Sport

Sport Shaftesbury bid for all-weather pitch

Shaftesbury FC is planning to install an all-weather pitch in an ambitious cash for car parking deal with the Town Council. In return for the council agreeing to underwrite a loan, and give £100,000 of reserves, the club will convert its car park into 30 parking bays for permit holders. Separately, another 40 bays will be created next door on land leased from Tesco. FEVER PITCH: Shaftesbury FC plans to replace the grass at the club’s Cockrams ground “The combined 70 bays represents the single biggest step anyone has proposed to fix the parking problem that has dogged our town centre for decades,” said councillor Alex Chase. The club also hailed the project as the biggest deal it has ever done. “It is the way forward,” said club secretary Lewis Disson. Around 300 club members train and play every week in 10 youth teams and five adult teams. “They all want to play on the pitch,” said Disson, but many have to travel as far as Blandford to train. The recent heavy rainfall has taken a heavy toll on pitches, with many fixtures postponed across Dorset, including Shafesbury’s game away to Tadley Calleva. The all-weather, 3G model would mean SFC can consolidate training and games at its ground. It will also mean no cancelled matches and no need to paint lines, said Disson. “The great thing is that we can also rent it out to anybody who wants to use it. You can play any sport on it.” 3G pitches are top of the range artificial pitches, and the club’s business plan estimates it will need £450,000. The nearest 3G pitch is at Blandford School. Dorchester Town FC play on an artificial pitch, as do Hamworthy United. The intention now is for the club to apply for a 30-year loan, underwritten by the council. The club pay £16,500 a year to the council, to go into the grants budget. Matthews at double to clinch away-day joy for Rockies

Bashley 2 Shaftesbury 3 Wessex League Premier October 27 Shaftesbury rode their luck to snatch a late winner in a five-goal thriller. The Rockies went into the game on the back of eight straight defeats, the last a 6-1 mauling at home to AFC Stoneham. It was also only their second game in four weeks, in which manager Danny Holmes was busy trying to bring in players. In a goalless first half, the hosts missed two hitters then hit the bar. Rockies’ keeper Paul Woods, who had just recovered from coronavirus, also made a wonderful save. However, Shaftesbury did have one good chance, with Cam Butler’s shot being cleared off the line. The Bashley pressure continued after the inteval with Rhys McGrath clearing off his line, his collision with a post later causing him to be subbed. Bashley again hit the bar before Joe Freak came on as

a sub to make his debut for Shaftesbury and quickly had a half-chance that went wide. Bashley went ahead on 68 minutes but things clicked into gear for the Rockies. First Ryan Mitchell, on as a sub for McGrath, headed in from a corner on 75 minutes, then Jordan Matthews was put through on goal by Connor Millar to make it 2-1 seven minutes later. “Totally against the run of play,”moaned the Bashley Twitter feed. The home side went straight down the other end to equalise but with just two minutes left of normal time, Matthews added his second to win the game. “Bashley failed to take any of their chances and paid the price,” said Twitter.

Sport Swans tear strip off Zebras

Swanage Town + Herston 4 Sherborne Town Reserves 1 Dorset Prem League, Oct 31 After a narrow 1-0 defeat to Westland Sports, The Swans were hoping to return to winning ways against highflying Zebras, in fourth place in the table with 12 points from six games. It was goalless at half-time before Swanage took the lead through Paul Best. Sherborne worked hard to equalise but then the game ran away, with further Swan goals from Cam Barnes, Sam Beale and Charlie Brassington. Gillingham Town 6 Wareham Rangers 0 Dorset Prem League, Oct 24 The Gills demolished bottom club Wareham to make it 13 goals from their last three games and cement their promotion place. Benji Bensalem scored twice, with goals for Daniel Hawkins, Tom Jarvis Buddy O’Shea and Elliot Bevis. “Another good performance from the boys today,” said manager Paul Down. The Man of the Match was awarded to to midfielder Ryan Down: “Always Tisbury Utd look the part on the park Tisbury United have sent a massive ‘thank you’ to Tony Howell of Plumbase, Gillingham, for his and the firm’s generosity in supplying the first team with a new kit this season. “Local clubs like ours can not survive without the help from local businesses,” said a spokesman. Tisbury currently play in the Dorset Senior League and havemade an unbeaten start

produces the right pass at the right time.” Sturminster Newton Utd 1 Bournemouth Sports 1 Dorset Prem League, Oct 24 New manager Nick Squires took charge for the first time in a home match, and looked for a while as if he might pull off a much-needed win. Stur had taken just one point from the previous nine, and were looking good when Neil Sweatman scored to give them a 1-0 half-time lead. But the visitors hit back after 53 minutes through leading scorer, Jack Voisey. “A share of the spoils on the road but we feel frustrated not taking all three points,” said Sports’ Twitter feed. Hamworthy Recreation 3 Blandford United 2 Dorset Prem League, Oct 24: abandoned after 60 minutes. Goals from Jack Jones and Archie McCarthy kept The Royals in the game and were pressing for an equaliser when the heavens opened. Said the @BlandfordUtdFC Twitter feed: “Called off with the Royals trailing 3-2, we was looking good too!” Games postponed, Oct 31: Blandford Utd v Merley Cobham Sports Sturminster Newton Utd v

Gillingham Town

Four out of five for unbeaten Utd

Tisbury United remain the only unbeaten team in the Dorset Senior League with four wins from five. The draw came in their last game on Oct 24, away to Cranborne First with two goals from Lee Gale, a penalty and tap-in. From 2-0 down, Cranborne came back strongly and Tisbury had defender Joeleon Denyer sent off on 80 minutes. Cranborne equalised with five minutes to go but Tisbury maintained their unbeaten record with a great save from the keeper. Goals from Adrian Beardsmore and Joseph Paterson gave Mere Town a 2-1 victory over Hamworthy Recreation Reserves in their last outing, their fourth win of the season. Stalbridge have lost their last two games to waterlogged pitches but Ryan Garrod remains the league’s leading scorer with nine from four games. Wincanton Town Reserves won 2-1 away at Poole Borough First on Oct 24, their fourth consecutive victory and one that pushed the team into second place.

Sport Wincanton extend unbeaten run to eight

Wincanton Town 2 Corsham Town 2 Toolstation Western League Division One, October 31

Corsham Town arrived looking to defend a 100 per cent start to their season while Wincanton were looking for five straights win and eight undefeated. The game did not disappoint a bumper crowd as the spoils were share in a pulsating encounter, an excellent advert for Western League football. soggy, heavy pitch and were Wincanton scored first on 40 rewarded on the hour, a free minutes: Williams collected kick headed home the ball on the edge of the unchallenged to make it 2-1. area and rifled home a left Wincanton had a let off on foot shot. 69 minutes as chief But three minutes later tormentor Higdon worked Wincanton centre back Harry some space in the box and Turner was sent off for a shot against the crossbar. second bookable offence. Then Baggs’ rasping shot hit The second half started much the outside of the post. as the first: Wincanton On 78 minutes Corsham's soaking up pressure and constant pressure paid off trying to hit on the break, that man Higdon fired home which led to a second goal - from the edge of the box Allen saw his shot beaten despite protests from away and Cole followed up Wincanton for a foul. to fire home. Corsham now looked the Corsham upped the pressure most likely to go on and win as legs began to tire on a the game but it was Sherborne also on the rise

The Zebras’ FA Vase clash away to Millbrook was called off last Saturday, with Sherborne keen to be in action after two successive wins in the league. Josh New signing Cameron Allen has had an immediate impact at Wincanton FC, winning a fans poll in his first month. Supporters of the Toolstation Western League voted him their Player of the Month for October in Division 1. He won 32% of 520 votes in a poll against other Williams scored twice in a 5-1 thrashing of Cheddar on Oct 21, then came from behind to win 3-1 at Bishops Lydeard, on Oct 24 with two goals from Luke White. nominated players from Warminster, Bristol Telephones and Hengrove. The forward, aged 21, made his debut as a sub last month against Devizes - and scored two goals within 10 minutes of coming on! Another goal and two assists came in his next two games, not bad going.

Wincanton who created two half chances. Sub Louis Irwin shot just wide from distance and Williams fired into the keeper’s arms when well placed. So the game ended 2-2, an Wincanton FC was also nominated for Team of the Month, having won four, drawn one and lost none in October, scoring 11 and conceding just four. The Town were pipped by Bristol Telephones but a club spokesman was positive: “It has been confirmed that we have got

THANKS: A collection at Morrisons Wincanton raised £265 to help repair vandalism damage at the town’s football club. Media officer Steven d’Arcy, centre, received the cheque

action packed, fully committed contest from both sides which ultimately was a fair result: Corsham's 100 percent season was ended but Wincanton extend their unbeaten run to eight.

Wincanton striker voted fans’ Player of the Month

Chris Martin an enforced break now. We go into lockdown in great form, eight unbeaten and with our average crowds up by more than 90% on last year. Thank you very much to everyone who has come to support us home and away and we hope to see you in a few short weeks!” 75

Sport Last putt win for Ashley Heath

GOLF

Due to covid-19 restrictions the final of the 2019 Stokes Salver Invitation competition run by Yeovil Golf Club was delayed until this autumn but that did nothing to lessen the tension as Ashley Wood beat Knighton Heath with the last putt on the last green of the last singles match. The match, played in great spirits, was a fitting finale to what is usually an annual competition in memory of Roger Stokes, the well-loved former Captain, Chairman and President of YGC. The clubs invited to take part this year were Ashley Wood, Barton-on-Sea, Came Down, Enmore Park, Knighton Heath, Lyme Regis, Rushmore, Sherborne, Wareham and Weymouth. Previous winners Knighton Heath had beaten three teams to reach the final, played out over the Old Course at Yeovil Golf Club. Ashley Wood, twice beaten finalists, started with a bye in the first round which left them facing Sherborne Golf Club, strong favourites to take the salver. A victory over Lyme Regis then provided them with another chance to win the

HI HO SALVER: The Ashley team with Yeovil captain Keith Funnell sought-after Stokes Salver. the competition within Each round is played over 36 current guidelines, as well as holes with a morning round the good condition in which of four foursomes followed the Old Course had been by eight singles. The final prepared by the green staff. was all square after the foursomes and seven of the WINCANTON GOLF single matches. It was still CLUB October results all square when the final match reached the last green, Seniors monthly Stableford but to the delight of the 1 Philip Welch 38 Ashley Wood team their last 2 John Westaway 37 man sank his putt to win. 3 Harry Eden Yeovil’s Captain Keith Champion of Champions Funnell made the 1 Ross Chandler nett 72 ocb presentation to winning 2 Nicholas Weeks 72 captain Michael Collings- 3 Joe Atkins 72 Carter. In doing so he was Monthly Medal complemented by both teams 1 Mike Bullen nett 67 for the way in which the 2 Chris Chapman nett 70 ocb Club had managed to finalise 3 Pete Anyan nett 70 Try on screen zumba during the lockdown Virtual zumba classes are being made available to get Dorset residents moving during lockdown. Teacher Abby Down said: “Attending a fitness class even from your living room – is not just good for physical health but also extremely important for our wellbeing and mental health too. “It is also something to look forward to in the week, knowing that you have somewhere to be and where you are expected. It really can make a positive impact on our lockdown worries.” Abby is holding morning, evening and weekend classes to appeal to all age groups and abilities. A number of pre-recorded classes are also available if the livestream timetable clashes with work or family commitments. If you fancy a go but are unsure whether it is for you, Abby is offering a free trial class. Call 07901 597129, instagram.com/absdown. Web: zumba.com/ en-US/profile/abbydown/1437523

Gillingham hockey season off to a flier

Gillingham Ladies 1st XI began the league campaign against Royal Wootton Bassett and it wasn’t long before Emily Lewis scored for the home team. Sophie Wollard made it two with a deft little flick past the keeper. RWB were always in the game but Laurn Burch in the GHC goal kept them at bay. The final goal came from Michelle Burt with a lovely move: 3-0. The Ladies Seconds travelled to Cheddar without a keeper and lost 6-0 but the result would have been different with a full complement. The Ladies 76 3rds had an early start in Bridgewater but the team performed well in a 5-0 win with Kerry Reynolds dominant in midfield. Goals from Alex Edwards, Beth Judd, Poppy Miller and Thea Primrose (2). The Mens Firsts travelled to Salisbury and lost 4-0, not a true reflection of the game. The Mens Seconds played table topping Aldershot & Farnham Thirds and found out why their opponents top the table, going 2-0 down in 15 minutes. The home team got into the game with a Tom Frampton reverse stick shot, and came close but lost 2-1. n Last weekend the Ladies Firsts played Marlborough. The game started when a Liz Basson reverse stick tomahawk screamed into the net. Lewis scored twice, Anne Spicer once in a well deserved 4-1 win. The Ladies Seconds came up against a well drilled Mid-Somerset team and came off second best. The Thirds beat Yeovil and Sherborne Fouths 5-1 win to stay top of the league. The Men’s Firsts played Havant Thirds, and a 5-2 win was a great result. The Mens Seconds had a trip to Yateley Seconds for a well earned 1-1 draw.

Sport lockdown hits the Vale

CYCLING Steven d’Arcy, chairman of Wincanton Wheelers

We are still awaiting the official guidance from British Cycling as we are an affiliated club. However, should we have the same as before where you can only ride with one person it is going to stop all club activity. Currently we have been allowed to ride in groups of six and so we have being organising club rides according to the rules. Both have not been ideal as we are a club that embraces all kinds of cyclists and so the social and group element is important to us. We are finding some members have not been out much on their bikes since March and this is a shame as the health benefits (both physical and mental) are huge. We have been encouraging new riders to join us for club rides with the current rules adhered too, but our recruitment push will also be on hold again.

SWIMMING Alex Wynter, chair North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club

We are 100% based at Riversmeet in Gillingham so we have no option other than to stop swiming. Swim England is trying to persuade the government not to close the swimming pools in leisure centres. They can close the gyms in the centres but you are probably safer in a pool than anywhere else because of the chlorine. But if it’s only a month’s closure, it’s not too serious.

FOOTBALL Liam Searle, spokesman Gillingham Town FC

OFF THE ROAD: Wincanton Wheelers: “It will stop all club actitivity.” Below: North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club

going to be missed as it's now going to be a squeeze to get all the games played. Obviously this effects us as a club as we have goals and ambitions this season which are now up in the air. It's frustrating, and the boys just want to get on the pitch and show what they've got. We've had a decent start and that momentum is going to be halted. We, however completely agree that it's in the best interest of everyone involved and the one thing is that we are all in this together as a collective society of grassroots football clubs.

HOCKEY Stephen Way, Gillingham Hockey Club

With the Government saying a national lockdown is to start we are unsure if grass roots hockey will take place, fingers crossed it will be.

GOLF

Driving ranges and golf courses have been told to close, affecting seven clubs in North Dorset and South Somerset. England Golf says it will "respectfully challenge the government's rationale" over the decision.

TENNIS Angela Phipps, membership secretary, Shaftesbury Community Tennis Club We are waiting to hear from the Lawn Tennis Association but our thinking is that single matches will be allowed but no groups or club mornings. There won’t be any league matches as all games are doubles but the winter league lasts until March 30, so we will be able to reschedule. North Dorset Touch Rugby kicks off North Dorset Touch Rugby kicked off with the mixed youth game: ND Green v ND Multicolours. Players from u13s to u16s, both boys and girls, took part. Many senior players watched and scouted the future of North Dorset rugby. After the youth’s game and a massive round of applause, the senior section got down to play. Saxons lost to Romans 3-2 and Celts roared to a 4-0 lead before the Normans started to claw their way back. Time was not on the Normans side and Celts ran out 4-2 winners. In the next round of matches Celts found their stride and dismantled the Saxons 13-5. In the other game with a minute left Jonathan Hooper scored what looked to be the winning try for the Normans which put them 4-3 up. However, Sean Perry had other ideas, seconds after the restart he gathered his own kick and scored a fine try. The Romans were not satisfied with a draw and from the restart a loose kick was expertly counter attacked by Gavin Weeks who scored the winning try in the dying seconds. Jubilation for the Romans winning 5-4. The games are fortnightly: the second round is tonight (Fri). Top Try Scorers 3: Jonathan Hooper, Daniel Brickell, Sam Vincent, Danny Hill. 2: Sean Perry, Emily Wraith, Mike Green, Sofia Mazzone, Barry Taylor, Daniel Lock, Sam Baker, Robert Sampson.

n If you are interested in playing rugby for North Dorset Rugby Club please visit www.ndrfc.co.uk/rugby for more information