Sport

Table Tennis League

Youth Tug of War Team

Invites New Players Sherborne YFC Tug of Pulls Together They came, they saw, they have been competing since War Team competed at the pong-quered! The Blackmore 1965, running totally on Dorset YFC County Rally Vale Table Tennis league has volunteers and enthusiasts at pulling the best of three had an excellent season so clubs in Chalk Valley (Broad pulls against Puddletown, far and are already looking Chalk), Child Okeford, Gillingham and Shaftesbury, to next year by inviting new Compton Abbas, East Stour plus Marshwoodvale and players and members to and Stalbridge. Beaminster. The ‘strong come and give it a try. Each club has several arm or the Sher’ won each

Table tennis is a sport that teams for members that match in two straight pulls can be played and enjoyed wish to play competitively, without conceding a pull and by all ages regardless of with training, practice and took home the title (which experience or ability. And matches throughout the while it might involve a table, year. Social table tennis is you won’t get too comfy, also available at Stourpaine it’s great for fitness, burns (Monday evenings) and calories and provides a good Gillingham Youth Centre social outlet. Whether you’re (Friday afternoons) with an a complete ponging ‘newbie’ open door policy for anyone or looking to restart your just wanting to ‘give it a once blistering table tennis bash’ and meet new friends. prowess, the area’s clubs are For further information you welcoming new recruits for can contact Barrie Waterman next season. barriewaterman@hotmail.

The League’s two divisions co.uk. 01258 450669. probably weighed very little Blandford Bowling to them!). The junior teams are all under the age of 18 and as The 2022 bowling season in line with the rules, each at Blandford Bowling Club member weighing 560kg or commenced on Saturday 9th under, the teams are made up April 2022. The occasion of 7-10 pullers, 8 being the was marked by the Mayor, standard number. Each team is weighted in at the allotted 1 May sees the return of the North Dorset Village Marathon organised by the Dorset Doddlers running club. With the race making its first appearance since the pandemic back in 2019, it seems the event has been missed by runners, with very Councillor Lee Hitchings, high entries received for the bowling the first wood. 26.2-mile race. The Mayor, accompanied Starting and finishing by his 1 year-old daughter in Sturminster Newton, was introduced to over 50 the runners travel through members by club President, some of North Dorset’s John Beckford. He wished time and the national official judge then stamps each member’s leg to ensure it’s all done on an equal weight. Sherborne’s team trains every week pulling a tractor tyre up a pulley mechanism and holding it at different heights off the ground. And after all their successful training, they march on. The next round is at Hartpury Agricultural College in Gloucester, this isn’t new ground to the team who won the regional title last year to club members a happy and go on to the Nationals finals successful season following where they came 3rd.2 years of pandemic If they win at Hartpury, restrictions. the National finals are on The players went on to the 6th August at the Tenby bowl 15 ends Show. and were delighted to be back on a perfect green following a winter of dedicated maintenance by the voluntary green team. This was followed by refreshments in the clubhouse together with the Mayor, which has helped set the scene for a busy and enjoyable season aiming to complete a full programme of league matches, friendlies and competitions.

North Dorset Marathon

most picturesque villages including Marnhull, Stalbridge, Todber, Stour Row and Child Okeford, before finishing along the Trailway and crossing the finish line back in Sturminster. The popular relay race, which allows up to four runners in each team to take on sections of the route, is fully booked this year, with over 40 teams taking on the challenge. sports@blackmorevale.net

North Dorset 49 – 22 Melksham - Sat 16th April

North Dorset entertained Melksham in the Dorset & Wilts Vase Semi-Final. From the Kick-off, North was a hive of activity but met a stiff Melksham defence. Jake Canning scored a magnificent try which left Melksham’s defence tackling thin air. This galvanised North Dorset into full attacking mode and Adam Geal broke through the centre, leaving behind a trail of Melksham bodies, to score, both tries were converted by Sam Jones.

Melksham’s lock intercepted a loose pass from the kick-off and he sped away to score in the corner. The momentum ebbed and flowed between the teams until North Dorset were awarded a penalty just in the Melksham half and Sam Jones produced a fine kick swiftly followed by a 2nd to make it 20-5. Melksham mounted a series of attacks and Dorset were forced to defend their line for a long period of time before Sam Jones took a quick penalty and Charlie Jobling burrowed through to score. Melksham again put pressure on the Dorset line and Charlie Jobling took a yellow card for a high shot but North managed to hold out until halftime.

From the restart, Melksham attacked and moved the ball to make use of their extra man and used their pacy winger to full effect, Jake Canning’s last-ditch tackle was deemed dangerous costing ND a penalty try and a yellow card.

Down to 13 the home side mounted a series of attacks but were held up over the line and from the resulting goal-line drop-out, Jay Westcar rolled back the years and went on a terrific mazy run only to be tackled a few meters short, from the resulting breakdown Joe Atkins hit a beautiful line and crashed over with several Melksham players getting a free ride. Robbie Sampson converted 34-12. Melksham once again rallied and converted try. Sampson made a break, he drew the last man and passed to Sam Trevis who scampered over. Melksham replied with a penalty 39-22 and Dorset raised their game with an unconverted try from Charlie Jobling after a lovely assist from Westcar. The final try of the match was a corker with Matt Piper. The final score was 49-22.

Wincanton Awards for Service

Before the Wincanton Men’s teams 2 : 0 win vs Wells City, the league presented long term service awards to two of the club’s committee members; Mike Hatcher for 35 years’ service and Richard D’Arcy for putting in an incredible 50 years, two true sporting heroes in their own right.

Sport

Ladies Softball & Cricket Festival

Fancy getting your batting or bowling up to speed? Always wanted to try your hand or join a team? On Bank Holiday Monday (2nd of May), Buckhorn Weston CC are holding a Baseball and Cricket Festival for ladies to get involved in the game. All ages and abilities are welcome and cream tea and bubbly will be served up at what is a social as well as sporting event.

Date: Monday 2nd of May Where: Buckhorn Weston CC, SP8 5SS Time: 10:15 am - Play between : 10:30 - 13:30pm Cost : £3 per player

North Dorset U13’s Rugby

North Dorset U13’s 50 - Lytchett Minster U13’s 15

Blessed with perfect weather and the honour of playing on the first team pitch, the team came out roaring, scoring quickly in succession. From there they never looked back, the game ending 50-15.

Dorset moved the ball quickly up and down the line, spreading the defence and creating space and drawing in opponents with successful direct forays up the middle with quick and accurate passes into the opponents’ weak areas. Rohan Clements encapsulated this strategy with at least three perfect draw and pass runs that led to tries. George Dimmack was unstoppable on the outside run, scoring five tries. Sure hands and a turn of speed saw Alfie Bourne intercept a Minster pass and run it back for a try. Bolstered by his recent recognition as Most Improved Player, Angus Cuthbert scored one and earned an assist by gentlemanly offloading the ball to Billy Smith who was following closely behind, his first score this season. Charlie Philipps made the most of a good pass and put in a focussed run to the try line.

The final score was made by the tenacious Rafael Van Eijk who, in a quick and cheeky move which surprised both friend and foe alike, ran past them all for the final score. Tyler Mason should receive an honourable mention for putting in his best performance of the season with a number of punishing, pounding runs. Although the high score catches the eye, the defence was also sterling in places, with a number of very good, hard tackles.