Any Information to John Richards on jrsthelensdsc@blueyonder.co.uk
(Please ensure that any photos are sent in jpeg format)
03/02/12
DSC SPORTSCENE No 26
DSC SPORTS BURSARY GRANT OPEN
THE DSC SPORTS BURSARY GRANT IS STILL OPEN FOR SPORTING INDIVIDUALS FROM ST HELENS. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM AND CRITERIA SHEET FROM THE GRANT / LOAN PAGE WHICH IS SITUATED ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE HOME PAGE.
CLOSING DATE IS 29 FEBRUARY 2012
Wilkinson Stores offer
Wilkinson Stores have very kindly donated a lot of brand new, Christmas decorations, cards, candles, tin foil turkey tins, decorative twigs etc. etc. for us to distribute to local groups. The only stipulation is that they cannot be re-sold.
Are you a community group who could make use of them? If so, please contact us. Must be able to collect. First come first served. info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk
Be a Part of the Olympic Legacy!
Fred Crawford
If you are 16 or over (male or female) and looking for a leisure activity, either to get/keep fit, socialise & meet new friends or aspire to something more formal – play regularly in a team/league (females only) – come and have a fun hour playing rounders at Ruskin Drive on Sunday afternoons (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.), commencing on 6th May. If you are interested in witnessing the local rounders league’s pre-season tournament (weather permitting), come to Ruskin on Sunday, 29th April, from 11.00 a.m. – you may get the opportunity to have a go. For more information contact Fred Crawford on 01744 753798 / 07718 770710 or email frederica.crawford@o2.co.uk
Sportsmatch Funding
Please note, you can continue to submit applications for projects starting from April 2012 but there will be no awards made between December 2011 and 31 March 2012. Please call the Sportsmatch team for more information on 08458 508 508.
About Sportsmatch
Sportsmatch makes awards to not-for-profit organisations that have secured sponsorship to deliver new community projects to grow or sustain participation in sport.
Sportsmatch uses money from the government to encourage new sponsorship of grassroots community sport. Priority is given to applications seeking to match sponsorship from the commercial sector but donations from private individuals or charitable trusts are also acceptable provided they meet our sponsorship eligibility criteria.
Awards of between £1,000 and £100,000 can be made to match funding from no more than five sponsors, with each sponsor contributing a minimum of £1,000. Sport England funding for the project must be spent by 31 March 2012.
Before making an application, we suggest you complete the pre-application checklist to help you decide if your organisation, sponsorship and project are eligible for a Sportsmatch award. We would also strongly recommend that you read the rest of the Sportsmatch information on our website or view our Sportsmatch guidance document which explains what Sportsmatch will and will not fund and what makes a good application.
Rugby League
Clock Face Miners 0 Pilkington Recs 10
A DISPLAY that was the epitome of desire and determination ensured Recs maintained their title push and stretched their remarkable run of not conceding a try in more than four and a half matches. They secured victory after an absorbing derby fought out on a gluepot of a pitch, which had seen both teams endure a 35 minute interruption deep in the second half, following an injury to Clock’s outstanding hooker Andy Stanton.
With the North West Counties Premier Division leaders holding a 4-0 lead in the 66th minute and the game on a knife edge, Stanton suffered a neck injury that led to paramedics being called to the pitch. Both sets of players temporarily returned to the dressing rooms and when action resumed third-placed Clock to throw everything at the visitors’ line. Incredibly the wall of red, amber and black did not buckle, though it took some last-ditch defending.
Firstly the jinking scrum half Martin Hutton was stopped inches from the whitewash and then a magnificent cover tackle by Danny Lynch and Richard Rafferty prevented what seemed destined to be an equalising try for the visitors out wide. The blow of not registering a score appeared to knock the home side dizzy with disappointment and from a resulting 25-metre top Recs – inspired by a Ryan Rogers break – surged downfield, where the tireless Jamie Smith slipped an inside pass that sent the old warhorse John Rees galloping to the tryline to clinch the two points.
To Clock’s credit they had also displayed tremendous defensive grit in the opening hour of the game, with the only other try coming after three minutes from Recs’ in-form centre Mark Ashton. But it is Recs’ impregnable defence, which has not leaked a try in 360 minutes of rugby that is giving their title challenge momentum and is leaving St Helens rivals Blackbrook with no margin for error.
Stanton, whose head injury did not turn out to be serious, was the Saints Taxis man of the match for Clock. Smith was the DHL man of the match for Pilks and Danny Lynch was named the Maguire Electricals players player of the match.
Athletics
Gemma wins marathon
St Helens Sutton A.C`s Gemma Connolly won the Ladies section of the Helsby Four Village Half Marathon in a time of 81 minutes.5 secs, a good booster for her marathon debut later this year. This tough, hilly course was given added difficulty with 25 mph winds impeding progress and disrupting any chance of hitting a steady rhythm.
Thaddeus sets record
There were new club records set by St Helens Sutton Athletic Club members at the Northern Indoor Championships at Sheffield.
Sprint specialist Thaddeus Anim-Somuah stepped up to the 400m, recording 51.05 in the first round and 50.78 in the semi-final. These are the two fastest indoor 400s run by a St Helens-Sutton club member.
Michael Causer set a new club best in the Under-20 long jump, recording 6.68m for fourth.
27/01/12
DSC SPORTSCENE No 25
What is the scheme?
Grow the Game provides funding for projects that use football to: increase participation by both players and volunteers.
This is done by supporting the costs associated with providing new activity.
Grow the Game is an extremely popular scheme and the assessment process is competitive, therefore we strongly recommend that before making an application you contact the Liverpool County FA Development team to discuss your project.
can you apply?
Applications are welcome from organisations that are 'not for profit' and planning to set up two new football teams over the next two years.
We will not fund individuals or educational establishments.
Organisations must have a signed constitution (with a dissolution clause), child protection policy, equal opportunities policy, bank statement and income/expenditure records.
Please note organisations that have an existing Community Small Grant or Grow the Game grant are not eligible to apply for a Grow the Game grant.
Organisations can only apply for one Grow the Game grant every four years.
What do we give money for?
Grow the Game provides funding to contribute towards a combination of the following essential costs associated with providing new football activity:
- Facility hire
- Hire of FA qualified coaches
- Referees fees
- CRB checks
- Affiliation fees
- League entry
- First aid kits
- Promotion and publicity
- FA coaching courses
- Additional courses
The Foundation does not fund retrospectively and will not consider applications for costs that have already been made or are due before an offer of a grant has been awarded.
There is no funding available for groups wishing to apply for charitable status, further support is available from the Charity Commission's website.
How much money can we give you?
Organisations are able to receive a £5,000 grant over two or three years with financial support being reduced in the second or third year of the project.
No partnership funding will be requested.
When can you apply?
Please note the dates below for the decision making process:
Close for GtG applications: 6 March 2012 (Midnight)
All applications will be assessed after the closing date of 6 March 2012 and you can expect to receive a decision on your application by the first week of May 2012.
Introducing 2 New Members
Dance
Welcome to new member club: Oris Dance
We provide classes to children and adults in the St. Helens area in modern jazz/theatre, tap, ballet and street dance. Our youngest children (approx age 3 - 8) meet at St. Julie's Church Hall, Eccleston, on Saturday mornings, while older children and teens are taught within the fully equipped dance studio at Ruskin Drive Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoons. All of our dancers have the opportunity to take Allied Dancing Association (ADA) exams and to take part in our annual show and other various charity events that we get involved with.
On Wednesday evenings, at Sutton Leisure Centre, we also run an open age beginners tap class (Tap 'n' Tone) which attracts many mums and family members of our lower school children who want to dance for fun and fitness.
Teachers are qualified with the ADA, have enhanced CRB checks and are members of The Guild of Professional Teachers of Dance and Movement to Music. More information can be found on our website: www.orisdance.co.uk
And
Powerboat Racing
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Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club. Website: www.lancashirepowerboat.com
 The club which is based at The Boathouse, Carr Mill Dam, St, Helens is run by the members for the members with the aim of promoting the enjoyment of powered water sports on the Dam. Our principal activity is powerboat racing and the club is proud to have several current and former British and International Champions and Speed Record holders amongst its members.
We pride ourselves in being one of the foremost UK clubs in providing RYA approved Powerboat Race Training for youngsters between the ages of 9-16 using the club’s in house training boat and equipment.
Our complimentary activity is that of waterskiing and many of our members enjoy both waterskiing and wakeboarding all year round.
We are currently taking applications for new racing and skiing members and information about all our activities can be found on this site.
We hope that you enjoy visiting our site and please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the club.
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JUNIOR POWERBOAT TRAINING |
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Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club can now offer an exciting opportunity to try a motor sport with a difference in our Junior Training Boat.
For boys and girls age 9-16, the boat, powered by a 15hp Yamaha outboard engine, travels at about 35 miles per hour. Ideal as a Birthday or Christmas gift or simply as a reward, this is something really different!
All equipment is supplied and full training on a one-to-one basis is provided to ensure your safety. Dates are available all year round.
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Football
Seneley & Garswood Junior Football Club
You are most probably aware that in recent years Seneley & Garswood Juniors F.C. have been involved in raising thousands of pounds for the sick children of our community and those organisations whose members are not as fortunate as our own.
2011 was no exception and over three Friday evenings throughout November our members once again showed their true worth and, together with their parents, once again gave their support to the 2011 Event.
The current fund, with SEVEN squads still to donate is in excess of £3200.
Please see attached information sheet which identifies the beneficiaries of this year’s event.
A special Presentation Evening has been arranged for Friday 27th. January at Garswood & Simms Road Labour Club where every penny raised through this event will be presented to representatives of these causes.
In addition a selection of Club Members who supported the Event will also be present to receive commemorative certificates.
Rugby League
Paddy Flynn scores first ever try at Langtree Park
The Widnes Vikings flankman has scored twice as FORMER Thatto Heath and Haresfinch winger Paddy Flynn earned the honour of scoring the first Vikings went in 20-18 up at the break. Saints went on to win the match 42-22.
Athletics
Good turn out of runners tackle challenging Stockport course
ST Helens Sutton A.C. took part in the second match in the Manchester & District Cross-country league at Stockport.
This hilly course is always testing but the bad underfoot conditions made it an even harder test that usual.
Two under 11Yrs members took up the challenge, Rosie Dyer finished 26th in the girls race in 11 min.49 secs and Matthew Slevin finished in the same position in the Boys in 12 min.11 secs.
There was a good turnout of U13yrs Girls with the team finishing 8th. Alex Bottomley led in 20th in 10 min.55 secs, Olivia Harwood-Moss (23rd in 11 min.14 secs.) and Abbey Roberts (34th in12 min.7 secs.) made up the counters.
Also running were Elizabeth Dingsdale (36, 12 min.56 secs.), Freya Roberts (38, 13 min.5 secs.), Emily Roberts (42, 13 min.34 secs.) and Ellie Mawdley (43, 13 min.43 secs.).
Just two boys ran in this age group, Adam Woosey 8th in 12 min.7 secs. and Joe Ford 12th in 12.44.
The U15s Girls team finished 7th with McGoldricks leading the way, Rachel running 13.29. (17th) and Maria 14.3. (26th).
The other members were Shannon Partington (30, 14.17.) and Lucy Griffiths (31, 14.19.).
Outstanding for the Senior Ladies was Gemma Connolly who repeated her fourth place in the Cheshire County Championships, which again won her selection for the Inter-Counties Championship, with a time of 31.29.
Julia Eccleston ran a brave 37 min.12 secs. For 49th, Chris Dempsey 42 min.43 secs. (107), Pam Appleton 44 min.2 secs. (116) and Pauline Picton 54 min.46 secs. (135).
The all veteran Senior men all found the course hard going with Rob Marsh (40.42,112) and Peter Johnson (40.52, 115) leading the way. Ian White (42.49, 151), Andy O’Connor (42.57, 151), Alan McNally (43.4, 157) and Mark Liptrot (43.11,) 163 completed the turnout.
Rugby Union
Liverpool St Helens 15 Vale of Lune 5
LIVERPOOL St Helens ended their recent poor run with a tremendous second half display to earn a deserved win over Vale of Lune.
Despite being behind at half time they produced a controlled and disciplined performance to put their season back on track. The visitors clearly pumped up for the occasion, attacked from the kick off and took the lead after seven minutes when former LSH back rower Gareth Tudor scored in the right hand corner.
LSH took some time to settle but gradually worked into the game and went close when Matt Cunliffe made a good break down the middle with Ian Stanley unable to hold on to the resultant pass.
With the back row of Mark Williams, Ally Sutherland and Phil Kearns all working hard, and the returning Dave Cunliffe in fine form, LSH won their share of possession but thwarted by the lack of clean quick ball and a lack of invention, were going nowhere reaching half time 5-0 behind. Then, a dramatic five minute period between the 47th and 52nd minute, completely changed the game. In the 47th minute Vale’s impish scrum half Darren Wilson, finally incurred the wrath of the referee and was dispatched to the sin bin.
Four minutes later the LSH Management decided to replace young scrum half Matt Gaines, given a torrid time by his opposite number, by switching Alex McClurg from centre to the number 9 slot and introduced John Pape off the bench at full back whilst moving young Liam Ratcliffe on to the wing.
While this masterstroke was bedding in, just one minute later in the 52nd minute, Vale lock forward Lee Acton was also dispatched to the bin.
Two minutes later LSH took the lead after a strong attack led to a controlled and unstoppable drive leaving Kearns with the simple task of touching down, Ratcliffe converting. Now playing with confidence and having maintained their own discipline whilst the visitors seemed to be intent on losing theirs, LSH assumed control. A superb solo effort from Pape extended the lead in the 61st minute.
Gathering the ball on his own 22 the Rainford lad neatly chipped over the Vale defence, ran through to take the ball after one bounce and then outpaced his pursuers to score in the left hand corner. This was a moment of brilliance in an otherwise unremarkable but hard fought encounter.
Vale, however, were not finished and only some quick thinking and covering from Stanley, gathering and carrying the ball in to touch, prevented a second Vale try.
LSH in turn took the game into the Vale half and were rewarded with three penalty attempts in the final minutes.
After Ratcliffe had missed two, skipper Simon Worsley calmly stepped up to slot the third between the posts to make the game secure.
Ruby League
Recs move to top Pilkington Recs 42 Shevington 0
IT took at least half an hour for Recs to shake off the effects of rustiness that were a product of going more than a month without a fixture.
But once they hit their stride their class told and they ran out comfortable victors to move back to the top of the North West Counties Premier Division.
Their play early on was lethargic and pedestrian but once they took the lead with the first genuine glimpse of class the Wigner’s were struggling.
Second row John Ford’s swift handling freed up space down the left flank and centre Mark Ashton burst clear.
He benefited from a stroke of fortune by regathering a deflected pass to winger Jon Frodsham and then touching down.
Skipper Rawsthorne then landed the conversion from wide out, a goal that was by far the most testing of an afternoon in which he went on to have an unblemished record with the boot.
It appeared the scoreline would be 6-0 at the break but Jamie Smith, who started at prop, took a short pass from hooker Andy Webster and punched his way over.
The visitors’ resistance began to fall away in the second half and with Recs stepping up the pace, John Rees and Ashton, who pulled off a trademark one-on-one ball steal before touching down, registered further tries.
Ryan Rogers then capitalised on errors, scooping up a fumbled up-and-underand going under the posts and then snatching an interception and galloping 90-metres to the tryline.
Ste Charlson rounded of the tryscoring with Rawsthorne nudging over his seventh conversion from seven attempts.
With fellow St Helens title chasers, Blackbrook and Clock Face in BARLA Cup action – a competition Recs have not entered the season owing to fixture and financial reasons – they seized their opportunity to move back to the summit of the table.
Danny Lynch took both the Maguire Electrical players’ player of the match and DHL man of the match awards.
Vine in training
PORTICO Vine has started training for all age groups for the start of summer rugby.
The under 7s and 8s start on February 4 at 10.30am.
They also have the open age training on Wednesdays with a 6.30pm start for the team who are playing summer rugby from March.
For more information please call Sean on 07812403456.
Brook down`s Dockers to make national progress Hull Dockers 6 Blackbrook 26
BROOK breezed into the second round of the National Cup with a convincing win at a National Conference outfit.
The visitors got off to a wonderful start scoring two brilliant tries in the opening ten minutes of the match.
After winger Scott Lyon had been tackled just short of the try line.
Lyon quickly got to his feet Brook swept play to the opposite side where Mark Webster sent his winger Tommy Cunningham over for try in the corner.
Danny Davies broke after taking a peach of a pass from Dave Llewellyn before finding Scott Lyon in support again who this time finished in style with a try in the corner with Chris Springford landing the conversion from the touch line. Dockers had a spell building pressure on Brook’s try line but could not find any way through the superb defence. Even when they did get over the line Chris Tyrer prevented the attacker from grounding the ball. Brook edged further in front with a Springford penalty before got Dockers registered their only score with a 70 metre interception try from Chris Birch which was converted by Craig Skelton.
Dockers lost possession from the re-start and gave a penalty away for dissent leaving Springford with an easy penalty goal to send his side into the interval with an eight-point margin. Brook struck again early in the second period to dent the Dockers hopes of a comeback Scott Holland chipped the ball into the corner Mark Webster won the jump for the ball and tapped it back to Lyon who beat the cover and returned the ball for Webster to cross and score with Springford again converted from wide out.
Blackbrook’s defence was magnificent throughout the contest and easily handled all Dockers could throw at them as they strived to get back into the game.
With ten minutes remaining Danny Davies broke clear from inside his own half and raced away to score a brilliant solo try which Springford again converted.
Ian Honey who as usual was at the centre of Brook’s attack was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Tommy Cunningham taking the players AB Sundecks Man of the Match award.
Brook’s reward for their win is a home game with Nevieson Leap from Pontefract.
Football
Haslam heads Billinge through to Cup Final
BILLINGE made it through to the final of the of the Cheshire League’s 1st Division League Cup Semi Final after beating Rylands.
Rylands had the early pressure and it was not long before they took the lead with a speculative shot from 35 yards which was misjudged by keeper Robinson.
He could only watch in disbelief as the ball crept in at the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.
Billinge went in search of the equaliser and Clare’s corner found Murphy in a yard of space and his headed effort again crashed into the wood work only for Tickle’s despairing effort to latch on to the re-bound which saw the ball bounce inches away from him to safety.
The second half started with both teams upping their efforts Rylands had something to defend and came out looking like the team most likely to increase the lead forcing a string of outstanding saves from Scott Robinson who more than redeemed himself for his earlier error.
After a rash challenge on Haslam which earned the Rylands defender a yellow card, the resultant free kick was swung in by Tickle and was met by Haslam who thundered his header past the static keeper.
Billinge’s celebration was one of huge relief but the game was far from over, that is until ten minutes later when in the 82nd minute another dead ball swung in by Tickle again found Haslam and this time his header was just sublime in quality and flew past the helpless keeper to give Billinge the lead.
SPORT ENGLAND
Who are we
Sport England is focused on the creation of a world-leading community sport system. We invest National Lottery and Exchequer funding in organisations and projects that will grow and sustain participation in grassroots sport and create opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport. Our structure reflects this focus
Formerly known as the English Sports Council, we work in partnership with UK Sport, which has responsibility for elite success, and the Youth Sport Trust, which is focused on PE and school sport.
Accountable to Parliament through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, we also have a role protecting sports provision as a statutory consultee on planning applications that affect playing fields
You can keep up with all our latest news by checking our news page and, to make sure you don't miss out on important announcements, you can sign up to receive our email newsletter, latest from the pitch. Our website address is www.sportengland.org
20/10/12
DSC SPORTSCENE No 24
REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS
Please Note
The DSC Sports Bursary Grant is available to apply for. The closing date is 29 February 2012. To apply go on to the Grants Page and Download the Application form and Grant Criteria information sheet.
Rugby League
Blackbrook push cup holders all the way
Bank Quay Bulls 29 Blackbrook 22
BATTLING Blackbrook pushed holders Bank Quay all the way but were just edged out at the end of a thrilling Lancashire Cup Final.
Brook took the game to the Bulls right from the kick-off, opening the scoring after just three minutes with a Lee Marsh penalty goal.
And, shortly afterwards, Mark Lee’s men went close to increasing their lead when skipper Greg Hale was bundled into touch at the corner flag.
They didn’t have long to wait for a deserved try though. Lee Marsh launched a long downfield kick from inside his own half and Danny Davies outpaced the Bank Quay cover to claim a well-taken try by the posts.
After winger Dave Weldon had gone close to increasing the Brook tally, the Bulls were finally stirred into action with Craig White taking full advantage of hesitancy in the St Helens side’s defence to jink between the posts to score.
Then, two minutes before the interval, Marsh extended Brook’s lead with a penalty. But right on half-time, Bank Quay struck again with Phil Braddish’s break paving the way for Paul Cragg to score between the posts. White added the goal to give the Warrington men a 12-10 lead at the break.
The Bulls increased their lead five minutes after the re-start. Following a period of pressure on the Brook try line, Danny Forster spotted a gap in the defence to stretch out and score.
Brook bounced straight back though when Ian Honey made a great run from acting half-back to send Danny Davies in for his second try to make it 18-14 to the holders.
With play switching from one half to the other, Bulls were next to score, pouncing on a Brook error to take possession and grab a close range try wide out on the right.
The end-to-end action continued and Brook should have replied following another Honey break, but this time the hooker’s pass failed to find any support and Bank Quay cleared.
Bulls gave themselves some breathing space, with a converted try by Wes Lawton stretching their advantage to 28-14. But Brook refused to lie down and hit back when Lee Marsh sent Danny Davies over for his hat-trick touchdown.
A Paul Cragg drop goal made it 29-18 as the game entered its final ten minutes, but Brook continued to press forward, launching a series of attacks.
However, dogged Bulls defence held them at bay before a long pass by Lee Marsh enabled Tommy Cunningham to go over for a late consolation try.
Youth Olympics
Gordon honoured by refereeing role at Youth Winter Olympics
IN his day job solicitor Gordon Barnes is used to making tough, split-second decisions.
But there’s no rest for the 56-year-old during his time off either, because the ex ice hockey player travels the world as a top-class short track speed skating referee!
Gordon, who specialises in commercial law at the St Helens Law office near St Helens Central station, is set to jet off to Innsbruck in Austria for the inaugural 10-day Winter Youth Olympics later this week.
He said: “I’ve been on the world-class refereeing panel for the last four years but just missed the Vancouver Winter Olympics, so I’m really looking forward to next week’s event.
“Speed skating is meant to be a non-contact sport, but, inevitably, it doesn’t work out like that and there is a lot of high-speed coming together.
“I’ll be one of three referees standing in the middle of the track who must make on-the-spot decisions about whether a skater is culpable of an infringement or not.
“It’s not easy. There are blind spots on the track where skaters try to gain an advantage and even the youngsters in Innsbruck will be travelling at about 28mph.
“But the relay is the hardest to adjudicate because there are four teams of four on ice.”
Gordon, who grew up in Ayrshire, Scotland, and used to play ice hockey for Richmond Flyers, classes Canada as his favourite winter sports destination.
He added: “Korea, China and America are the leading lights in speed skating at the moment, but there will two British stars of the future competing at Innsbruck too. I can’t wait.”
Rugby League
Brook and Clock join the Witch to summer rugby league
LEADING North West Counties Premier division clubs Blackbrook and Clock Face Miners are among the latest teams that have decided to switch to playing in a summer-based competition from March.
They follow on from Pilkington Recs decision to switch revealed in last week’s Star.
The deadline for clubs in Yorkshire and the North West to apply to join the RFL’s new summer-based competitions is Sunday, January 15 and regional RFL staff is busy fielding a large number of enquiries from clubs.
Blackbrook press officer Dave Hunt said: “It’s been a recent decision within the last two to three weeks when we have discussed switching to summer; we didn’t want to be left behind and had to think to the future.
“All youth Rugby League is in the summer now so in two or three years’ time players won’t want to switch to winter when they get to open age, it’s the way the game is going and the way forward. “The players and committee discussed it and they are up for it. We will finish our commitments in the North West Counties Premier before switching to the North West men’s league, our coach is confident we have the players to make it a success.
“The training should be an even better standard in the better weather and it is also going to be better for spectators watching games.”
For more information on the club and how to get involved with Blackbrook visit www.blackbrookarlfc.co.uk
Swimming
Crossing the English Channel-In Newton
TIRED but triumphant, three aquatic pals managed to swim the equivalent of crossing the English Channel in less than five hours.
And Libby Horan, Gemma Williams and Steph Sass, who are all members of Ashton Central Swimming Club, can be even prouder at their sporting achievement after raising well over £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
It is a cause particularly close to Ashton 14-year-old Libby’s heart because her grandma Joyce Munro is battling the incurable illness. The 75-year-old from Haydock’s condition has also deteriorated markedly in recent weeks.
Cansfield High schoolmate Gemma, 13, agreed to join Libby on their marathon effort, so too 23-year-old Edge Hill University student Steph who had taken part in a similar swim four years ago.
Starting at 9am at the Selwyn Jones Sports Centre in Newton-le-Willows, the trio between them ploughed through 1,400 lengths of the 25m pool, Steph taking half of them and the two girls sharing the remainder.
But after Libby finished her 352-length quota she decided to carry on for an extra 48 lengths so that she could qualify for her 10,000m badge on the same day. They were all done by 2.40pm.
Libby’s mum Lynne Rogers said: “All three of them can be very proud of what they have done. They were surprisingly fresh afterwards but swimming such a long distance is a real feat. My mum is very ill at the moment and Libby really wanted to do this for her and the South Lancs branch.”
“Gemma said ‘never again!’ afterwards but Libby said she would like to do something like this again sometime and do even more lengths.
“Steph, who had the lion’s share of the swimming, was also very pleased that she had beaten the record she set last time she did this. She said she needed a vodka and coke afterwards and I’m not surprised.”
Lynne said that more than £1,000 had already been pledged before the swim started and it was hoped that several hundred more would come in before the final reckoning.”
Athletics
Busy afternoon for cross country hosts at Sherdley Park
St.Helens Sutton A.C. hosted the Merseyside Cross Country Championships last week. With the first race starting at 10.45am and the last at 2.05pm it was a very busy time for the members. Not surprisingly the home team had a much lower turnout in the events than normal.
The first race in which the club competed, and it`s most successful was the under 13s girls over 3km. Olivia Harwood-Moss led the team in 9th place with a time of 14 min 30 secsd.
There was another good run from Joseph Walker in the U13s boy’s race finishing in 6th in 12 min.14 secs. Jamie White was the only member in the U20s Men’s 8km event finishing 7th with 29 min.54 secs.
Gymnastics
St.Helens girls enjoy medal success
Following a recent regional competition four girls from St.Helens Centre for Gymnastics gained a place representing Cheshire & Merseyside in the Regional Team Championships at Liverpool Lifestyle Centre Beth Tweddle`s gym.
They competed against teams from Lancashire and Greater Manchester. The girls pictured are Kate Lang (Bronze medal) -Stephanie McCall (Silver medal) – Emily Glover (Silver medal) and Georgia Hanna (Silver medal).
Angling
Speakman wins but frost brings no show
Newton-le-Willows angling association Bank Holiday Monday Open Sweepstake: Upper Pound Sankey canal.
A very disappointing match result following a very severe frost the night before, this really had the water temperature down and the fish didn`t turn on at all.
1st, Terry Speakman (N-l-W) peg 33, with approx. 70 tiny perch to pole and pinky for 2-11-0.
2nd, Mike Kadlec (Warrington) peg 34 with roach to caster and pole for 1-5-0.
3rd, Eddie Cook (N-i-W) peg 24 with roach to pole and punched bread for 1-0-0.
The Associations AGM will take place on Thursday 26 January at their Headquarters Newton- le- Willows Sports Club (Cricket Club) Crow Lane East, WA12 9LX at 8pm.
12/01/12
DSC SPORTSCENE No 23
DSC SPORTS BURSARY GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN TO SPORTS INDIVIDUALS FROM ST.HELENS
Subject to forfilling the Grant Criteria. Go on to the Website Grants Page for an Application Form and Grant Criteria. Applications must be in by the closing date 29 February 2012
Penlake u8s off to a flying start
Penlake under 8s have had a fantastic start to the season. This bunch of kids did not know each other before the the season started last August and this season is their first competetive season and up to now they have gone really well.
They has been assisted off the field by an enthusiastic team of volunteer helpers. They are however looking for a sponsor if any businesses out thre would like to give them a helping hand please contact club secretary Garry Goodwin on penlake@virginmedia.com
Murray`s happy to prove himself on world stage
2012 promises plenty for British, Commonwealth and WBA Intercontinental middleweight champion Martin Murray.
The St Helens fighter is currently enjoying a relaxing New Year break with his family, having just returned from honeymoon recently having tied the knot with long-time girlfriend Gemma.
The idyllic wedding ceremony surroundings of a Caribbean cruise must have seemed a million miles away from the world title battle Murray starred in days earlier in Germany.
On December 2, Murray was in Mannheim’s plush SAP Arena, in front of 15,000 bloodthirsty home fans, hoping to wrestle Felix Sturm’s WBA World middleweight belt away from the champion against all the odds. Murray was all but written off going into the fight, but a heroic, breath-taking performance over 12 gruelling rounds in Sturm’s backyard helped secure an unbelievably dramatic draw.
Murray said: “The Sturm fight was very close, as everyone could see.
“I’ve now had a chance to watch the DVD and there was very little in it.
“I knew full well it would be a tough one for me to take on, and that’s exactly how it panned out.
“I was gutted I didn’t win again, but at the same time if I’d have lost it probably would have spoilt my wedding.
“I have to be happy though, as I’ve now proved myself on the world stage and I’ve proved a lot of doubters wrong.
“I learned so much from the whole experience in Germany, so once the Christmas period is over, I’ll be knuckling down to hard training again and we’ll see what 2012 brings.
“It’s exciting for me. I want a world title now and I know I’m capable of achieving that before too long.
“I’ve had a lovely family Christmas,” added Murray.
“I trained so hard for the Sturm fight so after it, I felt I deserved a month off.
Team 53 is currently recruiting for the next team start date of 30th January 2012
The Prince's Trust is a 12 week personal development programme for 16-25 year olds. Which helps students to work on barriers to achieving, such as confidence, self-esteem, motivation, people skills, group work skills, leadership skills or behavioural difficulties.
This course is ideal for wide variety of people who may currently not be in education, training and employment, or for students who may be in danger of failing or not completing their course for any reason. Often students who have gained the enrichment experience of completing the Princes Trust Team programme find that they better equipped to study at the next level within their subject area.
To make a referral, contact the Princes Trust team, via the details below. We will then set up an informal interview with the potential student to provide them with more information.
Regards
Vicky Kelly, Prince's Trust Team Leader
Tel: 01744 62 3358
Mobile: 0781 030 7118
The Prince's Trust: Helping change young lives
07/01/12
VIEW MERSEYSIDE SPORTS PARTNERSHIP 2012 EVENTS
VIEW MERSEYSIDE SPORTS PARTNERSHIP FULL ANNUAL REPORT
07/01/12
DSC SPORTSCENE No 22
DSC Sports Bursary Grant APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Reminder to all member clubs/organisations who have any individuals requiring help financially in their chosen sport can apply for a DSC Sports Bursary Grant subject to forfilling the requirements of the DSC Bursary Criteria. Check the Bursary Grant on the Grants Page of our Website.
Sign up session for GPW St.Helens 10k run
RUNNING the GPW Legal Services St Helens 10K is likely to figure on plenty of people’s lists of New Year’s resolutions – and any fit runners can commit themselves to the event this week.
Organisers, The Steve Prescott Foundation, will be staging a signing up session for the run, which will start and finish at Saints’ magnificent Langtree Park on Sunday, March 11.
The charity hopes the fact entrants will get to finish inside the stadium will help pull in more than 1,000 competitors so get you entry in now.
Entry is £18 and all participants will receive a complimentary t shirt, medal and goody bag. For further details contact Martin Blondel on 07971792859 or email martinblondel@steveprescottfoundation.co.uk
Recs draw up ambitious plans after summer switch decision
PILKINGTON Recs’ open age teams will switch to playing summer rugby league as part of an ambitious vision that aims to return the club to the pinnacle of the amateur game.
The red, amber and blacks, who moved to a new playing base at Ruskin Drive sports ground last autumn, intend fulfilling all their fixtures in the North West Counties winter league this season.
Recs’ first team currently lead the NWC Premier Division and once their remaining games, and those of their A team, are completed in the winter league they plan to make an immediate switch to the RFL’s new regional men’s summer league that will run between March and November 2012.
The club said the decision had been taken after lengthy debate involving both its committee and open age players “on the best way forward for Recs”.
Billy Dillon, Recs’ secretary, also revealed the club has been given notice that they will have to leave City Road, which they still use as a training venue, by March, because developers plan to start building on the pitches.
Dillon added that the unavailability of any floodlit grassed areas in the town, where training could take place over winter months, has had a bearing on the club’s decision to switch to summer this year.
The NWC Premiership Cup and St Helens Cup holders, who have settled in well to the playing facilities and clubhouse at Ruskin, have drawn up a three year development plan which involves improving their youth system and applying to join the National Conference Leagues.
The move will bring Pilkington Recs’ open age teams into line with the junior set up, which is also switching to play in summer competitions
