to a portfolio of well-run events in the capital.

‘There are some hurdles we’ll have to overcome,’ he added. ‘I’ve met the new leadership of F1, they’re a breath of fresh air, they’re very exciting,and if they want to have a conversation with me, I’m really happy to talk, listen, and work with them.

‘We’re good at organising events safely. I’m reassured we can make everyone safe in London and we’re going to make sure events are successful.’

An amendment to the Road Traffic Act was passed in parliament earlier this year making it easier to host closed-roads motor-sport events in England. But former two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who currently drives for Woking-based McLaren, reckons that it does not have to be an ‘either, or’ situation for the future.

‘I’m happy to bring F1 to the streets of a city like London,’ he said.

@thesundayindy

www.sundayindependent.co.uk

TOTO LABELS LEWIS CRITIC A ‘MOANER’

MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff labelled Romain Grosjean a moaner and declared that he was lucky to even be in Formula One after the Frenchman called for Lewis Hamilton to be stripped of his pole position at Silverstone.

Hamilton survived a post-qualifying stewards’ investigation to keep his record-equalling fifth pole at the British Grand Prix as he bids to get his stuttering title charge back on track.

The 32-year-old was accused of getting in Grosjean’s way during the final phase of qualifying as he geared up for a fast run.

Haas driver Grosjean was completing a quick lap at the time, and believed Hamilton’s antics cost him at least one position on the grid.

The stewards, however, concluded that while Grosjean, who will start tenth today, may have been affected

by Hamilton’s presence on track, he was not impeded.

They chose not to take any action.

But Grosjean accused the

FORMULA ONE

by Philip Duncan stewards of not wanting to meddle in the title battle by issuing Hamilton, who trails Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 20 points in the championship race, with a punishment.

‘I am surprised by the wording of the statement,’ Grosjean said. ‘If losing three-and-a-half to fourtenths is not being impeded, I am very surprised at what is.

‘Maybe if it was another driver there would have been something. It does feel as though there are two types of decision.’

A furious Wolff went on the attack after being informed of Grosjean’s remarks.

Grosjean has made more than a century of grands prix starts and is currently in his seventh season in the sport.

But the 31-year-old French-

man’s formative career was hampered by a number of crashes.

‘There are some who moan all the time and just continue moaning,’ Wolff said last night. ‘If Romain Grosjean comes out and starts asking for penalties for other drivers, you would rather look at his track record. He should be happy he is driving in Formula One.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● RED Bull team principal Christian Horner has accused Silverstone of ‘serious misjudgement and mismanagement’ after the circuit’s owners gave notice of their intent to pull the plug on Formula One. The British Grand Prix is now in danger of being chalked off the calendar following the decision taken by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns the Northamptonshire circuit.

The BRDC are hopeful that their move to activate a release clause in its current deal after 2019 will allow them to negotiate a more affordable contract with Formula One’s new American owners Liberty Media.

Silverstone agreed a 17year contract back in 2010, but they believe the hosting fee – which increases by five per cent each year – is not sustainable.

Indeed, in the week the BRDC announced losses of al-

most £8-million for staging the race over the past two years despite attracting sellout crowds.

But Horner, a member of the BRDC, believes that their decision could backfire, with Formula One’s owners not guaranteed to cut them a more financially-viable deal.

‘I am amazed that they have triggered their break clause,’ said Horner.

‘Silverstone signed a contract in 2010, and they knew what they were entering into at the time.

‘They have now realised that they can’t afford it despite having a full house every year. They either should not have signed it in the first place or they got their maths wrong.’

The future of the British Grand Prix has been called into question on numerous occasions in the past with former Formula One overlord Bernie Ecclestone among Silverstone’s chief critics.

The BRDC responded by spending £27-million on its state-of-the-art ‘Wing’ pit complex which it opened to much aplomb in 2011.

But Horner added: ‘They have created a paddock with zero atmosphere at one of the most historic race tracks in the UK, so there has been some serious misjudgement and mismanagement.’

Time for Hamilton to get back on track LEWIS Hamilton must dominate the British Grand Prix or risk an uphill battle to stop rival Sebastian Vettel from winning the Formula One championship, Nigel Mansell has claimed.

Hamilton has won at Silverstone for the past three years but the 32-year-old currently trails by rival by 20 point.

The triple world champion finished only fourth at last Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix to lose further ground to Vettel after the German crossed the line behind race winner, and Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate, Valtteri Bottas.

Indeed Bottas moved to within just 15 points of Hamilton after claiming his second victory of the season following a flawless display in Spielberg.

And Mansell, the 1992 world champion and four-time winner of the

◆

FORMULA ONE

by Philip Duncan British Grand Prix, believes that Hamilton needs to turn in a crushing display today in order to get his stuttering championship challenge back on track.

‘It is very important for Lewis that he does a cracking job at the British Grand Prix,’ said Mansell.

‘The pivotal turning point in the world championship will be this weekend.

‘Lewis has got home advantage, and if he does not dominate this weekend then he will have an uphill battle for the rest of the year.

‘His team-mate has won two races and out-qualified him on a number of occasions. The longer he does not get the job done, the more the pressure will build. Lewis needs the momentum to bounce back.

‘Vettel only has to not

finish one race and Lewis will be there if he keeps doing the job, but it is pivotal that he gets it done this weekend.’

Hamilton and Vettel share seven championships between them, and their on-track battle could prove to be one of the fiercest rivalries in the sport’s history.

Mansell, however, believes that this year’s title protagonists have some way to go before they match the intensity of Ayrton Senna’s toxic rivalry with Alain Prost, and indeed Mansell with his former Williams team-mate Nelson Piquet.

Brazilian Piquet notoriously called Mansell ‘an uneducated blockhead with a stupid and ugly wife’ in an interview published in Playboy magazine.

‘In comparison, and not to be rude, I would say that Hamilton’s rivalry with Vettel is rather tame,’ said 63-year-old Mansell.

‘What Ayrton and Alain, Nelson and myself, and a few others got up to a few years ago, goodness me, there would have been stewards’ enquiry after stewards’ enquiry.’

This year’s Silverstone race will mark the 30th anniversary of Mansell’s famous victory in which he defied the odds to overcome a 28-second deficit to beat arch-rival Piquet to victory.

‘It was a special win because it was near-on impossible and that is what whipped the crowd into a frenzy,’ Mansell said.

‘They are the best fans in the world. It was so exciting when you see them shouting and cheering and you can hear them over the engine noise.

‘They are doing a Mexican wave as quickly as you are driving round the circuit, and you think “how can they do that at 200mph?” They are brilliant. They really, really are.’

www.facebook.com/Sunday-Independent

◆

HAPPY CHAPPY: Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates his pole position at Silverstone Picture: David Davies / PA Wire

Norris set for first 24-hour race in USA Rolex event BRISTOL’s Lando Norris will contest the Rolex 24 At Daytona in Florida in January.

It will be the British teenager’s maiden sportscar race, his first 24-hour event and his debut in the United States.

The multiple AUTOSPORT single-seater champion will use the experience

by Liam Read with Anglo-American team United Autosports to stay race sharp during the winter and prepare for his 2018 ‘open wheel’ season.

Norris, (pictured), will race a Ligier JS P217 over the January 27-28 weekend, along with fellow Daytona rookie Will Owen plus a third as yet unnamed driver.

Leeds-based United Autosports has raced a variety of GT3, sportscar and touring car machinery plus a range of rare historic race cars with success on four continents since its launch in 2010.

The team won the European Le Mans Series title last year and claimed a very creditable fourth in LMP2 – an amazing fifth place overall – on its Le Mans 24 Hour race debut last month.

The Rolex 24 At Daytona is a 24-hour sportscar endurance race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is run on a 3.56-mile combined road course utilising portions of the NASCAR tri-oval and an infield road course.

Said Norris: ‘I’m looking forward to racing at Daytona – it will be an exciting one-off challenge competing in sportscars.

‘The Rolex event and the Speedway track are both world famous. The experience will provide me with an opportunity to stay race sharp and physically fit during the winter, important elements for me heading in to the 2018 season, while at the same time having some fun in one of the world’s greatest sportscar endurance races.

‘The Ligier will be totally new for me and the first car I’ve raced with a roof since a Ginetta in 2014 but I’m certain I’ll adapt quickly.

‘United Autosports has quickly made a name for itself in sportscars and so I’ll be using its experience and Will’s to help in my transformation from single-seaters.’

@thesundayindy

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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Graeme out to extend lead at the top of British series MOTO-X fans in the region will be torn between a round of the Maxxis Tyres-backed British Championships, near Woodbridge in Suffolk, and the Dartmoor club’s South West Off-Road (SWOR) Championship series at the Plymouth Centre Moto-Park at Ernesettle today.

MOTO-X

by Mick Perry

With so many of the UK’s leading lights sidelined with injury – including Tommy Searle, Shaun Simpson, Kristian Whatley and Jake Nicholls – it is rather a depleted line-up in the National series at Blaxhall Pits.

Graeme Irwin leads the 500cc class and, following wins in the previous round on home ground in Northern Ireland, has 216 points to his credit. Next in line is Gert Krestinov with 177 and the late Steven Lenoir’s name remains in third place with 162. Brad Anderson (157), Elliott Banks-Browne (131) and James Harrison (112) are next in line.

Ben Watson, who is contesting the World series as well as the British event, leads the 250cc class after five rounds with 227 points ahead of Martin Barr (186) and Harry Kullas (170). Next is Langport’s Todd Kellett (146), Mel Pocock (142), Mike Eccles (127) and Cornish youngster Josh Gilbert, who is in seventh place with 121 points but he could easily break into the top six. And with further rounds remaining at Preston Docks in Lancashire and Foxhill Moto-Park near Swindon, Gilbert could even finish much further up the ladder. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PRE-event information on today’s SWOR meeting has been hard to come by and it is unclear just who will be competing in an 18-race programme but fans can probably expect to see Steffan Little, Paul Deeble, Mark Cornish, David Ford, Aiden Newitt and Ashley Monks in action in the Experts’ event.

William Ell, Paul Gaylard, Connor Hill and Ian Barnett will compete in the Senior group races while in the Junior class Paul Combes and Jon Gapper from the Yeovil area will clash with Jon Jones, Justin Napier, Tom Sharp, John Tweedell and John Trevelyan. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Torridge club ran a trial for OSET electric bikes at Kilkhampton, near Bude, yesterday afternoon and they are back at Hessaford Farm today for a charity trial which is open to all classes including Youth and those at the opposite end of the age scale.

The charity involved is CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE only other trials in the South West today is the Camel Vale club’s non-Cornwall Championship event at Trebarrow, near Bugle, which is expected to attract many competitors from the South West Centre as well as from the whole of Cornwall. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Bridport and Weymouth club have a similar event at Church Farm, Batcombe, which is on the Somerset and Dorset border between Yeovil and Dorchester off the A37.

Then, on Wednesday evening, the West of England club stage a further round of the Summer Trial series at Clennons Park Woods at Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot, which kicks off at 6.00 pm sharp. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● WEST Country trial aces Billy Green and Toby Martyn are to be congratulated on their excellent performances in the British round of the World series at Tong near Bradford last weekend.

Moretonhampstead clubman Green was competing in the Youth 125cc Championship class in which he took second place to Italian youngster Lorenzo Gandola, who completed the event for the loss of 16 marks to Green’s 17.

The series is now completed with Gandola winning the title and Green in second.

‘It has been a good experience but it is now back to grass-roots events with the remaining rounds of the British series and the South West Centre Championship events,’ said the Newton Abbot College student.

Martyn, from St Agnes, rode his Factory Vertigo to second place in what is now known as ‘Trial 2’ which is a step down from the main event. He lost ten marks to the five of Spain’s Francesc Moret.

Winner of the main event, which was decided over two laps of 15 man-made sections, was Spain’s Toni Bou with Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami in second place and another Spanish contender, Adam Raga, in third. He finished ahead of leading British contender James Dabill.

BOXALL IS HAMPERED

BY INJURY

PLYMOUTH will hope to return to winning ways when they face Belle Vue in a National League match at the St Boniface Arena on Thursday evening.

The Devils need to bounce back after suffering a couple of disappointing away defeats against Stoke and Cradley in the past week.

They crashed 53-37 at Stoke last Saturday and just missed out on an away consolation point when they lost 48-41 to Cradley at Birmingham on Wednesday.

In both meetings Plymouth were handicapped by the lack of fitness suffered by No.1 Steve Boxall, who strained a back muscle over a month ago.

In both meetings Boxall managed only eight points instead of his usual doublefigure haul and was unable to take the nominated rider position in heat 15.

Disappointed Commenting on the defeat

by Cradley, Devils team manager Laurence Rogers said: ‘We were very unlucky not to get anything at all.

The boys battled hard and had no luck at all. It just wasn’t our night.

‘Steve is clearly not fully fit with his back and we lost points through that. The lads were disappointed at not pulling off a win when we had done the hard work to get into the lead.’

Thursday’s match against Belle Vue will be the first home League fixture for the Devils since beating the Isle of Wight 53-37 on June 23.

This week’s meeting takes place on Thursday to avoid clashing with the Championship pairs at Somerset on Friday.

In fact, Plymouth are hoping to take advantage of any visitors in the area for the British Grand Prix at Cardiff to boost the atten-

SPEEDWAY

by Graham Hambly dance for their match against the Belle Vue Colts.

Rogers says: ‘We know that some people combine the Best Pairs at Somerset on Friday evening with Saturday’s big night out at Cardiff. We are hoping they might add an extra day to their trip, so they can take in our meeting as well.’

With this in mind, Plymouth have stepped up their advertising for the Belle Vue meeting, combined with offer of a free programme to spectators on production of a Grand Prix ticket. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock anticipates a thrilling battle in the SGB Championship Pairs at the Oaktree Arena on Friday evening (7.00 pm).

Line-ups have been declared for the traditional pre-British Grand Prix major event, which always attracts a big crowd at the start of a massive speedway weekend.

All ten Championship clubs compete in the meeting, and several of Somerset’s regular SGB Premiership riders are involved as they represent their secondtier clubs.

Sheffield’s Josh Grajczonek is a double previous winner of the event, having triumphed with Somerset in 2013 and 2016 prior to the Rebels’ elevation to Premiership level.

Meanwhile Edinburgh’s Sam Masters and Danny King, of Ipswich, will be looking to repeat their victories of 2014 and 2015 respec-

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● ONE of the major events next weekend is the South West Centre Inter-Club Team Trial being run by the Somerton club at Beaconsfield Farm, West Harptree in Somerset, which overlooks the Chew Valley Lakes.

Most Centre clubs have entered at least one team and several have entered two or more.

Today’s Action BRIDPORT AND WEYMOUTH MCC, Trial, Church Farm, BATCOMBE, Dorset, off the A37 Dorchester to Yeovil road (11.00 am).

CAMEL VALE MCC, Trial, Trebarrow, BUGLE, Mid-Cornwall (10.30 am).

DARTMOOR MCC, South West Off-Road Series Moto-X, Plymouth City Moto-Park, ERNESETTLE, Plymouth, Devon (10.30 am).

ISLE OF MAN CENTRE ACU, Manx Two-Day Trial, Day Two, Douglas Rugby Club, Quarterbridge, near DOUGLAS, Isle of Man (9.00 am).

TORRIDGE MCC, Trial, Hessaford Farm, KILKHAMPTON, near Bude, North Cornwall (11.00 am).

WOODBRIDGE AND DISTRICT MCC, Maxxis Tyres British Moto-X Championships, Blaxhall Pits, near WOODBRIDGE, Suffolk (12 noon).

WYE VALLEY MCC, Kia Cars Twin-Shock Championship

tively, although they will have different partners on this occasion.

Along with Grajczonek, other current Rebels riders in the line-up are Glasgow’s Richard Lawson, Scunthorpe duo Michael Palm Toft and Lewis Kerr, and Redcar’s Charles Wright.

Said Hancock: ‘When Somerset went up a League, and it was decided at the AGM the pairs would continue its reign here at Somerset, we could not be happier to host it, just a stone’s throw from Cardiff – for me, it does seem right.

‘The big concern was if the Somerset fans would still turn out. We need not worry as the line-up will actually have several Somerset team members within various pairs as they ride for their Championship clubs.

‘The line-up for me is one of the best it has ever been.

All ten clubs in the League are represented. We have three of the top British Finalists within this meeting and some of the pairings are mouth-watering.’

Meanwhile, there is no team action for Somerset this week. Next up for the Rebels is a Premiership visit to Poole on Wednesday, July 26, followed by a home match against Wolverhampton on Friday, July 28. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● POOLE have moved to bring Finnish international Timo Lahti back to British Speedway.

Lahti joins the Pirates as a replacement for Nicolai Klindt who has taken the decision to sit out the remainder of the season after a run of injuries.

The 24-year-old last rode in the UK in 2014 after four seasons with Eastbourne.

Said Poole boss Matt Ford: ‘Nicolai had a discussion with his partner and they came to the conclusion that it would be better for him to try and recover properly rather than to risk further damage – a decision that I certainly can concur with.

‘I assured Nicolai that the door remains open for him to ride in Poole colours again.’

Trial, Platch Farm, Rowlestone, near EWYAS HAROLD, Herefordshire (10.30 am).

Wednesday WEST OF ENGLAND MCC, Summer Series Trial, Clennon Park Woods, IPPLEPEN, near Newton Abbot, Devon (6.00 pm).

Saturday THREE COUNTIES MCC, Trial, Yonder Farm, Thorncombe, near CHARD, Somerset (1.00 pm).

Next Sunday BLACKMORE VALE MCC, Trial, Venue to be confirmed.

CZECH REPUBLIC MOTO-X GRAND PRIX, World Championship, Round 13, LOKET, Czech Republic (12 noon).

KINGSWOOD MCC, Enduro, Abbotside Farm, CROMHALL, South Gloucestershire (11.00 am).

SOUTH WEST CENTRE, Inter-Club Team Trial, Beaconsfield Farm, WEST HARPTREE, Somerset (10.30 am).

SWINDON MCC, Trial, Barnhill Farm House, Bushton Road, ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT, Wiltshire (10.30 am).

TEIGNBRIDGE MCC, South West Off-Road Series Moto-X, Fishacre Barton, LITTLEHEMPSTON, near Totnes, Devon (10.30 am).

fixture picture…

◆

◆

◆

Isle of Wight (7.00 pm). ◆

WEDNESDAY

SGB Championship: Glasgow v Berwick (3.00 pm), and Peterborough v Redcar (5.00 pm).

Travel Plus National League: Mildenhall v Birmingham (3.00 pm). ◆

(7.30 unless stated) ◆

TODAY

◆

◆

TOMORROW

◆

SGB Championship Pairs: Somerset (7.00 pm). ◆

◆

◆

◆

SATURDAY

THURSDAY

British Grand Prix: Cardiff (5.00 pm).

SGB Premiership: Swindon v Rye House.

SGB Championship: Ipswich v Newcastle, Redcar v Peterborough, and Sheffield v Workington.

Travel Plus National League: Plymouth v Belle Vue (7.15 pm).

Cobra’s Garage Mahal Best Pairs:

SGB Premiership: Leicester v Swindon, and Wolverhampton v Poole.

SGB Championship: Newcastle v Workington.

National Trophy: Kent v Eastbourne (6.30 pm).

◆

FRIDAY

SGB Premiership: King’s Lynn v Rye House, and Poole v Swindon.

Travel Plus National League: Belle Vue v Cradley, and Birmingham v Stoke.

◆

69

◆

◆

◆

NEXT SUNDAY SGB Championship: Peterborough v Redcar (5.00 pm), and Scunthorpe v Glasgow (5.30 pm).

league tables Scoring System: Home loss by any amount of points = 0 points; Home draw = 1; Home win = 3; Away loss by 7 points or more = 0; Away loss by 6 points or less = 1; Away draw = 2; Away win by between 1 and 6 points = 3; Away win by 7 points or more = 4 points

SGB PREMIERSHIP (Not including last night’s result) W D L 4W 3W D 4 1 2 2 4 0 8 0 0 1 1 0 4 0 3 2 0 3 4 0 3 1 3 0 3 1 2 1 2 0 5 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 2 1 4 0 0 0

M Belle Vue .....................16 Wolverhampton..........14 Poole ...........................14 King's Lynn.................13 Swindon ......................13 Rye House ..................14 SOMERSET.................14 Leicester .....................14

1L 2 2 2 0 3 0 1 3

L 1 2 0 2 1 7 4 4

F 737 696 671 591 588 616 612 569

A Pts 704 35 581 33 602 28 594 25 589 23 657 18 654 16 699 10

SGB CHAMPIONSHIP M Edinburgh ...................21 Ipswich ........................23 Glasgow ......................17 Sheffield ......................19 Redcar .........................20 Peterborough .............19 Newcastle ...................18 Workington .................12 Scunthorpe .................23 Berwick .......................24

(Not including last night’s results) W D L 4W 3W D 12 1 0 1 1 1 11 0 0 1 2 0 9 0 0 1 2 1 8 0 0 2 2 0 7 0 3 3 1 1 7 0 3 1 1 0 7 1 1 0 1 0 5 1 1 0 1 0 5 0 6 0 1 0 3 0 7 0 0 0

1L 1 4 3 2 0 0 0 2 2 1

L F A Pts 4 1026 883 47 5 1103 986 47 1 804 709 42 5 895 838 40 5 920 865 38 7 840 896 28 8 814 829 25 2 558 540 21 9 974 1116 20 13 957 1229 10

TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE M Eastbourne ...................9 Belle Vue .....................11 Lakeside......................11 Cradley ........................11 Birmingham ..................8 Kent ...............................9 Mildenhall......................7 Stoke ...........................10 PLYMOUTH .................10 Isle of Wight..................8 Buxton.........................10

(Not including last night’s result) W D L 4W 3W D 4 0 0 3 0 1 6 0 0 1 1 0 6 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 2 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0

1L 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 2 2 3 1 3 2 4 6 5 5

F 469 592 522 503 394 420 309 404 386 271 367

A Pts 332 27 396 26 463 23 473 21 324 18 369 16 319 16 486 9 506 6 440 6 529 3

D 0 0 0

1L 1 0 0

L F A Pts 0 158 111 7 1 77 103 3 1 34 55 0

D 0 0 0

1L 0 0 0

L F A Pts 0 204 154 13 1 174 186 6 2 160 198 0

NATIONAL TROPHY M Mildenhall......................3 Eastbourne ...................2 Kent ...............................1

W 2 1 0

M PLYMOUTH ...................4 Swindon ........................4 Isle of Wight..................4

W 2 1 0

(Up to date) GROUP ONE D L 4W 3W 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 GROUP TWO FINAL TABLE D L 4W 3W 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0

scores on the door…

LAST NIGHT SGB PREMIERSHIP Rye House 48 (Stuart Robson 12+1), Wolverhampton 42 (Sam Masters 13); Rye House three points, Wolverhampton one.

SGB CHAMPIONSHIP Berwick 42 (Jye Etheridge 9+2), Glasgow 42 (Dan Bewley 12+1); abandoned after 14 heats, rain, results stands; Berwick one point, Glasgow two.

Workington v. Peterborough, postponed.

TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE Eastbourne 54 (Mark Baseby 14), Buxton 35 (Matt Williamson 12+1); Eastbourne three points, Buxton nil.

BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP At Redcar – Sixth round – 500cc: 1, Drew Kemp; 2, Carl Basford; 3, Liam Little. 250cc: 1, Leon Flint; 2, Jason Edwards; 3, Dan Thompson.

125cc: 1, Sam McGurk; 2, Harry McGurk; 3, Elliot Kelly. ◆ ◆ ◆

FRIDAY SGB PREMIERSHIP Belle Vue 35 (Dan Bewley 8), Swindon 49 (Bradley Wilson-Dean 11+1); abandoned after 14 heats due to rain – result stands.

SGB CHAMPIONSHIP Edinburgh 49 (Sam Masters 13+1), Newcastle 41 (Ludvig Lindgren 10+2).

Peterborough 40 (Chris Harris 12+1), Sheffield 50 (Josh Grajczonek 14).

TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE Lakeside 51 (Ben Morley 18), Buxton 36 (Matt Williamson 13). ◆ ◆ ◆

THURSDAY SGB PREMIERSHIP King’s Lynn 40 (Robert Lambert 10), Poole 52 (Paul Starke 12+3).

Swindon 48 (David Bellego 14+1), Belle Vue 42 (Kenneth Bjerre 10+1).

SGB CHAMPIONSHIP Redcar 61 (Ben Barker 16+2), Scunthorpe 32 (Lewis Kerr 13).

Sheffield 51 (Josh Grajczonek 14), Berwick 42 (Richard Lawson 14+1).

CHALLENGE Isle of Wight 56 (Ben Wilson 12, James Cockle 12), GB Young Lions select 34 (Jack Parkinson Blackburn 10). ◆

◆

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WEDNESDAY SGB PREMIERSHIP Poole 44 (Hans Andersen 14+1), King’s Lynn 49 (Chris Holder 13).

SGB CHAMPIONSHIP Ipswich 52 (Danny King 13), Sheffield 38 (Kyle Howarth 12).

TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE Cradley 48 (Tom Perry 13), Plymouth 41 (Adam Roynon 11). ◆ ◆ ◆

MONDAY SGB PREMIERSHIP Wolverhampton 50 (Jacob Thorssell 12+1), Rye House 41 (Stuart Robson 11+1).

TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE Kent 49 (Ben Morley 15), Mildenhall 41 (Connor Mountain 12). ◆

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LAST SUNDAY SGB CHAMPIONSHIP Newcastle 46 (Robert Lambert 13+1), Ipswich 44 (Rory Schlein 12+1).

NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP SECOND LEG Mildenhall 50 (Dan Halsey 12), Stoke 40 (Mitchell Davey 10); aggregate score 90-90 – tie to be replayed.

BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP At Leicester: Meeting abandoned; no medical cover.

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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Kate has extra horse power after win at Badminton TWICE Mitsubishi Motors Cup winner Katie Hancock, who piloted her seven-year-old shire-x-thoroughbred mare, Coddstown Pet, to victory in the BE100 class at Badminton in May has been presented with her new Outlander GX4 at Hawkins Mitsubishi in Penryn.

EQUESTRIANISM

by Chris Gray

Hancock keeps the car for a year as part of the competition prize which offered amateur riders from all over Great Britain the chance to compete for honours ahead of the famous Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. She also received £600 in prizemoney, a trophy and a commemorative plaque.

The 34-year-old safety and compliance manager from St Columb is already enjoying her new wheels. ‘Winning for the second year was such a huge achievement for me, especially when this year I was riding a relatively inexperienced horse,’ she said.

Jason Groombridge at Hawkins Mitsubishi said: ‘To win the Mitsubishi Motors Cup at Badminton is very impressive and to do it twice on a different horse is amazing and we are delighted to be able to make this win even more special for Katie.’

Hancock added: ‘I have loved having my Mitsubishi Motors vehicle and I am excited to have my super new car, it really suits my lifestyle with regular motorway trips for work, towing my horses and it’s great to drive around in the countryside on all sorts of terrain.’

The competition is one of the key National Championships in the British Eventing calendar.

British Eventing is the governing body for the sport of eventing in Great Britain, providing the unique combination of dressage, cross country and showjumping in one exciting activity.

SUMMER GROUND SUITS STONE HILL

FREE Stone Hill left his supporters disappointed when only third last time out, but he can refill the coffers by landing the Askews Accountants Handicap Hurdle at Stratford this afternoon.

Dan Skelton’s charge clearly enjoys the better summer ground as both of his wins to date have come on good conditions and he is again set to have a sound surface as he bids to defy a careerhigh mark of 117.

The seven-year-old has hit a rich vein of form recently, beating the useful Wishfull Dreaming at Exeter back in April before adding victory at Stratford the following month.

He won by seven lengths on that second occasion but saddled with a 7-lb penalty for that verdict, Free Stone Hill was beaten by less than two lengths when third at Aintree later that month.

The race did not really pan out in his favour that day and it certainly did not appear to be his revised rating that led to defeat.

Back at a familiar track here, it is impossible to ignore his chances.

Scenic Star is an eye-

RACING

by Anita Chambers catching raider for Irish handler Gavin Cromwell in the Angels Solicitors Handicap ’Chase.

He was a winner over an extended two miles and six furlongs at Uttoxeter early last month but stepped up to three miles the following week, he could not repeat the trick.

Dropping back in distance again, Scenic Star is worth another chance after having a couple of weeks to get over his exertions. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● VALSEUR Du Granval can make the long journey north from Tom George’s Gloucestershire base pay dividends in the ‘Mackie’s Family Fun Day Sundae’ Handicap ’Chase at Perth today.

He just fell short in a decent event at Uttoxeter back in May, being beaten by just

a length-and-a-half after putting some disappointing efforts behind him.

Given a short break since that outing, Valseur Du Granval should be well refreshed ahead of what appears a marginally easier task. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PEACE And Co is an obvious choice in Southwell’s Vertu VW Mansfield Novices’ ’Chase this afternoon.

The top-class hurdler made a winning debut over fences at Hexham last month and while he made the odd error, his jumping was largely sound and he won with eight lengths in hand.

He had oodles in hand of his rivals and even though he concedes upwards of 7-lb to each of his three opponents here, Peace And Co should simply be far too good. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● AT the Curragh today, Gordon Lord Byron can claim another big-race success in the Qatar Airways Minstrel Stakes.

A three-time Group One winner in his pomp, the nine-year-old lost his way a bit after winning this race last year.

Tom Hogan has got him firing on all cylinders again now though and his Greenlands Stakes victory earlier

this term shows he can still do the business.

Wilamina can step up from her Nottingham Listed win to land the Group Two Kilboy Estate Stakes.

She will have to improve a fair bit to take the prize for Martyn Meade, but she is unexposed and clearly on the up. ❑ ❑ ❑ ● CHELTENHAM Festivalwinning jockey Bryony Frost will try her hand as a professional and will have her first ride in that sphere this afternoon.

The Devon jockey will have her first ride in the professional ranks for her father, Grand National-winning rider Jimmy Frost, on Grissom in the ‘Compare Racing Odds At bookies.com’ Selling Hurdle at Southwell.

Frost enjoyed her finest hour as an amateur on Pacha Du Polder for her boss, Paul Nicholls, in the Foxhunter ’Chase in March.

‘We’ve talked about it for a little while. She’s been doing so well we thought it would be the best thing she could do,’ said Nicholls.

‘She’s got her first ride on Sunday. I haven’t got much to run this week until the end of the week.

‘She'll joining in with the other lads I’ve got. She rides as well as the lads, so I’m sure she’ll do very well.’

Entertainment and a tour on offer for fans at Family Day A BEHIND-thescenes tour and children’s entertainment are on offer for racing fans at Newton Abbot’s Family Day next Sunday.

Alongside seven summer ‘jumps’ races to entertain the punters, the racecourse will be offering a rare RACING chance to see behind-the scenes on a

by Liam Read raceday with their free tour. Those lucky enough to secure a place will get the chance to visit the weighing room and learn more about what happens pre and post-racing from the Clerk of the Scales. They will also walk the route of the horse from the Parade Ring to the course; listen to a talk from the groundstaff about the work which takes place to prepare for a raceday, and hear from a bookmaker on how to read a racecard. Places on the tour are limited to 20 people and must be reserved in advance by 12 noon on Thursday by e-mailing: marketing@newtonabbotracing.com. The tour will begin at 12.15 pm ahead of the first race of the day which starts at 2.10 pm.

But the fun doesn’t stop there with an extra treat for racegoers in the Family Enclosure where a magician and entertainer will be on hand to wow the crowds from 2.00 pm until 4.30 pm. There’s even a chance to win an extra prize if you can make him laugh with your best joke!

Gates open at 12.10 pm and tickets for the Family Fun Raceday are on sale now priced at £12 for Course Enclosure or £19 for Paddock Enclosure.

Children aged 16 or under and students with a valid photographic ID can enjoy free entry to all fixtures at Newton Abbot Racecourse this year. Tickets are available now at: www.newtonabbotracing.com. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THERE is also Flat racing at Bath on Tuesday with the first race getting under way at 2.00 pm.

Before the main racecard begins there will be an Arab Society race at 1.30 pm.Adult tickets start from £14 and can be bought on-line at: www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

racing results and SP + scoop6 dividends + including the 9.05 from Hamilton On the Flat: ASCOT Going: Good-good to soft in places on round course 1.40 (7f, £6,469): 1, CURIOSITY (Oisin Murphy) 15-8 Fav; 2, Preacher Man 15-2; 3, Jazeel 20-1.

9 ran. 12l; 12l. (H Palmer). Tote: Win £2.70; Pl: £1.10, £2.40, £4.20. Exacta: £19.30. Trifecta: £167.30. CSF: £15.95. Non-runner: Perfect Hustler.

2.10 (5f, £62,250): 1, DANZENO (S De Sousa) 4-1 Fav; 2, Polybius 7-1; 3, Pipers Note 16-1. 17 ran. 34l; 112l.

(M Appleby). Tote: Win £4.70; Pl: £1.60, £2.20, £3.90, £3.40. Exacta: £36.40. Tricast: £419.59. Trifecta: £374.80. CSF: £28.28. Non-runners: Kyllang Rock, Lightscameraction, Yalta.

2.40 (1m 2f, £9,704): 1, LARAAIB (D O’Neill) 2-1 Fav; 2, Banditry 9-2; 3, Reaver 33-1. 11 ran. 2l; 134l. (Owen Burrows). Tote: Win £2.50; Pl: £1.40, £1.70, £8.40. Exacta: £11.10. Tricast: £221.90. Trifecta: £332.40. CSF: £10.08. Non-runner: Pensax Boy. 3.15 (1m, £12,938): 1, MITTENS (D Probert) 3-1 Fav; 2, Havre De Paix 20-1; 3, Helfire 9-1. 10 ran. 314l; 34l.

(Sir M Stoute). Tote: Win £3.00; Pl: £1.50, £5.80, £3.10. Exacta: £72.20.

Tricast: £490.26. Trifecta: £803.40.

CSF: £65.15.

3.50 (1m, £73,723): 1, MUTAKAYYEF (D O’Neill) 4-7 Fav; 2, Kaspersky 14-1; 3, Hathal 13-2. 7 ran. 3l; 114l.

(W Haggas). Tote: Win £1.40; Pl: £1.10, £5.50. Exacta: £10.60. Trifecta: £43.10. CSF: £10.82.

4.25 (7f, £6,469): 1, TIGRE DU TERRE (Martin Harley) 14-1; 2, Cuban Heel 9-1; 3, Laugh A Minute 15-8 Fav. 9 ran. 412l; 212l. (R Hannon). Tote: Win £14.00; Pl: £3.10, £2.50, £1.10. Exacta: £136.10. Trifecta: £642.50. CSF: £127.07. Nonrunner: Barbarianatthegate.

5.00 (1m 4f, £31,125): 1, BIN BATTUTA (Martin Lane) 7-2; 2, Cape Coast 11-4 Fav; 3, Galactic Prince 8-1. 9 ran. hd; 112l. (S bin Suroor).

Tote: Win £3.70; Pl: £1.60, £1.50, £2.20. Exacta: £11.90. Tricast: £50.83. Trifecta: £99.80. CSF: £11.40. Non-runners: Special Relation, Wefait. Special Relation| Rule 4 applies to All Bets, deduct 10p in the pound.

5.35 (7f, £8,086): 1, CRICKLEWOOD GREEN (M Godwin) 8-1; 2, My Dad Syd 7-2 jtFav; 2, Esprit De Corps 51; Also: 7-2 jtFav Saluti. 14 ran. 12l, dht. (S Kirk). Tote: Win Cricklewood Green £9.80; Pl: Cricklewood Green £2.70, My Dad Syd £1.70, Esprit De Corps £2.20. Exacta: Cricklewood Green, My Dad Syd £20.20, Cricklewood Green, Esprit De Corps £34.00.

Tricast: Cricklewood Green, My Dad Syd, Esprit De Corps £82.65, Cricklewood Green, Esprit De Corps, My Dad Syd £87.76. Trifecta: Cricklewood Green, My Dad Syd, Esprit De Corps £273.40, Cricklewood Green, Esprit De Corps, My Dad Syd £354.50. CSF: Cricklewood Green, My Dad Syd £17.25, Cricklewood Green, Esprit De Corps £22.81. Nonrunners: Fox Trotter, Manton Grange.

PLACEPOT: Dividend: £28.30

CHESTER Going: Good .50 (5f, £6,225): 1, GIFT IN TIME (A Beschizza) 4-1; 2, Ginbar 7-2; 3, Palmer 11-4. Also: 5-2 Fav Jasi. 7 ran. nk; 134l. (J Given). Tote: Win £5.00; Pl: £2.20, £2.00. Exacta: £20.90. Trifecta: £44.10. CSF: £18.33. Non-runners: June Dog, Three Little Birds.

2.25 (6f, £15,562): 1, THE WAGON WHEEL (Connor Murtagh) 10-1; 2, Avon Breeze 7-1; 3, Turanga Leela 5-1. Also: 4-1 jtFav Pixeleen, 4-1 jtFav Queen In Waiting. 9 ran. 3l; 34l.

(R Fahey). Tote: Win £12.60; Pl: £2.90, £2.00, £2.40. Exacta: £92.10.

Tricast: £396.89. Trifecta: £567.80.

CSF: £77.68.

3.00 (7f, £22,684): 1, VISCOUNT BARFIELD (Rob Hornby) 20-1; 2, Jungle Cat 11-10 Fav; 3, Jallota 103. 10 ran. hd; 214l. (A Balding). Tote: Win £25.90; Pl: £4.80, £1.10, £1.60.

Exacta: £63.40. Trifecta: £298.60.

CSF: £41.52.

3.35 (1m 6f, £15,562): 1, HOCHFELD (F Norton) 13-8 Fav; 2, Look My Way 9-2; 3, Mister Belvedere 4-1. 6 ran. 8l; nk. (M Johnston). Tote: Win £2.20; Pl: £1.60, £3.20. Exacta: £8.50. Trifecta: £22.90. CSF: £9.42.

4.10 (6f, £6,225): 1, BOUNDSY (Connor Murtagh) 5-1; 2, Love Oasis 9-2; 3, The Amber Fort 7-1. Also: 11-4 Fav Comprise. 12 ran. nk; hd. (R Fahey).

Tote: Win £6.00; Pl: £2.00, £1.80, £2.30. Exacta: £32.70. Tricast: £164.33.

Trifecta: £211.20. CSF: £26.87.

@thesundayindy

4.40 (1m 2f, £6,225): 1, STORM KING (S Drowne) 12-1; 2, Theos Lolly 161; 3, Age of Elegance 14-1. Also: 5-2 Fav Suitor. 11 ran. 34l; 112l. (D C Griffiths). Tote: Win £17.80; Pl: £4.80, £6.30, £4.70. Exacta: £176.10. Tricast: £2711.90. Trifecta: £3102.10.

CSF: £191.25.

5.10 (1m, £6,225): 1, KRYPTOS (Nicola Currie) 11-1; 2, Plant Pot Power 13-2; 3, Proud Archi 3-1.

Also: 2-1 Fav Valentino Boy. 7 ran.

34l; 314l. (J Berry). Tote: Win £13.90; Pl: £3.10, £3.40. Exacta: £99.90. Trifecta: £722.70. CSF: £77.61.

PLACEPOT: Dividend: £316.00

NEWMARKET Going: Good to firm 1.45 (7f, £6,469): 1, POETIC CHARM (W Buick) 3-1; 2, Sizzling 6-4 Fav; 3, Juliet Capulet 12-1. 14 ran. 1l; hd.

(C Appleby). Tote: Win £3.80; Pl: £1.60, £1.30, £3.40. Exacta: £10.50.

Trifecta: £73.60. CSF: £7.60.

2.15 (7f, £15,562): 1, INSHIRAAH (K O’Neill) 7-1; 2, Gymnaste 11-4 Fav; 3, On Her Toes 7-2. 9 ran. nk; 3l. (G Peckham). Tote: Win £8.30; Pl: £2.20, £1.50, £1.40. Exacta: £30.30.

Tricast: £78.36. Trifecta: £110.70.

CSF: £26.06. Non-runner: Poet’s Princess.

2.50 (1m, £18,675): 1, MEDAHIM (S Levey) 12-1; 2, Masham Star 8-1; 3, Maths Prize 12-1. Also: 3-1 Fav Afaak. 10 ran. 112l; 112l. (R Hannon).

Tote: Win £13.40; Pl: £3.70, £2.70, £2.90. Exacta: £105.10. Tricast: £828.71. Trifecta: £1095.70. CSF: £104.76.

3.25 (7f, £74,700): 1, ABOVE THE REST (C Lee) 12-1; 2, Sir Dancealot 16-1; 3, Steady Pace 7-1. Also: 4-1 Fav Tashweeq. 18 ran. 12l; nk. (T D Barron). Tote: Win £14.30; Pl: £2.60, £4.10, £2.10, £7.80. Exacta: £280.20.

Tricast: £939.49. Trifecta: £2832.60.

CSF: £181.56. Non-runners: Flaming Spear, Raising Sand.

4.00 (7f, £45,368): 1, GUSTAV KLIMT (R L Moore) 5-6 Fav; 2, Nebo 10-1; 3, Great Prospector 12-1. 10 ran. hd; 12l. (A P O’Brien (IRE) ). Tote: Win £1.70; Pl: £1.10, £2.60, £3.10. Exacta: £9.60. Trifecta: £74.70. CSF: £10.33.

4.35 (6f, £283,550): 1, HARRY ANGEL (A Kirby) 9-2; 2, Limato 4-1; 3, Brando 28-1. Also: 10-11 Fav Caravaggio. 10 ran. 114l; 12l. (C Cox).

Tote: Win £5.80; Pl: £1.40, £1.40,

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£5.00. Exacta: £24.40. Tricast: £478.33. Trifecta: £284.90. CSF: £23.73.

5.05 (1m 4f, £9,704): 1, QULOOB (J Crowley) 3-1; 2, Batts Rock 8-1; 3, Sporting Times 10-1. Also: 5-4 Fav Silken Dancer. 8 ran. 134l; 214l. (Owen Burrows). Tote: Win £4.30; Pl: £1.30, £1.70, £2.60. Exacta: £21.90. Tricast: £210.54. Trifecta: £162.90. CSF: £27.73. Non-runners: Hollywood Road, Niblawi, Zaidiyn.

PLACEPOT: Dividend: £375.70

YORK Going: Good-good to firm in places 1.55 (1m, £15,562): 1, CHIEFOFCHIEFS (S Donohoe) 8-1; 2, Arcanada 11-1; 3, Kings Gift 8-1.

Also: 6-1 Fav Weekend Offender. 14 ran. 12l; hd. (C Fellowes). Tote: Win £8.70; Pl: £2.70, £4.00, £3.40. Exacta: £114.00. Tricast: £742.84. Trifecta: £2065.60. CSF: £90.79. Nonrunner: Gallipoli.

2.30 (1m 6f, £28,355): 1, RARE RHYTHM (James Doyle) 9-4; 2, Barsanti evens Fav; 3, Clever Cookie 14-1. 5 ran. 234l; 134l. (C Appleby). Tote: Win £2.70; Pl: £1.50, £1.10. Exacta: £4.30. Trifecta: £26.20. CSF: £4.85. Non-runners: Nakeeta, Saigon City.

3.05 (1m 2f, £124,500): 1, BALLET CONCERTO (James Doyle) 8-1; 2, Big Country 7-1; 3, Mistiroc 50-1.

Also: 6-1 Fav Victory Bond. 20 ran.

3 4 l; nk. (Sir M Stoute). Tote: Win £9.40; Pl: £2.60, £2.30, £10.40, £2.30. Exacta: £82.50. Tricast: £2736.83. Trifecta: £3688.50. CSF: £60.45.

3.40 (6f, £7,763): 1, ULSHAW BRIDGE (D Tudhope) 12-1; 2, Midnight Wilde 20-1; 3, Encrypted 11-4.

Also: 5-2 Fav Royal Household. 11 ran. 134l; 34l. (J Bethell). Tote: Win £13.50; Pl: £3.30, £5.40, £1.40. Exacta: £246.90. Trifecta: £2822.30.

CSF: £233.00.

4.15 (5f, £28,355): 1, TAKE COVER (D Allan) 9-2 jtFav; 2, Final Venture 14-1; 3, Cotai Glory 7-1. Also: 9-2 jtFav Judicial. 11 ran. 12l; nk. (D C Griffiths). Tote: Win £5.00; Pl: £2.00, £4.70, £2.30. Exacta: £64.80. Trifecta: £479.70. CSF: £69.74. Nonrunner: Fashion Queen.

4.45 (2m, £9,704): 1, THEYDON GREY (Georgia Cox) 5-2; 2, Byron Flyer 7-4 Fav; 3, Edge Of Sanity 20-

1. 9 ran. nk; 114l. (W Haggas). Tote: Win £3.20; Pl: £1.20, £1.10, £3.80.

Exacta: £9.10. Tricast: £67.53. Trifecta: £84.30. CSF: £6.87. Non-runner: Codeshare.

5.15 (6f, £9,704): 1, MR WAGYU (T Marquand) 4-1; 2, John Kirkup 9-2; 3, The Right Choice 6-1. Also: 7-2 jtFav Jedi Master, 7-2 jtFav Jim Rockford. 7 ran. nk; 34l. (J J Quinn). Tote: Win £4.90; Pl: £2.40, £2.80. Exacta: £18.40. Trifecta: £74.20. CSF: £22.34.

JACKPOT: Not won, pool of £2,913.30 carried over.

PLACEPOT: Dividend: £98.40

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Last night’s Flat returns: HAMILTON Going: Good 6.05 (5f, £5,175): 1, CAMACHO CHIEF (A Mullen) 11-4 Fav; 2, Undercover Brother 7-2; 3, Lina’s Star 10-1. 10 ran. 214l; 12l. (M Dods). Tote: Win £3.80; Pl: £1.40, £1.70, £3.80.

Exacta: £15.30. Trifecta: £135.50.

CSF: £12.08.

6.35 (5f, £4,528): 1, DUTCH DREAM (A Mullen) 9-2; 2, Bronze Beau 5-1; 3, Compton River 7-1. Also: 11-4 Fav Muatadel. 8 ran. 1l; hd. (Miss L Perratt). Tote: Win £5.20; Pl: £2.00, £1.50, £2.10. Exacta: £15.10. Tricast: £154.68. Trifecta: £76.20. CSF: £26.85. Non-runner: Bunce.

7.05 (6f, £6,469): 1, MANSHOOD (G Lee) 3-1; 2, Inexes 7-2; 3, Kenny The Captain 11-4 Fav. 7 ran. 2l; 134l.

(P Midgley). Tote: Win £3.60; Pl: £2.70, £2.40. Exacta: £13.50. Tricast: £30.03. Trifecta: £32.40. CSF: £13.25. Non-runner: Rosina.

7.35 (1m 4f, £7,763): 1, BRIMHAM ROCKS (G Lee) 9-4 Fav; 2, Kajaki 7-2; 3, Northwest Frontier 7-2. 5 ran. 3l; 134l. (R Beckett). Tote: Win £2.90; Pl: £2.00, £1.70. Exacta: £10.30. Trifecta: £21.60. CSF: £10.47. Non-runners: Frankster, Indy.

8.05 (1m 3f, £4,528): 1, ARCHI’S AFFAIRE (A Mullen) 2-1 Fav; 2, Detailed 4-1; 3, Kingthistle 16-1. 10 ran. 314l; 134l. (M Dods). Tote: Win £3.10; Pl: £1.30, £2.20, £2.90. Exacta: £12.00. Tricast: £99.94. Trifecta: £94.40. CSF: £9.76. Non-runner: Schmooze.

8.35 (1m, £3,234): 1, CLINE (K Stott) 12-1; 2, Belisa 2-1 Fav; 3, Arcane Dancer 7-1. 12 ran. 3 4 l; 2 1 4 l. (K Ryan). Tote: Win £14.50; Pl: £3.80, £1.20, £2.80. Exacta: £53.90. Tricast: £193.08. Trifecta: £272.40. CSF: £33.80. Non-runners: Let Right Be Done, The King’s Steed 9.05 (1m, £4,528): 1, JACKIE ELLIS (S James) 5-1; 2, Sweetasever 7-2; 3, Invermere 11-4 jtFav. Also: 11-4 jtFav Forever A Lady. 5 ran. 34l; 12l. (P W Flynn (IRE) ). Tote: Win £6.30; Pl: £2.30, £1.60. Exacta: £25.30. Trifecta: £71.30. CSF: £22.50. Non-runners: Lil Sophella, Rinaria.

PLACEPOT: Dividend: £26.10

SALISBURY Going: Good to firm-good in places; good in last 2f 5.50 (7f, £4,043): 1, BERINGER (Finley Marsh) 16-1; 2, Coastal Drive 72; 3, General Zoff 20-1. Also: 15-8 Fav Camomile Lawn. 12 ran. 212l; hd.

(A King). Tote: Win £18.10; Pl: £4.40, £1.60, £5.20. Exacta: £91.60. Trifecta: £2013.00. CSF: £73.58.

6.20 (6f, £3,396): 1, DANDY FLAME (Finley Marsh) 10-1; 2, Whitecrest 16-1; 3, Field of Vision 16-1. Also: 52 Fav Coastal Cyclone. 8 ran. 114l; 12l. (R Hughes). Tote: Win £10.10; Pl: £2.70, £4.00, £3.70. Exacta: £140.60.

Tricast: £2525.57. Trifecta: £1530.70.

CSF: £153.75. Non-runner: Delagate This Lord.

6.50 (7f, £3,881): 1, ROBIN WEATHERS (D Muscutt) 9-2; 2, Killay 9-1; 3, Island Of Life evens Fav. 8 ran. ns; 214l. (W Haggas). Tote: Win £5.20; Pl: £1.90, £2.80, £1.10. Exacta: £40.50.

Trifecta: £111.80. CSF: £45.89. Nonrunners: Bubbles Arcade, Highway One. 7.20 (1m, £5,175): 1, EXCEEDING POWER (G Wood) 4-1; 2, Harbour Rock 11-8 Fav; 3, Wannabe Friends 5-1. 6 ran. 34l; 134l. (M Bosley). Tote: Win £4.70; Pl: £1.90, £1.20. Exacta: £11.90. Tricast: £26.93. Trifecta: £43.70. CSF: £10.28. Non-runners: Glory of Paris, Ripoll.

7.50 (1m 4f, £3,396): 1, KOEMAN (J F Egan) 11-2; 2, Balashakh 9-2; 3, Cotton Club 10-1. Also: 6-4 Fav Solo Mission. 7 ran. 234l; 34l. (M Channon).

Tote: Win £6.70; Pl: £2.80, £2.60. Exacta: £32.10. Tricast: £238.81. Trifecta: £183.90. CSF: £29.52. Nonrunners: Oxford Don, Twenty Times.

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8.20 (1m 2f, £3,234): 1, LYRICA’S LION (David Egan) 20-1; 2, Famous Dynasty 11-4 jtFav; 3, Crystal Secret 12-1. Also: 11-4 jtFav High Wells. 9 ran. 34l; 4l. (M Attwater). Tote: Win £15.90; Pl: £4.40, £1.20, £3.00.

Exacta: £73.30. Tricast: £717.13. Trifecta: £414.30. CSF: £74.55. Nonrunner: Rock N Roll Global.

8.50 (1m 2f, £9,057): 1, STANDING ROCK (K Shoemark) 6-4 Fav; 2, Billesdon Bess 5-1; 3, Sagely 10-1.

9 ran. nk; 34l. (J Gosden). Tote: Win £2.40; Pl: £1.10, £1.80, £2.70. Exacta: £12.00. Tricast: £56.89. Trifecta: £89.70. CSF: £9.22. Non-runner: Nathania.

PLACEPOT: Dividend: £5,047.70

❑ scoop6 Scoop6 Win Fund Total: £85,752 (including £49,964 from last time) – there were no winners.

Scoop6 Place Fund: £17,894 – there were nine correct selections, each winning £1,988.20.

Scoop6 Bonus Fund: £24,896 (including £12,115 from last time).

❑ pa’s picks for today ‘PA’ was on form with a 19-1 treble at Ayr last Sunday, and combining Pouvoir Magique (1-12), Regal Mirage (4-1) and Perfect Woods (11-4) in a £1 win Patent could have returned more than £58 for the £7 investment. There were also winners at Limerick and Market Rasen.

Here are his selections for today: ● CURRAGH – 2.05, Dawn Delivers; 2.35, Deep Breath; 3.10, Wilamina; 3.45, Gordon Lord Byron; 4.15, Surrounding; 4.45, Zeftan; 5.20, Muniza; 5.50, Zanjabeel.

● PERTH – 2.00, What Happens Now; 2.30, Its Pandorama; 3.05, Florida Calling; 3.40, Sense Of Urgency; 4.10, Valseur Du Granval; 4.40, Newstart; 5.15, Rubbing Shoulders.

● SLIGO – 1.50, Father Mattie; 2.25, Penny Jane; 2.55, Kitty B; 3.30, Roachdale House; 4.05, Glasson Lad; 4.35, Kilcarry Bridge; 5.10, Oldcastle.

● SOUTHWELL – 1.45, Larkhall; 2.20, Peace And Co (nb); 2.50, Barely Black; 3.25, Rolling Dice; 4.00, Yur Next; 4.30, Thady Quil; 5.05, Pearlita; 5.40, Crisp Story.

● STRATFORD – 2.10, Bab El Mandeb; 2.40, Between The Waters; 3.15, FREE STONE HILL (NAP); 3.50, Bestwork; 4.20, Scenic Star; 4.55, Rebel Yeats; 5.30, Innocent Girl; 6.00, Roja Dove.

● DOUBLE: Free Stone Hill and Peace And Co.

❑ ❑ ❑ ● PAUL Carberry led the tributes to his father, Tommy, after the death of the Irish jump racing great at the age of 75.

The head of one of Ireland’s leading racing dynasties, Carberry achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand National both as a rider and a trainer.

He guided L’Escargot to victory over Red Rum in 1975 and saddled Bobbyjo to land the world’s greatest steeplechase in 1999, ridden by his son Paul.

Born in County Meath, Carberry soon made his mark as a jockey and was a multiple champion National Hunt rider in Ireland in the 1970s.

He enjoyed great success on L’Escargot, not only winning the National, but the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1970 and 1971.

He retired from the saddle in 1982 to take up training and sent out Bobbyjo to win the latter race in 1998, the year before he went on to glory at Aintree.

Four of Carberry’s children – Paul, Philip, Peter and Nina – have carved successful careers in racing.

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the CRICKET catch up ● MATCH REPORTS ● ACTION PHOTOS ● SCORES ● LEAGUE TABLES ● FIXTURE PICTURE ● OPINIONS

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EYES ON THE PRIZE: Umpire Anthony Solomon watches closely as Mount Hawke and Porthtowan’s opening bowler Jake Irons looks to do some damage during the visit of Gerrans in yesterday’s LWC Drinks Cornwall Five Central clash Scores and scorers inside

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FUTURE STARS: Exmouth Colts under-15s won the ECB under-15 Club Championship Devon final and have since defeated the Somerset champions Taunton St Andrews in the regional showpiece. They now travel to St Just in Cornwall next weekend for the latest stage of the National Cup competition

FAMILIES THEME FOR OPEN DAY E xmouth are EXMOUTH CC one of the leading cricket by Liam Read clubs in the country.

The first team which they are truly reached the proud.

The club are once again National Twenty20 enjoying a good season on finals held at the the pitch. The First XI were SSE Swalec sitting second in the PreStadium in Cardiff mier heading into yestergame against Paignin 2015 where they day’s ton, while the Seconds were finished as runners- fourth in the Second XI Preup to Ealing. mier before their match at

To come second out of 750 cricket clubs was a truly commendable achievement for a small but vibrant club.

Building on the success of previous years, Exmouth CC continue to go from strength to strength.

They can now boast teams in the Tolchards Devon Premier, C Division and Devon Ladies’ League, providing cricket for everyone of all ages and abilities, something of

Cornwood.

In addition to the senior teams, this year’s under-15 colts have already won the ECB under-15 Club Championship Devon final and defeated the Somerset champions, Taunton St Andrews, in the South and West round last weekend.

Under the captaincy of Luke Davies, the team are already enjoying a highlysuccessful year and the club hope that this rich vein of form continues throughout the remainder of the season.

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Generations of families have enjoyed the facilities at Exmouth CC. Many of their players started in the colts and are still active in the club’s senior sides.

The current committee have long-standing connections with the club, either as players or parents. President Jim Wood’s family have been an ever-present in the Exmouth teams. Jim began as a player and then watched his son, Matthew, play for the club. He now supports grandchildren Jasmyne and Amelie, who take part in the Friday colts evenings.

Jim’s daughter, Jo, plays an active part on the club committee and even wife Trina has a supporting role.

Chairman Mark ‘Dickie’ Davies also served time as a player while the aforementioned successful under-15 captain Luke Davies is his son.

The club provide a range of competitive and non-competitive cricket opportunities for boys, girls and women, who are able to use state-of-the-art nets and bowling machines and receive expert coaching.

The colts section meet on Friday evenings and training sessions assist the youngsters to raise their game so that they can be selected to one of the club’s many colts teams.

The colts training sessions are generally accompanied with a barbecue and the bar is open for parents to stay and support their children.

Younger children are encouraged to take up the sport

in conjunction with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s ‘All Stars’ programme which the club now run on Saturday mornings.

This is a fun-based activity which ultimately is aimed at starting the recruitment process to the colts.

If you aren’t too keen to pick

up the bat or ball then the popular T-Hut can provide excellent refreshments as you relax in the sun with a view of the ground.

For more information on the club, please visit their Facebook or their website: www.exmouthcricketclub.co.uk

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Thompson and Yau set Lions on course for win on chase

Plympton see off Ivybridge to keep under-15 League title

JOE Thompson and Justin Yau played the key innings for Devon Lions in the two-wicket win over Warwickshire Academy at Torquay.

The Lions had never beaten the Bears before in six previous attempts – but thought they were in with a chance after bowling them out for 208. CRICKET QUICKIES Matt Skeemer was the headline act with the

by Conrad Sutcliffe ball, taking five for 34.

The Lions were 53 for one courtesy of George Allen (25) and Richard Foan (29), then dipped to 67 for four.

Thompson went in next and turned things round with a stand of 54 with Skeemer (21).

The key partnership was one of 59 with Torquay clubmate Yau (36).

Thompson went at 180 for 76 – six sixes – but Yau carried on until the target was only two to win.

Tim Western, the Lions’ director of coaching, said is was a great win against tough opponents who had held the upper hand in every previous meeting.

‘The bowlers did an excellent job dismissing Warwickshire for 208 on a pitch where 240-250 was a par score,’ said Western ‘It is the best I have seen Matt Petherbridge bowl (1-22) and to only concede two boundaries in his ten overs showed the control that he had.

‘After our two spinners had finished Matt Skeemer (5-34) ripped out the middle order.

‘The captain’s – Richard Foan – input should not go unappreciated. We had talked in the lead up to this game about executing game plans and Richard’s field placing and belief in the bowlers made a big difference.

‘Joe Hagan-Burt bowled well with the new ball and was unlucky not to pick up wickets.

‘Three partnerships over 50 saw us chase down their total.

‘The partnership between Matt Skeemer (21) and Joe Thompson recovered the position.

‘Joe was ruthless in attack launching balls out of the ground and despite losing a few wickets we finished the chase comfortably with six overs to spare.’

The Lions have two more matches to play: Dorset at Bournemouth on July 23 followed by Somerset Second XI at Bovey Tracey in a two-day game on July 30-31.

It was a satisfying result for Lions skipper Foan, who said: ‘The players really came together as a team, which can be difficult with everyone playing for different clubs.

‘The two spinners – Petherbrige and Codd – got us back in the game and bowled well in the middle of the innings.

‘Then Matt Skeemer bowled very well at the end to get his five wickets.

‘Joe Thompspon showed good maturity under pressure and hit some big sixes.

‘If these players can keep improving it shows a very good future for Devon cricket.’

WARWICKSHIRE 208 (C Harrison 60, B Chapman-Lilley 46, M Skeemer 5-34, D Goodey 2-40), DEVON LIONS 209-8 (J Thompson 76, J Yau 36, R Foan 29; T Hope 3-24). Devon beat Warwickshire by two wickets.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● AN announcement will be made tomorrow (Monday) by the Devon League managment whether Torquay will suffer a points penalty for cancelling a Second XI game against North Devon but still playing a Third XI match on the same day.

Last few balls and helmets WANTED! Good homes SCHOOLS’ CRICKET for the last few discounted helmets

by Chris Wright and balls bought for youth cricketers in Devon by the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.

The Trust bought 99 helmets and 33 boxes of balls in 2016, which were parcelled up to clubs at £50 a set for three helmets and six balls.

The offer was so successful it was repeated again in 2017 – and almost all the helmets and balls were snapped up immediately.

Gavin Lane, who is administering the balls-and-helmets offer on behalf of the Trust, has four sets of helmets and balls remaining.

The offer price remains £50 a set and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to any club in Devon with a youth section.

Contact Gavin on 01752 406 436 or via gavinbdlane@gmail.com to take advantage of the offer.

PLYMPTON under-15s hold on to the divisional title for another year after beating Ivybridge in the title decider.

FIFTIES FINERY: James Parker, of Tregenna Castle, St Ives, hands over new shirts to Cornwall over-50s commercial manager Phil Payne. The Duchy’s two over-50s championship teams will now be looking smart this season in their distinctive modern style shirts and sweaters, which feature the new Cornwall cricket logo and are emblazened with the Cornish chough. Said Payne: ‘We are very grateful to the many sponsors we have had this season, in particular Tregenna Castle’

the fixture picture and results… ● TODAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: (2.30 pm unless stated): Essex v Glamorgan, Gloucestershire v Sussex (2.00 pm), Lancashire v Derbyshire, Middlesex v Somerset, and Warwickshire v Leicestershire.

Minor Counies Championship KO Trophy: (11.00 am) Wiltshire v Devon (at South Wilts CC).

South Devon League, Division One: Lustleigh v Abbotskerswell.

Division Two: Barton v Ipplepen, and Babbacombe v Plympton.

Devon Womens’ Cricket Association, ECB County Championship: (10.30 am): Devon v Oxfordshire (at Bovey Tracey CC).

Devon Womens’ League, Division One: Cornwood v Plympton.

West Devon PALLADIUM Youth Cricket League, Under-13s: Plymstock v Plymouth, and Yelverton Bohemians v Whitchurch Wayfarers.

Devon County Under-15s: Hampshire v Devon.

Under-13: Devon v Wiltshire.

Under-13 Girls’: Devon v Hampshire.

Under-12s: Gloucestershire v Devon. ● TOMORROW – THE BOND TIMBER Plymouth and District League, Senior Division: Yelverton v Friary Vaults.

Division One: Royal Mail & City Police v Bluefin.

West Devon PALLADIUM Youth Cricket League, Under-15s: Yelverton Bohemians v Plympton.

Under-13s: Yealmpton v Plympton.

Under-11s B League Cup Final: Plymstock v Ivybridge.

Devon County Under-17s: Devon v Somerset.

Devon County Under-14s: Devon v Derbyshire. ● TUESDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Kent v Gloucestershire.

ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: First place team v fourth place team.

THE BOND TIMBER Plymouth and District League, Division One: Seymour arms v EE. West Devon PALLADIUM Youth Cricket League, Under-13s: Buckland Monachorum v Cornwood, Plymouth v Whhitchurch Wayfarers, and Plympton v Ivybridge.

Devon County Under-14s: Devon v Buckinghamshire. ● WEDNESDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Surrey v Essex, and Worcestershire v Derbyshire.

THE BOND TIMBER Plymouth and District Senior Division: Oddballs v Ivybridge.

Division One: Old Smithy v P54 Pirates.

West Devon PALLADIUM Youth Cricket League, Under-11 A Cup: Plymouth v Buckland Monachorum.

Devon County Under-14s: Devon v Gloucestershire.

● THURSDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Durham v Leicestershire, Hampshire v Sussex, and Middlesex v Kent.

ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: Second place team v third place team.

West Devon PALLADIUM Youth Cricket League, Under-13s: Plymouth v Buckland Monachorum, and Plympton v Yelverton Boehmians.

Under-11 A League: Yelverton Bohemians v Ivybridge.

Devon County Under-17 Girls’: Devon v Warwickshire.

Under-14s: Devon v Shropshire. ● FRIDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Essex v Hampshire, Glamorgan v Sussex, Leicestershire v Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire v Derbyshire, Somerset v Gloucestershire, Surrey v Middlesex, and Yorkshire v Warwickshire.

West Devon PALLADIUM Youth Cricket League, Under-13s Cup: Ivybridge v Buckland Monachorum.

Devon County Under-16s: Cornwall v Devon.

Under-14s: Devon v Middlesex. ● SATURDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Nottinghamshire v Northamptonshire.

TOLCHARDS DRINKS Devon Cricket League Premier Division: Bovey Tracey v Sidmouth, Bradninch v North Devon, Exeter v Heathcoat, Paignton v Plymouth, and Torquay v Exmouth.

A Division: Brixham v Hatherleigh, Budleigh Salterton v Ivybridge, Chudleigh v Plympton, Cornwood v Plymstock, and Lewdown v Sandford.

B Division: Abbotskerswell v Shobrooke Park, Bideford/Littleham/Westward Ho! v Ottery St Mary, Ipplepen v Fileigh, Seaton v Thorverton, and Tavistock v Barton.

C Division (E): Braunton v Kilmington, Clyst Hydon v Alphington, Countess Wear v Feniton, Cullompton v Clyst St George, and Uplyme v Lyme Regis.

C Division (W): Ashburton v Bridestowe, Chagford v Stoke Gabriel, Kingsbridge v Babbacombe, Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough v Dartington & Totnes, and Shaldon Optimists v South Devon.

D Division (E): Chardstock v Topsham St James, Halberton & Sampford Peverell v Tiverton, Kentisbeare v Axminster Town, Upottery v Barnstaple & Pilton, and Woodbury & Newton St Cyres v Honiton.

D Division (W): Exwick v Chelston & Kingskerswell, St Marychurch Old Boys v Whitchurch Wayfarers, and Yelverton Bohemians v Kenn.

2nd XI Premier Division: Exmouth v Torquay, North Devon v Budleigh Salterton, Plymouth v Cornwood, Plympton v Exeter, and Sidmouth v Bovey Tracey.

2nd XI A Division: Barton v Braunton, Heathcoat v Abbotskerswell, Plymstock v Paignton, Sandford v Lewdown, and Ottery St Mary v Bideford/Littleham/Westward Ho!.

2nd XI B Division (E): Alphington v Clyst Hydon, Hatherleigh v Exmouth, Shobrooke Park v Chudleigh, Sidmouth v Bradninch, and Thorverton v Seaton.

2nd XI B Division (W): Babbacombe v Brixham, Cornwood v Yelverton Bohemians, Ivybridge v Tavistock, Plymouth v Ashburton, and Plympton v Ipplepen.

2nd XI C Division (E): Barnstaple & Pilton v Upottery, Exeter v Kentisbeare, Honiton v North Devon, Kilmington v Halberton & Sampford Peverell, and Whimple v Uplyme & Lyme Regis.

2nd XI C Division (W): Bovey Tracey v Kingsbridge, Clyst St George v Paignton, Dartington & Totnes v Torquay, South Devon v Shaldon Optimists, and Stoke Gabriel v Chagford.

2nd XI D Division (E): Axminster Town v Cullompton, Feniton v Countess Wear, Filleigh v Newton St Cyres, Thorverton v Exwick, and Topsham St James v Ottery St Mary.

2nd XI D Division (W): Bridestowe v Hatherleigh, Chelston & Kingskerswell v Abbotskerswell, Dartington & Totnes v Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough, Ipplepen v Shaldon Optimists, and Whitchurch Wayfarers v Cornwood.

2nd XI E Division (W): Chagford v South Brent, Kenn v Plymstock, and Yelverton Bohemians v Stokeinteignhead. ● NEXT SUNDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Glamorgan v Essex, Hampshire v Surrey, Lancashire v Durham, Somerset v Middlesex, Sussex v Kent, Warwickshire v Derbyshire, and Yorkshire v Worcestershire.

South Devon League, Division One: Abbotskerswell v Bovey Tracey.

Division Two: Chelston & Kingskerswell v Plympton, and Ipplepen v Ivybridge.

Devon Womens’ League, Division One: Hatherleigh v North Devon, and Plymouth v Plympton.

Division Two: Bovey Tracey v Cornwall, Exmouth v Sandford, Devon County Under-13 Girls’: Somerset v Devon.

★ WEST DEVON YOUTH CRICKET LEAGUE UNDER-15 Buckland Monachorum 176-2 (Adam Talbott 88no, Harry Richardson 43no), Yealmpton 88 (C Teague 42; Harry Tredwin 5-5).

Buckland won by 88 runs.

P W L A Pts Plympton .............7 6 0 0 21 Ivybridge..............7 4 2 1 13 Cornwood............6 4 2 1 12 Buckland Mon.....7 1 4 1 7 Plymstock............6 2 3 0 7 Yelverton Boh .....6 0 1 1 3 Yealmpton ...........7 0 5 2 2 UNDER-13 Buckland Monachorum 86 (Charlie Elkington 32), Yealmpton 56-8.

Buckaldn won by 30 runs.

Ivybridge 116-5 (Sam Kidd 49), Plymstock 103-5 (Alistair Bond* 39, Ed Hale 34no). Ivybridge won 13 runs.

Plympton 239-3 (Billy Pitman 76 rtd no, Jake Agnew 59no, Jack Sellick 58 rtd no), Whitchurch Wayfarers 93-6 (Nathan Prout 53no; Jake Agnew 5-8). Plympton won by 146 runs.

Plymouth 135-4 (Jack Sellick 47no), Plympton 81 (Noah Carlisle 30).

Plymouth won by 54 runs.

Plymouth v Yelverton Bohemians – Cancelled.

P W L A Pts Plympton .............9 8 1 0 24 Ivybridge..............7 6 0 0 21 Plymouth .............8 5 2 0 18 Whitchurch..........8 5 2 1 16 Buckland Mon’....7 4 1 1 13 Cornwood............8 2 4 1 10 Plymstock............8 3 4 1 10 Yelverton Boh’ ....8 2 2 2 10 Tideford ...............8 1 5 1 4 Yealmpton ...........7 0 6 1 1 Plympton .............8 0 8 0 0 UNDER-11 A CUP P W L A Pts Plympton .............3 3 0 0 9 Buckland Mon’....3 2 1 0 6 Ivybridge..............2 1 1 0 3 Plymouth .............2 0 2 0 0 Yelverton Boh’ ....2 0 2 0 0 UNDER-11 B FINALS Buckland Monachorum 265-6, Ivybridge 300-5 (Joseph Davies 15).

Ivybridge won by 35 runs.

Plymstock 267-5 Sam Joce 13), Whitchurch Wayfarers 258-7 (Matthew Whalley 3-13). Plymstock won by nine runs.

UNDER-11 B DARTMOOR P W L A Pts Whitchurch..........4 2 0 1 10 Buckland Mon.....3 1 0 2 5 Cornwood............3 0 2 0 3 Lewdown .............2 0 1 0 3 Yelverton Boh’ ....4 0 0 1 1 UNDER-11 B PLYMOUTH AND SOUTHAMS CUP P W L a/c Pts Plymstock............4 3 0 1 10 Tideford ...............4 2 1 1 7 Ivybridge..............4 1 0 3 6 Plympton .............4 1 2 1 4 Plymouth .............3 0 2 1 1 Yealmpton ...........3 0 2 1 1

What looked to be a unexciting game of cricket, turned into a real nail-biter between two relatively evenly matched teams, who PALLADIUM BUILDERS have competed neck and neck throughout the WEST DEVON season.

YOUTH CRICKET Ben Privett top scored for Plympton with 55 in a total of 98 for nine.

by Andy Alford Adam Clough and James Ferriman shared two wickets a piece for 13 and 16 runs respectively. Archie McWhinnie ran out three batsmen in the final over.

Ivybridge opened with Adam Clough and Sam Kidd eyeing up what seemed to be a target within easy reach.

Ben Privett and Ciara O’Keefe for Plympton ensured the run rate was comparable to Plympton’s, with Jake May run out for 34 with the score on 74 for eigt, Ivybridge ended up on 81 all out.

Cornwood are still in the running for second place after they defeated Buckland.

An opening stand of 114 between skipper Ben Beaumont, whose 43-ball 77 included 10 fours and three sixes – and Tom Cosby (40) helped the Corns reach 123 for two in the 13th over.

The final total was 151 for six – Adam Talbott slowing things down with two for 12.

Buckland only had nine men so a running total of 84 for four wasn’t as good as it seemed.

Archie Smith made 28 and Talbott 20 off 11 balls, but the chase was always beyond Buckland. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● IVYBRIDGE and Plympton will contest the under-11 A final having disposed of Plymouth and Buckland Monochorum in the semis.

Led by Evie Privett (31no) and James Deacon (21no) Ivybridge posted 97 for six at the end of their 16 overs Charlie Watson (25no) led the chase but thanks to some tight bowling Plymouth could only get to 74 for six when the overs ran out.

Plympton defeated Buckland by 17 runs in the other semi-final. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● PLYMSTOCK will play Ivybridge in the under-11 B final after wins over Whitchurch and Buckland respectively.

Whitchurch lost by nine runs against Plymstock, derailed on the chase by Matt Whalley taking three wickets in an over.

Harry Whitcher had a three-wicket haul when Whitchurch bowled.

Ivybridge scored 275, which proved 35 too many for the Moorlanders.

Annie Woock (2-9) had Buckland’s best bowling figures.

Three run-outs slowed the Buckland chase with Owen Cocks prominent in the field.

Cocks picked up a couple of wickets too. Max Erasmus (12) top scored for Buckland in their total of 240. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● BUCKLAND under-13s defeated Plympton after chasing down 109 to win/ A great knock of 46 by Plympton’s Oliver Salt put the hosts firmly on the front foot. Charlie Elkington and William Bowden picked up three wickets each.

Charlie Elkington made 58 not out and with Jonathan Griffiths (14) and Billy Spry (21) both adding to the total Buckland knocked off the runs in 15.3 overs.

Plymouth under-13s beat Plymstock by 23 runs in a cup game. James Grigg (45) was the leading run scored for Plymouth in their total of 119. Tom Baker and Alistair Bond picked up two wickets each.

Alistair Bond top scored on 34 for Plymstock but lacked support other than from Marcus Pons (19).

Molly Marsh (2-19) and George Jagger (3-12) were the leading wicket takers for Plymouth.

Billy Pitman hit an unbeaten 101 off 62 balls as Plympton racked-up 144 for five at Tideford, who were well adrift on 70 for four at stumps..

Pitman’s run-laden summer continued with 76 more in a whopping 146-run win over Whitchurch/.

Openers Jack Sellick (58) and Pitman retired not out and Jake Agnew finished on 59 not out in a total of 239-3.

Whitchurch opener Nathan Prout carried his bat and finished on 53. Agnew (5-8) was the leading bowler as Whitchurch ended their innings on 93 for six.

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Still plenty to play for at competition’s halfway point

Are age-group restrictions a block to youth progression?

I

C

ORNWALL take on Shropshire in the Unicorns Championship at St Austell this morning (11.00 am).

There is plenty to play for at the halfway mark of the season. Berkshire are the only team to win two games so far while Wales MC and Herefordshire are LWC DRINKS without a win at the CRICKET bottom. Seven teams have won one match

by Michael Weeks each.

Shropshire are second on 43 points but the next six, including Cornwall, are within nine points. Cornwall have made two changes from the side that played at Truro against Wales Minor Counties.

Adrian Noott and Lewis Goldsworthy have been left out with recalls for Christian Purchase and Tommy Sturgess. It will be Purchase’s first appearance of the season having been an ever present in the last couple of years.

Sturgess will make his Championship debut having played in the Trophy game against Oxfordshire in April, taking a wicket with the first ball of the match. He has been playing for Surrey seconds and appeared in the Second XI Twenty20 games against the Unicorns at New Malden in the week.

In announcing the team, manager Godfrey Furse said that they were aiming to ‘balance’ the side.

Shropshire have called up Tom Weston, who replaces unavailable Dillon Pennington from the side that beat Oxfordshire by eight wickets.

b CORNWALL: M L Robins (captain), (Werrington), B L Wadlan (Penzance), TC Rowe (Kimberley Institute, Nottinghamshire), G M Smith (Penzance), A J Hodgson (Werrington), S A Harvey (wicket-keeper; Truro), C B F Purchase (Penzance), J R Turpin (Werrington), T G Sturgess (Helston), A C Libby (St Austell) and T J Dinnis (Werrington). b SHROPSHIRE: S G Leach (captain; Shifnal), O M Ali (C&R Hawks), W Parton (Shrewsbury), C E Home (Shifnal), J D Carrasco (Oswestry), J N McIver (Shifnal), D J Wainwright (Castleford), R C J Aucott (Shifnal), R Lockley (wicket-keeper; Bridgnorth), T G Weston (Cuckfield) and A C F Wyatt (Ticknall).

UMPIRES: R Allen and P Matten.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● CORNWALL over-50s will be looking for a home tie in the knockout stages of the ECB Championship when they take on Devon at Truro today.

Their game with the Channel Islands was notable earlier this week when Jim McKenna made a record 152 not out. Steve Mitchell then took five for 37 to wrap up a 116-run win.

The Southern Counties team are also progressing well towards the knockout stages. They beat Somerset at Pencarrow by 113 runs this week with Mike Blake and Anton Luiten hitting centuries. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE new Eden Motorhomes Division Two Twenty20 competition reaches the business end today with three quarter-finals scheduled.

Penzance IIs host St Blazey this morning and Stithians go to Bude and Menheniot-Looe to Redruth this afternoon. They will join St Just IIs at finals day, a fortnight today, at Redruth Cricket Club where the Raymond Reseigh Cup will be competed for. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THE Mining Division Evening League has reached the semi-finals following a hectic end to the group stages.

A couple of twice-postponed games were completed on Thursday and the result is Mount Hawke and Porthtowan play Falmouth tomorrow and Stithians take on St Gluvias on Tuesday. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● FOLLOWING their comfortable Bradley’s Vinter Cup success over Falmouth on Wednesday by 76 runs, Penzance will take on Werrington for the W T Edwards Cup at Truro on Wednesday (6.00 pm) with the winners going forward to the National Twenty20 club competition a fortnight today.

The Runciman Cup final takes place at Penzance on Thursday with Hayle facing the winners of Tuesday’s semi-final between Gulval and Penzance. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● FINALLY, some sad news from St Just with the news on Friday of the sudden death of former player Paul Woolcock, aged 55.

He was a left-handed all-rounder and a respected member of the local community.

Start following Your Favourite Sunday… @thesundayindy

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ST NEOT: Carnglaze Caverns sponsor these LWC Drinks Cornwall Five (East) Gannel division players. They entertained Newquay yesterday and will visit Boconnoc on Saturday. Back row, left to right: Chris Foreman, Mark Budge, Chris Burn, Mark Bunt, David Brice and Graham Kent; front: Jamie Daniels, Dave Lucas (captain), Madi Bond, Andrew Dickerson (wicket-keeper) and Sam Pluckrose Picture: David Flower

the fixture picture… ● TODAY – (July 16) – NATWEST T20 BLAST: (2.30 pm unless stated): Essex v Glamorgan, Gloucestershire v Sussex (2.00 pm), Lancashire v Derbyshire, Middlesex v Somerset, and Warwickshire v Leicestershire.

UNICORNS COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP (Day One of Three; 11.00 am): Cornwall v Shropshire (at St Austell).

ECB 50-PLUS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP (1.00 pm): Cornwall v Devon (at Truro CC).

WOMEN’S TWENTY20, Division Three (at Bovey Tracey CC): Cornwall v Oxfordshire (1.30 pm), and Cornwall v Devon (4.30 pm).

LWC DRINKS CORNWALL LEAGUE – Cornwall Four (E) (1.30 pm): Newquay v Menheniot-Looe, and St Erme v St Minver.

Cornwall Five (Atlantic) (2.00 pm): Leedstown v St Ives, and Porthlevan v St Just.

Cornwall Five (Gannel) (2.00 pm): Tintagel v Wadebridge.

EDEN MOTORHOMES DIVISION TWO TWENTY20 CUP, Quarter-Finals (2.00 pm unless stated): Bude v Sithians, Penzance v St Blazey (11.00 am), and Redruth v Menheniot-Looe.

ECB UNDER-15 COUNTY CUP (10.45 am): Cornwall v Berkshire (at Grampound Road).

ECB UNDER-15 WOMENS COUNTYCHAMPIONSHIP (1.00 pm): Cornwall v Worcestershire (at Launceston). ● MONDAY – UNICORNS COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP (Day Two of Three; 11.00 am): Cornwall v Shropshire (at St Austell).

MINING DIVISION EVENING LEAGUE, Semi-Final (6.00 pm): Mount Hawke v Falmouth. ● TUESDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Kent v Gloucestershire.

ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: First place team v fourth place team.

UNICORNS COUNTIES CHAMPI-

ONSHIP (Day Three of Three; 11.00 am): Cornwall v Shropshire (at St Austell).

DAWE INSURANCE ANDREW CUP, Semi-Final (6.30 pm): Camborne v Hayle.

RUNCIMAN CUP, Semi-Final (6.00 pm): Penzance v Gulval (at Penzance CC).

MINING DIVISION EVENING LEAGUE, Semi-Final (6.00 pm): Stithians v St Gluvias.

ECB WOMEN’S UNDER-17 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP (11.00 am): Somerset v Cornwall (at Taunton CC). ● WEDNESDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Surrey v Essex, and Worcestershire v Derbyshire.

WT EDWARDS CUP, Final (6.00 pm): Penzance v Werrington (at Truro CC).

ECB UNDER-17 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP (Day One of Two, 11.00 am): Dorset v Cornwall (at Canford School).

SCHOOLS TWENTY20 (6.00 pm): Cornwall under-15s v Trinidad & Tobago (at Perranporth). ● THURSDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Durham v Leicestershire, Hampshire v Sussex, and Middlesex v Kent.

ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: Second place team v third place team.

OVER-50s SOUTHERN COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP (1.00 pm): Cornwall v Gloucestershire (at Boconnoc CC).

RUNCIMAN CUP, Final (6.00 pm): Hayle v Penzance or Gulval (at Penzance CC).

ECB UNDER-17 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP (Day Two of Two, 11.00 am): Dorset v Cornwall (at Canford School).

ECB WOMEN’S UNDER-17 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP (11.00 am): Cornwall v Somerset (at Wadebridge).

SCHOOLS: Cornwall under-14s v Trinidad & Tobago (11.30 am; at Grampound Road), and Cornwall un-

der-11s v California (11.00 am; at Perranporth CC). ● FRIDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Essex v Hampshire, Glamorgan v Sussex, Leicestershire v Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire v Derbyshire, Somerset v Gloucestershire, Surrey v Middlesex, and Yorkshire v Warwickshire.

SCHOOLS: Cornwall under-16s v Devon (11.00 am; at Werrington), Conrwall under-14s v Trinidad & Tobago (11.30 am; at Grampound Road, and Cornwall under-11s v California (1.00 pm; at Perrenporth CC). ● SATURDAY – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Nottinghamshire v Northamptonshire.

LWC DRINKS CORNWALL LEAGUE – Premier (1.00 pm): Hayle v Grampound Road, St Austell v Helston, St Just v Penzance, Truro v Falmouth, and Werrington v Redruth.

Cornwall One (1.00 pm): Callington v Gorran, Camborne v Lanhydrock, Ludgvan v Werrington, Newquay v Rosudgeon, Roche v Troon, and St Minver v Wadebridge.

Cornwall Two (E) (1.00 pm): Bude v St Austell, Grampound Road v St Blazey, Luckett v Newquay, Menheniot-Looe v Launceston, South Petherwin v Callington, and St Erme v Boconnoc.

Cornwall Two (W) (1.00 pm): Falmouth v Truro, Goldsithney v Beacon, Mount Ambrose v St Just, Penzance v Stithians, Praze v Paul, and Redruth v St Gluvias.

Cornwall Three (E) (1.30 pm): Gorran v Liskeard, Ladock v Saltash, St Neot v Roche, Tideford v Luckett, Tintagel v St Austell, and Wadebridge v Werrington.

Cornwall Three (W) (1.30 pm): Constantine v Crofty-Holman, Gulval v Mullion, Helston v Barripper, Mount Hawke v Camborne, Perran-arWorthal v St Ives, and Perranporth v Hayle.

Cornwall Four (E) (1.30 pm): Bugle v Holsworthy, Delabole v MenheniotLooe, Duloe v Newquay, Grampound

Road v St Erme, Launceston v Bude, and St Blazey v St Minver.

Cornwall Four (W) (1.30 pm): Beacon v St Just, Paul v Leedstown, Porthleven v Ludgvan, St Buryan v Mount Ambrose, St Gluvias v St Newlyn East, and Wendron v Truro.

Cornwall Five (Atlantic) (2.00 pm): Barripper v Helston, Camborne v Praze, Hayle v Porthleven, Rosudgeon v Penzance, St Ives v Gulval, and St Just v Leedstown.

Cornwall Five (Fal) (2.00 pm): Falmouth v Wendron, Mullion v Mawnan, Redruth v Perran-ar-Worthal, and Stithians v Camborne.

Cornwall Five (Central) (2.00 pm): Gerrans v Ladock, St Day v Falmouth, Truro v Redruth, and Veryan v Perran-ar-Worthal.

Cornwall Five (Gannel) (2.00 pm): Boconnoc v St Neot, Lanhydrock v Tintagel, Newquay v Wadebridge, Roche v Pencarrow (at St Stephen CC), and St Austell v St Stephen.

Cornwall Five (Tamar) (2.00 pm): Callington v Tideford (at Launceston CC), Milton Abbot v South Petherwin, St Stephens (Saltash) v Buckland Monachorum, and Werrington v Menheniot-Looe. ● NEXT SUNDAY (July 23) – NATWEST T20 BLAST: Glamorgan v Essex, Hampshire v Surrey, Lancashire v Durham, Somerset v Middlesex, Sussex v Kent, Warwickshire v Derbyshire, and Yorkshire v Worcestershire.

THE BIG BASH (10.30 am): at Penzance CC. CORNWALL WOMEN’S LEAGUE (2.00 pm): Launceston v Falmouth, and Penzance v Redruth.

SCHOOLS: East Devon v Cornwall under-15s (12 noon), South Devon v Cornwall under-13s (at Paignton), West Devon v Cornwall under-12s ‘B’ (1.00 pm; at Plympton CC), Somerset v Cornwall under-11s (1.00 pm; at Taunton St Andrews), and Devon v Cornwall under-tens (1.30 pm; at Torquay CC).

GERRANS: The LWC Drinks Cornwall Five (West) team played at Mount Hawke in the Central division yesterday and will be home to Ladock on Saturday. Back row, left to right: Shane Reid, Ron Agar, Joe Hitchings, Dave Rowe, Matt Stephens, Harry Hill and Tristan Perry; front: Steve Hooper, Callum Grahamshaw, Simon Tilley, Joseph Tilley, Marilyn Parry (scorer) and Freddie Tilley (mascot)

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www.facebook.com/Sunday-Independent

◆

AM indebted to Dave Lockett from Tideford for bringing this week’s topic to my attention and, I dare say, it is something that has occupied the minds of parents, coaches and managers in recent times.

As things currently CRICKET stand only young performers in the

by Tim Hyslop under-13 age group of the county set up are allowed to play openage cricket. In theory this means that they could play in any of the divisions from the highest point (Premier League) to the lowest (Division Five).

Obviously there is a massive difference in the quality of players even from one division to the next, especially when you consider the difference in the bowling speeds and the play generally.

What this means is the top 16 players from the county squad can play league cricket where and when they wish whilst the 17th player, who just missed out on selection, has no such option.

I accept that there has to be some cut-off point and there can be little or no difference in the quality of the player, whether 16th or 17th on the list, but that’s just the way it goes as things currently stand.

Another factor is that the youth leagues usually finish in mid July before the summer holidays so for those unable to play league cricket then they are left twiddling their thumbs potentially for the rest of the season.

What happens to the unlucky ones at this point?

Usually these are talented sportspeople who have a bent, also, for the likes of tennis, athletics etc, so, perhaps, they turn to something else? Don’t forget that footballers now train in early July so there is always something for these lads to turn to.

Cricket is in a particularly desperate position at the moment so we cannot afford to lose more youngsters to other sport or even no sport at all.

In my day – sorry to trot that one out again – we didn’t have youth leagues. Apart from school lessons, there was no pre league cricket for us to encounter. I made my league debut at the age of 16 with a handful of school matches behind me, and not a little enthusiasm.

When my eldest son first started playing pairs cricket it wasn’t too long before he was taking part in senior games at the tender age of 9 or 10. If it makes me a bad parent then so be it and I will admit to him having to run from fine-leg to fine-leg at the end of each over. He assured me, he loved it.

It didn’t do him any harm and it was a calculated risk that I took as a parent. Having said that, I was always aware of safety issues and that he was coming up against people much older than himself.

The truth is that many youngsters under the current required age could probably hold their own at senior level, but the existing ruling takes that debate away.

Mind you I know of some existing players who claim that they played at a very early age and who are still here to tell their stories. Keith Sturgess, a veteran of may seasons at Boconnoc, is now in his late 50s and says that he was playing league cricket in the 1960s.

I’m sure he was but I didn’t realise that they allowed prams in the outfield in those days!

FAMILY AFFAIR: When you have four much younger members of your family in the Perranporth team, perhaps there’s every reason to take a breather once in a while.

It’s a routine that seems to work for Terry Murrell, who looks in fine fettle for the LWC Drinks Cornwall Three (West) campaign

@thesundayindy

cw

Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat)

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sport@sundayindependent.co.uk www.sundayindependent.co.uk LWC Drinks Premier

Falmouth – Falmouth 224–8 (Kellow 86, J Stephens 62, E Osner 24; G Bone 3–32, S Raven 2–24), St Austell 226–6 (M Bone 86, A Bone 55no, A Libby 21; S Kellow 3–62). St Austell (19 points) beat Falmouth (eight) by four wickets.

Grampound Road – Grampound Road 168 (J Mathys 39, D Hoskings 37, C Roberts 24, T Orpe 24; N Ivamy 3–15, R Spall 2–28, T Sharp 2–31, D Brent 2–45), Truro 172–7 (C Miles 73, S Harvey 26, T Sharp 24; C Roberts 2–23, A Ridd 2–25, J Mathys 2–30). Truro (20 points) beat Grampound Road (six) by three wickets in a match reduced to 45 overs.

Helston – Werrington 264–4 (B Smeeth 70, M Gribble 50, N Lawson 50no, P Smith 40, A Hodgson 30), Helston 200 (K Leathley 56, C Martin 48, G Tregenza 36no; M Robins 3– 23, B Smeeth 3–42, P Smith 2–15).

Werrington (20 points) beat Helston (seven) by 64 runs.

Penzance – Hayle 188 (G Wiseman 58, G Lawrence 33no, S Richards 21; N Pobega 3–57, G Smith 2–23, G Furnival 2–49), Penzance 191–6 (R Edwards 60, B Wadlan 51, P Kent 25; T Riggall 2–30, D Lello 2–44).

Penzance (20 points) beat Hayle (seven) by four wickets.

Redruth – Redruth 232–6 (N Alexander 92, T Whiteford 42, P Howells 20; J Stephens 2–43), St Just 235–3 (K Walters 103no, H Medhurst 79no, N Curnow 23; B Stevens 2–35). St Just (18 points) beat Redruth (six) by seven wickets.

LWC DRINKS ECB CORNWALL PREMIER P St Just ......................10 Penzance ................10 Truro ........................10 Werrington ..............10 St Austell ................10 Falmouth ..................10 Redruth ....................10 Helston ....................10 Hayle ........................10 Grampound Road ....10

W 9 8 7 6 4 3 2 3 2 0

L 0 1 2 3 4 6 7 6 7 8

A 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1

C 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BP 77 80 78 82 61 70 59 48 55 48

PD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pts 173 166 154 148 113 106 85 84 81 60

LWC DRINKS CORNWALL ONE P Wadebridge ..............14 Camborne ................14 Ludgvan....................13 Newquay ..................14 Troon ........................14 Callington ................13 Rosudgeon ..............14 Gorran ......................14 Lanhydrock ..............14 St Minver..................14 Roche ......................14 Werrington ..............14

W L 9 2 9 2 8 2 7 4 6 5 7 4 6 4 5 6 3 8 1 8 2 9 2 11

LWC Drinks One

game reduced to 40 overs.

Werrington – Camborne 226–4 (K Roberts 54, S Pooley 79no; D Barnard 2–36), Werrington 187 (N Adams 35, M Hodgson 35, D Warring 34, I Searle 23; R Downing 3–41, S Pooley 3–26, D Hocking 2–54, S Masher 2–36). Camborne (20 points) beat Werrington (six) by 39 runs in a match reduced to 49 overs.

Gorran – Newquay 310–8 (A Cocking 142, J Crane 48, Alex Bicknell 20; J Tomlinson 2–26, J Tabb 2–66), Gorran 48–1 (6.1 overs) (J Lakeman 36). Rain stopped play. Match abandoned; Newquay 11 points, Gorran 11.

Lanhydrock – Lanhydrock 46–5 (17 overs) C Wilson 3–23) v. St Minver.

Rain Stopped Play. Match abandoned; St Minver eight points, Lanhydrock seven.

Rosudgeon – Rosudgeon 168–8 (Matt Jacka 33, J Stephens 24, M Ellis 21, J Williamson 21, M Waters 21, B Ellis 20; M Trudgeon 2–22, H Trethewey 2–29), Roche 169–5 (C Rowe 58no, A Trudgeon 35, J Hunkin 28; Matt Jacka 2–57). Roche (19 points) beat Rosudgeon (six) by five wickets.

Troon – Ludgvan 262–9 (M Stevens 54, R Eddy 30, D Nicholls 30, A Westren 26, K Stevens 23, S Stevens 23, J Olds 21no; J Goldsworthy 3–54, L Goldsworthy 2– 38, W Eva 2–42, N Richards 2–50), Troon 191 (A Rodda 62, S Richards 49, S Patel 21; S Stevens 4–30, R Eddy 2–31, M Stevens 2–43). Ludgvan (20 points) beat Troon (eight) by 71 runs.

Wadebridge – Callington 221–7 (J White 43, A Libby 38, A Jones 35, A Welcome 32no, A Robinson 30, A Gill 3–22), Wadebridge 225–4 (J Maycock 67, M Joliffe 55, C McLachlan 32, B Jackson 30, C Morse 22no).

Wadebridge (18 points) beat Callington (seven) by six wickets in a

Boconnoc – Boconnoc 211–4 (J Niblett 66, J OíRegan 49, M Cook 31; G Clements 3–41), South Petherwin 205–6 (I Clements 79, A Warne 48, P Clements 34; G Spencer 4–46). Boconnoc (18 points) beat South Petherwin (seven) by six runs in a match reduced to 40 overs.

Callington – Bude 247–4 (43 overs) (P Williams 66, M Williams 74no, A Derosa 24no; A Snowdon 2–52) v.

Callington. Rain stopped play.

Match Abandoned; Bude 11 points, Callington eight.

Launceston – Grampound Road 106 (extras 33; S Pengelly 5–27, P West 2–13, C Alford 2–17), Launceston 107–3 (M Bolt 29). Launceston (20 points) beat Grampound Road (three) by seven wickets.

Newquay – Newquay 188–3 (C O’Dwyer 71no, Ash Bicknell 66no; S Cole 2–30), St Erme186–6 (S Cole 36, G Hill 45, S Willcock 44no; D Ogden 2– 22). Newquay (18 points) beat St Erme (five) by seven wickets.

St Austell – Menheniot–Looe 206 (P Nance 54, H Rogers 36, J Trethowan 26; A Bist 3–48, J Carter 2–29, I Trembath 2–41, D Munn 2–22), St Austell 208–5 (O Geeves 72no, D Munn 37, C Richards33, A Bennetts 22; H Rogers 4–28). St Austell (20 points) beat Menheniot–Looe (seven) by five wickets.

St Blazey – Luckett 165 (L Brenton 69, Richard Brown 36; I Chambers 7–39 inc hat trick), St Blazey 166–2

LWC Drinks Two (E)

A 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 2 4 1 0

C 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1

T BP 0 110 0 106 0 85 0 92 0 99 0 89 0 84 0 88 0 85 0 81 0 77 0 82

PD 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0

Pts 217 214 182 180 177 171 168 156 133 117 115 108

(P Carne 83, N Carter 44no; R Piper 2–23). St Blazey (20 points) beat Luckett (five) by eight wickets.

LWC Drinks Two (W) Beacon – Beacon 313–2 (J Gool 141no, D Proctor 111, D Mellor 21), Mount Ambrose 93 (S Blackburn 33, D Batchelor 4–43, J Thomas 3–15, G Mankee 2–23). Beacon (20 points) beat Mount Ambrose (three) by 220 runs. Gool and Proctor with 231 opening stand.

Paul – Goldsithney 82 (L Pellow 19; M Lawrence 3–17, J Burr 3–21), Paul 84–0 (D Smith 31no, J Netherway 29no). Paul (20 points) beat Goldsithney (two) by ten wickets.

St Gluvias – Penzance 221 (C James 56, O Paull 49no, J Paull 44; J Udy 3–22, P Selvaraj 2–37, W Bedja 2– 60), St Gluvias 181 (J Udy 44, R Bannister 27, J Ham 21; J Paull 3– 44, O Paull 2–21, J Fletcher 2–35).

Penzance (20 points) beat St Gluvias (nine) by 40 runs.

St Just – St Just 70–4 (14 overs) v.

Redruth. Rain stopped play. Match abandoned; Redruth eight points, St Just seven.

Stithians – Falmouth 116 (A Searle 27, L Hoban 24; K Webber 3–25, H Williams 2–12, R Mitchell 25), Stithians 121–5 (C Instance 36no, R Mitchell 24; D Knowles 2–13, J Hodges 2–16). Stithians (20 points) beat Falmouth (four) by five wickets.

Truro – Truro 194 (A Shears 49, M Adams 41, A Senior 30; T James 4– 36, B James 2–20, D Lynes 2–55), Praze 195–1 (T James 86no, B James 81). Praze (20 points) beat Truro (four) by nine wickets.

LWC Drinks Three (E) Liskeard – Liskeard v. St Neot – no details given.

Luckett – Luckett v. Gorran – no details given.

Roche – Tintagel 10–0 (1.2 overs) v.

Roche. Rain stopped play; Match abandoned six points each.

St Austell – St Austell 152–9 (M Bennetts 57no; M Butler 3–33, V Oza 2– 19, P Morgan 2–32), Ladock 153–4 (M Bray 39, C Butler 36; J Pook 2– 32). Ladock (19 points) beat St Austell (five) by six wickets.

Saltash – Saltash 55 (S Gerry 5–28, B Hurst 3–3, J Sander 2–22), Wadebridge 59–0 (N Meneer 48no).

Wadebridge (20 points) beat Saltash (one) by ten wickets.

Werrington – Werrington 162, Tideford 163–2. Tideford (20 points) beat Werrington (five) by eight wickets.

S

T JUST remain top of the ECB Cornwall Premier League following a seven-wicket win at REDRUTH.

LWC Drinks Three (W) Barripper – Mount Hawke 268–9 (S Danby 106, T Williams 63, M Thomas 22; R Cooper 5–61 inc hat-trick), Barripper 165 (A Sutton 35, R Cooper 21; R Thomas 4–35, M Stackhouse 3–25). Mount Hawke (20 Points) Beat Barripper (eight) by 103 Runs.

Camborne – Camborne 173–5 (B Edwards 57no, D Pascoe 45no; S Eddy 3–22) Gulval 174–3 (S Eddy 72no, T Curnow 53no, L Murray 37; J MacDonald 2–25). Gulval (17 points) beat Camborne (six) by seven wickets.

Crofty–Holman – Helston 147 (A Creese 33; S Schotel 4–32, L Fenton 3–35, A Martin 2–45), Crofty–Holman 150–4 (A Martin 36, L Fenton 43; M Crapp 2–22). Crofty–Holman (20 points) beat Helston (five) by six wickets.

Hayle – Hayle – Hayle 246–6 (P Glanville 47, W Trenoweth 46, T Hearle 39, T Ruhrmund 31, J Cameron 27no, J Harvey 26; P Holland 3–96; C Howe 2–27), Perran–ar–Worthal 150–9 (S Adams 34, P Holland 26, P Flambard 22; S Trathen 4–45, L Bennet 2–16, M Lello 2–27). Hayle (19 points) beat Perran–ar–Worthal (six) by 96 runs Mullion – Perranporth 264–8 (G Kerry 89, H Watkins 58, J Bradley 41, Ty Murrell 24, T Norton 20; M Cockings 3–77, J Dark 2–40), Mullion 267–4 (D Brown 84no, J Dark 37, S Green 37, M Hearn 33; Ty Murrell 2–51).

Mullion (19 points) beat Perranporth (seven) by six wickets.

St Ives – St Ives 177 (M Hughes 43, A Rowe 27, A Myers 24no; K Bosustow 4–31, G Griffiths 4–57, J Laskowski 2–29), Constantine 179–9 (G Griffiths 45, R Waters 33no, T McCabe 20; CD Hart 4–45, A Myers 2–24, A Rowe 2– 37). Constantine (19 points) beat St Ives (eight) by one wicket.

LWC Drinks Four (E) Bude – Bugle 146 (N Toms 73, A Cook 21; T Scown 2–50, G Moore 4– 39, M Taylor 3–17), Bude 150–5 (M Ellis 27, J Snell 56no; M Hutchins 2– 38, N Couchman 2–34). Bude (20 points) beat Bugle (five) by five wickets.

Holsworthy – Delabole 120–6 (G Burrell 50, J Oulton 25no; T Leveson 4– 327), Holsworthy 123–2 (J May 40, J Greening 30, S Stacey 23no, R Walter 22no). Holsworthy (18 points) beat Delabole (four) by eight wickets.

Menheniot–Looe – Grampound Road 190 (A Lean 32, C Cooke 52, D Keevil 23, O Thomas–Donald 20; P O’Connell 4–37, M Maiden 3–31), Menheniot–Looe 60–3 (M Maiden 31no; N Keevil 2–17). Rain stopped play. Match abandoned; Menheniot–Looe 12 points, Grampound Road 11.

Newquay – Newquay 190 (J Howarth 90, M Webber 37; W Harvey 3–23, M Bloomfield 4–61, D Sillifant 2–29), Launceston 110 (J Dawe 40; J Howarth 2–15, J Watkins 3–46, M Webber 3–8). Newquay (19 points) beat Launceston (seven) by 80 runs.

St Erme – St Erme 174–3 (C Edgcombe 55, D Moses 50no), St Blazey 178–5 (D McErlain 80no, D Kendall 32). St Blazey (16 points) beat St Erme (six) by five wickets.

St Minver – Duloe 204–9 (M Julian 37, C Elford 37, E Facey 32, J Panther 28no; N Hocking 4–65, H Hambly 2– 41), St Minver 127 (S Hocking 48, R Hambly 31, J Centini 22; E Facey 4– 37, J Panther 4–37, R Turpin 2–26).

Duloe (20 points) beat St Minver (seven) by 77 runs.

LWC Drinks Four (W)

WATCHFUL EYE: Mount Hawke captain and wicket-keeper Rob Askew is ready to pounce on a mistake as Gerrans opening batsman Shane Reid looks to score runs in LWC Drinks Five (Central) yesterday

Walters and Medhurst ensure Saints stay on top

Leedstown – Leedstown 303 (H Badcock 78, Ty Hendra 67, G Badcock 41, A Cooper 39, S Abrahams 28), Porthleven 128 (L Stuckey 3–24, L Smitheram 2–6, A Robinson 2–15, Ty Hendra 2–28). Leedstown (20 points) beat Porthleven (eight) by 175 runs.

Ludgvan – Ludgvan 218–9 (J Trudgeon 57, C Courtney 47, L Griffin 26, A Hosking 22; S Kruse 3–56, M Snowden 3–59, M Henry 2–24), St

STRIKE OF A HAWKE: Mount Hawke opening bowler Steve Poole is watched by umpire Phil Chaffin as he looks to take Gerrans wickets in LWC Drinks Five (Central) Gluvias 152 (M Henry 20, M Snowden 32, A Julian 31, B Raiker 24; C Corin 2–26, J Trudgeon 2–44, A Hosking 5–42). Ludgvan (20 points) beat St Gluvias (seven) by 66 runs.

Mount Ambrose – Mount Ambrose 153 (A Bath 47, M Leigh 32; R White 3–37), Beacon 156–2 (R Cardigan 58, D Eathorne 44; A Bath 2–51).

Beacon (20 points) beat Mount Ambrose (four) by eight wickets.

St Just – St Just 21–1 (5.5 overs) v.

Paul. Rain stopped play. Match abandoned; six points each.

St Newlyn East – Wendron 151 (S Care 32, L Rawley 23, C Burley 23; J Thompson 4–24, K Rimmer 2–18, R Miller 2–18), St Newlyn East 153–0 (N Curnow 66 no, J Rogers 62 no).

St Newlyn East (20 points) beat Wendron (three) by ten wickets.

Truro – St Buryan 197–9 (J Stedman 45, A Payne 27, C Phillips 24, M Odendaal 23, S Marment 20, Extras 39; M Atkins 3–22, M Adams 2–41), Truro 193–8 (M Thurlow 55, O Taylor Jones 35, C Mather 26, Extras 20; C Phillips 3–36, J Stedman 2–45, K Williams 2–48). St Buryan (18 points) beat Truro (eight) by four runs.

LWC Drinks Five Atlantic Gulval – Camborne 131–7 (L Webb 32, J Symons 31; B Hollinrake 2–18, P Williams 2–24), Gulval 132–3 (W Collins 32, M Cock 50 no). Gulval (18 points) beat Camborne (four) by seven wickets.

Helston – Rosudgeon 124–8 (J Leek 35, A Hopkins 24; W Jenkin 2–30), Helston 128–5 (D Ord 39, A George 36; T Thomas 4–32). Helston (19 points) beat Rosudgeon (five) by five wickets.

Penzance – Penzance v. Hayle.

Match cancelled due to fog; six points each.

Praze – Praze v. Barripper – no details given.

LWC Drinks Five Fal Camborne – Falmouth 121 (Extras 42, R Nicholls 25no; D Molton 3–19, B Whitehead 2–17, W Becconsall 2– 31), Camborne 122–5 (W Becconsall 30, S Powell 25, Extras 21, B Walters 20no; J Baglow 3–27). Camborne (20 points) beat Falmouth (five) by five wickets.

Constantine – Crofty–Holman 126–8 (I Rowe 6–27, L Cairns 2–28), Constantine 127–2 (K Williams 81no, M Rowe 27; D Skewes 2–51). Constantine (19 points) beat Crofty– Holman (four) by eight wickets.

Mawnan – Mawnan 85 (S Smith 3–24, M Rodwell 2–14, S Lean 2–12), Stithians 86–3 (N Kendall 36no, M Burley 20; I Snowdon 2–14). Stithians (20 points) beat Mawnan (three) by seven wickets.

Perran–ar–Worthal – Perran–ar– Worthal 172–8 (G Best 42, R Searle 38, B Coston 33; J Cockings 3–37, M Bray 2–18, D Tripconey 2–50), Mullion 140 (N Casley 64, J Casley 28; L Coston 4–26, B Coston 3–29). Perran–ar–Worthal (19 points) beat Mullion (seven) by 32 runs.

LWC Drinks Five Central Falmouth – Falmouth 160 (D Hubble 31, W Deacon 49, E Mier 29; J Kendall 4–38, M Tregunna 3–42), Veryan 161–5 (S Matthews 84no; E Mier 2–31). Veryan (20 points) beat Falmouth (six) by five wickets.

Mount Hawke – Mount Hawke v. Gerrans – no details given.

Perran–ar–Worthal – Truro 141–8 (B Bebb 26, J Wyatt 43no; S Lawrence 2–47, T Pucknell 4–22), Perran–ar– Worthal 142–5 (A Das 24, P Child 47; B Bebb 2–26). Perran–ar– Worthal (19 points) beat Truro (five) by five wickets.

Perranporth – St Day 89 v. Perranporth 90–1. Perranporth (20 points) beat St Day (two) by nine wickets.

LWC Drinks Five Gannel Grampound Road – Roche188–2 (W Harvey 74no, J Harvey 2no, R Parker 22, R Odgers 20; J Harvey 3–27, S Williams 3–44, F Burr 2–44), Grampound Road 185 (Steve Dunstan 47, S Trudgeon 44, D Tucker 31). Roche (20 points) beat Grampound Road (five) by eight wickets.

Pencarrow – Pencarrow 270–3 (S Patterson 79, A Best 68, D Mills 32, W Wagstaffe 30no, M Hamilton 26no), St Austell 139–6 (T French 47no, C French 27, M Henson 23; S Windmill 2–27, W Lutey 2–35). Pencarrow (18 points) beat St Austell (four) by 131 runs.

St Stephen – Lanhydrock 190 (D Attfield 69, L Buckland 24, R Butler J 24, M Kempthorne 20; R Budge 4– 44, R Le Masurier 2–50, B Hartley 2– 12), St Stephen 87 (R B Barnicoat 6–16, J Taylor 2–14). Lanhydrock (19 points) beat St Stephen (seven) by 103 runs.

St Neot – St Neot v. Newquay – no details given.

Tintagel – Boconnoc 45–1 v. Tintagel. Rain stopped play. Match abandoned; Boconnoc seven points, Tintagel six.

LWC Drinks Five Tamar Buckland Monachorum – Buckland Monachorum v. Saltash – no details given.

Gunnislake – Gunnislake 178–7 (A Morris 91; B Lugger 3–30), St Stephens (Saltash) 137–7 (I Stevenson 33, S Rencher 26; A Cameron 4– 44, A Morris 2–33). Gunnislake (17 points) beat Saltash St Stephens (six) by 41 runs.

Launceston – Launceston v. Callington – no details given.

South Petherwin – South Petherwin 169–6 (C Warne 64, D Clements 32, R Gerry 21no; N Ward 2–14), Werrington 170–3 (N Dennis 59, N Ward 48no, A Smeeth 28; P Dingle 2–35).

Werrington (18 points) beat South Petherwin (five) by seven wickets.

Tideford – Milton Abbot 226–7 (P Crocker 49, S Payne 48, M Jenkins 30; A Ellacott 3–63, D Rogers 2–33), Tideford 110 (D Rogers 23; E Tucker 5–18, T Richard 3–27, A Gourlay 2– 23). Milton Abbot (20 points) beat Tideford (five) by 116 runs.

Redruth made 232 for six in a 48-over game after a short rain delay after an hour’s play.

Toby Whiteford made 42 for the home side LWC DRINKS before being third out CRICKET at 81. Nathan Alexander then took over to hit 92

by Michael Weeks that included two sixes and ten fours of 90 balls. He was sixth out at 220 with a couple of overs to go. Justin Stephens took two for 43 from his ten overs.

St Just lost both openers at 30 when Gareth May and Neil Curnow departed to Dylan Caddy and Ben Stevens. Ben Brooks followed at 60 to leave Kelbert Walters and Harry Medhurst to put on an unbroken 175 for the fourth wicket to bring victory with over nine overs to spare.

Stevens took two for 35 from ten overs.

PENZANCE were made to work for victory at the Towans before getting home by four wickets.

HAYLE were dismissed for 188 after losing their first three wickets for 35. Graham Wiseman made 58 and got good support with Steve Richards making 21 before Giles Lawrence was 33 not out.

Nathan Pobega took three for 37 with the returning Glyn Furnival and Greg Smith getting two wickets.

After Brad Wadlan made 51 Piran Kent got 23 before being third out at 148. Ryan Edwards followed shortly after for 60 before Christian Purchase with 17 not out saw them home.

Dan Lello and Tony Riggall took two wickets.

ST AUSTELL were four-wicket winners at FALMOUTH after being set 225.

Mike Bone made 86 and, fresh from his Cornwall under-17s century in the week, his brother, Alex, hit 55 not out. The last over began with the Saints still requiring five to win but Steve Raven clouted the first ball for six to end the argument. Scott Kellow took three for 62.

In the Falmouth innings Richard Kellow made 86 and Jamie Stephens 62. Gary Bone took three for 32.

TRURO got home in the gloom by three wickets against GRAMPOUND ROAD after being set 169.

Scott Harvey (26) and Tom Sharp (24) put on 49 for the first wicket. They were seen home by Conor Miles who hit two sixes and eight fours in his 73 not out. Adrian Noott, batting down the order, made 19.

Alex Ridd, Chris Roberts and Joash Mathys took two wickets each.

Earlier Mathys made 39 and fellow opener David Hoskings 37 with Chris Roberts and Tom Orpe getting 24 each. Neil Ivamy took three for 15.

WERRINGTON won at HELSTON by 64 runs after making 264 four four. Sound batting saw Ben Smeeth (70), Mark Gribble (50), Nick Lawson (50no) and Paul Smith (40) all in the runs with Adam Hodgson contributing with 30. Eben Koekemoer took three wickets. Karl Leathley made 56 and Chris Martin 48. Matt Robins took three wickets. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● DEVON have added Toby Codd to their traveling party for the game against Wiltshire starting at Bemerton today.

Ex-Somerset batsman Alex Barrow was selected, but has been released to play fro Gloucestershire Second XI. Codd will almost certainly be 12th man, although Devon may be tempted to give him a game if it looks like a spinners’ wicket.

Batters Joe Thompson and Jack Dart are added.

Luke Bess drops out. Dan Goodey replaces injured paceman Hugo Whitlock in the squad. Thompson, brother of former captain and wicket-keeper Matt Thompson, will be making his debut if he is in the starting line-up. A series of impressive performances for club side Torquay and for the Devon Lions Development XI have earned the hardhitting batsman his call-up. Devon’s players have the tough task of matching the performance that brought an eight-wicket win over Cheshire in the Championship.

RESULTS SERVICE DETAILS All clubs in the LWC Drinks Cornwall Cricket League, should submit their results by 8.45 pm on Saturdays latest (earlier if possible please!) to: Michael Weeks 01209 717 985 07901 545 688 Online Press Form at: www.cornwallcricket.co.uk e-mail: results@cornwallcricket.co.uk

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Sunday Independent July 16, 2017

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England back at Bristol for clash with South Africa

Frustration for fans as rain ends Somerset Twenty20 tie

ENGLAND coasted to a 92-run win over West ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Indies in their last group match of the by Paul Bolton Women’s World Cup at Bristol, where captain Heather Knight hit a half-century and Natalie Sciver finished with three wickets.

Knight’s side had already secured a place in the semi-finals following victory over New Zealand in the week, while West Indies had been eliminated on the back of four defeats.

Despite a resolute 67 from their Plymouth skipper, England, who were put into bat, only just managed to push their total past 200.

An unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 48 from Jenny Gunn (31 not out) and Laura Marsh (24 not out) saw the hosts through to 220 for seven.

West Indies, though, never really looked like closing in on their modest victory target after struggling to 73 for four, captain Stafanie Taylor out for a 12-ball duck.

Sciver had scored a second century of the tournament against New Zealand, which included a between-the-legs ‘Nat-meg’ shot.

While the Surrey player could not produce a repeat performance yesterday – lasting only two balls before being bowled without troubling the scorers – Sciver delivered with the ball, taking three wickets for just three runs in her four-over spell.

England recovered from losing their opening match of the tournament against India to finish top of the table and are now set to play South Africa back at Bristol on Tuesday.

India will contest the other semi-final against Australia at Derby following their win over New Zealand.

Earlier, England opener Lauren Winfield could only manage 11 before she went in the tenth over, caught at deep square leg to give 16-year-old left-arm seamer Qiana Joseph a first one-day international wicket.

Wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor was dismissed for nought, the second wicket to fall after sending a thick edge off Deandra Dottin to Hayley Matthews with only 54 on the scoreboard.

Tammy Beaumont made a resolute 42 as she helped re-build the England innings alongside Knight.

However, spinner Afy Fletcher then removed both Beaumont and Sciver in the space of three balls to put England at 91 for four, with Fran Wilson out for five following a review.

Knight was eventually bowled by Matthews, having struck five boundaries in her 13th one-day international half-century, with Katherine Brunt adding 14 before Gunn and Marsh helped put on a few late runs to boost England’s total.

Fletcher finished with three wickets for 33 runs from her ten overs.

In reply, West Indies soon found themselves two wickets down in the 13th over with less than 40 on the board after opener Kycia Knight was run out for 17 and Taylor trapped leg-before by Marsh.

Matthews then went the same way to Alex Hartley for 29.

Chedean Nation was out for 23 as Sciver started a fine spell which also saw her snare wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira lbw just two balls later and then also Fletcher on three – the ball was missing leg stump but West Indies had no reviews left.

Sciver’s four-over spell ended with three wickets for just three runs, and one maiden.

Akeira Peters fell lbw to Brunt for a duck with West Indies then 100 for eight in the 37th over as the run-rate edged into double figures.

Anisa Mohammed was lbw to Anya Shrubsole for 14, while Kyshona Knight finished not out on 12 as West Indies ended 128 for nine.

Plymouth’s Heather Knight reacts after being bowled out by West Indies’ Hayley Matthews during England’s ICC Women’s World Cup match at the The County Ground in Bristol Picture: Aaron Chown / PA Wire

@thesundayindy

SOMERSET’s match at the SSE SWALEC, ground in Cardiff against Glamorgan in the South group was delayed by rain – and later abandoned.

BRIDGE TOO FAR: England’s Gary Ballance batting in the first innings on Day-Two of the Second Investec Test against South Africa at Trent Bridge. South Africa have a lead of 205 Picture: Nick Potts / PA Wire

ROOT FACING FIRST DEFEAT INSIDE 3 DAYS ENGLAND surrendered a yawning advantage to South Africa on a manic second day at Trent Bridge.

The hosts, hoping to consolidate here after their wide-margin win at Lord’s, will have to do so the very hard way after being bowled out for 205 to concede a first-innings deficit of 130 in this Second Investec Test.

South Africa then extended their lead to 205 with a stumps total of 75 for one, as a curiously serene late passage of play broke the mould and yielded a solitary wicket in a daily tally of 15.

James Anderson added just that one further success to his first-innings five for 72, having kickstarted the cameo appearances by taking four for four in 16 balls as South Africa mustered only 26 more runs to be bowled out for 335.

Joe Root (78) then responded to the early loss of both England openers with a 40-ball half-century. But his and Gary Ballance’s all-Yorkshire counter-attack did not last long enough, before Keshav Maharaj (three for 21) and Chris Morris (three for 38) restated South Africa’s supremacy in a home innings which lasted only 51.5 overs.

On a pitch already providing variable bounce for the seamers, England were facing a mission improbable to somehow escape Nottingham with their series lead intact.

Anderson began an apparently unstoppable chain of events with the wicket of Vernon Philander, and he also did for Morris – the pair who had frustrated England

◆

SECOND TEST England v.

South Africa

by David Clough in a partnership of 74 on Friday evening.

It took Anderson only five deliveries to have Philander caught in the off-side ring off a leading edge, without addition to his overnight 54.

In his next over, a second successive wicket-maiden, Maharaj was well-caught at second slip by Root. Morris then closed the face and got a leading edge back to England’s all-time record wickettaker, who completed South Africa’s slide when Morne Morkel was last out – edging an expansive drive behind to Jonny Bairstow.

The change of innings did nothing to halt the spate of wickets.

Philander went straight to DRS when he got one to straighten back into Alastair Cook in the fourth over – and although an inside-edge precluded lbw, it instead resulted in another caught-behind via the pad.

Morkel made it two in two with the first delivery of the next over with Keaton Jennings the latest victim.

At a crisis point of three for two, the onus was very much on Root and Ballance.

Root put pressure back on the bowlers with three off-

side fours in one Philander over, and Ballance was good enough to quickly follow the example set in a stand of 83.

But he was gone straight after lunch, bowled via an inside-edge and pad as he pushed forward to Philander’s first delivery of the session.

Root shared another halfcentury stand with Bairstow until he paid for one shot too many at Morkel and edged an attempted drive behind.

There was an important success for slow left-armer Maharaj when Ben Stokes went for an 11-ball duck – inside-edge on to pad, and Quinton de Kock doing well to readjust his timing for his fourth catch of the innings, from gloves up to shoulder and back again.

Bairstow went too, just before tea, bowled off-stump by Maharaj on the forward-defence to a very good ball that drifted in and then turned sharply.

Morris pushed Moeen Ali on to the back foot with a series of short balls, then had the left-hander poking to cover when he pitched one up at the start of his next over, and was on a hat-trick after DRS confirmed Stuart Broad’s golden duck – lbw deep in the crease.

Liam Dawson’s mis-sweep at Maharaj meant England had lost three wickets stuck on 199, but they at least scrambled past 200 before Mark Wood was last out to Morris when he fended a catch to second slip.

South Africa were soon minus Heino Kuhn, edging Anderson low to second slip – and only after his departure for a third single-figure score in his four Test innings to date, did the clatter of wickets abate at last as Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla prospered in 14 curiously uneventful overs.

scoreboard at Trent Bridge (Day two of five) South Africa won the toss

SOUTH AFRICA FIRST INNINGS Elgar c Dawson b Anderson ........6 Kuhn b Broad ...........................34 Amla c Wood b Broad................78 de Kock c Cook b Broad............68 du Plessis c Bairstow b Stokes..19 Bavuma c Bairstow b Stokes.....20 Philander c Dawson b Anderson .54 Morris c & b Anderson ..............36 Maharaj c Root b Anderson.........0 Morkel c Bairstow b Anderson.....8 Olivier not out ..............................0 Extras (12lb) ..12 Total (96.2 overs) 335 Fall: 1-18, 2-66, 3-179, 4-194, 5220, 6-235, 7-309, 8-317, 9-330.

Bowling: Anderson 23.2-6-72-5, Broad 22-4-64-3, Wood 17-3-610, Stokes 18-3-77-2, Dawson 71-26-0, Moeen 8-1-21-0, Jennings 1-0-2-0.

ENGLAND FIRST INNINGS Cook c de Kock b Philander ........3 Jennings c de Kock b Morkel ......0 Ballance b Philander ................27 Root c de Kock b Morkel ...........78 Bairstow b Maharaj....................45 Stokes c de Kock b Maharaj........0 Moeen c du Plessis b Morris .....18 Dawson c Amla b Maharaj.........13 Broad lbw b Morris.......................0 Wood c du Plessis b Morris .........6 Anderson not out .........................0 Extras (1w, 4b, 10lb) ..15 Total (51.5 overs) 205 Fall: 1-3, 2-3, 3-86, 4-143, 5-168, 6-177, 7-199, 8-199, 9-199.

Bowling: Morkel 13-2-45-2, Philander 13-2-48-2, Morris 8.5-138-3, Olivier 7-0-39-0, Maharaj 10-1-21-3.

SOUTH AFRICA SECOND INNINGS Elgar not out ..............................38 Kuhn c Root b Anderson .............8 Amla nout out ............................23 Extras (6lb).....6 Total (1 wkts, 22 overs) ..75 To Bat: de Kock, du Plessis, Bavuma, Philander, Morris, Maharaj, Morkel, and Olivier.

Fall: 1-18.

Bowling: Anderson 6-2-13-1, Broad 6-1-21-0, Wood 4-1-19-0, Moeen 3-1-15-0, Stokes 2-1-1-0, Dawson 1-1-0-0.

Umpires: Simon Fry, Paul Reiffel, Sundaram Ravi, Alexander Wharf, and Jeffrey Crowe.

South Africa lead by 205 runs

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◆

NATWEST T20 BLAST

by Chris Adams

When play began last night, Glamorgan were put in to bat by the Cidermen and lost a wicket early on when David Lloyd was caught at the wicket off the bowling of Lewis Gregory.

Glamorgan then went along nicely, but lost wickets at even intervals on their way to 171 for five before the rain arrived again, taking the players off with 2.4 oves of the Glamorgan innings to go.

Jacques Rudolph was not out on 65 when the innings was declared over. The game needed to re-start by 10.00 pm with Somerset having five overs to get a result under the Duckworth-Lewis method, but with rain still coming down the umpires had no choice but to abandon the game. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● ROSES rivals Lancashire and Yorkshire were frustrated by Friday night’s weather to allow holders Northamptonshire take over top spot in the NatWest T20 Blast North Group.

A record 19,500 crowd at Emirates Old Trafford – the largest attendance for a ‘Blast’ match outside of London – were left wondering ‘what if’ as rain scuppered the end of an intriguing clash.

LANCASHIRE posted 176 for four having elected to bat, with Karl Brown’s 61 off 47 balls at the top of the order his third successive 50 in this fixture.

Off-spinner Azeem Rafiq slowed down Lancashire with two for 26 from his four overs and, in reply, YORKSHIRE were 44 for one in the sixth over.

They were ahead on Duckworth/Lewis before Adam Lyth tried to hammer Ryan McLaren over the top, only to miscue high to cover.

At 44 for two, Yorkshire were behind and had blown their best chance to win the game with rain getting heavier.

They finished on 64 for two after 8.1 overs and level on ‘D/L’ after taking a single off what turned out to be the last ball of the match. The players were taken off at 9.00 pm and the match was abandoned 35 minutes later.

Reigning Blast champions NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ended BIRMINGHAM BEARS’ 100 per cent record with a five-wicket win at Edgbaston.

Ian Bell top-scored with 50 but the Bears were pegged back by Northamptonshire spin twins Tabraiz Shamsi (two for 24) and Graeme White (two for 30).

Josh Cobb then took up the cudgels with a well-judged 48 and Rob Keogh (41 not out) saw the Steelbacks over the line and top of the section with a boundary off the final ball.

Clint McKay took an incredible five for 11 from four overs – the best-ever ‘Blast’ figures by a LEICESTERSHIRE bowler – as WORCESTERSHIRE were beaten by five wickets at New Road.

McKay’s personal best in the short format of the game restricted the Rapids to 148 for eight, with Ben Cox (51) and Daryl Mitchell (31) the mainstay of Worcestershire’s effort.

Leicestershire were given a solid start by Luke Ronchi (27) and Cameron Delport (23) and an unbroken sixth-wicket stand between Colin Ackermann (47 not out) and Tom Wells (31 not out) saw the visitors home with nine balls to spare. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● IN the South Group, Joe Denly hit a career-best 116 not out as KENT chased down 206 to beat SURREY by eight wickets in front of a near 25,000 sell-out at The Oval.

Denly carried his bat, hitting 76 of his runs in boundaries, to ease Kent home with three balls to spare for their second win in three matches.

Jason Roy (55) and Aaron Finch (49) shared a century opening stand as Surrey posted 205 for five – and the Spitfires were 33 runs shy of the hosts’ total at the six-over powerplay stage.

But former Middlesex batsman Denly smashed ten fours and six sixes in his 63-ball innings as his opening partnership of 163 in 15.4 overs with Daniel Bell-Drummond (64) proved decisive.

Kent climb in to second spot behind unbeaten leaders HAMPSHIRE, who made it three wins in a row with a 29-run success over MIDDLESEX at the Ageas Bowl.

Former England batsman Michael Carberry smashed 77 off 45 balls, including four fours and five sixes, and solid support from captain James Vince (34) and Rilee Roussow (30) saw Hampshire reach 189 for eight from their 20 overs.

The target proved well beyond Middlesex who slumped to 74 for seven as leg-spinner Mason Crane (three for 15) cashed in on some early tight seam bowling. Bowler Tim Southee was the visitors’ top scorer with an unbeaten 64 off 32 balls, but it was yet another powerful statement from an impressive Hampshire side.

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MUSTARD’S KEEN TO STAY SKIPPER

PHIL Mustard plans to help Gloucestershire become genuine promotion contenders in the Specsavers County Championship.

The 34-year-old former Durham stalwart took over as four-day captain when Gareth Roderick was ruled out of early games by illness and has remained in charge since the latter’s return to the team.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

by Richard Latham tershire into a successful four-day team,’ he said.

‘I want to play the hard cricket I was brought up on and instill it into our boys.

‘We need to have a fierce desire to compete with the best and that means reaching the Championship First Division.

‘We have a comparatively small squad, but I believe in setting sights high. This season we have held our own against Nottinghamshire at Bristol, as well as against another good side in Durham, and we have just beaten Glamorgan inside two days.

‘Things are starting to move in the right direction as a team and hopefully we can carry on that progression over our remaining games.

‘Four-day matches offer proper, hard cricket and we have to be tougher. The First Division is a realistic aim, although this season may be too soon for it to be achieved.’

Mustard is clear on the demands he is making of team-mates in an effort to fashion a successful side.

He added: ‘Our bowlers are buying into a patience game instead of expecting wickets to just happen for them.

‘I have been really pleased with our bowling. We have good pace and skills among our seamers and, with experience, they are starting to think batsmen out.

‘Instead of just operating ball by ball, you have to be two or three steps ahead of the opponent. That’s what First Division bowlers in the

Mustard will remain skipper at least until the end of the season. During the Cheltenham Festival game against Worcestershire, I was able to talk at length with him about his cricketing philosophy.

It proved a fascinating conversation with the experienced wicketkeeper and left-handed batsman, who is passionate about Championship cricket, despite having only represented England in one-day and Twenty20 internationals.

Inevitably nicknamed ‘Colonel’, Mustard also brims with enthusiasm over the job of being a county captain.

‘It’s not new to me because I did the job for two years at Durham and really enjoyed it,’ he told me. ‘So when it was offered to me for the rest of this season I was delighted to accept.

‘I was quite vocal in team meetings anyway. Gareth Roderick is a very good cricketer, but for him to captain the side, keep wicket, set fields and bat at number four was asking a lot.

‘I think it was the right decision for me to take over.

We will probably get more out of Gareth as a result and I am very pleased to be in charge.

‘Both of us are happy with the situation. I work in a different way to Rodders, but we all come together and discuss plans, even though the decision-making on the pitch is now down to me.’

Mustard is quite clear on his priorities. ‘What I really want to do is make Glouces-

Specsavers County Championship Division Two P

W

L

D

Bat

Nottinghamshire ....9 Worcestershire........8 Kent ..........................9 Northamptonshire ..8 Sussex......................7 Glamorgan ..............9 GLOUCESTERSHIRE..7 Derbyshire ..............8 Durham ....................9 Leicestershire ........8

5 5 4 5 3 2 2 1 2 0

0 2 1 2 3 5 2 5 4 5

4 1 4 1 1 2 3 2 3 3

33 27 24 17 17 17 9 19 21 21

Bowl Ded

27 22 24 21 18 26 16 22 24 19

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 16

Pts

160 134 132 123 88 85 72 67 44 39

NatWest T20 Blast South Division (Not including – Glamorgan v Somerset) P

W

L

T

Hampshire......................3 Kent.................................3 Surrey .............................4 GLOUCESTERSHIRE....2 Middlesex .......................3 Essex ..............................3 Glamorgan......................2 SOMERSET ....................2 Sussex ............................2

3 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0

0 1 2 0 1 2 1 2 2

0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

Ded No R

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

R/R

Pts

1.167 0.196 -0.202 0.280 -0.243 0.068 -0.100 -0.650 -0.925

6 4 4 3 3 2 2 0 0

Championship are capable of doing.

‘They are able to think even an over ahead, rather than just in the moment. But since I have been captain I must say our lads have been doing it increasingly and I am delighted with their progression.’

Of a Championship batting line-up lacking both Michael Klinger and the retired Hamish Marshall this season, Mustard also talks positively.

He said: ‘I came in for Hamish because we are similar types of player and Cameron Bancroft is a class act as he showed with a brilliant Twenty20 half-century against Middlesex at Cheltenham.

‘That demonstrated the skills he possesses, which have also been evident in patches over the course of the season. I have no doubts about his ability.

‘We have tended to lose a few wickets early in Championship matches, including some just before lunch, and if we are going to be successful we have to combat that.

‘You can’t keep relying on the middle order and tail-enders to get you up to 270 or 300. We have to be putting 350 and 400 on the board a lot more often.

‘Jack Taylor is really growing in his role as a number seven and is starting to look like a proper batsman.

…the story so far

TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Taylor, (left), scored 143 against Worcestershire at the College Ground, Cheltenham, while Liam Norwell took six for 38 against Glamorgan at the College Ground, Cheltenham

Progress ‘Not so long ago he was trying to swing at every ball.

Now he has worked out his natural game and is beginning to dominate teams without taking as many risks.’

Looking ahead to next summer, Mustard hopes to lead further development.

‘I have signed a two-year deal so I am definitely here next season and if the club want me to continue as skipper I will be more than happy to do so,’ he said.

‘I don’t know the way they are thinking in that respect, but one of the big reasons I came down here was to help Gloucestershire progress and that is still my aim.

‘It’s a young side and, with the experience I have gained over my career on and off the pitch, I think I have a lot to pass on.

‘There is more to it than just rocking up and playing.

You need to learn how to communicate with people inside and outside of the club and I want our younger generation to develop into the full package.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● THISARA Perera is set to make his Gloucestershire debut against Sussex in the final match of the Cheltenham Festival today.

The Sri Lankan allrounder, recruited to replace the injured Andrew Tye in the NatWest T20 Blast, had been expected to play in the South Group match against Kent at the College Ground on Thursday.

Perera’s arrival in England was delayed and he missed that game. But the

Gloucestershire Summer 2017

DELAYED DEBUT: Thisara Perera, who will make his debut for Gloucestershire today Picture: Tom Sandberg / Pinnacle Twenty20 World Cup winner is now here and ready to start what promises to be an exciting spell with the county.

Gloucestershire go into the Sussex match with three points from their opening two Blast fixtures, while their opponents have lost both their matches so far.

In Luke Wright, Sussex have one of the most dangerous top order batsmen in the competition and he already has a hundred and a halfcentury to his name in the early fixtures.

But Gloucestershire have their own talisman in Benny Howell, who claimed 24 wickets in last season’s competition and showed that was no fluke by taking four for 29 in Thursday’s sixwicket win over Kent.

He said: ‘Kent went quickly with the bat early on, but we pegged it back and took wickets at important times. I thought our bowling and fielding was excellent.

‘With the bat, we were good too. We said we must not get complacent and we didn’t.

‘The wicket was a bit twopaced at times, so it wasn’t as easy as it might have been. But it’s a good win to build on against Sussex.’

Kent made a decent start thanks to Joe Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond. But Gloucestershire soon took control. When Denly (39) fol-

lowed Bell-Drummond (16) back to the pavilion and from 56 for two, Kent slipped to 87 for five in the 12th over.

Sam Billings and sixthwicket partner Darren Stevens progressed at ten an over until Matt Taylor took a fine catch at backwardsquare off the bowling of Howell, to send back Billings for 36.

Howell, who had already taken the wickets of Sam Northeast and Denly, added his fourth scalp before the end of the 17th over when Matt Coles holed out to Jack Taylor at long on for a first ball duck at 128 for seven.

From that juncture, Kent limped to 152 for eight.

Michael Klinger and Phil Mustard put on 35 for Gloucestershire’s first wicket before James Tredwell bowled Klinger for 13 in the sixth over.

Ian Cockbain and Mustard (42) then added 41 before the latter drove Twenty20 debutant Imran Qayyum to midwicket where Northeast took the catch.

Although Coles took an even better catch to dismiss Cockbain for 31, Gloucestershire had already batted themselves within sight of victory.

Cameron Bancroft (34no) again proved his worth as a Twenty20 player and, with Howell (22) batting as well as he bowled, Gloucestershire eased to victory with five balls to spare.

Tuesday, March 28

UNI

Durham MCCU (Bristol) 3 days .............................................Match drawn

Friday, April 7

SCC2

Kent (Canterbuy) 4 days..................................................Lost by 334 runs

Friday, April 14

SCC2

LEICESTERSHIRE (Bristol) 4 days..............Won by an innings and six runs

Friday, April 21

SCC2

DURHAM (Brightside, Bristol ) 4 days..................................Match drawn

Thursday, April 27

50L

GLAMORGAN (Bristol) 1 day ....................Lost by 18 runs (D/L Method)

Sunday, April 30

50L

Middlesex (Lord’s) 1 day............................................Won by five wickets

Thursday, May 4

50L

Essex (Chelmsford) 1 day .................................................Lost by 29 runs

Friday, May 5

ODI

England v Ireland (Bristol) .....................England won by seven wickets

Sunday, May 7

50L

Hampshire (Ageas Bowl) 1 day.............................Lost by seven wickets

Wednesday, May 10

50L

KENT (Brightside Ground,) 1 day.....................................Won by 11 runs

Friday, May 12

50L

SOMERSET (Brightside Groundl) 1 day ..Lost by 81 runs (D/L Method)

Sunday, May 14

50L

Sussex (Eastbourne) 1 day.........................................Won by six wickets

Wednesday, May 17

50L (F)

SURREY (Brightside Ground) 1 day............................Match Abandoned

Friday, May 26

SCC2

Nottinghamshire (Trent Bridge) 4 days......Lost by Innings and 50 runs

Friday, June 9

SCC2

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (Brightside Ground,) 4 days.............Match drawn

Monday, June 26

SCC2

Sussex (The 1st Central County Ground) 4 days ...............Match drawn

Monday, July 3

SCC2

GLAMORGAN (Cheltenham) 4 days ...............................Won by 10 wickets

Friday, July 7

T20

MIDDLESEX (Cheltenham) 1 day...............................................Match tied

Sunday, July 9

SCC2

WORCESTERSHIRE (Cheltenham) 4 days ..........................Match drawn

Thursday, July 13

T20

KENT (Cheltenham) 1 day...........................................Won by six wickets

Sunday, July 16

T20

SUSSEX (Cheltenham 1 day ............................................................TODAY

Tuesday, July 18

T20

Kent (Canterbury) 1 day ................................................................................

Tuesday, July 18

WWC

TBC v TBC (Brightside Ground) 1 day........................................................

Friday, July 21

T20

Somerset (The Cooper Associates County Ground) 1 day......................

Tuesday, July 25

T20 (F)

GLAMORGAN (Brightside Ground) 1 day ..................................................

Friday, July 28 (F)

T20

HAMPSHIRE (Brightside Ground) 1 day.....................................................

Saturday, July 29

T20

Essex (Chelmsford) 1 day.............................................................................

Thursday, August 3

T20

Glamorgan (SSR Swalec Stadium) 1 day....................................................

Friday, August 4

T20 (F)

SOMERSET (Brightside Ground) 1 day ......................................................

Sunday, August 6

SCC2

Northants (Northampton) 4 days .................................................................

Friday, August 11

T20

Sussex (The 1st Central County Ground) 1 day ........................................

Sunday, August 13

T20

ESSEX (Brightside Ground,) 1 day..............................................................

Monday, August 14

ODI

England under-19 v India under-19 (Brightside Ground) 1 day...............

Tuesday, August 15

T20

Middlesex (Uxbridge) 1 day ..........................................................................

Thursday, August 17

T20

Surrey (Kia Oval) 1 day..................................................................................

Saturday, August 26

KSL

Western Storm v Lancashire Thunder (Brightside Ground) 1 day .........

Monday, August 28

SCC2

Worcestershire (New Road) 4 days .............................................................

Tuesday, September 5

SCC2

Leicestershire (The Fischer County Ground) 4 days................................

Tuesday, September 12

SCC2

KENT (Brightside Ground) 4 days ...............................................................

Tuesday, September 19

SCC2

Glamorgan (SSE Swalec Stadium) 4 days..................................................

Sunday, September 24

ODI

England v West Indies (Brightside Ground) 1 day ....................................

Monday, September 25

SCC2

DERBYSHIRE (Brightside Ground) 4 days.................................................

FIXTURE LIST KEY SCC2 = Liverpool Victoria County Championship Division Two 50L = Royal London One-Day Cup (50-over competition) T20 = NatWest T20 Blast ODI = One-Day International KLS – Kia Super League WWC = Women’s World Cup UNI = University – (F) = Floodlit games

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Somerset CCC Summer ’17 …the story so far

OMITTING ABELL WAS INEVITABLE

MATTHEW Maynard has been talking about the tough decision to drop captain Tom Abell from Somerset’s Specsavers County Championship side.

SEASON’S BEST: Roelof van der Merwe, (left), scored 165 not out against Surrey at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton, while Dom Bess took seven for 117 against Hampshire, also at the Cooper Associates Ground Friday, April 7

UNI

OXFORD MCCU (Taunton) 3 days ......................Won by 506 runs

Friday, 14 Apr

SCC1

ESSEX (Taunton) 4 days ...............................Lost by eight wickets

Friday, 21 Apr

SCC1

Lancashire (Emirates Old Trafford) 4 days.........Lost by 164 runs

Friday, April 28

50L

SURREY (Taunton) 1 day................................Won by four wickets

Sunday, April 30

50L

Sussex (1st Central) 1 day...........Won by nine runs (D/L Method)

Tuesday, May 2

50L

KENT (Taunton) 1 day .....................................Won by four wickets

Friday, May 5

50L

Glamorgan (SSE SWALEC) 1 day ........................Won by 170 runs

Weds, May 10

50L

HAMPSHIRE (Taunton) 1 day .........................Lost by four wickets

Friday, May 12

50L

Gloucestershire (Bristol) 1 day.......Won by 81 runs (D/L Method)

Sunday, May 14

50L

ESSEX (Taunton) 1 day............................................Lost by 72 runs

Weds, May 17

50L (F)

Middlesex (Lord’s) 1 day.....................................Match Abandoned

Friday, May 19

SCC1

WARWICKSHIRE (Taunton) 4 days.............................Match drawn

Friday, May 26

SCC1

HAMPSHIRE (Taunton) 4 days................................Lost by 90 runs

Friday, June 2

SCC1

Middlesex (Lord’s) 4 days............................................Match drawn

Friday, June 9

SCC1

YORKSHIRE (Taunton) 4 days...........................Lost by three runs

Tuesday, June 13

50L

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (Taunton) 1 day ...................Lost by 24 runs

Monday, June 26

SCC1 (F) Hampshire (Ageas Bowl) 4 days.................................Match drawn

Monday, July 3

SCC1

Sunday, July 9

T20

Surrey (Kia Oval) 1 day.........................................Lost by four runs

Thursday, July 13

T20 (F)

Essex (Chelmsford) 1 day .......................................Lost by 22 runs

Saturday, July 15

T20 (F)

Glamorgan (SSE SWALEC) 1 day......................Match Abandoned

Sunday, July 16

T20

Middlesex (Uxbridge) 1 day ...................................................TODAY

Friday, July 21

T20

GLOUCESTERSHIRE (Taunton) 1 day...............................................

Sunday, July 23

T20

MIDDLESEX (Taunton) 1 day..............................................................

Weds, July 26

T20

HAMPSHIRE (Taunton) 1 day .............................................................

Thursday, July 27

T20 (F)

Kent (Canterbury) 1 day......................................................................

Sunday, July 30

T20

SUSSEX (Taunton) 1 day ....................................................................

Friday, August 4

T20 (F)

Gloucestershire (Bristol) 1 day..........................................................

Yorkshire (Scarborough) 4 days ..........................Won by 179 runs

Sunday, August 6

T20

SURREY (Taunton) 1 day....................................................................

Monday, August 7

SCC1

SURREY (Taunton) 4 days..................................................................

Saturday, August 12 T20

KENT (Taunton) 1 day .........................................................................

Sunday, August 13 T20

GLAMORGAN (Taunton) 1 day ..........................................................

Friday, August 18

Hampshire (Ageas Bowl) 1 day..........................................................

T20 (F)

Tuesday, August 22 T20 Weds, August 23

QUARTER-FINALS...............................................................................

T20

QUARTER-FINALS...............................................................................

Thursday, August 24 T20

QUARTER-FINALS...............................................................................

Friday, August 25

T20

QUARTER-FINALS...............................................................................

Monday, August 28 SCC1

Essex (Chelmsford) 4 days ................................................................

\Saturday, Sept 2

FINALS DAY (Edgbaston) 1 day.........................................................

T20

Tuesday, Sept 5

SCC1

Warwickshire (Edgbaston) 4 days.....................................................

Tuesday, Sept 12

SCC1

LANCASHIRE (Taunton) 4 days.........................................................

Tuesday, Sept19

SCC1

Surrey (Kia Oval) 4 days .....................................................................

Monday, Sept 25

SCC1

MIDDLESEX (Taunton) 4 days............................................................

FIXTURE LIST KEY SCC1 = Specsavers County Championship Division One 50L = Royal London One-Day Cup (50-over competition) T20 = NatWest T20 Blast UNI = University game – TOM = tour match WWC = Women’s World Cup Fr = Friendlies – (F) Floodlit fixture

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The 23-year-old batsman was omitted from the last match against Yorkshire, which saw the team register their first win in the competition this season, after bagging a pair in the previous game against Hampshire.

Nine other scores of eight or less in Abell’s 14 Championship innings this summer, left Maynard with little option but to drop the popular young player he entrusted with the captaincy so early in his career.

Somerset’s director of cricket told me: ‘It has been tough on Tom. He has led the side very well on the pitch, but has had a problem scoring the runs to justify his place.

‘We had a chat after the Hampshire game and he fully supported the decision to leave him out against Yorkshire.

‘He wished the other players well because he is that type of bloke. No one would have been more delighted than him when the team won.’

Maynard revealed that he had urged Abell to rest his

SOMERSET

by Richard Latham mind and body with a holiday, but that the suggestion had been rejected.

‘My preference was for Tom to go away and forget cricket for a week or ten days,’ he said.

‘But he didn’t want to do that. He wanted to continue working hard at his game because he felt that was the best way forward for him.

‘There is always a balance to be struck. Tom has effectively been playing non-stop for two years, including his spells overseas, and sometimes a little break can work.

‘His decision not to go down that route shows his dedication. He knows his fortunes will turn and he wants to bring it about as soon as possible.’

The question now is whether Abell will have regained sufficient form and confidence to lead Somerset in their next Championship fixture against Surrey at Taunton, starting on Monday August 7.

With a 30-point gap to

close to escape the relegation positions in Division One, there will be no room for sentiment when it comes to selecting a batting line-up that featured the inexperienced Eddie Byrom, Tim Rouse and Adam Hose against Yorkshire.

Maynard said: ‘Tom is very much in my thoughts to continue as captain. But the lads who have come into the batting line-up have done very well.

‘There is also George Bartlett to consider. He lost his form at just the wrong time, which is why he wasn’t selected against Yorkshire.

‘It’s up to George and the likes of Eddie Byrom and Tim Rouse to use the time set aside for Twenty20 cricket to get back in the second XI and make runs to push for the Surrey match.

‘A month is a long time in cricket and I am hoping to be faced with some really tough selection decisions when the Championship resumes.’

Lewis Gregory led Somerset to victory at Scarborough and Maynard admired the all-rounder’s response to the extra responsibility.

‘Lewis did a great job,’ he said. ‘He has a really good cricket brain and a good demeanour about him.

‘He is a different character to Tom, but the lads responded really well to his leadership. We challenged them to show some fight and they did exactly that.

‘I have been impressed by Lewis’s leadership skills,

LEADERSHIP MATERIAL: Lewis Gregory, who stood in for Tom Abell as captain against Yorkshire Picture: Tom Sandberg / PPAUK but we have to be careful we don’t over-burden him. He is important to us as a bowler, batsman and excellent slip fielder.

‘We also have some good young leaders coming through in the likes of Tim Rouse and Ben Green, as well as Dom Bess, who led the second XI recently.’

The vast majority of Somerset fans will be keeping fingers crossed that Abell’s undoubted talent shines through over what is sure to

be a tense end to the Championship campaign.

Maynard acknowledged: ‘As things stand, we are staring relegation in the face.

Before the Yorkshire game I basically told the players it was a seven-game season to get out of trouble and they responded with a win.

‘If they show the same sort of commitment in the remaining fixtures we will be okay. But there is a lot of work still to do.’

Somerset need Jamie fit for survival battle ahead JAMIE Overton is set for a light bowling session in the Taunton nets tomorrow as the first step towards recovery from a back problem.

The 23-year-old pace bowler sustained the injury playing for England Lions and is unlikely to play much part in Somerset’s NatWest T20 Blast Group campaign.

Ideally, the club would like Overton fit and firing for their next Specsavers County Championship game against Surrey at Taunton, starting on August 7.

But director of cricket Matthew Maynard warns that no risks can be taken with an injury he feared would have developed into a stress fracture had Jamie continued to bowl flat out.

Maynard said: ‘Jamie will do some gentle bowling in the nets this week and if he remains pain free we will step him up to maybe 70 or 80 per cent. There is a long

SOMERSET

by Richard Latham way to go before he is fit enough to get the game time in to find his rhythm and prepare for a return to the first team.

‘We have to take things gradually because of the fear of aggravating the problem.’ ❑ ❑ ❑ ● MATTHEW Maynard admitted concern about the form of Somerset’s batsmen after the 22-run NatWest T20 Blast defeat

by Essex at Chelmsford.

The director of cricket witnessed a second loss in as many South Group fixtures on Thursday as his side fell short chasing a victory target of 171.

No batsman scored more than the 27 made by James Hildreth and the team, lacking overseas signing Corey Anderson because of a back problem could post only 148 for nine. Anderson apart, the batting had failed miser-

ably in the opening group match against Surrey at The Oval and Maynard was looking for a major improvement in this weekend’s double header against Glamorgan last night and Middlesex today.

Sadly, Anderson was ruled out of both games as he continues to recover from a back spasm suffered when bowling in the Surrey match. Somerset were always going to face a testing start to their Twenty20 campaign when given four successive away games before Friday’s first home fixture against arch-rivals Gloucestershire at Taunton.

They travelled to Cardiff for yesterday’s floodlit game already desperate to put some points on the board.

After the Essex match Maynard said: ‘I would be lying if I claimed I wasn’t concerned about our batting.

‘This was probably the hardest game to try and get form back. The Essex bowlers know their own

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difference. It’s just not happening for us at the minute.

But one game or even one great partnership along the way can things around.’

Somerset had bowled and fielded well to restrict Essex to 170, Craig Overton the most economical bowler with one for 25 from his four overs. ‘We’re not too downhearted because we are doing a good number of things,’ said Maynard.

‘Essex were in the same position as us going into the game and there is a long way to go in the competition.’

pitch and showed how to utilise it, when to bowl slower balls and when to hit back of a length. If you start doubting yourself then things creep into your game.

If you see the ball in the right area, you’ve just got to try and hit it out of the park.

‘In Twenty20 cricket, if you have any doubts about doing that then it is very hard to get out of the mind-set.

‘Essex had one batsmen who scored over fifty, while we had a couple of guys in the twenties. Ultimately, it is someone carrying an innings through that makes a

Specsavers County Championship Division One P

W

L

D

Essex..............................8 Lancashire ....................8 Hampshire......................9 Yorkshire........................9 Middlesex ......................8 Surrey ............................8 SOMERSET....................8 Warwickshire ................8

5 3 3 3 2 1 1 0

0 1 2 3 2 1 4 5

3 4 4 3 4 6 3 3

Bat Bowl Ded 21 20 19 14 23 31 11 16

22 21 21 23 19 17 22 16

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0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pts 138 109 108 100 94 94 64 47

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through the eyes of……

Marcus Trescothick

TRESCO

…in conversation with Richard Latham

Nice to see our skipper find some form with a Second XI century after losing place in Firsts

T

More importantly, he spent more that four hours at the crease, sharing stands of 96 with Tim Rouse and 115 with Michael Leask.

The innings will have done Tom the world of good. All batsmen go through lean spells in their careers and the important thing is not to lose faith in your ability or the methods, which have previously served you well.

Obviously, there was more focus on Tom’s run of poor scores this season because he had just taken on the role of captain. That made it extra tough for him, but none of his team-mates have lost faith in his talent and it was just a matter

performances will be taken into account when selecting for the Surrey game. And that may not apply to just the youngsters.

I am due to play in the Second XI Championship game against Sussex at Horsham, starting on Wednesday, and will also be looking for a decent score after a poor run in the first team.

In the same competition, we face Gloucestershire at Bristol Cricket Club for three days from the following Tuesday and it is the Monday after which sees us resume our County Championship campaign.

It is only right that the younger batsmen should be pushing the elder statesmen, like myself, for their places and it’s important that the players in the best form face Surrey in what will be a hugely important game.

Ideally, we would have loved another Champi-

onship fixture on the back of the morale-boosting victory over Yorkshire because we ended that match on a high.

Instead, Twenty20 has taken over with us still in a very perilous position in the First Division table. There is no point in dwelling on it, but no one is in any doubt about the need to improve on our first half of the season.

We have six games left and may well have to win at least three of them to stay in the top flight. That is no easy task, particularly as four of those matches are in September when the days get shorter and bad light can be a factor.

‘

It is only right that younger batsmen should push the elder statesmen, like myself, for their places...

‘

OM Abell’s latest century may have gone unnoticed by some Somerset fans as it was made in a Second XI fixture against MCC Universities at Taunton Vale during the week.

But within the club it was cause for celebration as it signalled a welcome return to form for of time before it resurour young, four-day faced.

There is going to be captain ahead of the added interest to our Second XI fixtures while the Specsavers County T20 Blast is takChampionship rele- NatWest ing centre stage because of gation battle, which the battle to be in the batawaits us in August ting line-up when we resume our Championship and September. against Surrey Tom made 151 in campaign at Taunton next month. the first innings of Eddie Byrom and Rouse, the Second XI Cham- who played in the victory over Yorkshire at Scarborpionship game ough, made runs in the first against the Universi- innings against the Univerties, facing 214 balls sities, both getting out in the and striking 17 fours 40s.Matthew Maynard has and two sixes. made it clear that Second XI

Surrey are 30 points ahead of us in seventh place and we have to play them twice, the return fixture being the penultimate of the season, starting on Tuesday, September 19 at The Oval.

By then we will hopefully have at least closed the gap.

If last season is anything to go by we can expect the pitches at Taunton for our final three home games to

turn and produce decisive results. In Jack Leach and Dom Bess we have spinners proven in those conditions and if we can replicate the way we ended last summer, we will be okay.

Analysis No one is taking that for granted. Every player is aware of his responsibility for keeping Somerset among the elite of county cricket and how important that is.

It hasn’t been the best of starts to our NatWest Blast campaign. I was away commentating on games for Sky when we lost to Surrey and Essex, so I can’t offer too much analysis.

But after the opening game at The Oval all the lads were talking about Corey Anderson’s spectacular innings, which almost pulled victory out of the fire.

To hit seven sixes in scoring 81 off just 45 balls on debut was reminiscent of Chris Gayle and showed just why we have recruited the New Zealander at the second attempt.

Unfortunately, Corey tweaked his back bowling the first over of the match and had to miss the Essex match at Chelmsford, one of four successive away games, which add up to a very testing beginning to the South Group for us.

I’m sure the players will be glad to be back at Taunton for the visit of the old enemy Gloucestershire on Friday evening when another bumper County Ground crowd will ensure a fantastic atmosphere. Hope-

fully, we will go into that game on the back of a victory over Middlesex at Uxbridge today. In Twenty20 you need to build momentum and one good result can quickly lead to another.

With 14 group matches this season, there is every opportunity to make up ground after a poor start and I can still see us doing well if we can get Corey fit and firing on all cylinders.

The Gloucestershire match starts a sequence of four home games out of five, with Middlesex, Hampshire and Sussex all due at Taunton before the end of this month.

With our own supporters behind us, we are certainly capable of the sort of run necessary to make a real impact on the competition.

FINDING FORM: Tom Abell, who re-discovered his touch with the bat by making a century for Somerset Second XI against MCC Universities Picture: Tom Sandberg / Pinnacle

Bowser in form as England reach INAS Tri-Series final

DEVON’S Dan Bowser has been in the runs for the England Disability XI on their way to the final of the INAS Tri-Series.

Club grounds in Cheshire have been hosting the series, involving England, South Africa and Australia.

England were three out of three in the qualifying rounds, defeating South Africa twice then scraping past Australia.

Australia and South Africa meet today at Oxton CC to decide who will play England in tomorrow’s final at Neston.

Alex Jervis and North Devon CC all-rounder Bowser combined to earn England an easy win in the first game of the 50over series at Chester Boughton Hall. Jervis took

five for 46 as South Africa lost momentum after a flying start.

Bowser, who has played Second XI cricket for Leicestershire and Somerset, made short work of the target with an unbeaten 84 from 56 balls, as England cruised home with six wickets to spare.

Bowser then raced from 50 to 100 in 12 balls as England brushed South Africa aside at Bramhall in game two.

The Devon man’s second international century, his first in ODI cricket, provided the impetus as England posted 316 for three from 40 overs Bowser hit seven fours and eight sixes in all, peppering mid-wicket. He hit six of his sixes in the 12 balls it took him to move from 50 to 100

before finishing on 108 off 56 balls.

Said Bowser: ‘The first 50 they bowled pretty well, so I picked up what I could and knew that if I had ten overs to go, that’s my game ’It was more important because we’d lost some early wickets.’

After two wins over South Africa and two big scores, Bowser missed out with the bat against Australia but did claim wickets.

England’s bowlers picked up early wickets to leave the visitors in a perilous position at 55-5.

Tayler Young (3-12) was among the wickets with able support from Bowser (3-18) who picked up the key scalp of the Aussie skipper Gavan Hicks for 39. Boyd Duffield mounted a fightback as

his 66 not out enabled his team to post 170-8 from their 40 overs.

England lost wickets regularly and looked in trouble at 129-7 with just over ten overs left.

Brett Wilson was the chief destroyer for Australia picking up 3-18 including the in-form Bowser for just five.

Jack Perry (25no) and Tayler Young (21no) came to the rescue with a partnership of 46 to see England to a three-wicket victory.

A Twenty20 series gets underway on Tuesday when three days of crash, bang, wallop cricket begins.

The sides play each other twice over the three days at Toft, Boughton Hall and Oxton. The top two teams will play off at Nantwich on Friday.

GLOUCESSOLD OUT Y 21ST JULYY MIDDLESEX SUNDAY 23RD JULY HAMPSHIRE WEDNESSDAY 26TH JULYY SUSSEX SHARKS SUNNDAY 30TH JULYY

SURREY SUNNDAY 6TH AUGUST KENT SPITFIRES SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST (& WESTERN STORRM vs LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING)

GLAMORGAN SUNDAY 13TH AUGUST

THE COOOPER ASSOCIATTES COUNTY GROUNDD, TAUNTON

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FIRST. BEST. FOR LOCAL SPORT

SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2017

£1.20

EST. 1808

No.11022

● INSIDE… Cornwall athlete heads for European Juniors

TRURO RETAIN WILKES TROPHY Match report, page 16

AMBITION FUELS ARGYLE NEW BOY Full story, page 10

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY… Massey Mutters, page 13

CLUBS GRATEFUL TO VOLUNTEERS Dave Deacon, page 21

WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS Preview, page 23

CRICKET SCORES AND SCORERS LWC Drinks, page 75

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES

PILGRIMS’ PROGRESS: Plymouth Argyle’s new signing from Exeter City, Joel Grant, and Jake Jervis celebrate the third goal at Woodspring Stadium yesterday as the Pilgrims’ pre-season build-up remained on course with a 4-0 win over Vanarama National League South side Weston-super-Mare Match report and reaction inside Picture: Dave Rowntree / PPAUK

Results, fixtures, page 24 like us on

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FIRST. BEST. FOR LOCAL SPORT featuring 35 sports inside today

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