blackmorevale.net
New Blackmore Vale, 10 June 2022
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Sport
Stalwart Rex, 80, still going strong Sherborne FC celebrated their own England hero as the national side struggled against Hungary in the opening Nations League match. Rex Buttle, 80, made his England debut in walking football against Wales over-75s at Merthyr Tydfil as the oldest player in the 15-strong squad. Rex, who early in his career was struck with paralysis and told he would never play again, began his footballing life 63 years ago with Yeovil Town in 1959. His extensive footballing journey saw him play for Sherborne and Westlands. After hanging up his boots – the first time – he began a long run in management with Sherborne, Gillingham, Crewkerne, Street, Weymouth (Youth) and
Shaftesbury. He also joined Yeovil Town after bumping into chairman John Fry at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane ground where Rex was taking young players trials – which perhaps cut against the grain for the lifelong Arsenal fan! In his first season with Yeovil’s 16s side they won everything, and the next season at 18s level, they did the same. Rex went on to manage the Dorset County 16 and 18 age groups and assisted with Somerset under 18s. He also managed the Blackmore league side on two occasions before stints at Weymouth as a kit man and physio. Today Rex works with walking football teams and
Shaftesbury FC 1888 had their most successful season under the management of Ollie Cherrett and assistant Chris Hart last season, with the pinnacle being winning the Wessex League Cup. They beat Fareham Town 2-1 in the final at AFC Portchester in front of a record crowd of 852, the highest attendance since the tournament began in 1986. They also won the Salisbury Hospital Cup defeating Bemerton Heath Harlequins 6-5 on penalties, after the match finished 2-2, with Asa Philips scoring twice. The Rockies finished third scoring a record 126 goals, narrowly missing promotion to the Pitching In Southern League South West Division. Only Bashley’s late season
form denied a runners-up finish behind Hamworthy United. Bashley put the Rockies out of the FA Vase in the second round, 6-5 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the New Forest. Having seen off Arundel 5-0 and Longlevens 3-0 away, it was a disappointment for the club to exit the FA Vase after early promise. Shaftesbury had a record gate of 610 for the narrow defeat to Bath City in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, after knocking out Southern League Highworth Town in a replay. Progressive chairman Steve Coffen will no doubt have been pleased with the return. Asa Philips bagged an outstanding 34 goals, Ash Pope (24), Aiden Shepherd (20), Luke Burbidge (16),
FOOTBALL
Rex Buttle has made his England debut in walking football.
Ability Counts, helping disabled players enjoy the game he loves. It is a worthy cause for a man who grew up with blind parents. Rex was honoured on his 80th birthday with a charity match in his name at Dorchester Town Football Club to raise money for Ukrainian refugees, one of many charity games Rex has
been involved with over the years. He is still out either playing or coaching five days a week. Rex has helped hundreds of youngsters take up the sport he loves and his passion for grassroots football stands as a reminder to those in the highest leagues that they are standing on the shoulders of giants.
Luke Delaney (15), Cameron Beard (14), Greg Peel (13) and Luke Delaney (15) with a total haul of 167 goals for a team firing on cylinders. The 126 goals in the league included a 10-0 win over Hythe and Dibden, 9-2 against Amesbury Town and the 9-0 win over Christchurch. There were impressive doubles over Horndean, Blackfield & Langley, Fareham Town, United Services Portsmouth, Portland United, Bournemouth FC, Amesbury Town and Christchurch, as the team pursued Hamworthy United, who won 2-1 at the County Ground to all but seal the title. The lows included a 3-0 defeat at Brockenhurst, losing 5-1 to AFC Portchester, a 2-1 loss at
home to Alresford Town and a 3-0 defeat to a then on-fire Baffins Milton Rovers at Coppice Street – Shaftesbury won the return 5-0 at the Kendall Stadium in March, however, which was a great response. The Reserves in the Dorset Premier League had a difficult season finishing 13th. Highlights were a double over local rivals Blandford United and two victories in the last two games after only one win since November. The club are hoping to attract more support in the new season with gates having doubled in the time Steve Coffen has been chairman. Some 217 fans saw the game with Bashley in early April, compared to just 38 who saw the Alresford defeat.
Rockies ride high in cup-winning season
