Scott Styris has been called in to the BLACKCAPS squad for tomorrow's [Saturday 14 March] One-Day International against India at Eden Park, Auckland, as standby for Ewen Thompson.
Thompson received a blow to his left thumb during training today [Friday]. Examination by a sports physician has indicated the thumb is not broken, but is badly bruised. As it is his bowling hand, standby cover has been sought. Thompson will be further assessed tomorrow morning before a decision is made on whether he plays.
Styris will join the squad in Auckland tomorrow morning.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Kiwis Take Doubles Title At ASB Pro Circuit
The New Zealand combination of Dan King-Turner and GD Jones won their fourth Futures doubles title together after a straight set win against their Chinese opponents at the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit at Albany Tennis Park, North Harbour.
The Kiwi duo were too good as they beat Mao-Xin and Xin-Yuan Yu from China 6-3 6-4 after several rain delays meant the final was played under lights. Jones and King-Turner will play together in the Hamilton and Wellington events over the next two weeks.
Jones is at a current high ATP doubles ranking of 306 while King-Turner stands at 296 after being as high as 182.
In the women’s US$10,000 Futures doubles final the pair of So-Jung Kim(Korea) and Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) defeated the Australian team of Alison Bai and Renee Binnie 7-5 7-6(4).
Men’s US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit Doubles Final:
(3)Dan King-Turner(New Zealand)/GD Jones(New Zealand) bt Mao-Xin Gong(China)/Xin-Yuan Yu(China) 6-3 6-4.
Women’s US$10,000 ASB Pro Circuit Doubles Final:
So-Jung Kim(Korea)/Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) bt Alison Bai(Australia)/Renee Binnie(Australia) 7-5 7-6(4)
The Kiwi duo were too good as they beat Mao-Xin and Xin-Yuan Yu from China 6-3 6-4 after several rain delays meant the final was played under lights. Jones and King-Turner will play together in the Hamilton and Wellington events over the next two weeks.
Jones is at a current high ATP doubles ranking of 306 while King-Turner stands at 296 after being as high as 182.
In the women’s US$10,000 Futures doubles final the pair of So-Jung Kim(Korea) and Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) defeated the Australian team of Alison Bai and Renee Binnie 7-5 7-6(4).
Men’s US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit Doubles Final:
(3)Dan King-Turner(New Zealand)/GD Jones(New Zealand) bt Mao-Xin Gong(China)/Xin-Yuan Yu(China) 6-3 6-4.
Women’s US$10,000 ASB Pro Circuit Doubles Final:
So-Jung Kim(Korea)/Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) bt Alison Bai(Australia)/Renee Binnie(Australia) 7-5 7-6(4)
WHITE FERNS SIDE.NAMED TO PLAY ENGLAND.
The White Ferns have trained lightly this afternoon at Pratten Oval, Sydney.
Some fielding drills and skills combined with a net for the batters in overcast but humid conditions were the only demands placed on the squad ahead of their next match.
Tomorrow at The Bankstown Oval The White Ferns meet the only other unbeaten side at this ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP, England.
White Ferns Coach Gary Stead has resisted making any change from the side that so emphatically dealt to South Africa on thursday by 199 runs.
The White Ferns side to meet England, March 14th 2009.
Haidee Tiffen. Captain.
Aimee Mason. Vice Captain.
Kate Pulford.
Amy Satterthwaite.
Sara McGlashan.
Suzie Bates.
Nicola Browne.
Sarah Tsukigawa.
Rachel Priest.
Sophie Devine.
Lucy Doolan.
Beth McNeill [12th].
Match starts 10-00am local time.
Some fielding drills and skills combined with a net for the batters in overcast but humid conditions were the only demands placed on the squad ahead of their next match.
Tomorrow at The Bankstown Oval The White Ferns meet the only other unbeaten side at this ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP, England.
White Ferns Coach Gary Stead has resisted making any change from the side that so emphatically dealt to South Africa on thursday by 199 runs.
The White Ferns side to meet England, March 14th 2009.
Haidee Tiffen. Captain.
Aimee Mason. Vice Captain.
Kate Pulford.
Amy Satterthwaite.
Sara McGlashan.
Suzie Bates.
Nicola Browne.
Sarah Tsukigawa.
Rachel Priest.
Sophie Devine.
Lucy Doolan.
Beth McNeill [12th].
Match starts 10-00am local time.
Statham Out To Russia Keen To Be Kiwi At ASB Pro Circuit
New Zealand’s run in singles at the ASB Pro Circuit came to a sudden end in the quarterfinals of the US$15,000 men’s draw with Kiwi No1 Rubin Statham the tournament fifth seed at the event in Albany, North Harbour losing to the fourth seed Artem Sitak of Russia in amongst numerous rain delays.
Ironically Sitak ranked at 410 in the world is looking to reside in New Zealand and play for his adopted nation if everything works out.
Sitak won the match 7-6(5) 6-0 with Statham having several opportunities to take charge of the tiebreak but the consistency of the Russian showed through in the end as he ran down every ball and Statham hit a number of unforced errors.
Sitak will take on Australian second seed Adam Feeney in one semifinal while third seeded Australian, Rameez Junaid plays Japan’s Yuichi Ito in the other semifinal.
In the women’s semis top seed Sandy Gumulya of Indonesia will have to beat sixth seed Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) to make the final while second seed I-Hsuan Hwang(Taipei) will play So-Jung Kim(Korea) in the other semfinal.
Semifinal plays starts at midday.
Results:
Men’s US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit quarterfinal singles, North Harbour
(4)Artem Sitak(Russia) bt (5)Rubin Statham(New Zealand) 7-6(5) 6-0.
Women’s US$10,000 ASB Pro Circuit quarterfinal singles:
(1)Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) bt Ana-Clara Duarte(Brazil) 6-1 6-2, (6)Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) bt (Q)Lizaan Du Plessis(South Africa) 6-7(1) 6-3 6-4.
Ironically Sitak ranked at 410 in the world is looking to reside in New Zealand and play for his adopted nation if everything works out.
Sitak won the match 7-6(5) 6-0 with Statham having several opportunities to take charge of the tiebreak but the consistency of the Russian showed through in the end as he ran down every ball and Statham hit a number of unforced errors.
Sitak will take on Australian second seed Adam Feeney in one semifinal while third seeded Australian, Rameez Junaid plays Japan’s Yuichi Ito in the other semifinal.
In the women’s semis top seed Sandy Gumulya of Indonesia will have to beat sixth seed Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) to make the final while second seed I-Hsuan Hwang(Taipei) will play So-Jung Kim(Korea) in the other semfinal.
Semifinal plays starts at midday.
Results:
Men’s US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit quarterfinal singles, North Harbour
(4)Artem Sitak(Russia) bt (5)Rubin Statham(New Zealand) 7-6(5) 6-0.
Women’s US$10,000 ASB Pro Circuit quarterfinal singles:
(1)Sandy Gumulya(Indonesia) bt Ana-Clara Duarte(Brazil) 6-1 6-2, (6)Ling Zhang(Hong Kong) bt (Q)Lizaan Du Plessis(South Africa) 6-7(1) 6-3 6-4.
Buoyant British Superbike Championship Confirms 30 Strong Line-Up
The British Superbike Championship is set for another fiercely competitive season with a buoyant 30 strong starting grid, featuring leading British and International riders aboard machines produced by five of the world’s leading manufacturers, being confirmed by the race organisers, MSVR.
The series, which begins at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday, 13 April, has bucked the trend of other major championships by maintaining a high entry level despite the current economic downturn and it boasts four factory backed teams. Once again, BSB will be pioneering new elements with a three race format at the Brands Hatch GP event in August and at the Oulton Park finals weekend, complementing the three stage knock-out format which proved so popular when introduced in the latter half of 2008.
Much of the early season attention will be focussed on the Airwaves backed GSE team which this year has switched from the Ducatis which have powered it to three British titles to running the latest Yamaha R1s in the hands of James Ellison, a rider who won the Privateers Cup five years ago before embarking on MotoGP and then American action, and Leon Camier.
They have already tested strongly, but will need to be at their best as they face the daunting challenge of the twin Aussie force of reigning British Supersport Champion Glen Richards and Josh Brookes who are spearheading the HM Plant Honda bid to regain British racing’s premier crown.
Sylvain Guintoli switches from MotoGP to head up the Crescent Suzuki challenge, and the Leicestershire based Frenchman has impressed already with his speed and style in testing. He is joined in the Suzuki ranks by Ian Lowry and Atsushi Watanabe who are riding in Relentless TAS colours.
Kawasaki have a strong presence with twice World Endurance Champion Julien da Costa and Simon Andrews riding for the MSS Colchester equipe while Tristan Palmer and John Laverty, last term’s Daily Star Cup champion, ride for the Buildbase backed Hawk team. Kenny Gilbertson races a similar bike backed by JX Fuelcard
Stuart Easton impressed the Hydrex Honda team with his determined ride at the Macau Grand Prix and that has earned the young Scot a place with them alongside the experienced Karl Harris who has moved over from the Rob McElnea Yamaha team.
McElnea who seems to be the best prepared of the Yamaha teams has the latest R1s for Chris Walker and Graeme Gowland, running in Motorpoint/Henderson colours while Michael Rutter rides for Coca-Cola Zero NW 200. Jon Kirkham is another Yamaha rider, with the Lloyds British team, while David Johnson rides for Team Maxxis Branson.
Jason O’Halloran, the young Aussie who caught the eye in a handful of rides at the end of last season returns with the SMT Honda while Aaron Zanotti has a Fireblade running with the Red Viper team which also enters Alastair Fagan into a strong Daily Star Cup championship within a championship.
Fagan takes on the experienced Gary Mason, riding for Quay Garage Honda, against the likes of Martin Jessopp (Riders Honda), Tom Tunstall (Hardinge Doodson Honda), Peter Hickman (Ultimate Team Yamaha), Matt Bond on the MIST Suzuki, Brian McCormack (MAR Kawasaki) and the STP-JHS MV Agusta duo of Victor Cox and Chris Burns who will be upholding the Italian manufacturer’s pride.
“We took account of the current financial situation in our planning, working to keep costs down but also providing a championship that is high on value with big exposure not just in terms of spectator attendances but also through our significant television broadcast coverage which in 2009 will well exceed 240 hours,” explained BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs.
“By taking note of feedback from the teams, we have provided another quality championship, this year decided over 26 races at 12 events, with full support, a level playing field thanks to our one-make Pirelli tyre contract, and they have responded with a magnificent entry, the envy of others at all levels of the sport, which will ensure that we remain the top domestic series across the world,” he added.
The series, which begins at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday, 13 April, has bucked the trend of other major championships by maintaining a high entry level despite the current economic downturn and it boasts four factory backed teams. Once again, BSB will be pioneering new elements with a three race format at the Brands Hatch GP event in August and at the Oulton Park finals weekend, complementing the three stage knock-out format which proved so popular when introduced in the latter half of 2008.
Much of the early season attention will be focussed on the Airwaves backed GSE team which this year has switched from the Ducatis which have powered it to three British titles to running the latest Yamaha R1s in the hands of James Ellison, a rider who won the Privateers Cup five years ago before embarking on MotoGP and then American action, and Leon Camier.
They have already tested strongly, but will need to be at their best as they face the daunting challenge of the twin Aussie force of reigning British Supersport Champion Glen Richards and Josh Brookes who are spearheading the HM Plant Honda bid to regain British racing’s premier crown.
Sylvain Guintoli switches from MotoGP to head up the Crescent Suzuki challenge, and the Leicestershire based Frenchman has impressed already with his speed and style in testing. He is joined in the Suzuki ranks by Ian Lowry and Atsushi Watanabe who are riding in Relentless TAS colours.
Kawasaki have a strong presence with twice World Endurance Champion Julien da Costa and Simon Andrews riding for the MSS Colchester equipe while Tristan Palmer and John Laverty, last term’s Daily Star Cup champion, ride for the Buildbase backed Hawk team. Kenny Gilbertson races a similar bike backed by JX Fuelcard
Stuart Easton impressed the Hydrex Honda team with his determined ride at the Macau Grand Prix and that has earned the young Scot a place with them alongside the experienced Karl Harris who has moved over from the Rob McElnea Yamaha team.
McElnea who seems to be the best prepared of the Yamaha teams has the latest R1s for Chris Walker and Graeme Gowland, running in Motorpoint/Henderson colours while Michael Rutter rides for Coca-Cola Zero NW 200. Jon Kirkham is another Yamaha rider, with the Lloyds British team, while David Johnson rides for Team Maxxis Branson.
Jason O’Halloran, the young Aussie who caught the eye in a handful of rides at the end of last season returns with the SMT Honda while Aaron Zanotti has a Fireblade running with the Red Viper team which also enters Alastair Fagan into a strong Daily Star Cup championship within a championship.
Fagan takes on the experienced Gary Mason, riding for Quay Garage Honda, against the likes of Martin Jessopp (Riders Honda), Tom Tunstall (Hardinge Doodson Honda), Peter Hickman (Ultimate Team Yamaha), Matt Bond on the MIST Suzuki, Brian McCormack (MAR Kawasaki) and the STP-JHS MV Agusta duo of Victor Cox and Chris Burns who will be upholding the Italian manufacturer’s pride.
“We took account of the current financial situation in our planning, working to keep costs down but also providing a championship that is high on value with big exposure not just in terms of spectator attendances but also through our significant television broadcast coverage which in 2009 will well exceed 240 hours,” explained BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs.
“By taking note of feedback from the teams, we have provided another quality championship, this year decided over 26 races at 12 events, with full support, a level playing field thanks to our one-make Pirelli tyre contract, and they have responded with a magnificent entry, the envy of others at all levels of the sport, which will ensure that we remain the top domestic series across the world,” he added.
Prison Officers To Tackle Ocean Challenge
Two daring prison officers are preparing to jet off to Australia and take part in a challenge billed as ‘The Toughest Rowing Race in the World’.
In just two months Senior Prison PE Officers, Ben Steadman (32) and Mark Davis (33), will compete in the Woodvale Indian Ocean Race, which sees competitors row a total of 3,700 miles from Western Australia to Mauritius.
The awe-inspiring challenge is hoped to raise a massive £200,000 for their chosen charities. The money raised will be spit between Macmillan Cancer and Caudwell Children, who support sick and disabled children across the UK.
The team are being supported for the race by Lovell housing developers, GALIPS (gays and lesbians in the Prison Service), Respect (black and other ethnic minorities in the Prison Service) and the PSSA (Prison Service Sports Association), as well as gaining financial support from colleagues, friends and family.
Ben, who works at HMYOI Swinfen Hall in Staffordshire and lives in Rugby, said: “We are both very excited now, the big day is fast approaching and the boat has already gone over to Australia. There is no hiding from the fact this is going to be a huge physical and psychological test for us, we will be together in a small boat for up to two months surrounded by the vast open ocean. We have ways of motivating each other but knowing that we will hopefully raise thousands for two worthy causes is what makes us both so determined to succeed.”
The two men will take it in turns to row the small boat, both of them rowing for two hours at a time while the other sleeps or eats. While rowing, the friends will be exposed to the elements in the open top wooden vessel, and they will sleep in a small covered cabin at the rear of the ship.
Mark Davis lives in Tile Hill and currently works at HMP Hewell near Redditch, he commented: “We have been training for nearly two years for this and we are now ready to get on with it. Ben and I have a friendly rivalry so I’m sure we will push each other on but when it comes down to it we make a great team and can work together to overcome any problems, which may prove useful in the middle of an ocean as there is no one else to turn to!”
Trudi Beswick, CEO at Caudwell Children, said: “The race across the Indian Ocean is an amazing challenge and we are overwhelmed that Ben and Mark have chosen our Charity as one of the benefactors of their fundraising. As a charity we sincerely admire those people who test their own physical and mental limits in order to help others and there are few tests on Earth that are as demanding as this one.
The money the lads raise over the next few months will have a significant impact on the lives of children all over the country. By providing equipment, treatment or therapy we can change the lives of these special children and their families. We are very grateful and wish will be supporting them every step of the way.”
For more information the challenge visit www.bigboysrow.com
In just two months Senior Prison PE Officers, Ben Steadman (32) and Mark Davis (33), will compete in the Woodvale Indian Ocean Race, which sees competitors row a total of 3,700 miles from Western Australia to Mauritius.
The awe-inspiring challenge is hoped to raise a massive £200,000 for their chosen charities. The money raised will be spit between Macmillan Cancer and Caudwell Children, who support sick and disabled children across the UK.
The team are being supported for the race by Lovell housing developers, GALIPS (gays and lesbians in the Prison Service), Respect (black and other ethnic minorities in the Prison Service) and the PSSA (Prison Service Sports Association), as well as gaining financial support from colleagues, friends and family.
Ben, who works at HMYOI Swinfen Hall in Staffordshire and lives in Rugby, said: “We are both very excited now, the big day is fast approaching and the boat has already gone over to Australia. There is no hiding from the fact this is going to be a huge physical and psychological test for us, we will be together in a small boat for up to two months surrounded by the vast open ocean. We have ways of motivating each other but knowing that we will hopefully raise thousands for two worthy causes is what makes us both so determined to succeed.”
The two men will take it in turns to row the small boat, both of them rowing for two hours at a time while the other sleeps or eats. While rowing, the friends will be exposed to the elements in the open top wooden vessel, and they will sleep in a small covered cabin at the rear of the ship.
Mark Davis lives in Tile Hill and currently works at HMP Hewell near Redditch, he commented: “We have been training for nearly two years for this and we are now ready to get on with it. Ben and I have a friendly rivalry so I’m sure we will push each other on but when it comes down to it we make a great team and can work together to overcome any problems, which may prove useful in the middle of an ocean as there is no one else to turn to!”
Trudi Beswick, CEO at Caudwell Children, said: “The race across the Indian Ocean is an amazing challenge and we are overwhelmed that Ben and Mark have chosen our Charity as one of the benefactors of their fundraising. As a charity we sincerely admire those people who test their own physical and mental limits in order to help others and there are few tests on Earth that are as demanding as this one.
The money the lads raise over the next few months will have a significant impact on the lives of children all over the country. By providing equipment, treatment or therapy we can change the lives of these special children and their families. We are very grateful and wish will be supporting them every step of the way.”
For more information the challenge visit www.bigboysrow.com
Lamont Back This Weekend
Rory Lamont has given Sale Sharks a massive boost and is fit and ready to take part in Saturday’s Guinness Premiership game against Northampton.
Rory sidelined since December was only expected back in April.
Further good news is that Sean Cox and David Tait have agreed new extended deals to stay with Sale Sharks.
Rory sidelined since December was only expected back in April.
Further good news is that Sean Cox and David Tait have agreed new extended deals to stay with Sale Sharks.
Silver Ferns 2009 Season Announced
Netball New Zealand has today announced the Silver Ferns will play three tests in the New World International Netball Series against an invitation World Team in August and five tests against arch rivals Australia in September 2009.
The Silver Ferns begin the New World International Netball Series with three tests against the Invitation World Netball team consisting of players from Jamaica, Africa, England, Australia and Samoa. The tests will be held in Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland respectively.
The Silver Ferns will then play three tests against the Australian Diamonds in the Holden Netball Test Series in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane before heading home to play them again twice in the New World International Netball Series. The New World International Netball Series first test will be held in Invercargill with the final match-up to be held at Auckland’s Vector Arena.
Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Raelene Castle said she was delighted to secure the eight International tests.
“This is a really important year for the Silver Ferns as they build towards the 2010 Commonwealth Games and we want the Silver Ferns team and squad to get as much competitive international match play as possible,” she said.
The Test dates are as follows:
NEW ZEALAND – New World International Netball Series – Silver Ferns v Invitation World Team*
Mon 24th August, 7.30pm , Wellington
Wed 26th August, 7.30pm , Energy Events Centre, Rotorua
Saturday 29th August, 7.30pm , The Trusts Stadium Arena, Auckland
*Playing for the Taini Jamison Trophy
AUSTRALIA – Holden Netball Test Series – Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds
Sun 6th September, 12:25pm , ACER Arena, Sydney
Wed 9th September, 7.55pm , Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Sun 13th September, 3.25pm , BCEC, Brisbane
NEW ZEALAND – New World International Netball Series – Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds
Sun 20th September, 4.00pm , Stadium Southland, Invercargill
Wed 23rd September, 7.30pm , Vector Arena, Auckland
NB. Please note that all stated times are local.
The Silver Ferns begin the New World International Netball Series with three tests against the Invitation World Netball team consisting of players from Jamaica, Africa, England, Australia and Samoa. The tests will be held in Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland respectively.
The Silver Ferns will then play three tests against the Australian Diamonds in the Holden Netball Test Series in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane before heading home to play them again twice in the New World International Netball Series. The New World International Netball Series first test will be held in Invercargill with the final match-up to be held at Auckland’s Vector Arena.
Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Raelene Castle said she was delighted to secure the eight International tests.
“This is a really important year for the Silver Ferns as they build towards the 2010 Commonwealth Games and we want the Silver Ferns team and squad to get as much competitive international match play as possible,” she said.
The Test dates are as follows:
NEW ZEALAND – New World International Netball Series – Silver Ferns v Invitation World Team*
Mon 24th August, 7.30pm , Wellington
Wed 26th August, 7.30pm , Energy Events Centre, Rotorua
Saturday 29th August, 7.30pm , The Trusts Stadium Arena, Auckland
*Playing for the Taini Jamison Trophy
AUSTRALIA – Holden Netball Test Series – Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds
Sun 6th September, 12:25pm , ACER Arena, Sydney
Wed 9th September, 7.55pm , Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Sun 13th September, 3.25pm , BCEC, Brisbane
NEW ZEALAND – New World International Netball Series – Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds
Sun 20th September, 4.00pm , Stadium Southland, Invercargill
Wed 23rd September, 7.30pm , Vector Arena, Auckland
NB. Please note that all stated times are local.
New Zealand A v England Lions game postponed to Saturday
The first one-day game between New Zealand A and the England Lions, scheduled for today at Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North, has been postponed to tomorrow [Saturday 14 March].
The wicket block was affected by moisture after wet weather overnight in Palmerston North, but is expected to be in playable condition by tomorrow.
Match officials and both teams have agreed to the first game being played on Saturday. The second match will go ahead as scheduled on Monday at Palmerston North.
The wicket block was affected by moisture after wet weather overnight in Palmerston North, but is expected to be in playable condition by tomorrow.
Match officials and both teams have agreed to the first game being played on Saturday. The second match will go ahead as scheduled on Monday at Palmerston North.
Milestone match for Super 14 + presentation to Justin Collins
The Super 14 competition hits a significant milestone tonight, with the Blues vs Cheetahs match the 1,000th Super Rugby match.
According to New Zealand rugby stats guru Geoff Miller, in that time there have been:
· There has been a total of 50,689 points scored.
· 5,724 tries with an average of 5.7 tries per match.
· 3,965 conversions – with kickers having a 69.3 percent success rate.
· 4,532 penalty goals.
· 181 drop goals.
Meanwhile, Super rugby’s newest centurion, Blues flanker Justin Collins will receive a special presentation at the end of tonight’s match to mark his 100 Super rugby matches. NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs will present Collins with a commemorative greenstone mere to mark his personal milestone.
According to New Zealand rugby stats guru Geoff Miller, in that time there have been:
· There has been a total of 50,689 points scored.
· 5,724 tries with an average of 5.7 tries per match.
· 3,965 conversions – with kickers having a 69.3 percent success rate.
· 4,532 penalty goals.
· 181 drop goals.
Meanwhile, Super rugby’s newest centurion, Blues flanker Justin Collins will receive a special presentation at the end of tonight’s match to mark his 100 Super rugby matches. NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs will present Collins with a commemorative greenstone mere to mark his personal milestone.
Warriors' tickets
Please note tickets for Saturday night's Vodafone Warriors-Parramatta match are also available from a selection of Mad Butcher stores - Takanini, Albany, Mangere, Manukau City and Glen Innes.
FANS URGED TO BUY TICKETS OR RISK MISSING VODAFONE WARRIORS’ SEASON-OPENER AGAINST EELS
Fans are being urged to buy tickets today if they want to be guaranteed entry to the Vodafone Warriors’ season-opening NRL clash against Parramatta at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday night.
By the close of business on Thursday, more than 16,500 tickets had been sold, indicating the game was on track to be a rare sell-out.
The only time that has previously happened for the first home game of the season was predictably on March 10, 1995 when the Auckland Warriors made their debut appearance in the competition against Brisbane.
With some seating removed since the end of the 2008 season, the ground’s capacity has been reduced to about 23,200 for Saturday night’s match.
“And as it stands now (late Thursday), we have only about 6500 tickets available,” said Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah.
“With the way tickets have been selling, we’d encourage anyone who’s keen to come to buy their tickets now rather than being left disappointed trying to buy on the day.
“If the weather is good, it looks like we’ll be on target to sell out, which would be a fantastic way to start the year. We’d love to see that happen, especially with Steve Price playing his 300th first-grade match.”
All signs suggest a crowd well in excess of 20,000 at least, leaving this game in line to become the second highest season-opening crowd puller in the club’s history. The last time there was a crowd of that size was for the first-round clash against Melbourne in 2000 when records claimed the attendance was 20,546.
In the last three years, the first home games have produced crowds of 10,035 against Melbourne in 2006, 13,587 against Parramatta in 2007 and 15,250 again against Parramatta last year.
• To buy tickets go to www.ticketek.co.nz or call 0800 TICKETEK.
By the close of business on Thursday, more than 16,500 tickets had been sold, indicating the game was on track to be a rare sell-out.
The only time that has previously happened for the first home game of the season was predictably on March 10, 1995 when the Auckland Warriors made their debut appearance in the competition against Brisbane.
With some seating removed since the end of the 2008 season, the ground’s capacity has been reduced to about 23,200 for Saturday night’s match.
“And as it stands now (late Thursday), we have only about 6500 tickets available,” said Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah.
“With the way tickets have been selling, we’d encourage anyone who’s keen to come to buy their tickets now rather than being left disappointed trying to buy on the day.
“If the weather is good, it looks like we’ll be on target to sell out, which would be a fantastic way to start the year. We’d love to see that happen, especially with Steve Price playing his 300th first-grade match.”
All signs suggest a crowd well in excess of 20,000 at least, leaving this game in line to become the second highest season-opening crowd puller in the club’s history. The last time there was a crowd of that size was for the first-round clash against Melbourne in 2000 when records claimed the attendance was 20,546.
In the last three years, the first home games have produced crowds of 10,035 against Melbourne in 2006, 13,587 against Parramatta in 2007 and 15,250 again against Parramatta last year.
• To buy tickets go to www.ticketek.co.nz or call 0800 TICKETEK.
Harrison gives shoulder the thumbs up
Jetstar Gold Coast Titans workhorse Ashley Harrison has given his injured shoulder the thumbs up ahead of Sunday’s season opening clash against Newcastle at Skilled Park.
Harrison was a notable absentee from the Jetstar Titans’ three pre-season trial matches due to a minor shoulder operation in late January, which left him racing the clock to be fit for round one. However, the Queensland State of Origin representative has declared himself ready to hit the ground running on Sunday after gaining some confidence out of a full contact session during the week.
“The shoulder is great, it’s on the six week mark this week,’’ said Harrison. "I did a bit of contact earlier in the week and it feels fine so I’m looking forward to playing."
Although Harrison will be down on match fitness on Sunday, the experienced NRL campaigner said he felt as fit as ever ahead of the showdown with the Knights. “There’s no real fitness like game fitness but I’ve felt good during the pre-season and I feel as fit as I’ve been all other years so hopefully I can get some minutes in and whatever I do this week I’ll benefit from.’’
After breaking back into the representative arena for Queensland last season, Harrison admitted that he was again hoping to don the Marrons jersey in 2009. However, he said his immediate focus was on helping the Jetstar Titans - adding that the Knights could not be underestimated this weekend after they won both matches between the two clubs in 2008.
“Firstly the goal is to get off to a good start with the Titans – we’ve done it the last couple of years but haven’t been able to consolidate later in the year - so that’s the plan to start with and hopefully rep honours will come later on,’’ he said. “The Knights have caused us a bit of trouble last year so we’ve got full attention on them at the moment. They’re coached by Brian Smith so they’ll come here with a game plan. They showed last year when they upset us twice, at home and down there, so we’ll have to be on our toes to really combat what they throw at us.’’
Harrison was a notable absentee from the Jetstar Titans’ three pre-season trial matches due to a minor shoulder operation in late January, which left him racing the clock to be fit for round one. However, the Queensland State of Origin representative has declared himself ready to hit the ground running on Sunday after gaining some confidence out of a full contact session during the week.
“The shoulder is great, it’s on the six week mark this week,’’ said Harrison. "I did a bit of contact earlier in the week and it feels fine so I’m looking forward to playing."
Although Harrison will be down on match fitness on Sunday, the experienced NRL campaigner said he felt as fit as ever ahead of the showdown with the Knights. “There’s no real fitness like game fitness but I’ve felt good during the pre-season and I feel as fit as I’ve been all other years so hopefully I can get some minutes in and whatever I do this week I’ll benefit from.’’
After breaking back into the representative arena for Queensland last season, Harrison admitted that he was again hoping to don the Marrons jersey in 2009. However, he said his immediate focus was on helping the Jetstar Titans - adding that the Knights could not be underestimated this weekend after they won both matches between the two clubs in 2008.
“Firstly the goal is to get off to a good start with the Titans – we’ve done it the last couple of years but haven’t been able to consolidate later in the year - so that’s the plan to start with and hopefully rep honours will come later on,’’ he said. “The Knights have caused us a bit of trouble last year so we’ve got full attention on them at the moment. They’re coached by Brian Smith so they’ll come here with a game plan. They showed last year when they upset us twice, at home and down there, so we’ll have to be on our toes to really combat what they throw at us.’’
WHITE FERNS POST HUGE WIN AT ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
Thursday March 12th.
It's the best bowling and fielding display he's seen from The White Ferns.
This from White Fern coach Gary Stead today from The Bradman Oval after his side annihilated The South African batting and completely routed them for 51.
Earlier in the day, The White Ferns lost two early wickets after they were asked to bat first, and it was left to 22 year Canterbury left hander Amy Satterthwaite to shore up the top order, this she did, hitting 73 from 75 balls which included 11 boundaries, her highest score at this level for New Zealand.
Coach Stead said it was wonderful to see the freedom Satterthwaite displayed today, particularly her straight driving in front of the wicket , he said Amy made it looked so easy iand it was a pity she didn't get the magic three figures.
Gary Stead said the White Ferns were still vulnerable at 111/5 and the partnership of the day between Sara McGlashan and Nicola Browne was brilliant.
The pair put on an unbeaten 139, with Sara McGlashan.in sublime form, 88 from 76 and Nicola Browne 51 from 74 balls.
Again Gary Stead searched for words to compliment Sara McGlashan on the way she went about her innings, pacing herself and batting through to the end, it was just superb he said.
The daunting total seemed to mesmerise the South African's, losing two quick wickets and when their score was 41/2 only ten more runs were scored as right arm medium pacer Suzie Bates and right arm off spinner Aimee Mason tore through the batting order to dismiss South Africa for 51.
Gary Stead admitted he's been demanding a performance like this from The White Ferns and today they delivered.
Of interest was a TEAM HAT-TRICK taken from the last ball of Aimee Mason's second over, the 17th when the score was 45 and the first two wickets of Suzie Bate's 3rd over ,the 18th of the match., these two bowlers picked up the last eight wickets between them.
The White Ferns now prepare for England to be played at The Bankstown Oval on saturday.
It's not that he wasn't content with the 199 run win today that Gary Stead sent his players out for fitness work at match end , more that he wanted to have their feet on the ground before they take on the highly fancied English side on saturday.
Tomorrow the team will train lightly in the afternoon after they bus back from Bowral to Sydney.
It's the best bowling and fielding display he's seen from The White Ferns.
This from White Fern coach Gary Stead today from The Bradman Oval after his side annihilated The South African batting and completely routed them for 51.
Earlier in the day, The White Ferns lost two early wickets after they were asked to bat first, and it was left to 22 year Canterbury left hander Amy Satterthwaite to shore up the top order, this she did, hitting 73 from 75 balls which included 11 boundaries, her highest score at this level for New Zealand.
Coach Stead said it was wonderful to see the freedom Satterthwaite displayed today, particularly her straight driving in front of the wicket , he said Amy made it looked so easy iand it was a pity she didn't get the magic three figures.
Gary Stead said the White Ferns were still vulnerable at 111/5 and the partnership of the day between Sara McGlashan and Nicola Browne was brilliant.
The pair put on an unbeaten 139, with Sara McGlashan.in sublime form, 88 from 76 and Nicola Browne 51 from 74 balls.
Again Gary Stead searched for words to compliment Sara McGlashan on the way she went about her innings, pacing herself and batting through to the end, it was just superb he said.
The daunting total seemed to mesmerise the South African's, losing two quick wickets and when their score was 41/2 only ten more runs were scored as right arm medium pacer Suzie Bates and right arm off spinner Aimee Mason tore through the batting order to dismiss South Africa for 51.
Gary Stead admitted he's been demanding a performance like this from The White Ferns and today they delivered.
Of interest was a TEAM HAT-TRICK taken from the last ball of Aimee Mason's second over, the 17th when the score was 45 and the first two wickets of Suzie Bate's 3rd over ,the 18th of the match., these two bowlers picked up the last eight wickets between them.
The White Ferns now prepare for England to be played at The Bankstown Oval on saturday.
It's not that he wasn't content with the 199 run win today that Gary Stead sent his players out for fitness work at match end , more that he wanted to have their feet on the ground before they take on the highly fancied English side on saturday.
Tomorrow the team will train lightly in the afternoon after they bus back from Bowral to Sydney.
Statham Keeps Kiwi Flag Flying
The depth of the ASB Pro Circuit Futures at North Harbour showed through in the second round of singles with a couple of upsets and a number of seeds pushed hard as players made their way into the business end of the tournament.
Top men’s seed Miles Armstrong of Australia lost in three sets to Chinese player, Jun-Chao Xu as a number of Asian players fought their way to the quarterfinals in the men’s US$15,000 draw and the US$10,000 women’s tournament.
New Zealand No2 and seventh seed Dan King-Turner fell by the wayside against Japan’s super-consistent Yuichi Ito 7-6(6) 3-6 6-4. Wellington teenager Finn Tearney pushed Australian second seed and 380th ranked Adam Feeney all the way but couldn’t complete the upset.
Feeney won the first set 6-3 with Tearney then refocusing his game to win the second 6-3 before the experience of the seeded player showed through 6-1 in the third set.
Third seed, Australian Rameez Juniad went to three sets against countryman Dayne Kelly, dropping the first set 0-6 but winning the next two almost as easily.
Also going to three sets against a seed was Di Hollands who tried in vain in her battle with Hong Kong’s Ling Zhang, the tournament sixth seed eventually losing 6-1 3-6 6-1 while fellow Kiwi Shona Lee was beaten quickly by second seed I-Hsuan Hwang from Taipei.
After a couple of rain delays Kiwi No1 and fifth seed Rubin Statham became the only local player left in the singles as he completed a 6-1 6-0 rout in 53 minutes over Australian qualifier Krishananth Balakrishnan.
Top men’s seed Miles Armstrong of Australia lost in three sets to Chinese player, Jun-Chao Xu as a number of Asian players fought their way to the quarterfinals in the men’s US$15,000 draw and the US$10,000 women’s tournament.
New Zealand No2 and seventh seed Dan King-Turner fell by the wayside against Japan’s super-consistent Yuichi Ito 7-6(6) 3-6 6-4. Wellington teenager Finn Tearney pushed Australian second seed and 380th ranked Adam Feeney all the way but couldn’t complete the upset.
Feeney won the first set 6-3 with Tearney then refocusing his game to win the second 6-3 before the experience of the seeded player showed through 6-1 in the third set.
Third seed, Australian Rameez Juniad went to three sets against countryman Dayne Kelly, dropping the first set 0-6 but winning the next two almost as easily.
Also going to three sets against a seed was Di Hollands who tried in vain in her battle with Hong Kong’s Ling Zhang, the tournament sixth seed eventually losing 6-1 3-6 6-1 while fellow Kiwi Shona Lee was beaten quickly by second seed I-Hsuan Hwang from Taipei.
After a couple of rain delays Kiwi No1 and fifth seed Rubin Statham became the only local player left in the singles as he completed a 6-1 6-0 rout in 53 minutes over Australian qualifier Krishananth Balakrishnan.
Powerful Squad Seek European Nations Title For England
England’s 2008 Eisenhower Cup team has been included in a four-man squad to contest the annual European Nations Championship at Sotogrande Golf Club, Spain on 25th - 28th March.
Luke Goddard (Hendon, Middlesex), Sam Hutsby (Liphook, Hampshire) and Dale Whitnell (Five Lakes, Essex) comprised the Eisenhower Cup team and will be joined in Spain by Charlie Ford (Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire)
All have enjoyed success on the international scene over the past three months, two having achieved national titles.
Ford, 23, was in good form during a trip to Australia, losing a playoff for the Avondale Medal, finishing tied third in the Lake Macquarie International, and reaching the quarter finals of the New South Wales Amateur Championship.
Goddard, 20, won the Argentine Amateur in Buenos Aires, a victory that topped off a successful 2008 for the Middlesex man which included victories in the South of England Stroke Play and the Portugal Nations Cup. He was also runner-up to Whitnell in the Lagonda Trophy.
Hutsby, 20, recently lost in the final of the Spanish Amateur, having won the title in 2006. Last year, he won the Bernard Darwin Salver and was also a member of the winning Portugal Nations Cup team while also finishing runner-up in the Welsh Open Stroke Play.
Whitnell, 20, was also successful in 2008, winning the Lagonda and Tillman Trophies as well as successfully defending the North of England Youths Championship. The Essex man also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Amateur and has made a successful start to this season by winning the Portuguese Amateur.
The European Nations Championship, formerly known as the Sherry Cup, the Grey Goose Cup, and the Sotogrande Cup, is competed for over 72 holes with the best three cards each day counting towards the team event. An individual competition runs simultaneously with the Nations Championship, the champion collecting a trophy and the Amateur Masters Jacket.
If the Championship ends in a tie, the teams involved will nominate one player to compete in a sudden death playoff.
England last won the Championship in 2004 and since then they have finished third twice and equal second in 2007. The individual title has been won by Gary Wolstenholme on four occasions, in 2000, ‘01, ‘03 and ‘05.
Luke Goddard (Hendon, Middlesex), Sam Hutsby (Liphook, Hampshire) and Dale Whitnell (Five Lakes, Essex) comprised the Eisenhower Cup team and will be joined in Spain by Charlie Ford (Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire)
All have enjoyed success on the international scene over the past three months, two having achieved national titles.
Ford, 23, was in good form during a trip to Australia, losing a playoff for the Avondale Medal, finishing tied third in the Lake Macquarie International, and reaching the quarter finals of the New South Wales Amateur Championship.
Goddard, 20, won the Argentine Amateur in Buenos Aires, a victory that topped off a successful 2008 for the Middlesex man which included victories in the South of England Stroke Play and the Portugal Nations Cup. He was also runner-up to Whitnell in the Lagonda Trophy.
Hutsby, 20, recently lost in the final of the Spanish Amateur, having won the title in 2006. Last year, he won the Bernard Darwin Salver and was also a member of the winning Portugal Nations Cup team while also finishing runner-up in the Welsh Open Stroke Play.
Whitnell, 20, was also successful in 2008, winning the Lagonda and Tillman Trophies as well as successfully defending the North of England Youths Championship. The Essex man also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Amateur and has made a successful start to this season by winning the Portuguese Amateur.
The European Nations Championship, formerly known as the Sherry Cup, the Grey Goose Cup, and the Sotogrande Cup, is competed for over 72 holes with the best three cards each day counting towards the team event. An individual competition runs simultaneously with the Nations Championship, the champion collecting a trophy and the Amateur Masters Jacket.
If the Championship ends in a tie, the teams involved will nominate one player to compete in a sudden death playoff.
England last won the Championship in 2004 and since then they have finished third twice and equal second in 2007. The individual title has been won by Gary Wolstenholme on four occasions, in 2000, ‘01, ‘03 and ‘05.
Icebergs To Port, Icebergs To Starboard
Down at 50 degrees south, Green Dragon has seen ice. Three bergs, that skipper Ian Walker estimated were 100 metres across and the size of a football pitch, were spotted shining in the darkness.
The boat passed two bergs to windward and one to leeward. “I noticed this morning that a few more people are now wearing survival suits and we have made a point of closing all the water tight doors,” Ian noted.
Daylight came as a relief to the crew who have now gybed north towards the safety of the gate that was supposed to keep the fleet away from ice.
“Whilst I would love to see an iceberg in the daylight, I will be more than happy not to see any more ice in this race,” reported Ian.
Along with rounding Cape Horn, the sighting of an iceberg is something of a highlight of the Southern Ocean. Onboard Telefónica Blue, Spaniard Jordi Calafat is longing to see a berg.
“Cape Horn and seeing an iceberg will make this trip around world complete for him,” said skipper Bouwe Bekking.
For rookery New Zealander Chris Main, a helmsman on Green Dragon, the marathon leg five of the Volvo Ocean Race has been something of an adventure. Having never sailed a Volvo Open 70, Main arrived in Qingdao two days before the start, hoping, at least, to have two days sailing before the start of the 12,300 leg to Rio, but it was either too foggy or too windy.
“The start day turned out to be just right for my first ever sail on a Volvo Open 70, and with 40 days to Rio, the boys reckoned I’d have plenty of time to learn the ropes and be well and truly ready to get off,” Main says.
Life onboard the Green Dragon has been full of ‘extremes’. “Beforehand you think about the sailing, the speed of the boats big waves and night time sail changes, but the real extreme experience is living in one of these ocean racing beasts while hurtling around the world’s oceans,” he explains.
On PUMA, skipper Ken Read reports that the crew are commenting on how thin each is looking. “It is interesting how you can especially feel your legs getting weaker, being in such a confined space for days and weeks on end,” he said.
According to Rick Deppe, PUMA’s MCM, the crew are devouring all the food he can put in front of them, but still disappearing before his eyes.
“No sooner are the day snacks put out than they disappear up on deck never to be seen again. I’ve witnessed people using a finger to get the last of the spaghetti sauce out of the bottom of the serving cooler,” he observed.
Meanwhile, in the drag race to the ice gate, Ericsson 3 - the freight train at the head of the fleet - is beginning to slow as she too drops off the weather system that abandoned the chasing pack yesterday. Her average speed is down to 13 knots allowing small gains to be made by Ericsson 4, PUMA and Green Dragon.
“The next week of sailing has the potential to be the most exciting of the whole race,” says Ken Read. “We are in a neck and neck race with Ericsson 4, and, as for Ericsson 3, well anything might happen.”
Read reports that PUMA is blasting along between 18 and 24 knots and that the boat is jumping around and banging in the most violent way imaginable.
Not so for Telefónica Blue who is trapped by light airs in the south. “Another day in paradise. It could have been so nice if we had some boats around us,” said Bouwe Bekking.
Helmsman Simon Fisher adds, “Sadly, it has been another slow day for us and things seem to be set to stay that way as a ridge of high pressure is extending out in front of us, putting up a wall between us and the leaders.”
Telefónica Blue continues her fight, but is averaging only 10 knots and is now nearly 800 nm adrift of the leaders. “Even with all the optimism in the world, it is starting to get a little frustrating now,” Fisher said.
As soon as the leading pack are clear of the ice gate, the race south will begin and with it, for them, will come some tactical options.
Leg Five Day 26: 1300 GMT Volvo Ocean Race Positions
(boat name/country/skipper/nationality/distance to finish)
Ericsson 3 SWE (Magnus Olsson/SWE) DTF 4,326 nm
Ericsson 4 SWE (Torben Grael/BRA) +259
PUMA USA (Ken Read/USA) +287
Green Dragon IRL/CHI (Ian Walker/GBR) +565
Telefónica Blue ESP (Bouwe Bekking/NED) +799
Delta Lloyd IRL (Roberto Bermudez/ESP) DNS
Telefónica Black ESP (Fernando Echávarri/ESP) DNS
Team Russia RUS (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT) DNS
www.volvooceanrace.org
The boat passed two bergs to windward and one to leeward. “I noticed this morning that a few more people are now wearing survival suits and we have made a point of closing all the water tight doors,” Ian noted.
Daylight came as a relief to the crew who have now gybed north towards the safety of the gate that was supposed to keep the fleet away from ice.
“Whilst I would love to see an iceberg in the daylight, I will be more than happy not to see any more ice in this race,” reported Ian.
Along with rounding Cape Horn, the sighting of an iceberg is something of a highlight of the Southern Ocean. Onboard Telefónica Blue, Spaniard Jordi Calafat is longing to see a berg.
“Cape Horn and seeing an iceberg will make this trip around world complete for him,” said skipper Bouwe Bekking.
For rookery New Zealander Chris Main, a helmsman on Green Dragon, the marathon leg five of the Volvo Ocean Race has been something of an adventure. Having never sailed a Volvo Open 70, Main arrived in Qingdao two days before the start, hoping, at least, to have two days sailing before the start of the 12,300 leg to Rio, but it was either too foggy or too windy.
“The start day turned out to be just right for my first ever sail on a Volvo Open 70, and with 40 days to Rio, the boys reckoned I’d have plenty of time to learn the ropes and be well and truly ready to get off,” Main says.
Life onboard the Green Dragon has been full of ‘extremes’. “Beforehand you think about the sailing, the speed of the boats big waves and night time sail changes, but the real extreme experience is living in one of these ocean racing beasts while hurtling around the world’s oceans,” he explains.
On PUMA, skipper Ken Read reports that the crew are commenting on how thin each is looking. “It is interesting how you can especially feel your legs getting weaker, being in such a confined space for days and weeks on end,” he said.
According to Rick Deppe, PUMA’s MCM, the crew are devouring all the food he can put in front of them, but still disappearing before his eyes.
“No sooner are the day snacks put out than they disappear up on deck never to be seen again. I’ve witnessed people using a finger to get the last of the spaghetti sauce out of the bottom of the serving cooler,” he observed.
Meanwhile, in the drag race to the ice gate, Ericsson 3 - the freight train at the head of the fleet - is beginning to slow as she too drops off the weather system that abandoned the chasing pack yesterday. Her average speed is down to 13 knots allowing small gains to be made by Ericsson 4, PUMA and Green Dragon.
“The next week of sailing has the potential to be the most exciting of the whole race,” says Ken Read. “We are in a neck and neck race with Ericsson 4, and, as for Ericsson 3, well anything might happen.”
Read reports that PUMA is blasting along between 18 and 24 knots and that the boat is jumping around and banging in the most violent way imaginable.
Not so for Telefónica Blue who is trapped by light airs in the south. “Another day in paradise. It could have been so nice if we had some boats around us,” said Bouwe Bekking.
Helmsman Simon Fisher adds, “Sadly, it has been another slow day for us and things seem to be set to stay that way as a ridge of high pressure is extending out in front of us, putting up a wall between us and the leaders.”
Telefónica Blue continues her fight, but is averaging only 10 knots and is now nearly 800 nm adrift of the leaders. “Even with all the optimism in the world, it is starting to get a little frustrating now,” Fisher said.
As soon as the leading pack are clear of the ice gate, the race south will begin and with it, for them, will come some tactical options.
Leg Five Day 26: 1300 GMT Volvo Ocean Race Positions
(boat name/country/skipper/nationality/distance to finish)
Ericsson 3 SWE (Magnus Olsson/SWE) DTF 4,326 nm
Ericsson 4 SWE (Torben Grael/BRA) +259
PUMA USA (Ken Read/USA) +287
Green Dragon IRL/CHI (Ian Walker/GBR) +565
Telefónica Blue ESP (Bouwe Bekking/NED) +799
Delta Lloyd IRL (Roberto Bermudez/ESP) DNS
Telefónica Black ESP (Fernando Echávarri/ESP) DNS
Team Russia RUS (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT) DNS
www.volvooceanrace.org
NWDA Investment To Secure International Cricket In The Northwest
Lancashire County Cricket Club has secured a £2.65 million investment from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to upgrade its facilities and help to secure the future of international cricket in the region.
Fierce competition for the rights to stage International Test Matches has recently seen the ground, and the region, lose Test Matches for the next 3 years, with the real possibility of never recovering them. The improvement and modernisation of the ground’s facilities will go a long way to ensuring that Old Trafford regains its place on the International Test Match circuit in time for the 2013 Ashes Test.
The Agency’s investment will help to support the development of a number of facilities to enable the Club to become more competitive in hosting future international cricket matches. This first phase includes:
• The construction of a new Hospitality & Events Grandstand, incorporating ‘green’ elements such as ground source heating, solar heating and rain water harvesting;
• The provision of up to 2,500 new permanent spectator seats;
• Specific cricketing developments including floodlights, a power upgrade, new outfield and drainage system and a new scoreboard and replay screen;
• Providing a catalyst for the commercial redevelopment of the adjoining Trafford district centre.
This first phase is part of a wider sports-led regeneration scheme of Old Trafford Cricket Ground and the surrounding area, which aims to bring long term commercial and community benefits to Trafford. A development partnership, involving Ask Developments, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Trafford Council and Tesco has been formed to drive this vision forward.
Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said:
“The Agency’s investment will help to unlock an important first stage of the cricket ground’s development which would not be able to progress without public sector intervention. This would result in the region facing the potential permanent loss of international cricket, and greatly reduce the impact the Club makes to the regional economy.
“As well as helping to strengthen the region’s tourism offer by helping to create an internationally-significant visitor destination, importantly this investment will help to safeguard jobs and lever in substantial private sector investment.”
Jim Cumbes, Lancashire County Cricket Club Chief Executive, said:
“We have had an excellent working relationship with the NWDA for many years, and I think it’s fair to say, they were as disappointed as we were when Old Trafford wasn’t awarded an Ashes Test Match. Since that announcement back in 2006, we’ve been in talks about how we can work together on delivering Test Match cricket at Old Trafford for decades to come.
“The North West community loves its cricket, and Test Cricket at Old Trafford has traditionally attracted sports-lovers from throughout the UK and the world. Our sports-led regeneration scheme is one of the most complex developments in sports history, but if everyone is as keen, supportive and excited about our plans as the NWDA, then our ambitions will be met in time for the Ashes in 2013.
“Not only do we hope to bring back Test Match cricket to Old Trafford, but the completion of Phase 1 will safeguard existing jobs and create new ones going forward.”
Fierce competition for the rights to stage International Test Matches has recently seen the ground, and the region, lose Test Matches for the next 3 years, with the real possibility of never recovering them. The improvement and modernisation of the ground’s facilities will go a long way to ensuring that Old Trafford regains its place on the International Test Match circuit in time for the 2013 Ashes Test.
The Agency’s investment will help to support the development of a number of facilities to enable the Club to become more competitive in hosting future international cricket matches. This first phase includes:
• The construction of a new Hospitality & Events Grandstand, incorporating ‘green’ elements such as ground source heating, solar heating and rain water harvesting;
• The provision of up to 2,500 new permanent spectator seats;
• Specific cricketing developments including floodlights, a power upgrade, new outfield and drainage system and a new scoreboard and replay screen;
• Providing a catalyst for the commercial redevelopment of the adjoining Trafford district centre.
This first phase is part of a wider sports-led regeneration scheme of Old Trafford Cricket Ground and the surrounding area, which aims to bring long term commercial and community benefits to Trafford. A development partnership, involving Ask Developments, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Trafford Council and Tesco has been formed to drive this vision forward.
Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said:
“The Agency’s investment will help to unlock an important first stage of the cricket ground’s development which would not be able to progress without public sector intervention. This would result in the region facing the potential permanent loss of international cricket, and greatly reduce the impact the Club makes to the regional economy.
“As well as helping to strengthen the region’s tourism offer by helping to create an internationally-significant visitor destination, importantly this investment will help to safeguard jobs and lever in substantial private sector investment.”
Jim Cumbes, Lancashire County Cricket Club Chief Executive, said:
“We have had an excellent working relationship with the NWDA for many years, and I think it’s fair to say, they were as disappointed as we were when Old Trafford wasn’t awarded an Ashes Test Match. Since that announcement back in 2006, we’ve been in talks about how we can work together on delivering Test Match cricket at Old Trafford for decades to come.
“The North West community loves its cricket, and Test Cricket at Old Trafford has traditionally attracted sports-lovers from throughout the UK and the world. Our sports-led regeneration scheme is one of the most complex developments in sports history, but if everyone is as keen, supportive and excited about our plans as the NWDA, then our ambitions will be met in time for the Ashes in 2013.
“Not only do we hope to bring back Test Match cricket to Old Trafford, but the completion of Phase 1 will safeguard existing jobs and create new ones going forward.”
The World’s Most Advanced Bicycle To Be Unveiled
Factor 001 – the definitive version of the innovative new road bike using Formula One and biometric technology – about to break cover.
A high performance bicycle, created and built by motorsport precision engineering specialists, BERU f1systems, will be revealed at the launch of the Science Museum’s new free exhibition “Fast Forward: 20 ways F1TM is changing our world” next week (March 11th). Factor 001 – a ground-breaking training tool combining innovative design and advanced electronics – promises to challenge the way athletes and serious enthusiasts use the bicycle and undertake fitness training.
Factor 001 is the result of a creative project to explore the transfer of design approaches, technology and materials from Formula One (where BERU f1systems is a supplier of various components such as electronics and composites to every team) to mankind’s most enduring invention. The bike is a lightweight (under 7 kg including all equipment) carbon fibre monocoque structure, designed using the same powerful modelling and analysis software used to build Formula One cars. The on-board computer and performance monitoring system, incorporating various motorsport-grade sensors, a GPS and a radio transmitter, are integrated into the handlebars and throughout the bike. Factor 001 boasts what are believed to be many firsts for the cycling world:
• Multi-channel electronics package which provides unique ergonometric data collection, logging and analysis capabilities; can correlate biometric data from the rider, physical force data from the bike and environmental data; developed with feedback from professional athletes.
• Carbon ceramic brakes provide endless, exact braking performance at any temperature.
• Almost all original parts; key components designed and manufactured in-house from Formula One-grade materials.
• Fully integrated structure using BERU f1systems’ Wire-in-Composite patented technology; load sensors, wiring, batteries, sensors, control cables and lines for the hydraulic braking system are all fully integrated into the composite during construction, to give unparalleled efficiency and durability with a clean, uncluttered appearance.
• Twin-spar frame reduces sideways frame flex and preserves rider comfort.
• 8-spoke monocoque composite wheels deliver high lateral stiffness and robustness for everyday use.
• Bespoke made-to-measure frame (to within 1mm); each customer to experience Formula One-style ‘seat fit’ process.
“I am very pleased that what started as a ‘clean sheet’ design exercise to showcase our expertise in composites and electronics has delivered such a beautifully styled, scientific training device,” says John Bailey, managing director of BERU f1systems. “Athletes and their trainers now have access to performance enhancement capabilities that are the norm in top-level motorsport, and individuals interested in an exclusive, high end, differentiated bicycle now have a serious alternative.”
Factor 001 will appeal to professional and semi-professional athletes competing at the highest levels in cycling and other sports; as well as personal trainers, fitness camp organisers, and affluent fitness training enthusiasts. One of the key benefits of the bike for riders is its ability to collect laboratory-quality data, while being ridden outdoors. BERU f1systems is already in talks with various sporting bodies about future applications of the data measurement software. Factor 001 is available to order from BERU f1systems now. Pricing will start at under £20,000 while the full version with the software package will cost in excess of £20,000.
First Olympians
The forgotten past of Coventry and Warwickshire’s first known Olympians has been rediscovered thanks to ground-breaking research.
While putting the final touches to the most comprehensive regional database of former Olympic and Paralympic athletes ever created, the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games unearthed details of the area’s first Olympians.
Now, thanks to the work of researchers Dave Dix and Robin Leach, the previously forgotten history of Herbert Loveitt from Easenhall in Warwickshire and brothers Claude and Raymond Whittindale from Kenilworth has been uncovered.
The rugby union playing trio are the first known athletes uncovered by the search so far. The three men were part of the silver medal winning Moseley Wanderers team which represented Great Britain at the 1900 Paris Olympics.
Census details show that the father of Raymond, born in 1884, and Claude, born in 1881, was auctioneer James Whittendale. The family was living in Kenilworth by 1880 in The Poplars, a house now demolished, in The Square - where the Coventry Building Society stands today.
Research indicates James was well-known for putting on shows in Kenilworth and provided the town with its first pantomime. He often involved his family and it is likely that Claude and Raymond put in appearances.
Their father died in the late 1890s and at the time of the 1901 census Claude was working in Hereford as an auctioneer’s pupil while Raymond was a law student in London. They had four older brothers, Edgar, Joseph, Herbert and Karl.
The pair died young, Claude aged 26-years-old on February 10, 1907 and Raymond aged 21-years-old on April 9, 1915. The cause of their deaths remains a mystery.
The Whittendale family business was continued by oldest son, Edgar, and research suggests the firm may survive in some form today through mergers and takeovers.
Rugby-born Herbert Loveitt, born in 1873, was an auctioneer who lived in Coventry. Auctioneers were the estate agents of the time, as property was often auctioned, and it is possible that modern estate agents Loveitts are a continuation of his company.
Tom Clift, partnership manager for the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games, said: “The hard work of Robin Leach and Dave Dix has produced some fascinating results.
“This underlines the importance of the C&W 2012 Partnership’s search for ensuring details of the region’s proud Olympic and Paralympic heritage are not lost or forgotten.
“It is unclear if any of the three first known athletes married or had children but it would be fantastic if we could trace a living relative or perhaps one of the Olympic medals from the 1900 Paris Games.
“Hopefully by shedding light on Coventry and Warwickshire’s proud sporting past we will inspire our athletes of the future.”
Research shows the team played one game at the 1900 Paris Games - which they lost 27-8 to France. It is thought many of the players travelled overnight to the Olympic Games having represented their club sides the day before and may not have even known they were competing in the Olympic Games.
If you have any information about the region’s first three Olympians or details of any Coventry and Warwickshire Olympic and Paralympic competitors of the past please email CWLegends@cswp.org.uk.
While putting the final touches to the most comprehensive regional database of former Olympic and Paralympic athletes ever created, the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games unearthed details of the area’s first Olympians.
Now, thanks to the work of researchers Dave Dix and Robin Leach, the previously forgotten history of Herbert Loveitt from Easenhall in Warwickshire and brothers Claude and Raymond Whittindale from Kenilworth has been uncovered.
The rugby union playing trio are the first known athletes uncovered by the search so far. The three men were part of the silver medal winning Moseley Wanderers team which represented Great Britain at the 1900 Paris Olympics.
Census details show that the father of Raymond, born in 1884, and Claude, born in 1881, was auctioneer James Whittendale. The family was living in Kenilworth by 1880 in The Poplars, a house now demolished, in The Square - where the Coventry Building Society stands today.
Research indicates James was well-known for putting on shows in Kenilworth and provided the town with its first pantomime. He often involved his family and it is likely that Claude and Raymond put in appearances.
Their father died in the late 1890s and at the time of the 1901 census Claude was working in Hereford as an auctioneer’s pupil while Raymond was a law student in London. They had four older brothers, Edgar, Joseph, Herbert and Karl.
The pair died young, Claude aged 26-years-old on February 10, 1907 and Raymond aged 21-years-old on April 9, 1915. The cause of their deaths remains a mystery.
The Whittendale family business was continued by oldest son, Edgar, and research suggests the firm may survive in some form today through mergers and takeovers.
Rugby-born Herbert Loveitt, born in 1873, was an auctioneer who lived in Coventry. Auctioneers were the estate agents of the time, as property was often auctioned, and it is possible that modern estate agents Loveitts are a continuation of his company.
Tom Clift, partnership manager for the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games, said: “The hard work of Robin Leach and Dave Dix has produced some fascinating results.
“This underlines the importance of the C&W 2012 Partnership’s search for ensuring details of the region’s proud Olympic and Paralympic heritage are not lost or forgotten.
“It is unclear if any of the three first known athletes married or had children but it would be fantastic if we could trace a living relative or perhaps one of the Olympic medals from the 1900 Paris Games.
“Hopefully by shedding light on Coventry and Warwickshire’s proud sporting past we will inspire our athletes of the future.”
Research shows the team played one game at the 1900 Paris Games - which they lost 27-8 to France. It is thought many of the players travelled overnight to the Olympic Games having represented their club sides the day before and may not have even known they were competing in the Olympic Games.
If you have any information about the region’s first three Olympians or details of any Coventry and Warwickshire Olympic and Paralympic competitors of the past please email CWLegends@cswp.org.uk.
In-Form Pair In England Team To Face Spain
Dale Whitnell, winner of last month’s Portuguese Amateur Championship, and Sam Hutsby, runner-up in last week’s Spanish Amateur, have been named in a strong England side to face Spain in the biennial international at La Reserva Golf Club, Sotogrande, on 21st - 22nd March.
Also selected for the first time is Jamie Abbott (photo courtesy of Tom Ward), who earned his first full England cap as a late replacement during last autumn’s Home Internationals at Muirfield.
The full nine-man England team is: Jamie Abbott (Fynn Valley, Suffolk), Todd Adcock (Nevill, Sussex), Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall, Lancashire), Charlie Ford (Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire), Luke Goddard (Hendon, Middlesex), Matt Haines (Rochester & Cobham, Kent), Sam Hutsby (Liphook, Hampshire), Eddie Pepperell (Drayton Park, Berks, Bucks & Oxon), and Dale Whitnell (Five Lakes, Essex). The reserve is Matt Nixon (Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire).
The Portuguese title, in which he beat Abbott in a playoff, was Whitnell’s first foreign success although he did win the Daily Telegraph Junior Championship in Dubai in 2006. The Essex 20 year old’s wins last year included the Lagonda and Tillman Trophies and the North of England Youths Championship, while he also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Amateur.
Hutsby, 20, battled back from 7-down with eight to play to lose the Spanish crown to Dutchman Reiner Saxton by 2 and 1, having won the title back in 2006. Like Whitnell, Hutsby made his full England debut in the 2007 Home Internationals while last year he won the Bernard Darwin Salver and was runner-up in the Welsh Open Stroke Play.
Abbott, 21, from Suffolk, had been knocking on the England door for some time before being called up as a replacement for Pepperell on the final day at Muirfield. Joint winner of the Henriques Salver with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy at Ganton in 2007, last year Abbott was runner-up in the Midland Open Amateur and the Parman Trophy and third behind Hutsby in the Welsh Open Stroke Play.
Adcock was a surprise winner of the England Amateur Championship at Woodhall Spa last summer. The 23 year old former Sussex Champion was capped for the first time in last September’s Home Internationals and finished fourth in the Federal Amateur in Australia towards the end of the year.
Fleetwood, 18, also made his full England debut at Muirfield having captained England in the Boys Home Internationals. Also in 2008, he won the Lancashire Championship, the English County Champions Tournament and finished runner-up to Saxton in the Amateur Championship.
Ford, 23, was another who made his full England debut in the 2007 Home Internationals. The Leicestershire man is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he gained golfing success, and finished runner-up in the World University Games in Bangkok in 2007. Ford also enjoyed a successful sortie in Australia earlier this year, losing a playoff for the Avondale Medal, finishing tied third in the Lake Macquarie International and reaching the quarter finals of the New South Wales Amateur.
Goddard, 20, has also tasted recent success by winning the Argentine Amateur Championship at the end of last year. That topped off a successful 2008 in which the Middlesex man won the South of England Stroke Play, was a member of the side that won the Portugal Nations Cup, finished runner-up in the Lagonda Trophy, third in the European Amateur and was a quarter-finalist in the English Amateur.
He also earned his first full England cap in the Home Internationals and was a member of the England Eisenhower Cup team with Hutsby and Whitnell.
Haines made his full England debut against France at Frilford Heath last May. The Kent 19 year old is a former winner of the McEvoy and Carris Trophies and last year won the Lytham Trophy. He also helped GB&I beat Europe in the St Andrews Trophy.
Pepperell, 18, earned his first full England call-up in last year’s Home Internationals only to miss the final two days through illness. A former winner of the Reid Trophy, the Oxfordshire-based player reached the semi-finals of the British Boys in 2007 and the semi-finals of the Spanish Amateur last year. His other 2008 successes include runner-up in the McEvoy Trophy and the Bernard Darwin Salver, third place in the Berkhamsted Trophy and the West of England Stroke Play, while he also helped GB&I win the Jacques Leglise Trophy.
England have a good record in their matches with Spain which began in 1985. They sported an unbeaten record until 2005 when the Spanish gained their first success by 15-8 with one match halved at Puerta de Hierro. Two years ago England returned to winning ways with a 16-8 success at Royal Ashdown Forest.
Also selected for the first time is Jamie Abbott (photo courtesy of Tom Ward), who earned his first full England cap as a late replacement during last autumn’s Home Internationals at Muirfield.
The full nine-man England team is: Jamie Abbott (Fynn Valley, Suffolk), Todd Adcock (Nevill, Sussex), Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall, Lancashire), Charlie Ford (Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire), Luke Goddard (Hendon, Middlesex), Matt Haines (Rochester & Cobham, Kent), Sam Hutsby (Liphook, Hampshire), Eddie Pepperell (Drayton Park, Berks, Bucks & Oxon), and Dale Whitnell (Five Lakes, Essex). The reserve is Matt Nixon (Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire).
The Portuguese title, in which he beat Abbott in a playoff, was Whitnell’s first foreign success although he did win the Daily Telegraph Junior Championship in Dubai in 2006. The Essex 20 year old’s wins last year included the Lagonda and Tillman Trophies and the North of England Youths Championship, while he also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Amateur.
Hutsby, 20, battled back from 7-down with eight to play to lose the Spanish crown to Dutchman Reiner Saxton by 2 and 1, having won the title back in 2006. Like Whitnell, Hutsby made his full England debut in the 2007 Home Internationals while last year he won the Bernard Darwin Salver and was runner-up in the Welsh Open Stroke Play.
Abbott, 21, from Suffolk, had been knocking on the England door for some time before being called up as a replacement for Pepperell on the final day at Muirfield. Joint winner of the Henriques Salver with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy at Ganton in 2007, last year Abbott was runner-up in the Midland Open Amateur and the Parman Trophy and third behind Hutsby in the Welsh Open Stroke Play.
Adcock was a surprise winner of the England Amateur Championship at Woodhall Spa last summer. The 23 year old former Sussex Champion was capped for the first time in last September’s Home Internationals and finished fourth in the Federal Amateur in Australia towards the end of the year.
Fleetwood, 18, also made his full England debut at Muirfield having captained England in the Boys Home Internationals. Also in 2008, he won the Lancashire Championship, the English County Champions Tournament and finished runner-up to Saxton in the Amateur Championship.
Ford, 23, was another who made his full England debut in the 2007 Home Internationals. The Leicestershire man is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he gained golfing success, and finished runner-up in the World University Games in Bangkok in 2007. Ford also enjoyed a successful sortie in Australia earlier this year, losing a playoff for the Avondale Medal, finishing tied third in the Lake Macquarie International and reaching the quarter finals of the New South Wales Amateur.
Goddard, 20, has also tasted recent success by winning the Argentine Amateur Championship at the end of last year. That topped off a successful 2008 in which the Middlesex man won the South of England Stroke Play, was a member of the side that won the Portugal Nations Cup, finished runner-up in the Lagonda Trophy, third in the European Amateur and was a quarter-finalist in the English Amateur.
He also earned his first full England cap in the Home Internationals and was a member of the England Eisenhower Cup team with Hutsby and Whitnell.
Haines made his full England debut against France at Frilford Heath last May. The Kent 19 year old is a former winner of the McEvoy and Carris Trophies and last year won the Lytham Trophy. He also helped GB&I beat Europe in the St Andrews Trophy.
Pepperell, 18, earned his first full England call-up in last year’s Home Internationals only to miss the final two days through illness. A former winner of the Reid Trophy, the Oxfordshire-based player reached the semi-finals of the British Boys in 2007 and the semi-finals of the Spanish Amateur last year. His other 2008 successes include runner-up in the McEvoy Trophy and the Bernard Darwin Salver, third place in the Berkhamsted Trophy and the West of England Stroke Play, while he also helped GB&I win the Jacques Leglise Trophy.
England have a good record in their matches with Spain which began in 1985. They sported an unbeaten record until 2005 when the Spanish gained their first success by 15-8 with one match halved at Puerta de Hierro. Two years ago England returned to winning ways with a 16-8 success at Royal Ashdown Forest.
Young Dubai Sailors Target More Regatta Glory
Following their recent class success in the Jumeirah Regatta, the Team Duboats Below 18 sailors will have their sights set on another racing title when they take to the water for the EPI Regatta at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club on March 13-14.
As suggested by their name, the Below 18 sailing team features a determined group of sailors all under the age of eighteen. Skippered by Belgian Frederic Jacobs, they enjoyed title winning success at the Jumeirah Regatta sailing off with the Division Three title ahead of much older and more experienced crews.
Actually aged from 13-15, the multi-national crew consists of Jacobs (15), the UAE’s Ahmed Ismail and Taher Al Taher (both 15), German Alex Buerger (14), British pair James Bywater (14) and Nik Froud (13) and Belgium’s Olivier van Durme (14).
The boys competed directly against each other in single handed sailing events in Optimists and Lasers. With the support of Duboats’ Chairman Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan and the management of Christophe Vanek, they were brought together under one sail to compete as Team Duboats Below 18 – arguably the youngest sailing crew in the region.
And with three times UAE Optimist National Champion Jacobs as skipper, the boys underlined their undoubted ability by lifting their first title at the Jumeirah Regatta thanks to back-to-back race victories.
“The Jumeirah Regatta was our first big challenge as it’s a serious event that gets a lot of exposure,” said Jacobs, the youngest cruiser skipper in the Middle East. “We finished fifth in the first race and won the second before the results were thrown out because of a protest against the committee. It meant we had to win both races on day two to be sure of a place on the podium.”
Crewing the 21ft, French-built Archambault cruiser Surprise, the Below 18 team secured wins in those two races to finish overall winners on the count-back.
“It was one of the best moments of my life, “added Jacobs. “To win my first regatta as a skipper was unbelievable but none of it would have been possible without the fantastic crew. We also have to thank our sponsors Duboats, Marinepool, BMW, Operation 608 and North Sails as well as all the adults who supported and believed in us.”
Although the recent DOSC Open Winter Series saw the boys miss out on a podium place - divisional changes saw their 21ft craft up against boats of up to 37ft in length – they did manage to secure a win on the final day to maintain their impressive progress.
“We are learning all the time and the experience is invaluable,” said Jacobs. “Not only does the programme improve our sailing skills, it’s a great way for four different nationalities from four different schools to work as a team and share responsibilities. Hopefully we can continue to grow together and help encourage even more young people to get involved in sailing.”
As suggested by their name, the Below 18 sailing team features a determined group of sailors all under the age of eighteen. Skippered by Belgian Frederic Jacobs, they enjoyed title winning success at the Jumeirah Regatta sailing off with the Division Three title ahead of much older and more experienced crews.
Actually aged from 13-15, the multi-national crew consists of Jacobs (15), the UAE’s Ahmed Ismail and Taher Al Taher (both 15), German Alex Buerger (14), British pair James Bywater (14) and Nik Froud (13) and Belgium’s Olivier van Durme (14).
The boys competed directly against each other in single handed sailing events in Optimists and Lasers. With the support of Duboats’ Chairman Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan and the management of Christophe Vanek, they were brought together under one sail to compete as Team Duboats Below 18 – arguably the youngest sailing crew in the region.
And with three times UAE Optimist National Champion Jacobs as skipper, the boys underlined their undoubted ability by lifting their first title at the Jumeirah Regatta thanks to back-to-back race victories.
“The Jumeirah Regatta was our first big challenge as it’s a serious event that gets a lot of exposure,” said Jacobs, the youngest cruiser skipper in the Middle East. “We finished fifth in the first race and won the second before the results were thrown out because of a protest against the committee. It meant we had to win both races on day two to be sure of a place on the podium.”
Crewing the 21ft, French-built Archambault cruiser Surprise, the Below 18 team secured wins in those two races to finish overall winners on the count-back.
“It was one of the best moments of my life, “added Jacobs. “To win my first regatta as a skipper was unbelievable but none of it would have been possible without the fantastic crew. We also have to thank our sponsors Duboats, Marinepool, BMW, Operation 608 and North Sails as well as all the adults who supported and believed in us.”
Although the recent DOSC Open Winter Series saw the boys miss out on a podium place - divisional changes saw their 21ft craft up against boats of up to 37ft in length – they did manage to secure a win on the final day to maintain their impressive progress.
“We are learning all the time and the experience is invaluable,” said Jacobs. “Not only does the programme improve our sailing skills, it’s a great way for four different nationalities from four different schools to work as a team and share responsibilities. Hopefully we can continue to grow together and help encourage even more young people to get involved in sailing.”
International Cricket Coaches Visit UAE Schools
The head coaches at the ICC Global Cricket Academy, based at Dubai Sports City, are on a tour of schools throughout the UAE to promote participation in the sport.
Former test players Rod Marsh, Mudassar Nazar and Dayle Hadlee are providing coaching advice to local students and meeting with teachers to look at ways the ICC Global Cricket Academy can support the development of cricket in schools.
The ICC Global Cricket Academy will be an important focal point for international cricketing excellence and education when it opens later this year. Situated in Dubai Sports City, the academy will provide a unique environment for coaching, game education and training in outstanding facilities with some of the games best coaches.
“I never lose the buzz of seeing children picking up a cricket bat for the first time. It is one of the most universal sports and youngsters can start playing very quickly,” said Rod Marsh, Director of Coaching at the ICC Global Cricket Academy, at the Al Khaleej National School in Dubai.
“The students we have met are really passionate about cricket and having the ICC Global Cricket Academy on their doorstep will allow them to take advantage of the facilities and infrastructure to improve their knowledge of the game and acquire new skills,” he added.
The coaches at ICC Global Cricket Academy are putting the finishing touches to the first school coaching programmes which will aim to improve the standard of the game at a grassroots level. The courses will be offered on-site at local schools and clubs, as well as coaching clinics and courses for local children of all ages and abilities at Dubai Sports City.
“It was a great opportunity for the students and they were really excited to learn that such famous former players were coming to coach them,” said Hany Samir, Head of Physical Education at Al Khaleej National School. “We have a couple of students who are already playing at a high standard within the UAE but for most it was their first experience of the game and they clearly enjoyed every minute.
“We are talking with the ICC Global Cricket Academy about how they can help us develop the game further. It is great that we now have a place to play and it will benefit all the children,” he added.
The former New Zealand test star Dayle Hadlee is skillfully creating the programmes, having spent 30 years as a school teacher and the last decade with the New Zealand Cricket academy and senior squad.
“It is all about having fun in the early stages,” said Hadlee, a head coach at the ICC Global Cricket Academy. “We are not going to over-coach them. Youngsters pick up the game very quickly and learn their own methods and styles. Once they fall in love with cricket, you can then start to offer advice on improving.”
Included in the ICC Global Cricket Academy is an indoor training facility with seven indoor practice pitches, an indoor practice fielding facility, 38 outdoor practice pitches (28 turf practice wickets and 10 artificial practice wickets), classrooms, meeting rooms, two cricket ovals, swimming pool and other leisure facilities.
The ICC Global Cricket Academy will afford the opportunity to players, coaches, umpires, curators and administrators from across the ICC’s 104 Member Countries to benefit from programs and courses, creating an integrated cricket community
The academy is part of the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus, which includes the Dubai Sports City Football Academy – the home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai; the WorldHockey Academy, a first of its kind partnership with the International Hockey Federation, and a Swimming Academy with a 50 metre training pool.
In addition, Dubai Sports City is home to a David Lloyd Tennis Academy, a Rugby Academy, and the first Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the United States.
Former test players Rod Marsh, Mudassar Nazar and Dayle Hadlee are providing coaching advice to local students and meeting with teachers to look at ways the ICC Global Cricket Academy can support the development of cricket in schools.
The ICC Global Cricket Academy will be an important focal point for international cricketing excellence and education when it opens later this year. Situated in Dubai Sports City, the academy will provide a unique environment for coaching, game education and training in outstanding facilities with some of the games best coaches.
“I never lose the buzz of seeing children picking up a cricket bat for the first time. It is one of the most universal sports and youngsters can start playing very quickly,” said Rod Marsh, Director of Coaching at the ICC Global Cricket Academy, at the Al Khaleej National School in Dubai.
“The students we have met are really passionate about cricket and having the ICC Global Cricket Academy on their doorstep will allow them to take advantage of the facilities and infrastructure to improve their knowledge of the game and acquire new skills,” he added.
The coaches at ICC Global Cricket Academy are putting the finishing touches to the first school coaching programmes which will aim to improve the standard of the game at a grassroots level. The courses will be offered on-site at local schools and clubs, as well as coaching clinics and courses for local children of all ages and abilities at Dubai Sports City.
“It was a great opportunity for the students and they were really excited to learn that such famous former players were coming to coach them,” said Hany Samir, Head of Physical Education at Al Khaleej National School. “We have a couple of students who are already playing at a high standard within the UAE but for most it was their first experience of the game and they clearly enjoyed every minute.
“We are talking with the ICC Global Cricket Academy about how they can help us develop the game further. It is great that we now have a place to play and it will benefit all the children,” he added.
The former New Zealand test star Dayle Hadlee is skillfully creating the programmes, having spent 30 years as a school teacher and the last decade with the New Zealand Cricket academy and senior squad.
“It is all about having fun in the early stages,” said Hadlee, a head coach at the ICC Global Cricket Academy. “We are not going to over-coach them. Youngsters pick up the game very quickly and learn their own methods and styles. Once they fall in love with cricket, you can then start to offer advice on improving.”
Included in the ICC Global Cricket Academy is an indoor training facility with seven indoor practice pitches, an indoor practice fielding facility, 38 outdoor practice pitches (28 turf practice wickets and 10 artificial practice wickets), classrooms, meeting rooms, two cricket ovals, swimming pool and other leisure facilities.
The ICC Global Cricket Academy will afford the opportunity to players, coaches, umpires, curators and administrators from across the ICC’s 104 Member Countries to benefit from programs and courses, creating an integrated cricket community
The academy is part of the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus, which includes the Dubai Sports City Football Academy – the home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai; the WorldHockey Academy, a first of its kind partnership with the International Hockey Federation, and a Swimming Academy with a 50 metre training pool.
In addition, Dubai Sports City is home to a David Lloyd Tennis Academy, a Rugby Academy, and the first Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the United States.
Just Days From His First Border Crossing Ed Enjoys Turtle Liver In Garlic
The Narco Trail to Columbia......
Morale - 8/10
RHR - 67
Weight - no idea, but dropping
Guides: Cho, Juan, Moses
Ed Stafford aims to be the first man to walk the length of the Amazon river, from source to sea, from Peru to Brazil. No man has ever achieved this daring and dangerous feat before. Ed's hungry, tired and his laptop has died.
This blog was dictated over satellite phone. The laptop is dead.
'If you’ve seen the map lately you’ll see that we’ve headed north of the river channel into the hills. Two kms a day was getting us down a bit and we wanted to arrive at the Atlantic Ocean this side of 2020.
From Pebas we heard a rumour that there was a drugs trafficking trail that ran all the way to Columbia over the hills. All we had to do was to find a drugs runner or ex-drugs runner that would take us. After some approaches we met with Juan de Silva Rodriguez, undeniably the strongest Peruvian I have ever met, I am decidedly skinny next to him. He said he was a forestry worker and he knew the trail. We were in business.
I made two schoolboy errors prior to departure:
1. I took Juan’s timimgs at face value. He said the route would take 20 days - and as it was such good news and I wanted to believe him - I did. I should have done a timings estimate with the maps.
2. I let Cho and Juan by food for 20 days. After 7 days of walking this route we now have 3 days of food left. I estimate we have 15 to 20 days left to walk before we reach the Columbian border.
So we’ve already started cutting the rations and scavenging from the forest. Juan’s friend, Moses, has come with us too and is an excellant fisherman. On Thursday we feasted on catfish, trout and crab. On Friday Cho turned round to me as we entered a likely camp site and said “God provides!”. “Yeah right” I thought, only to then see what he was talking about. We had a large tortoise ready to be supper for four.
The tortoise is sold on markets here as a typical local dish. The liver fried in garlic and oil was nothing short of wonderful.
Incredibly yesterday we found another tortoise, wild tomatoes, various nuts and wild bananas. We are doing ok and morale is high. But we have 3 days of food to last us over two weeks. We have:
4 kg of rice
2 kg of salt
13 packets of Ramen instant noodles
3 tins of tuna
I sachet of monosodium glutimate
No farine
No coffee
No sugar….
…and there isn’t a community or logging camp in site. Lets hope that we encounter some camps that are occupied soon.
We are constantly spilling out into logging camps that are used by the drugs runners too. They are all empty. So far we have not encountered anybody at all in 6 days but yesterday we saw fresh footprints so there are some people here.'
Two days later......
'We followed fresh footprints into a logging camp. Lots of very well built men were eating breakfast and joking loudly. We were immediately given plates of spaghetti and ham and cups of sweet coffee. Loggers have a great code of looking after each other and we were treated very well.
My moods have been erratic and extreme lately and I’m not sure if this is due to fatigue, or frustration with progress; but my ecstasy over breakfast turned to complete frustration when the loggers told us that the path we had been following stops here.
To put this into context, we left my 1:100,000 map of Peru about a week ago and the 1:1 million map that we were using had next to no useful detail for navigation. We were over a 100 km from the Colombian border and 100 km from the Amazon River when our guides decided to inform us “we don’t know this bit”.
The river we were following was the Apicuari, and as we didn’t know the river’s shape, to follow the meanders would turn the 100 kilometers into well over 200.
ETA Columbia 13 days.
www.walkingtheamazon.com
Ed is walking the Amazon to raise awareness of climate change and is raising money for the ME Association and Cancer Research.
WHITE FERNS WIN THIRD ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP MATCH BY 199 RUNS
Thursday March 12th.
The White Ferns made it three in a row at THE ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP.
Today at The Bradman Oval in Bowral N.S.W. they beat South Africa comprehensively by 199 runs
Sent into bat in overcast conditions, The White Ferns compiled 250/5 from their fifty overs.
Amy Satterthwaite continuing her consistent form scored 73 from 75 deliveries, an unbeaten 88 off 76 balls from Sara McGlashan [ to match her brother Peter McGlashan who scored a half century for the BLACKCAPS yesterday] and Nicola Browne was unbeaten with 51 from 74 balls, the pair putting on 139 for the unbroken 6th wicket and hitting 48 runs in the last power play.
Left arm othordox spinner Charlize Van der Westhuisen was easily the best of The South African bowlers with 2/18 off ten.
Set 251 to win South Africa lost early wickets with both opening bowlers Kate Pulford and Sophie Devine getting a wicket each .
But the fireworks started in the fourteenth over for the White Ferns, a brilliant catch from Sophie Devine off Suzie Bates's bowling sent wickets tumbling with incredible figures being posted, Suzie Bates [ 4/7 off 5] and Aimee Mason even more amazing with 4/2 off 4.2, the pair picking eight wickets between them .
South Africa being dismissed in the 23rd over all out for 51.
The White Ferns will now face England on Saturday at The Bankstown Oval.
The White Ferns made it three in a row at THE ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP.
Today at The Bradman Oval in Bowral N.S.W. they beat South Africa comprehensively by 199 runs
Sent into bat in overcast conditions, The White Ferns compiled 250/5 from their fifty overs.
Amy Satterthwaite continuing her consistent form scored 73 from 75 deliveries, an unbeaten 88 off 76 balls from Sara McGlashan [ to match her brother Peter McGlashan who scored a half century for the BLACKCAPS yesterday] and Nicola Browne was unbeaten with 51 from 74 balls, the pair putting on 139 for the unbroken 6th wicket and hitting 48 runs in the last power play.
Left arm othordox spinner Charlize Van der Westhuisen was easily the best of The South African bowlers with 2/18 off ten.
Set 251 to win South Africa lost early wickets with both opening bowlers Kate Pulford and Sophie Devine getting a wicket each .
But the fireworks started in the fourteenth over for the White Ferns, a brilliant catch from Sophie Devine off Suzie Bates's bowling sent wickets tumbling with incredible figures being posted, Suzie Bates [ 4/7 off 5] and Aimee Mason even more amazing with 4/2 off 4.2, the pair picking eight wickets between them .
South Africa being dismissed in the 23rd over all out for 51.
The White Ferns will now face England on Saturday at The Bankstown Oval.
Hockey NZ Press Release: BS Women for India tour cancelled
Hockey New Zealand advises that the proposed tour to India by the Black Sticks Women in April has been cancelled.
India Hockey has postponed the four nation’s tournament due to a clash with general elections in India and has rescheduled the tournament in September. Unfortunately due to existing commitments (Oceania Cup in late August and NHL in September) the Black Sticks will no longer participate in the tournament.
India Hockey has postponed the four nation’s tournament due to a clash with general elections in India and has rescheduled the tournament in September. Unfortunately due to existing commitments (Oceania Cup in late August and NHL in September) the Black Sticks will no longer participate in the tournament.
Foot injury sidelines Franks
Crusaders prop Ben Franks has a stress fracture in his foot and will have surgery next week.
Franks, an All Black tourist to the United Kingdom late last year, picked up the injury in pre-season. He and the Crusaders medical staff have decided that an operation is the best option due to the increasing pain in his foot and he will be out of action for at least six weeks.
Bronson Murray comes into the starting line-up for Franks, with Owen Franks, Ben’s brother, coming on to the reserves bench.
Halfback Andy Ellis got a bang on the ribs against the Highlanders and failed to come through training today, so Kahn Fotuali’i will start, with Tyson Keats coming on to the bench.
The good news for the Crusaders is that fullback Leon MacDonald comes back into the starting line-up. MacDonald hasn’t played since leaving the field with a shoulder injury in the Crusaders round one victory over the Chiefs at AMI Stadium.
In other changes, Stephen Brett comes into first-five after playing at fullback in MacDonald’s absence. Colin Slade, who has played at 10 in all four rounds so far, moves to the left wing.
Blair Cook, who played on the left wing against the Highlanders last weekend, moves to the bench.
Adam Whitelock moves from centre to the right wing, replacing Jared Payne (ankle sprain), with Ryan Crotty coming into second-five and Tim Bateman moving one out to centre.
Lock Isaac Ross comes in for Ross Filipo, who moves to the bench.
With George Whitelock replacing Richie McCaw (knee) at openside flanker, Nasi Manu comes on to the bench as loose forward cover.
Head coach Todd Blackadder said it was great to have MacDonald back at fullback.
“Leon brings with him a huge amount of experience and ability. It’s really great to have him back,” Blackadder said.
“He is very good at organising players around him and he will play an important leadership role for us.”
Blackadder also said he has every confidence in Crotty at second-five. Crotty, 20, has represented New Zealand at under-19 and under-20 level. It will be his first start for the Crusaders after impressing when coming off the bench against the Hurricanes and Highlanders.
“Ryan showed a lot of spark when coming on in both games and we’re sure he’ll go well,” Blackadder said.
Blackadder said of selecting Slade on the wing: “Colin is one of the fastest players in the squad; he’s got a very good kicking game and is a great defender, so he will go well there. He’s also played fullback before, so he knows about covering and supporting at the back.”
He added: “The Force play an exciting game. They use width well and have a very good first-five in Matt Giteau so it should be a fast, open match.”
Crusaders injuries:
Corey Flynn – broken left arm (out for season)
Richie McCaw – strained medial ligament in knee (five-six weeks)
Casey Laulala – shoulder injury (two-three weeks)
Jared Payne – sprained ankle (four-six weeks)
Kade Poki – sprained ankle (week to week)
Sean Maitland – sprained hamstring (week to week)
Andy Ellis – sore ribs (week to week)
Ben Franks – stress fracture in foot (six weeks)
he Crusaders team to play the Western Force at 5.30pm on Saturday, March 14 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, is as follows:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Bronson Murray
4. Brad Thorn
5. Isaac Ross
6. Kieran Read (Capt)
7. George Whitelock
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Stephen Brett
11. Colin Slade
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Adam Whitelock
15. Leon MacDonald
16. Daniel Perrin
17. Owen Franks
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Adam Whitelock
15. Leon MacDonald
16. Daniel Perrin
Franks, an All Black tourist to the United Kingdom late last year, picked up the injury in pre-season. He and the Crusaders medical staff have decided that an operation is the best option due to the increasing pain in his foot and he will be out of action for at least six weeks.
Bronson Murray comes into the starting line-up for Franks, with Owen Franks, Ben’s brother, coming on to the reserves bench.
Halfback Andy Ellis got a bang on the ribs against the Highlanders and failed to come through training today, so Kahn Fotuali’i will start, with Tyson Keats coming on to the bench.
The good news for the Crusaders is that fullback Leon MacDonald comes back into the starting line-up. MacDonald hasn’t played since leaving the field with a shoulder injury in the Crusaders round one victory over the Chiefs at AMI Stadium.
In other changes, Stephen Brett comes into first-five after playing at fullback in MacDonald’s absence. Colin Slade, who has played at 10 in all four rounds so far, moves to the left wing.
Blair Cook, who played on the left wing against the Highlanders last weekend, moves to the bench.
Adam Whitelock moves from centre to the right wing, replacing Jared Payne (ankle sprain), with Ryan Crotty coming into second-five and Tim Bateman moving one out to centre.
Lock Isaac Ross comes in for Ross Filipo, who moves to the bench.
With George Whitelock replacing Richie McCaw (knee) at openside flanker, Nasi Manu comes on to the bench as loose forward cover.
Head coach Todd Blackadder said it was great to have MacDonald back at fullback.
“Leon brings with him a huge amount of experience and ability. It’s really great to have him back,” Blackadder said.
“He is very good at organising players around him and he will play an important leadership role for us.”
Blackadder also said he has every confidence in Crotty at second-five. Crotty, 20, has represented New Zealand at under-19 and under-20 level. It will be his first start for the Crusaders after impressing when coming off the bench against the Hurricanes and Highlanders.
“Ryan showed a lot of spark when coming on in both games and we’re sure he’ll go well,” Blackadder said.
Blackadder said of selecting Slade on the wing: “Colin is one of the fastest players in the squad; he’s got a very good kicking game and is a great defender, so he will go well there. He’s also played fullback before, so he knows about covering and supporting at the back.”
He added: “The Force play an exciting game. They use width well and have a very good first-five in Matt Giteau so it should be a fast, open match.”
Crusaders injuries:
Corey Flynn – broken left arm (out for season)
Richie McCaw – strained medial ligament in knee (five-six weeks)
Casey Laulala – shoulder injury (two-three weeks)
Jared Payne – sprained ankle (four-six weeks)
Kade Poki – sprained ankle (week to week)
Sean Maitland – sprained hamstring (week to week)
Andy Ellis – sore ribs (week to week)
Ben Franks – stress fracture in foot (six weeks)
he Crusaders team to play the Western Force at 5.30pm on Saturday, March 14 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, is as follows:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Bronson Murray
4. Brad Thorn
5. Isaac Ross
6. Kieran Read (Capt)
7. George Whitelock
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Stephen Brett
11. Colin Slade
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Adam Whitelock
15. Leon MacDonald
16. Daniel Perrin
17. Owen Franks
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Adam Whitelock
15. Leon MacDonald
16. Daniel Perrin
Wellington Youth Yachting Awards and lunch with Grant Dalton
On Thursday 26 March Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington, will be joining the Port Nicholson Youth Yachting Scheme in hosting a lunch at the Wellington Town Hall. The guest of honour is Grant Dalton who will give an entertaining talk about his experiences with Emirates Team New Zealand. During the lunch the Mayor and Des Brennan, CEO of Yachting New Zealand, will present the Wellington Yachting Talent Development Programme awards to recognise some of the excellent achievements of Wellington youth sailors over the last 12 months.
You are invited to attend the lunch. Tickets are $120 for one or $1000 for a table of ten. The lunch will be held in the Renouf Foyer in the Michael Fowler Centre from 12.30 to 2.30. For more information visit www.youthyachtingscheme.org.nz
You are invited to attend the lunch. Tickets are $120 for one or $1000 for a table of ten. The lunch will be held in the Renouf Foyer in the Michael Fowler Centre from 12.30 to 2.30. For more information visit www.youthyachtingscheme.org.nz
ELS BRIGHT AND BREEZY ABOUT BALLANTINE’S CHAMPIONSHIP CHANCES
Ernie Els is hoping to blow away his rivals at the forthcoming Ballantine’s Championship in Korea.
The three-time Major winner is aware of the windy conditions that are likely to prevail at the €2.1 million showpiece and is aiming to turn the situation to his advantage.
“The course will play tough for everybody no matter the conditions,” says the South African superstar. But I’ve played in many Open Championships [British Opens] over the years, having been a professional for 20 years, so strong winds are no stranger. Hopefully my game will allow me to adapt to whatever the weather does.”
Els has played in Korea before but will be making his first visit to the picturesque holiday island of Jeju, where the Ballantine’s Championship will be staged at Pinx Golf Club from April 23-26.
“I played in Seoul in 2005 and we played a wonderful course which was set up really tough, quite like a US Open layout with very high and thick rough,” he says. “I had such a good time in Korea that I’m really looking forward to returning. It’ll be my first visit to Jeju, but I’ve heard so many good things about it, particularly from the players who played in the Ballantine’s Championship last year. They all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
Joining Els in the stellar line-up for this year’s tournament will be World No.7 Henrik Stenson of Sweden and England’s Lee Westwood, the World No.12.
Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, winner of last year’s inaugural Ballantine’s Championship at Pinx, will be back to defend his title while Scottish great Colin Montgomerie, Europe’s newly appointed Ryder Cup captain, has also been confirmed. Smooth-swinging former Masters champion Fred Couples – a golfing icon in Korea – is also in the impressive field. The evergreen American recently showed he has lost none of his touch with a joint-third finish at the Northern Trust Open in California.
Els is relishing the challenge. “I’m looking forward to the tournament because I always enjoy playing against the world’s best players,” he says. "I know it’s going to be tough in Korea, particularly because of the strength of the field, but that’s why we play the game.”
He also believes the Asian contingent at Pinx will be a force and pays tribute to the growing strength of golf in the region. “I’ve been playing in Asia since 1992 and I have seen the game and its players develop enormously in that time. There are many Asian players throughout the world and the growth of the game, particularly in India, has been incredible. The world knows all about the strength of women’s golf in Korea and now the men are coming through with a lot more to follow.”
Els has a record that marks him down as one of the all-time greats of the game. Apart from his three Majors – the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and the British Open in 2002 – he has won an astonishing seven World Match Play Championship titles, twice finished on top of the European Tour Order of Merit and has triumphed 16 times on the PGA Tour. Approaching his 40th birthday later this year, Els feels he still has more Major successes in him.
“I just want to play as good as I can and hopefully complete the Grand Slam,” he reveals. “To do that I will have to win the Masters and PGA Championship before I retire. That’s the aim. My goals this year are just to play good golf, good enough to win me more tournaments and particularly Majors.”
Els has more than 50 victories worldwide to his name and credits his globe-trotting career – including regular visits to Asia – for making him a better player. He thinks it is something his fellow professionals, especially those based in the United States, should try to emulate. “The PGA Tour is wonderful and we play in a lot of different conditions, but to see the world and promote the game is important. It’s something more players should try to experience,” he insists. “My travels have helped my game through having to adapt to different circumstances, courses and climates.”
Els’ plans for a successful year include a strong showing at the Ballantine’s Championship – once again co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and Korea PGA – and he is aiming to put on a show for his many fans in Korea.
“I’m extremely happy that I have a following there and I’m looking forward to giving them something to remember on Jeju Island,” he says. “I’m very excited about my visit and I’m sure I’ll enjoy every minute.”
RWC 2011 Match Schedule and Pool Match Venues announced
Thirteen venues across New Zealand have been chosen to host pool matches for Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 after the Match Schedule was announced in Auckland today.
Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 CEO Martin Snedden confirmed the Tournament will kick off at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday 9 September 2011 when New Zealand will play Tonga.
Auckland (Eden Park), Wellington and Christchurch have been allocated five pool matches each while North Shore, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Dunedin will each host three matches. Whangarei, Nelson, Palmerston North, Napier and Invercargill will host two matches.
“Our philosophy all along has been a Stadium of Four Million. We believe today’s announcement, building on the knock-out decisions announced last year, takes us further towards the fulfillment of that promise” said Mr Snedden.
“RNZ has worked very closely with Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) over the past few months to bring this to a reality. Our collective view is that the Match Schedule represents the best balance between ensuring a successful Tournament in New Zealand while also recognising its global standing”.
The quarter-final match-ups were also confirmed, with the top two teams in Pool A (featuring currently qualified teams New Zealand, France and Tonga) and Pool B (featuring Argentina, England and Scotland) playing off in Christchurch. Wellington will host quarter-finals featuring the winners and runners-up from Pool C (featuring Australia, Ireland and Italy) and Pool D (featuring South Africa, Wales and Fiji).
In addition, the dates for the final weekend, which coincides with Labour Day, were also confirmed with the Bronze Final to take place on Friday October 21 at Eden Park, followed by the Final on Sunday October 23 at the same venue.
“The two day break after the Bronze Final allows us to better prepare for the Final on Sunday, and should also ensure a huge festival night for Auckland on Saturday”.
Representatives from all 11 regions which submitted match hosting proposals were in attendance at today’s announcement.
The schedule features a blockbuster opening weekend which will see pool heavyweights Argentina take on England in Christchurch, and South Africa play Wales in Wellington as well as communities in Invercargill, New Plymouth, Rotorua and North Shore getting their first taste of Rugby World Cup action. The second and third weekends will feature the Australia v Ireland clash and New Zealand v France respectively. The pool stage wraps up with deciders taking place across all 4 pools.
“Today marks the culmination of a 22 month process that has involved regions from every part of New Zealand” said Mr Snedden.
“We are pleased that all 11 regions will have the opportunity to host matches. Given that a total of 16 venues were proposed, we do appreciate that there will be disappointment among those who have missed out.
“The RWC 2011 Regional Coordination groups, of which there are 22 around New Zealand, will now evolve from having an initial focus on bidding for hosting rights into regional core tournament and festival delivery agents.
“In many respects, today is a special day for the successful regions, and they deserve to be congratulated for the time and effort and unprecedented level of co-operation that has been evident throughout this process”.
Speaking at the announcement in Auckland, RWCL Managing Director Mike Miller said, “While the number of match venues is more than Australia 2003 and France 2007 it reflects the Organising Committee’s desire to take the tournament to the entire nation under its call to arms of a Stadium of Four Million philosophy. RWCL fully supports this and the desire to ensure the Tournament has a unique look and feel that fits in with the cultural background of the nation.”
********
About Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd: Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 Ltd was established in June 2006 and is the organisation responsible for the planning and delivery of Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 in New Zealand on behalf of its shareholders, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Government. RNZ 2011 Ltd is governed by a Board of Directors which is chaired by current NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs. The New Zealand Rugby Union was selected as the Host Union for RWC 2011 by the International Rugby Board Council in November 2005. For the latest on planning for Rugby World Cup 2011 visit: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/
About IRB Rugby World Cup: The IRB Rugby World Cup is the third largest sports event in the world. The inaugural tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years. In 2007 the sixth tournament was held in France and enjoyed a cumulative worldwide broadcast audience of more than 4 billion. For the latest on RWC 2007 visit www.rugbyworldcup.com
Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 CEO Martin Snedden confirmed the Tournament will kick off at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday 9 September 2011 when New Zealand will play Tonga.
Auckland (Eden Park), Wellington and Christchurch have been allocated five pool matches each while North Shore, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Dunedin will each host three matches. Whangarei, Nelson, Palmerston North, Napier and Invercargill will host two matches.
“Our philosophy all along has been a Stadium of Four Million. We believe today’s announcement, building on the knock-out decisions announced last year, takes us further towards the fulfillment of that promise” said Mr Snedden.
“RNZ has worked very closely with Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) over the past few months to bring this to a reality. Our collective view is that the Match Schedule represents the best balance between ensuring a successful Tournament in New Zealand while also recognising its global standing”.
The quarter-final match-ups were also confirmed, with the top two teams in Pool A (featuring currently qualified teams New Zealand, France and Tonga) and Pool B (featuring Argentina, England and Scotland) playing off in Christchurch. Wellington will host quarter-finals featuring the winners and runners-up from Pool C (featuring Australia, Ireland and Italy) and Pool D (featuring South Africa, Wales and Fiji).
In addition, the dates for the final weekend, which coincides with Labour Day, were also confirmed with the Bronze Final to take place on Friday October 21 at Eden Park, followed by the Final on Sunday October 23 at the same venue.
“The two day break after the Bronze Final allows us to better prepare for the Final on Sunday, and should also ensure a huge festival night for Auckland on Saturday”.
Representatives from all 11 regions which submitted match hosting proposals were in attendance at today’s announcement.
The schedule features a blockbuster opening weekend which will see pool heavyweights Argentina take on England in Christchurch, and South Africa play Wales in Wellington as well as communities in Invercargill, New Plymouth, Rotorua and North Shore getting their first taste of Rugby World Cup action. The second and third weekends will feature the Australia v Ireland clash and New Zealand v France respectively. The pool stage wraps up with deciders taking place across all 4 pools.
“Today marks the culmination of a 22 month process that has involved regions from every part of New Zealand” said Mr Snedden.
“We are pleased that all 11 regions will have the opportunity to host matches. Given that a total of 16 venues were proposed, we do appreciate that there will be disappointment among those who have missed out.
“The RWC 2011 Regional Coordination groups, of which there are 22 around New Zealand, will now evolve from having an initial focus on bidding for hosting rights into regional core tournament and festival delivery agents.
“In many respects, today is a special day for the successful regions, and they deserve to be congratulated for the time and effort and unprecedented level of co-operation that has been evident throughout this process”.
Speaking at the announcement in Auckland, RWCL Managing Director Mike Miller said, “While the number of match venues is more than Australia 2003 and France 2007 it reflects the Organising Committee’s desire to take the tournament to the entire nation under its call to arms of a Stadium of Four Million philosophy. RWCL fully supports this and the desire to ensure the Tournament has a unique look and feel that fits in with the cultural background of the nation.”
********
About Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd: Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 Ltd was established in June 2006 and is the organisation responsible for the planning and delivery of Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 in New Zealand on behalf of its shareholders, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Government. RNZ 2011 Ltd is governed by a Board of Directors which is chaired by current NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs. The New Zealand Rugby Union was selected as the Host Union for RWC 2011 by the International Rugby Board Council in November 2005. For the latest on planning for Rugby World Cup 2011 visit: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/
About IRB Rugby World Cup: The IRB Rugby World Cup is the third largest sports event in the world. The inaugural tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years. In 2007 the sixth tournament was held in France and enjoyed a cumulative worldwide broadcast audience of more than 4 billion. For the latest on RWC 2007 visit www.rugbyworldcup.com
Ten sailors nominated for 2009 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team
Yachting New Zealand is delighted to announce the team that will represent New Zealand at the 39th Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships in Buzios, Brazil, in July this year.
Often described as a forerunner to Olympic success, the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships is an event in which New Zealand has a successful record, securing second place overall on the nations ranking list in 2008, and third overall in 2007.
Sailing in the Boys Double Handed Dinghy are Logan Dunning-Beck and Ben Goodwin. Goodwin has already represented New Zealand twice at the ISAF Youth Worlds, in both the Hobie 16 and the 29er. This is his first year at this event in a 420, a class that is a natural predecessor to the Olympic 470, in which New Zealand is traditionally very strong.
Alexandra Maloney and Bianca Barbarich-Bacher have teamed up for the Girls Double Handed Dinghy division. As top female sailor in the 2007 Optimist World Championships, and third overall, Alexandra has already succeeded on the world stage, and with Bianca has proven a very worthy opponent to some of the country’s most successful junior and senior sailors. In 2008 they narrowly missed achieving a bronze medal in the 29er class at the ISAF Worlds in Denmark and Brazil will be an opportunity for them to prove their point.
Sam Meech (pictured) will have an opportunity to improve on the Bronze medal he won at the same event last year in the Boys Single Handed Division. There is a slight twist however; this year he will compete in the Laser Radial instead of the Standard rigged version of this craft. His counterpart in the Girl’s event is Rachel Basevi, with Ben Mackay in the Boys Windsurfer, and Lucy Driver in the Girls Windsurfer event. James Turner and Marcus Hansen will compete in the Hobie 16 class.
“This year’s team consists of a credible group of young sailors, who I feel will do themselves proud at the ISAF Youth Worlds,” said Yachting New Zealand’s High Performance & Youth Director, Marty Watson.
“We will field sailors in every division, and this shows great depth of talent,” says Watson. “I hope that all will emerge from the event triumphant, but my first wish is that their experiences are positive and will lead to them following their dreams in the sport of sailing.”
Winners from all youth class national championship events were considered for selection for the 2009 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team.
The 2009 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team is supported by the NZL Yachting Trust, ASB and Line 7, three organisations that have supported sailing stars past and present over many years.
Final ODI and Test squads announced
New Zealand Cricket has announced the BLACKCAPS squads for the final One Day International and for the first Test in the three-match series against India.
The squad of 12 for the fifth ODI in Auckland on Saturday is unchanged from the side which played at Hamilton on Wednesday. Ian Butler remains unavailable due to injury.
A squad of 13 has been named for the first Test, which begins in Hamilton on Wednesday 18 March.
The Test squad is:
Daniel Vettori (captain)
Brent Arnel
Daniel Flynn
James Franklin
Martin Guptill
Tim McIntosh
Brendon McCullum
Chris Martin
Kyle Mills
Iain O’Brien
Jeetan Patel
Jesse Ryder
Ross Taylor
Northern Districts bowler Brent Arnel is the newcomer to the BLACKCAPS side. A right-arm medium-fast bowler, Arnel played for New Zealand A in 2008 against India A, and in this season’s New Zealand A series against the England Lions.
Head of the selection panel Glenn Turner said Arnel has been the best performing bowler in the A side against the Lions. “He’s bowled well consistently over a period of time, and has the advantage of having done quite a bit of bowling in recent four-day matches.” Turner said.
Auckland batsman Martin Guptill earns his first Test callup after a string of solid scores at the top of the order in New Zealand’s ODI and T20 series this summer.
James Franklin also returns to the BLACKCAPS side on the strength of good performances for New Zealand A, including an innings of 92 in the first four-day game against England A. Turner said Franklin comes in as an all-rounder, effectively taking Jacob Oram’s place.
Oram was not considered for the first test squad, Turner said. “He has made good progress in recovering from injury, but Jacob is not yet fully confident that his body would stand up to rigours of a five-day game. He now has the opportunity to play some four-day cricket for Central Districts – and he may well come into consideration for the later test matches.”
Franklin's place in the New Zealand A squad for the Twenty20 game against the England Lions will be filled by Scott Styris, while Otago bowler Warren McSkimming comes into the A side for Arnel.
New Zealand and India play three Tests to conclude the National Bank
Series, at Hamilton from 18 to 22 March, Napier from 26 to 30 March, and Wellington from 3 to 7 April.
The squad of 12 for the fifth ODI in Auckland on Saturday is unchanged from the side which played at Hamilton on Wednesday. Ian Butler remains unavailable due to injury.
A squad of 13 has been named for the first Test, which begins in Hamilton on Wednesday 18 March.
The Test squad is:
Daniel Vettori (captain)
Brent Arnel
Daniel Flynn
James Franklin
Martin Guptill
Tim McIntosh
Brendon McCullum
Chris Martin
Kyle Mills
Iain O’Brien
Jeetan Patel
Jesse Ryder
Ross Taylor
Northern Districts bowler Brent Arnel is the newcomer to the BLACKCAPS side. A right-arm medium-fast bowler, Arnel played for New Zealand A in 2008 against India A, and in this season’s New Zealand A series against the England Lions.
Head of the selection panel Glenn Turner said Arnel has been the best performing bowler in the A side against the Lions. “He’s bowled well consistently over a period of time, and has the advantage of having done quite a bit of bowling in recent four-day matches.” Turner said.
Auckland batsman Martin Guptill earns his first Test callup after a string of solid scores at the top of the order in New Zealand’s ODI and T20 series this summer.
James Franklin also returns to the BLACKCAPS side on the strength of good performances for New Zealand A, including an innings of 92 in the first four-day game against England A. Turner said Franklin comes in as an all-rounder, effectively taking Jacob Oram’s place.
Oram was not considered for the first test squad, Turner said. “He has made good progress in recovering from injury, but Jacob is not yet fully confident that his body would stand up to rigours of a five-day game. He now has the opportunity to play some four-day cricket for Central Districts – and he may well come into consideration for the later test matches.”
Franklin's place in the New Zealand A squad for the Twenty20 game against the England Lions will be filled by Scott Styris, while Otago bowler Warren McSkimming comes into the A side for Arnel.
New Zealand and India play three Tests to conclude the National Bank
Series, at Hamilton from 18 to 22 March, Napier from 26 to 30 March, and Wellington from 3 to 7 April.
Brett Stewart - more
MEDIA RELEASE
11 March 2009
The Manly–Warringah Sea Eagles Board today met to discuss a range of issues including the NRL’s decision to suspend Brett Stewart and fine the Club $100,000.
The Board would like to state for the record that we are very disappointed by the events that took place after our Season Launch last Friday. There is no doubt if we had our time again we would do things differently.
The NRL’s decision to suspend Brett Stewart for four matches is contrary to the Sea Eagles Board’s resolution last nigh,t however in consultation with Brett’s management and legal advisor we have agreed to accept their decision.
The NRL’s decision to fine the Club $100,000 will be addressed by the Board once the Breach notice has been officially served. The Club will be invoking our right of appeal when the notice is received.
As reported in the media earlier in the week the Sea Eagles Board ratified today a policy which places an alcohol ban on all players at official NRL, Sea Eagles and Sponsor functions effective immediately. Management will reinforce the Sea Eagles Code of Conduct with Players and ensure that they take greater responsibility for their individual actions relating to alcohol.
The issue relating to an incident involving Anthony Watmough and a club sponsor has now been resolved between both parties.
The Club will be taking action against any player who breaches our Code of Conduct. Sanctions include official warnings, mandatory counselling and appropriate fines.
With regard to certain allegations made on radio this morning about the Board meeting last night, we will not be making any further comment.
Scott Penn
Chairman – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Limited on behalf of the Board
11 March 2009
The Manly–Warringah Sea Eagles Board today met to discuss a range of issues including the NRL’s decision to suspend Brett Stewart and fine the Club $100,000.
The Board would like to state for the record that we are very disappointed by the events that took place after our Season Launch last Friday. There is no doubt if we had our time again we would do things differently.
The NRL’s decision to suspend Brett Stewart for four matches is contrary to the Sea Eagles Board’s resolution last nigh,t however in consultation with Brett’s management and legal advisor we have agreed to accept their decision.
The NRL’s decision to fine the Club $100,000 will be addressed by the Board once the Breach notice has been officially served. The Club will be invoking our right of appeal when the notice is received.
As reported in the media earlier in the week the Sea Eagles Board ratified today a policy which places an alcohol ban on all players at official NRL, Sea Eagles and Sponsor functions effective immediately. Management will reinforce the Sea Eagles Code of Conduct with Players and ensure that they take greater responsibility for their individual actions relating to alcohol.
The issue relating to an incident involving Anthony Watmough and a club sponsor has now been resolved between both parties.
The Club will be taking action against any player who breaches our Code of Conduct. Sanctions include official warnings, mandatory counselling and appropriate fines.
With regard to certain allegations made on radio this morning about the Board meeting last night, we will not be making any further comment.
Scott Penn
Chairman – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Limited on behalf of the Board
Well Armed ‘On Target’ For Dubai World Cup Encore
Trainer Eoin Harty has something of an advantage this year in that his Dubai World Cup (Gr.1) hopeful Well Armed traveled to the UAE in 2008 and was good enough to finish third in the world’s richest race. Thus, he knows what to expect from the six-year-old son of Tiznow as far as the travel and the track at Nad al Sheba are concerned.
There’s one other thing that Harty knows, too.
“They don’t give away the US$6 million,” he quipped on Monday. “But I’m happy to be in the position that I’m in.”
While Harty pointed out that other World Cup prospects such as Shadwell Stable’s Albertus Maximus, Japan’s Casino Drive and 2007 UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy will be tough opponents, he said Well Armed is training superbly and is getting ready for a big effort. On Monday, the gelding turned in an easy five-furlong breeze in 1:00.40 at Santa Anita Park.
“He worked really well; he’s on target,” Harty said. “He’s really come around of late, and he’s certainly doing as well this year as he did last year.”
When asked what he might have learned from the 2008 experience in Dubai with Well Armed that might be helpful this year, Harty laughed and said: “I learned I just couldn’t beat Curlin.”
Well Armed will have another workout on March 16 prior to his departure to Dubai the following day and then a breeze over the Nad al Sheba surface prior to the World Cup on March 28, Harty said.
In other workout action on Monday, Dubai Duty Free (Gr.1) candidate Kip Deville breezed six furlongs on a firm Gulfstream Park turf course in 1:19 for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. The move was the second at that distance for the four-time Grade 1 winner in less than a week following a clocking of 1:16.80 on March 3.
Meanwhile, Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr.1) contender Marsh Side turned in a flashy seven-furlong workout at Hollywood Park on Sunday, stopping the clock in 1:25.80, fastest of three moves at the distance.
There’s one other thing that Harty knows, too.
“They don’t give away the US$6 million,” he quipped on Monday. “But I’m happy to be in the position that I’m in.”
While Harty pointed out that other World Cup prospects such as Shadwell Stable’s Albertus Maximus, Japan’s Casino Drive and 2007 UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy will be tough opponents, he said Well Armed is training superbly and is getting ready for a big effort. On Monday, the gelding turned in an easy five-furlong breeze in 1:00.40 at Santa Anita Park.
“He worked really well; he’s on target,” Harty said. “He’s really come around of late, and he’s certainly doing as well this year as he did last year.”
When asked what he might have learned from the 2008 experience in Dubai with Well Armed that might be helpful this year, Harty laughed and said: “I learned I just couldn’t beat Curlin.”
Well Armed will have another workout on March 16 prior to his departure to Dubai the following day and then a breeze over the Nad al Sheba surface prior to the World Cup on March 28, Harty said.
In other workout action on Monday, Dubai Duty Free (Gr.1) candidate Kip Deville breezed six furlongs on a firm Gulfstream Park turf course in 1:19 for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. The move was the second at that distance for the four-time Grade 1 winner in less than a week following a clocking of 1:16.80 on March 3.
Meanwhile, Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr.1) contender Marsh Side turned in a flashy seven-furlong workout at Hollywood Park on Sunday, stopping the clock in 1:25.80, fastest of three moves at the distance.
Albion Freeze Season Ticket Prices
ALBION, having cut season ticket prices by a third over the past two years, have today announced a price freeze for 2009/10.
The early-bird prices will apply whether the Club are in the Barclays Premier League or Coca-Cola Championship next season and will be available until Thursday, April 30, 2009.
Adult prices start from £299 and, following the huge success of the £49 junior season ticket, the cap for this offer has been increased by 1,000 to 2,500.
These £49 tickets can only be purchased with an adult season ticket but stand-alone junior season tickets remain at £99.
The £49 offer, previously available in the Birmingham Road End and Smethwick End, has been extended to the East Stand.
Season ticket holders can now renew for 2009/10 in person at the East Stand box office, by phone (0871 271 9780) or via Albion Online Ticketing at official website www.wba.co.uk
The renewal deadline is Thursday, April 30, 2009.
New applicants can also now apply in person or by phone.
Due to the fact this year’s sales virtually reached the Club’s season ticket limit, new applicants will be asked to place a £50 deposit, making them eligible for the early-bird prices, and their names will be added to a first come, first served waiting list.
New applications will be processed from Monday, May 11, 2009.
Albion Finance Director, Mark Jenkins, said: “We have been at the forefront of reducing season ticket prices for several years as we have been mindful of the economic climate in our locality.
“This is further reflected in our decision to freeze early-bird prices for 2009/10 – whichever division we are in.
“This season’s prices in particular were well received by our supporters, which prompted Club record season ticket sales of over 21,700.
“We have also shown we are committed to our next generation of supporters by extending our special offers for juniors and families.”
Fans who purchase season tickets using the Albion Mastercard will benefit from a period of interest free credit.
The advantages of being a season ticket holder include:
Priority on advanced ticket sales in the event of Albion playing at Wembley again
The ability to purchase tickets via the Club's increasingly-popular internet service, Albion Online Ticketing
Five per cent discount on all Club Shop purchases (excluding sale items)
The option to subscribe to Albion World, which features Albion TV and Albion Radio, for half-price
The early-bird prices will apply whether the Club are in the Barclays Premier League or Coca-Cola Championship next season and will be available until Thursday, April 30, 2009.
Adult prices start from £299 and, following the huge success of the £49 junior season ticket, the cap for this offer has been increased by 1,000 to 2,500.
These £49 tickets can only be purchased with an adult season ticket but stand-alone junior season tickets remain at £99.
The £49 offer, previously available in the Birmingham Road End and Smethwick End, has been extended to the East Stand.
Season ticket holders can now renew for 2009/10 in person at the East Stand box office, by phone (0871 271 9780) or via Albion Online Ticketing at official website www.wba.co.uk
The renewal deadline is Thursday, April 30, 2009.
New applicants can also now apply in person or by phone.
Due to the fact this year’s sales virtually reached the Club’s season ticket limit, new applicants will be asked to place a £50 deposit, making them eligible for the early-bird prices, and their names will be added to a first come, first served waiting list.
New applications will be processed from Monday, May 11, 2009.
Albion Finance Director, Mark Jenkins, said: “We have been at the forefront of reducing season ticket prices for several years as we have been mindful of the economic climate in our locality.
“This is further reflected in our decision to freeze early-bird prices for 2009/10 – whichever division we are in.
“This season’s prices in particular were well received by our supporters, which prompted Club record season ticket sales of over 21,700.
“We have also shown we are committed to our next generation of supporters by extending our special offers for juniors and families.”
Fans who purchase season tickets using the Albion Mastercard will benefit from a period of interest free credit.
The advantages of being a season ticket holder include:
Priority on advanced ticket sales in the event of Albion playing at Wembley again
The ability to purchase tickets via the Club's increasingly-popular internet service, Albion Online Ticketing
Five per cent discount on all Club Shop purchases (excluding sale items)
The option to subscribe to Albion World, which features Albion TV and Albion Radio, for half-price
Doran Justifies Favourite Status
Liam Doran took his first British championship win in the opening round of the 2009 Kumho Tyres MSA British Rallycross Championship at Mondello Park in Ireland on Sunday (March 8).
Even though he has only a single year of experience in the championship’s headlining Supercar class under his belt, Doran has been tipped as a favourite to win the British title, a position strengthened by a pair of wins in winter events at Lydden in January and February. Those two events were the first in which Doran raced his Ford Fiesta ST Supercar, but the 21-year-old from Sittingbourne, had to adjust his driving style in the early stages of the Irish event on Sunday.
“The events at Lydden were to gain more experience in the car but also to prepare for the European championship race that is there at Easter, because of that we ran the car on European-spec tyres which have a crossply construction. This was the first time I’d driven the Fiesta on the British championship Kumho and because it’s a radial tyre the handling characteristics are completely different. It took me a while to adjust my style and it wasn’t made easier because the weather was changing all day,” said Doran of the day in which the County Kildare circuit experienced snow, hail, rain and some sunshine.
Doran set fastest time of the day during the second qualifying heat, but was slowed by the conditions in his other two heats and started fifth on the grid for the Supercar A final. Derrick Jobb (Fintona) started on pole position, defending British champion Lawrence Gibson (Banbridge) alongside him with home track favourite Eddie Kinirons (Naas) third. Pat Doran (Winkleigh) started from fourth place, sharing the second row of the grid with his son, while Andrew Morris (Bunclody) and Tommy Graham (Prosperous) were joined on the back row by B final winner Steve Hill (Aylesbury).
Kinirons led the way, chased by Jobb and Liam Doran who climbed to third place in the first lap. Jobb passed Kinirons at the end of the third lap to take the lead, Doran then moving up to second early in lap four. In the last lap Doran passed Jobb to win the race and secure pole position for the Superfinal.
Fending off Jobb’s challenge in the dash to the first corner, Doran led the Superfinal from start to finish, easing away from his rivals to record a clear win. “I had no problems in the Superfinal, I didn’t see anyone else after the first corner,” said Doran.
The event was a successful one for the Doran family’s Hydrex team as Pat Doran (the 2005 British champion) grabbed second place in the last lap after his race-long duel with Jobb ended when the latter crashed out. Hill continued his strong progress in the late stages of the race by passing Gibson to reach third place.
Even though he has only a single year of experience in the championship’s headlining Supercar class under his belt, Doran has been tipped as a favourite to win the British title, a position strengthened by a pair of wins in winter events at Lydden in January and February. Those two events were the first in which Doran raced his Ford Fiesta ST Supercar, but the 21-year-old from Sittingbourne, had to adjust his driving style in the early stages of the Irish event on Sunday.
“The events at Lydden were to gain more experience in the car but also to prepare for the European championship race that is there at Easter, because of that we ran the car on European-spec tyres which have a crossply construction. This was the first time I’d driven the Fiesta on the British championship Kumho and because it’s a radial tyre the handling characteristics are completely different. It took me a while to adjust my style and it wasn’t made easier because the weather was changing all day,” said Doran of the day in which the County Kildare circuit experienced snow, hail, rain and some sunshine.
Doran set fastest time of the day during the second qualifying heat, but was slowed by the conditions in his other two heats and started fifth on the grid for the Supercar A final. Derrick Jobb (Fintona) started on pole position, defending British champion Lawrence Gibson (Banbridge) alongside him with home track favourite Eddie Kinirons (Naas) third. Pat Doran (Winkleigh) started from fourth place, sharing the second row of the grid with his son, while Andrew Morris (Bunclody) and Tommy Graham (Prosperous) were joined on the back row by B final winner Steve Hill (Aylesbury).
Kinirons led the way, chased by Jobb and Liam Doran who climbed to third place in the first lap. Jobb passed Kinirons at the end of the third lap to take the lead, Doran then moving up to second early in lap four. In the last lap Doran passed Jobb to win the race and secure pole position for the Superfinal.
Fending off Jobb’s challenge in the dash to the first corner, Doran led the Superfinal from start to finish, easing away from his rivals to record a clear win. “I had no problems in the Superfinal, I didn’t see anyone else after the first corner,” said Doran.
The event was a successful one for the Doran family’s Hydrex team as Pat Doran (the 2005 British champion) grabbed second place in the last lap after his race-long duel with Jobb ended when the latter crashed out. Hill continued his strong progress in the late stages of the race by passing Gibson to reach third place.
Tearney Scores Good Win In Futures Tournament
Gale-force winds weren’t able to stop the progress of Wellington 18-year-old Finn Tearney who had a first round win at the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit tennis Futures at North Harbour beating his Australian rival, 763rd ranked Matt Reid in straight sets 6-3 6-4.
Tearney ranked at 1323 gains another ranking point for his victory and will now face second seed Adam Feeney(Australia)who has a current ranking of 380 but has been as high as 248 in singles and 100 in doubles.
And while Tearney showed plenty of maturity for his win, there was a lack of composure in the local clash between Davis Cup team members Dan King-Turner and Adam Thompson.
The lengthy contest had King-Turner eventually winning 7-5 in the third set but only after the traditional testy environment which occurs whenever New Zealand players clash.
Kiwi No1 Rubin Statham trailed for a while against Marcus Daniell but eventually won 7-6(3) 6-1 while GD Jones didn’t handle the wind as well as his opponent, Russian fourth seed Artem Sitak. North Harbour’s Matt Simpson also fell in the first round.
Another promising New Zealand teenager, Logan MacKenzie who hails from Canterbury but is based in Australia showed his power as he took on third seeded Rameez Juniad(Australia). MacKenzie won the first set 7-5 after being down 4-5. However the experience of Juniad counted in the wind as he then reeled off the next two sets 6-2 6-0.
In the US$10,000 women’s singles draw Di Hollands struggled at first in her match against Australian Anna Wishink, but then cruised through the match 6-4 6-1 to set up a game against regular Hong Kong visitor Ling Zhang who is the fifth seed at 369th in the world.
In an all-Kiwi game Shona Lee easily won over Chelsea Te Tai but has a tougher task versus second seed I-Hsuan Hwang from Taipei who survived a three hour epic against Australian Daniela Scivetti.
In other matches the world No1 junior girl, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn from Thailand, the tournament fourth seed was dispatched in straight sets in the first round by Hong Kong qualifier Zi-Jun Yang ranked at 691, over 300 places lower than her opponent
Tearney ranked at 1323 gains another ranking point for his victory and will now face second seed Adam Feeney(Australia)who has a current ranking of 380 but has been as high as 248 in singles and 100 in doubles.
And while Tearney showed plenty of maturity for his win, there was a lack of composure in the local clash between Davis Cup team members Dan King-Turner and Adam Thompson.
The lengthy contest had King-Turner eventually winning 7-5 in the third set but only after the traditional testy environment which occurs whenever New Zealand players clash.
Kiwi No1 Rubin Statham trailed for a while against Marcus Daniell but eventually won 7-6(3) 6-1 while GD Jones didn’t handle the wind as well as his opponent, Russian fourth seed Artem Sitak. North Harbour’s Matt Simpson also fell in the first round.
Another promising New Zealand teenager, Logan MacKenzie who hails from Canterbury but is based in Australia showed his power as he took on third seeded Rameez Juniad(Australia). MacKenzie won the first set 7-5 after being down 4-5. However the experience of Juniad counted in the wind as he then reeled off the next two sets 6-2 6-0.
In the US$10,000 women’s singles draw Di Hollands struggled at first in her match against Australian Anna Wishink, but then cruised through the match 6-4 6-1 to set up a game against regular Hong Kong visitor Ling Zhang who is the fifth seed at 369th in the world.
In an all-Kiwi game Shona Lee easily won over Chelsea Te Tai but has a tougher task versus second seed I-Hsuan Hwang from Taipei who survived a three hour epic against Australian Daniela Scivetti.
In other matches the world No1 junior girl, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn from Thailand, the tournament fourth seed was dispatched in straight sets in the first round by Hong Kong qualifier Zi-Jun Yang ranked at 691, over 300 places lower than her opponent
Brett Stewart
Media Release - Manly
The National Rugby League has suspended Brett Stewart from playing Rugby League until round five and has fined the Manly club $100,000.
The NRL makes no judgment in relation to any matter being investigated by police and stresses that these actions do not cast any view in relation to their outcome.
Stewart will be suspended under the NRL Code of Conduct in a decision that was given the full support of an angry NRL Board when they discussed the issue via a phone hook-up this morning and expressed dismay at recent events.
“Brett could not have been in a more high profile position of trust for the game on the eve of a season than he was last week and we believe he should have recognized the honour that he was given and the responsibility that went with it,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“By any estimation there was an abuse of alcohol in the aftermath of a club function that has led in some part to the game being placed under enormous pressure.
“The players and the clubs need to know that we are not going to accept that.
“The Manly club has today delivered its report into the function and the measures simply weren’t sufficient to stop drinking getting out of hand in the case of some of the players. Brett was both refused service of alcohol and asked leave the premises.
“This should serve as a warning to all clubs going forward and we note that Manly has already flagged a new policy around future events.
“Manly has also undertaken to review its on-going stance in relation to Brett playing after round five on the basis of any new information that may come to light.”
Note:
The Breach notices of this type are issued under section 20 (2) of the NRL Code of Conduct which states:
“Every person bound by this Code shall, whether or not he is attending an official function arranged for the NRL, the NRL Competition, the Related Competitions, Representative Matches, the ARL Competitions or a Club, conduct himself at all times in public in a sober, courteous and professional manner.”
A club or player has five business days in which to respond after receiving the formal breach notice at which time the penalty will either be confirmed or varied. Disputed matters can be taken to The NRL Appeals Committee comprises a Chairman who has served for or qualified as a judge, a nominee of the Rugby League Players Association, and Nominee of the Chairman of the NRL Club Council.
The National Rugby League has suspended Brett Stewart from playing Rugby League until round five and has fined the Manly club $100,000.
The NRL makes no judgment in relation to any matter being investigated by police and stresses that these actions do not cast any view in relation to their outcome.
Stewart will be suspended under the NRL Code of Conduct in a decision that was given the full support of an angry NRL Board when they discussed the issue via a phone hook-up this morning and expressed dismay at recent events.
“Brett could not have been in a more high profile position of trust for the game on the eve of a season than he was last week and we believe he should have recognized the honour that he was given and the responsibility that went with it,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“By any estimation there was an abuse of alcohol in the aftermath of a club function that has led in some part to the game being placed under enormous pressure.
“The players and the clubs need to know that we are not going to accept that.
“The Manly club has today delivered its report into the function and the measures simply weren’t sufficient to stop drinking getting out of hand in the case of some of the players. Brett was both refused service of alcohol and asked leave the premises.
“This should serve as a warning to all clubs going forward and we note that Manly has already flagged a new policy around future events.
“Manly has also undertaken to review its on-going stance in relation to Brett playing after round five on the basis of any new information that may come to light.”
Note:
The Breach notices of this type are issued under section 20 (2) of the NRL Code of Conduct which states:
“Every person bound by this Code shall, whether or not he is attending an official function arranged for the NRL, the NRL Competition, the Related Competitions, Representative Matches, the ARL Competitions or a Club, conduct himself at all times in public in a sober, courteous and professional manner.”
A club or player has five business days in which to respond after receiving the formal breach notice at which time the penalty will either be confirmed or varied. Disputed matters can be taken to The NRL Appeals Committee comprises a Chairman who has served for or qualified as a judge, a nominee of the Rugby League Players Association, and Nominee of the Chairman of the NRL Club Council.
IP GLOBAL NAMED TITLE SPONSOR FOR SOCCER SEVENS
Hong Kong-based international property company IP Global has been unveiled as the new title sponsor of the territory’s famous Soccer Sevens.
The fast-expanding firm has agreed to back the 2009 tournament with an option for a multi-year extension.
“We are delighted to welcome IP Global on board and we anticipate this being the start of a very happy relationship with the Soccer Sevens,” said tournament organising committee chairman Tony Bratsanos. It is no secret that in the current economic climate, sports events are struggling to attract or retain investment, which makes IP Global’s commitment to the Soccer Sevens even more valued and appreciated.”
The 2009 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens will be held at Hong Kong Football Club from May 29-31.
The tournament has earned a reputation for unearthing future stars with players such as Gabriel Agbonlahor, Anton Ferdinand, David Bentley and Glen Johnson making their names in recent years.
“IP Global is honoured to be the title sponsor of this year’s Soccer Sevens,” said managing director Tim Murphy. “For me personally, it is a moment of great satisfaction as football has always been my favourite sport and the one closest to my heart. We are fully committed to working with Tony and his team to help the Soccer Sevens grow, both on and off the pitch. We are pleased to assist in bringing world famous football teams to Hong Kong, giving the passionate fans here a truly outstanding sporting spectacle to enjoy. And for us at IP Global, the tournament provides an excellent platform for raising our profile, interacting with our clients and enhancing our role in the Hong Kong community.”
IP Global’s title sponsorship was announced in a press conference today (Tuesday, May 10) at Hong Kong Football Club.
Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.
The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.
Organisers also confirmed that defending champions Aston Villa will be returning in search of their third straight title and fifth overall. They will be joined in the Main competition by fellow English Premier League club West Ham United and Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers. The Masters competition will feature a squad of former Premier League players called the IP Global All-Stars and a debut appearance by the Polish All-Stars.
A total of 32 teams will take part in the Soccer Sevens, 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters. Each competition will feature a pool round followed by knockout games for the Cup, Shield and Plate (in the Main) and Cup and Plate (in the Masters).
Play will take place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday, May 29; from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday, May 30; and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday, May 31.
Entry on May 29 is free for all spectators, while all children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets will cost HK$200 for two days (May 30 and May 31 sold together) or HK$120 for one day.
Tickets can be bought from May 9 via the official website – www.hksoccersevens.com – or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.
The fast-expanding firm has agreed to back the 2009 tournament with an option for a multi-year extension.
“We are delighted to welcome IP Global on board and we anticipate this being the start of a very happy relationship with the Soccer Sevens,” said tournament organising committee chairman Tony Bratsanos. It is no secret that in the current economic climate, sports events are struggling to attract or retain investment, which makes IP Global’s commitment to the Soccer Sevens even more valued and appreciated.”
The 2009 HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens will be held at Hong Kong Football Club from May 29-31.
The tournament has earned a reputation for unearthing future stars with players such as Gabriel Agbonlahor, Anton Ferdinand, David Bentley and Glen Johnson making their names in recent years.
“IP Global is honoured to be the title sponsor of this year’s Soccer Sevens,” said managing director Tim Murphy. “For me personally, it is a moment of great satisfaction as football has always been my favourite sport and the one closest to my heart. We are fully committed to working with Tony and his team to help the Soccer Sevens grow, both on and off the pitch. We are pleased to assist in bringing world famous football teams to Hong Kong, giving the passionate fans here a truly outstanding sporting spectacle to enjoy. And for us at IP Global, the tournament provides an excellent platform for raising our profile, interacting with our clients and enhancing our role in the Hong Kong community.”
IP Global’s title sponsorship was announced in a press conference today (Tuesday, May 10) at Hong Kong Football Club.
Since it was first held in 1999, the tournament – sanctioned by the Hong Kong Football Association – has developed into the world’s premier seven-a-side soccer event.
The Main competition has become famous for unearthing the “stars of tomorrow” while the Masters section features former elite players from Europe’s top leagues.
Organisers also confirmed that defending champions Aston Villa will be returning in search of their third straight title and fifth overall. They will be joined in the Main competition by fellow English Premier League club West Ham United and Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers. The Masters competition will feature a squad of former Premier League players called the IP Global All-Stars and a debut appearance by the Polish All-Stars.
A total of 32 teams will take part in the Soccer Sevens, 16 in the Main competition and 16 in the Masters. Each competition will feature a pool round followed by knockout games for the Cup, Shield and Plate (in the Main) and Cup and Plate (in the Masters).
Play will take place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday, May 29; from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday, May 30; and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Sunday, May 31.
Entry on May 29 is free for all spectators, while all children under the age of 16 are allowed in free throughout the tournament. Adult tickets will cost HK$200 for two days (May 30 and May 31 sold together) or HK$120 for one day.
Tickets can be bought from May 9 via the official website – www.hksoccersevens.com – or through Laxton Marketing Consultants (Tel: 2866 3110), or they can be purchased at the public entrance during the tournament.
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