Sport

England star bowler Wood presents Farley CC Awards

Farley cricketers enjoyed a very special guest at their recent annual awards dinner, with winners announced by England fast bowler Mark Wood.

The paceman is currently playing in the T20 World Cup in Australia, so couldn’t make it to Salisbury’s Ox Row Inn in person. But with the assistance of Farley player and England physio Craig De Weymarn, Wood recorded a series of videos – laced with a touch of his trademark humour.

First team captain Marc Burton was on the receiving end, as he picked up the bowling award, with Wood pointing out that as skipper he “gets to bowl at all the best times”.

De Weymarn himself announced the clubman of the year award, in a video filmed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

There were also video appearances from Farley players currently around the globe, as well as bouquets for scorers Jakki Knight and Emily Burrows.

Club president Gwyn Blenkinsop was master of ceremonies, and thanked all participants for their contributions to a memorable evening. 1st XI Batting Award – Archie Ayling 1st XI Bowling Award – Marc Burton 1st XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Rob Loader 2nd XI Batting Award – Harry Jenkins 2nd XI Bowling Award – Jake Hand 2nd XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Rob Feeney

Clubman of the Year – Craig Burrows

After a solid season on the pitch, the club is looking ahead to next year, with plans to expand the junior section and introduce women’s softball. Farley has also secured a new sponsor, East Brothers Timber Ltd of West Dean.

Top: the current England physio Craig De Weymarn is a Farley CC player. Mark Wood (right) presented the awards remotely

Dutton brings in new faces to help lift Salisbury FC

New Salisbury FC boss, Brian Dutton has endured a tough start to his reign with only one win to show so far, a solitary 2-0 win agsainst Hanwell Town.

The club has seen a number a number of personnel changes recently with stalwarts Charlie Davis and Darren Mullings leaving to focus on adventures, while former Aston Villa defender Callum Rowe has joined permanently, with Bristol Rovers midfielder Jerry Lawrence joining on loan.

Rowe made one first team appearance for Villa against Liverpool, setting up the club’s only goal in a defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup. He has also played for Exeter City and Yeovil Town.

Lawrence has joined on a month loan after signing a two-year professional contract with Bristol Rovers. Although only 17-years-old, he has already played for the first team this season.

Secretary of State saves Larkhill racecourse from closure

LARKHILL Racecourse has been saved thanks to the intervention of Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP.

The historic point-to-point racecourse was due to close next year if an agreement was not reached with the Ministry of Defence which owns the land.

Having stood for 75 years, the course has become a much-loved and integral part of the point-to-point racing season. Racing was due to continue for the 2022/23 season but its future beyond was uncertain.

That was until the Secretary of State for Defence was made aware of the course’s fate and recommended the lease be renewed immediately.

A source told The Daily Telegraph that the minister was very aware of the MODs responsibility as custodians of the land, not only to ensure our forces are well prepared but also so that the communities who have farmed and used the land for centuries can continue to benefit.

Andrew Ritchie, Larkhill Racecourse chairman, said: “We are immensely grateful to the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, for his intervention to save Larkhill Racecourse by directing that a new lease be renewed with immediate effect.

“We would like to thank all those who have helped to achieve this brilliant result for the local, racing and military communities.”

There was a real fear among race-goers that the entire point-to-point season might fail if Larkhill closed, especially the winter season with the course holding six of the 12 meets.

A further statement will be issued in due course when further details have emerged. Next fixture is The Hursley Hambledon Hunt at on November 27.