Movember – The Month of the Moustache.

About The Campaign

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.

To register and for more information please visit http://www.ukmovemberr.com/ or www.movember.org.

Learning Disability, Sport & Legacy Report Launch

Thank you to our friends at Special Olympics GB for providing this post. The report was taking in full from www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk

The first-ever comprehensive study of the impact of the Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games has concluded that sport not only provides enormous social and health benefits for people with learning disabilities, but it can also act as a pathway to a greater sense of citizenship and inclusivity.

The Learning Disability, Sport and Legacy report was launched at the House of Commons on 26 October at an event hosted by Leicester West
MP Liz Kendall. It was the result of a two-year research project led jointly by Professor Richard Holt and Dr Neil Carter from De Montfort’s University’s International Centre for Sports History and Culture, and John Williams from the University of Leicester’s Department of Sociology.

In-depth interviewing of athletes with learning disabilities, families and officials was carried out by project research fellow Dr Susan Barton, author of the first history of Special Olympics GB as part of the project.

The ground breaking research behind the report showed the benefits of Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games to athletes with learning disabilities and their carers, as well as the wider society, and looked at the impact and legacy of the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games Leicester 2009 (SOL 2009) on the athletes, the city and the public.

This games was the country’s largest multi-sports event in 2009 with 2,500 athletes, 1200 coaches, 6,000 family members and carers and 1,000 volunteers.
Guests at the launch event – including Minister for Sport & Olympics Hugh Robertson, Sport England’s London 2012 Sport Participation and Legacy Manager Cathy Hughes, and Special Olympics GB President Lawrie McMenemy MBE – also heard how, despite the costs to the local authority of hosting the event, Special Olympics GB’s 2009 National Summer Games in Leicester boosted the city’s economy with an estimated £2.8 million of additional spending.

The report however, calls for radical new thinking on future Games – and more central government and sports governing body funding for learning disability sport.
Special Olympics Great Britain is focused on growing local club capacity and in supporting the government's vision of an inclusive future for disability sport, hopes to engage to a further 12,000 athletes by the end of 2013.

The competition pathways provided by Special Olympics GB for athletes with learning disabilities of all abilities from grass-roots to international levels will be of great value as more people with learning disabilities become regularly involved in sport. The Special Olympics National Summer Games - as the largest sports competition in Great Britain for people with learning disabilities - will be a key part of this.

According to Special Olympics GB CEO Karen Wallin, “This unprecedented report delivers valid and practical data on the value of sport to people with learning disabilities. It is also an important tool to help us evaluate the future role of our organisation in view of the changing sporting landscape and the hopes for a more inclusive society.”

Wallin continued, “It is clear that our clubs are struggling, as are a large majority of mainstream clubs, with funding, facilities and volunteers cited as the 3 main barriers to growth. One thing is clear that further investment is needed to reverse the trend of declining participation in sport by disabled people and to build capacity to support local clubs and it is our hope that Special Olympics GB can be considered alongside priorities for disability sport and sport more widely.”
The report was welcomed by Hugh Robertson, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, who said: "Lessons learned from this study are immediately transferable as the nation prepares to host other major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup.

"The challenge of how to drive a legacy for these events is one we all face - and the lessons picked up by this work will be of enormous use to us," he said.

Highlighted Findings

• Eight out of 10 respondents agreed it was good to have the opportunity to mix with people with learning disabilities.

• Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) agreed the games brought disabled and non-disabled people in Leicester closer together.

• Being part of Special Olympics helped to counteract the isolation experienced by people with learning disabilities.
Development of self-esteem through participation in the Games was also an important factor in coping with life, especially bullying.

• Special Olympics offers important opportunities for self-realisation, competition and sociability for athletes, family members and carers and a potential forum for developing greater awareness and lasting relationships between disabled and non-disabled people.

• It urges Special Olympics GB to modernise by reviewing several core elements of the event, including funding and fundraising, as well as the scale of the National Summer Games, given the current economic climate. The report records that SOL 2009 would not have taken place, had Leicester City Council not underwritten the £200,000 costs of hosting the games and contributed a further £1 million when commercial and other funding could not be secured.

• The report also urges Special Olympics GB to address the under-representation of athletes from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups. Relatively few athletes or carers were from BME communities at the 2009 games, contrasting sharply with the ethnicity of the volunteers who helped run the games, with around 40 per cent drawn from Leicester’s diverse population. It recommended that the programme reflect the diverse face of modern Britain.

Kult & Punk: St Pauli win in Berlin (AGAIN!)

What a weekend, the boys are back in Zoes Bar, getting things sorted for the Halloween party tomorrow night. The band line up is fantastic, full of heavy metal, experimental indie music and so much more. Our favourites the Black Finger Nails are there plus the fantastic Merkel & SarKosy and the Enlargement Orchestra. They still managed to get to Berlin.

1. FC Union Berlin 0-2 FC St. Pauli

A second half turnaround handed St. Pauli maximum points as they recovered from a poor first half performance to see off a resilient Berlin side who saw their winning streak in front of home support come to abrupt end.

Union Berlin certainly started on the front foot, but playing to their strengths in transition it was St. Pauli who engineered the first chance in the match. Sebastian Schachten on the right found Fin Bartels breaking into the box, but from tight angle the midfielder dragged his shot too far across goal (8'). John Jairo Mosquera thought he had won a spot kick after being brought down by Markus Thorandt inside the box, but despite no penalty being given the striker had to go off injured (34').

Pauli pressure tells

His replacement Halil Savran almost made an immediate impact forcing a good save out of Philipp Tschauner with a rasping effort that looked to be heading for the bottom corner (40'), but the deadlocked remained intact going in at the break. Pauli pressed straight from the restart with Bartels setting up Max Kruse for the best chance of the match, but Jan Glinker did well to deny the youngster (47') before also keeping Dennis Naki's attempt from distance (54'). Berlin couldn't find a foothold in the second half and soon found themselves behind.

Kruse was brought down from behind on the edge of the box, but when play went on when Naki reacted fastest to curl the ball into the bottom corner (63'). Union went in search of an equaliser, but after Markus Karl's header was held by Tschauner (67') and Christian Stuff hit the post (70') it was left to Thorandt to extend Pauli's lead by bundling home Dennis Daube's corner from a few yards out (77'). The capital city side were left to rue missed chances, but a clinical performance from Pauli saw them move within a point of league leaders Fürth.

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates finish level with the Welsh

Thank you to Phil Western for the match report and Brian Tempest for the photo and all at www.cornish-pirates.com


London Welsh 17 Cornish Pirates 17

RFU Championship Round 9

Old Deer Park

Saturday 29th October

Phil Westren's Match Report

Departing Richmond beaten on their last two visits to Old Deer Park, and therefore having extra reason to strive for victory there on Saturday, the Pirates had to ultimately settle for a draw against the 'Dragons'.

Conditions in west London were dry but breezy, with the Pirates playing towards the Pagoda end of the ground with an advantage of the wind on their backs for the first forty.

The game had a positive air about it at the start, with it apparent that both sides were keen to play with enterprise. For the Pirates, hooker Rob Elloway once again showed a willingness to carry the ball to make good yardage, but there was an early setback when lock Mike Myerscough was injured and had to depart a Pirates pack that appeared to have the edge on their opponents.

Showing up well in the home eight was No. 8 Ed Jackson, who started this game as the division's top try-scorer this season, and with London Welsh getting on the front foot a penalty chance at goal was created. Former Scotland fly-half Gordon Ross, who was skippering the Exiles side, stepped up to take the kick on offer, but into the wind it fell just short.

Midway through the first half it was the turn of the home side's pack to be forced into making a change when former Pirates favourite Viliami Ma'asi replaced injured home hooker Dan George.

With a score in this match surely due, one was created by the visitors. Kicking for touch when a penalty was awarded the Pirates pack took control and after nudging their way ever closer to the London Welsh line the ball was released for Jonny Bentley to spot a gap and then run and stretch to score. Playing only his second appearance of the season, lack of game time appeared of no hindrance to the gifted fly-half and his try was converted by full-back Rob Cook.

The Pirates looked the better team as the clock ticked to half-time, with backs and forwards fully committed and the side suitably cajoled by skipper Gavin Cattle, and they extended their lead with another fine piece of play by Bentley whose cross field kick was gathered by wing Grant Pointer to run in try again converted by Cook.
To their credit, London Welsh refused to lower their heads and with a kick to the corner and then opting for a scrum following a penalty awarded, Jackson controlled the ball well for scrum-half Rob Lewis to break a tackle and score to the left of the posts. Ross looked to add two more points with a conversion but it bounced back infield and the interval arrived with the scoreline reading 5-14.

Keen to take advantage of the wind, Ross missed with a long-range penalty attempt early in the second half, and there was some frustration in the home side's ranks when errors at crucial times hindered their endeavour.

On the hour mark, Ross punished the Pirates with a successful penalty strike after replacement flanker Chris Morgan was yellow-carded by Monsieur Marchat, but when a London Welsh player was penalised for making a late tackle soon after the restart, Cook opened up a nine points gap once more.

Could the Pirates hold on an secure the victory sought? Unfortunately the answer would be no, as former Plymouth Albion man, replacement fly-half Alex Davies, punished Pirates errors, as in the space of just over six minutes he fired three penalties through the post to level the scores.

There was still time left for the Pirates to recover and win this game, and Cook had an opportunity with a late penalty attempt from wide out on the left, which on this day missed.

For the statisticians out there, it's the first season since league rugby was introduced back in 1987 that the Pirates have recorded three draws on their playing record, and it only just two months into the campaign. However, knowing that it was going to be a stern challenge at 'ODP', and anything but a walk in the park, a good number of supporters would likely have settled for two points before the match.

London Welsh:
E. Thrower, W. Hurrell, H. Tonga’uiha, S. Whatling, J. Lewis, G. Ross (capt, A. Davies 65)
R. Lewis (J. Moates 65), E. Jackson, M. Denbee, L. Beach, M. Purdy
A. Brown, B. Moss (G. Bateman 68), D. George (V. Ma'asi 22), S. Pittman.
Replacements (not used) : M. Corker, B. Russell, A. Smith.

Cornish Pirates:
R. Cook, G. Pointer, D. Locke, A. Suniula, D. Doherty,
J. Bentley, G. Cattle (capt), B. Maidment, P. Burgess, B. Cowan (C. Morgan 56)
I. Nimmo, M. Myerscough (L. McGlone 10), R. Brits (R. Storer 71), R. Elloway (D. Ward 56), C. Rimmer.
Replacements (not used): T. Kessell, C. Thomas, S. Hill.
Yellow card: Morgan

Scorers:-
London Welsh
Tries: Lewis
Penalties:: Ross, Davies 3

Cornish Pirates
Tries: Bentley, Pointer
Conversions: Cook 2
Penalties: Cook

Referee: Cedric Marchat (FFR)

Attendance: 1,749

March to the Arch 3: F.A.Cup 1st Round, Cobblers for Hatters

March to the Arch3 has passed through the qualifying rounds and heading straight to the 1st round proper. Hendon represented Sports Pulse, as they headed to Kenilworth Road to meet Luton Town. The hatters will take the baton and represent us in the 1st Round Proper, when they welcome Northampton Town in the Monty Panesar Derby. We will have a match report of yesterdays game, followed by the March to the Arch tracker (including results to date) and an updated merit table.

Luton Town 5 Hendon 1

The Greens F.A.Cup run ended with a hammering and 10 men at Kenilworth Road yesterday, in the 4th Qualifying Round.

The game started perfectly for Hendon as Carl McCluskey converted a Scott Cousins free kick after 3 minutes, but then Halloween started early – a horror show.

The Hatters finished their tee party and came out to play. Dean Beckwith was brought down in the box and Aaron O’Connor equalised from the penalty spot. Five minutes later James Dance powered home a header from a Curtis Osana cross, the scorer was later carried off with a head injury.

Osana went close again, but his shot was parried into the path of Tommy Wright, who found the net to make it 3-1.

Although the match was out of Hendons reach, their cause wasn’t helped by Kevin Maclarens sending off, just after the hour mark.

The Hatters killed the game with a 60 second double salvo. First Stuart Fleetwood rounded the ‘keeper to make it 4-1 and seconds later Aaron O’Connor scored his second to complete the rout.

Hendon, who are 3 stages below the hatters, put up a good fight and we have enjoyed following them. We wish them well for the rest of the season. Luton Town now carry the hopes of Sports Pulse into the 1st Round proper – COME ON YOU HATTERS!

March to the Arch – Result Tracker.

We started the march at Barkingside. SportTrades Representatives will appear in bold

Extra Preliminary Round.
Barkingside 1 Hertford Town 3

Preliminary Round
Burnham Ramblers 3 Hertford Town 3
Replay:#
Hertford Town 2 Burnham Ramblers 2 (Hertford win 3-2 on pens)

1st Qualifying Round
Hertford Town 0 Oxhey Jets 1

2nd Qualifying Round
Oxhey Jets 1 Hendon 2

3rd Qualifying Round
Maldon & Tiptree 1 Hendon3

4th Qualifying Round
Luton Town 5 Hendon 1

F.A.Cup 1st Round

The Monty Panesar Trophy

Luton Town v Northampton Town

Merit Table after 6 Rounds

1. Hendon 18
2. Hertford Town 14
3. Oxhey Jets 9
4. Luton Town 7
5. Burnham Ramblers 4
6. Barkingside 1
6. Maldon & Tiptree 1

WSN Basketball: Wasps Through to Third Round of Shield

Hull Wasps made it through to the third-round of the National Shield with a 75-66 win over Middlesbrough Lions on Sunday evening.

The Wasps bounced back immediately against the Lions after losing out 92-85 on the previous night’s league encounter. On that occasion the Wasps fell behind after a poor start and were always playing catch-up to a Middlesbrough side looking for their first ever victory over the Wasps in three years of National League existence and by half-time, the visiting Lions had opened up a 6 point lead.

It was very much an even contest throughout the second half with scoring runs from both sides, but the home side just couldn’t muster up enough of performance to overcome the deficit. Sloppy passes and sloppy defending cost them overall and the Lions came away from the Bonus Arena with 2 points.

A hurting Wasps side a point to prove on the Sunday and it showed. A much improved performance saw them clearly focused on the previous night’s defeat and they were determined to show their home supporters that they can get back to winning ways.
It was a close opening start but the Wasps fell behind once again, finishing the opening quarter 15-17 behind. The Lions were looking for the double and to the home crowds despair, looked as though it would happen with a strong performance in the second quarter which opened a 9 point lead going into the half-time interval.
Wasps came out like after the break with a renewed determination and with the home support behind them, they overcame the 9 point deficit to lead by 1 going into the final period.

Another tense final period set-up for one of the most entertaining games of basketball. Both sides were scoring at both ends in the opening minutes of the quarter but the Wasps, determined on bouncing back, opened up a lead and never looked back, taking a 75-66 victory and opening up a third-round tie against Division 3 Leeds Carnegie II.

Following the double-header weekend, Wasps player-coach Matt Fawcett said: “On the Saturday, we failed to stop their two main players and it cost us down the stretch. They repeatedly took a double digit lead and we kept fighting back to tie the game but by the end of the game, their shots dropped in for them and ours didn’t.”
“On the Sunday we were more determined than ever to get back to form. We didn’t want anybody coming in and winning on our floor once, let alone twice!”

“The first half belonged to Middlesbrough. Even though our defence was better we couldn’t get our offence going. But at half time we switched to a 2-3 zone and they couldn’t handle it. We took full advantage of that and started clawing our way back into the game. During the final period we blew the game wide open through fast paced passing and some excellent shooting.

"We were extremely disappointed to lose on Saturday and, if I could, I would swap these results and take the league win. However we have now progressed to the next round of the Shield and we have to be happy of our progress. I’m proud of the team and the way they bounced back. We needed the win. It was important and it will give us some confidence back ready to carry on in the league next week.”
Returning captain, John Brignell led the line in both games for the Wasps scoring 23 and 27 respectively. Matt Brutnell was sensational in Sunday’s Shield win with 16 points and 18 rebounds.

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote´s first away goal little consolation

Ian reports, as Lanzarote are well beaten away from home. Come on Rojillos lets find the red hot form of last season.

U.D TELDE 4 LANZAROTE 1

Lanzarote´s first away goal in their last five attempts will be of little consolation following their fourth successive away defeat which is also their heaviest loss in more than a year.

The Rojillos began the match the much better of the two sides pressing their opponents back into their final third. As early as the 22nd minute Lanzarote were reduced to ten men following the second yellow card for the Rojillos star player Ayoze Peréz.

The sending off didn’t seem to change the rhythm of the game, in fact it seemed to spur the Rojillos on. Just before the half hour, Toñito curled in a corner kick and central defender Carlos Rosa connected with an unstoppable header giving the Rojillos a deserved 0-1 lead.

The Rojillos were looking good and minutes later they should have scored a second when Toñito´s shot straight into the goalkeepers arms when he should have done better. The home side looked nervous of the 10 man Lanzarote team but even with all the possession the Rojillos were unable to extend the lead.

All the good work from Lanzarote was undone in just one minute. In the 42nd minute and on a rare attack striker Pedro turned inside the box and beat keeper Ruymán with a fierce drive to level the scores at one apiece. Only moments after the restart Lanzarote lost possession in the centre of the park, the pass to feed Pedro was perfect and he stuck the ball away turning the game on its head by incredibly giving his side a 2-1 lead to take into the half time break.

Despite the demoralising two goals at the end of the first half the Rojillos still looked upbeat and should have had a penalty early in the second half when defender Chino handled the ball inside the penalty area but the offence was missed by the official who waved play on. This clearly was not going to be Lanzarote´s day.

The home side then began to look more comfortable on the ball as Lanzarote began to pay the price for their one man disadvantage. The legs began to tire as their opponents made the Rojillos chase shadows.

Nevertheless only a single goal was the difference and midfielder Vladi came close to levelling the scores but his shot was deflected wide by a Telde defender.

In the 84th minute it was curtains for the Rojillos as Sub Borja made it 3-1 and four minutes later midfielder Echedey rubbed salt in the wounds as he netted his teams fourth pushing his side up to third spot in the league table whilst Lanzarote slip one place to 11th.

Next Sunday Lanzarote are at home to Real Sporting San José and the kick off time will be confirmed later in the week.

GOALS
0-1 min 29 Carlos Rosa
1-1 min 42 Pedro
2-1 min 43 Pedro
3-1 min 84 Borja
4-1 min 88 Echedey

Kult & Punk: St Pauli keep in touch with the top

With the boys busy with the Zoes Bar October beerfest, we only have a short report on the game. If we’re honest there was more, but by the time you took the bad language and slurring out – not an awful lot left. Sports Pulse have contacted the boys today, their OK but tired and emotional.

FC St. Pauli 2-1 FSV Frankfurt

St. Pauli ensured they kept in touch with the top three by claiming in all three points in what turned out to be a tricky encounter at home to FSV Frankfurt.

Die Kiezkicker set a positive tone early on as Max Kruse opened the scoring just three minutes in. The midfielder's powerful left-foot strike did have an element of fortune about it, however, taking a considerable deflection off of FSV defender Gledson on its way past Patric Klandt. Deniz Naki doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark, sweeping Kruse's pass into the corner.

FSV unfortunate

Despite the one-way traffic, FSV could easily have got back into the match but for some serious misfortune. First Karim Benyamina curled the ball against both posts and out, before Zafer Yelen again smacked the upright before the half was out.

After the turnaround Kruse had a wonderful chance to extend his side's lead but was foiled superbly by Klandt after tearing through. It looked like that miss might prove costly when Marcel Gaus pulled one back with a nice volleyed finish on 76 minutes, but Philipp Tschauner's save from Yelen's late free-kick ensured Pauli held on for a fourth home win of the season.

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates bounce back to winning ways

Match report direct from the Pirates website www.cornish-pirates.com and photograph by Simon Bryant.





Cornish Pirates 34 Esher 18

RFU Championship Round 8

Sunday 23rd October

Keen to bounce back to winning ways following a loss at home to Bedford and then a draw away to Nottingham, the Cornish Pirates did just that against a useful Esher side.

Wing David Doherty, who crossed for two of the home team's five tries scored in the match, took his Championship tally to six for the season.

On a forecast windy afternoon and with the visitors having it on their backs for the opening forty, they were quick to take advantage when with just a couple of minutes on the clock full-back Rob Kirby successfully slotted a penalty from some 37 metres out.

Playing with confidence it was not long before Esher extended their lead when hooker Kevin Corrigan forced his way over for an unconverted try at the scoreboard corner.
Soon taking play to to the right, following two catch and drives at the Newlyn gate corner, lock Mike Myerscough galloped over for the Pirates first try. Full-back Rob Cook struck his conversion attempt well, but it was held up short by the wind.

It was not long though before the Pirates went ahead, as wing Doherty scored the first of his two tries when dotting the ball comfortably down on the left. On anything but an easy day for kicking, Cook was unable to add the extras.

Esher regained the lead when Kirby kicked his second penalty, as both sides proceeded to entertain with some perhaps surprisingly open play. The Pirates moved the ball well through the half-back hands of skipper James Doherty and Ceiron Thomas, and hooker Rob Elloway, but when Esher broke the stranglehold wing Charlie Walker sped away and off-loaded to centre Phil Mackenzie whose try near the posts was converted by Kirby.

The Pirates looked to respond once more, there a sense that a few further points before the break should make them feel relatively satisfied. Yes, they were at first held up at the Newlyn gate corner, but after visiting prop Ollie Mines was yellow-carded they took immediate advantage to score a try through hooker Rob Elloway which was followed by an excellent conversion slotted by Cook.

With the last play of the half Kirby attempted a long range penalty attempt, but it fell short to leave the scoreline reading 17-18.

The Pirates were keen to start the second period well, and although Cook missed with one penalty attempt, he made no mistake to nudge the Pirates ahead with a second easier chance that soon came his way.

The 'EEEs' had to date looked anything but a bottom of the table team, and supporters about who earlier in the day enjoyed an absorbing Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France, were also surely enjoying this encounter.

Esher probed for a spell deep inside the Newlyn half, but the Pirates held the threat and released the pressure when captain Doherty pumped his legs tenaciously to give his team some 'go forward'. Good play followed from No. 8 Ben Maidment, and locks Ian Nimmo and Myerscough, with the latter unlucky not to score again when he stretched his frame close to the line.

Snaffling possession Esher looked to counter through the alertness of scrum-half Clive Stuart-Smith and dangerman replacement wing Sam Edgerley. Indeed, play was soon taken close to the Newlyn line, only for their efforts to be wasted when the ball was eventually knocked on.

Edgerley and Phil Mackenzie both looked menacing, and now was the chosen time for the Pirates to introduce replacement centre Andrew Suniula to proceedings, the debutant's last game time having been for the USA in the World Cup.

It was not long before the Pirates turned defence into attack once more, Myerscough again a potent ball carrier before it ultimately found the hands of David Doherty who darted to the line for a his second try of the game, a bonus point providing effort, which was comfortably converted by Cook.

The Pirates had opened a bit of a gap but it was still far too early to write the visitors off, as certain of their personnel had shown a spark in their play that could create real damage if given the opportunity. As it worked out, however, the Pirates held out and secured victory when replacement scrum-half Tom Kessell extended an arm over the line for a final converted try of the afternoon.
The win for the Cornish Pirates puts them up to second in the league table, five points behind leaders Bristol and one point ahead of Bedford Blues, London Welsh, and Rotherham Titans.

Cornish Pirates:
R. Cook, G. Pointer (R. McAtee 49), D. Locke, S. Hill (A. Suniula 54), D. Doherty, C. Thomas, J. Doherty (capt, T. Kessell), B. Maidment (B. Cowan 63), P. Burgess, C. Morgan, I. Nimmo (L. McGlone 63), M. Myerscough, R. Brits (P. Andrew 63, R. Elloway 78), R. Elloway (T. Cowan-Dickie 74), P. Andrew (C. Rimmer 53).

Esher:
R. Kirby (S. Renwick 73), C. Walker, P. Mackenzie, A. Wright, T. Loizedes (S. Edgerley h/t), M. Atkinson (C. Ingall 60), C. Stuart-Smith (J. Mackenzie 65), C. Goodman, S. Stitcher (capt), M. Macfarlane (J. Gethings 38-48, P.Synott 55), I. Kench, P. Parker, R. Boot (J. Gethings 49), K. Corrigan, O. Mines.
Replacement (not used): S. Mackie.

Yellow card: Mines.

Scorers:-

Cornish Pirates

Tries: D. Doherty (2), Myerscough, Elloway, Kessell
Cons: Cook (3)
Pen: Cook

Esher

Tries D: Corrigan, P. Mackenzie
Con: Kirby
Pens: Kirby (2)

Referee: Michael Tutty RFU

WSN Basketball: Disappointing Teesside Defeat for Wasps

Sorry it is a bit late, but here is last weekends match report, from the Hull Wasps.
You will also notice, that we have again changed the feature title. We fell out of love with ‘the Sting’, last week called it the ‘Best from the nest’ and quickly disliked that. So for your benefit, we spent a few hours in the pub and have come up with a new working feature title – this is it, for the season. So welcome to WSN (Wasps Sport ‘Nest’work) – no, that's it - like it or lump it.

Hull Wasps failed to find their recent form on Saturday afternoon and went down 73-65 points at Tees Valley Mohawks.

The Wasps have been impressive in recent weeks and opened up their league campaign with two convincing victories. Unlike in those performances, the Wasps started this game sluggishly and fell behind in the early exchanges before coming back with a brief run to bring the score to 17-14 at the end of the first quarter.
Tees Valley continued from there and opened up a more convincing 37-27 lead going into the half-time interval.

A half-time team talk didn’t seem to do the trick as it proved much of the same for the visiting Wasps with only some brief runs to keep them in the game. But missing their 6’8” centre and captain John Brignell, their defensive work was lacking and too many cheap baskets were given away to go 57-43 behind before heading into the final quarter.

With time ticking away, the Wasps managed to step up their game and pulled it back to within touching distance but it was too little, too late and the Wasps left Teesside with their first defeat of the season.

Forwards Rob Birchmore and James Rayner joint top-scored for the Wasps with 15 points each with Matt Brutnell scoring 13.

“It was a very poor performance from us” said Wasps coach Matt Fawcett after the game.

“It will be tough in training next week. We have to get back to playing as good as we can and we have to put the work in to get there. The players can do much better than that and everyone is feeling disappointed with the performance and result. We will bounce back next week at home against Middlesbrough, I’m confident of that.”
The Wasps return home for a double-header this weekend against Middlesbrough Lions for a league game on Saturday (7:30pm) and their second-round National Shield clash on Sunday (6:30pm).

BIG PUCK reports: Ice Hockey is back with the pride of Essex.

Welcome to Big Puck reports. This feature used to be called the Iceman. Feature and Big Puck in the same sentence could cause a problem or two so we decided on ‘reports’ as the working title for this feature.

Yet again we will be following the pride of Essex – the Chelmsford Chieftains. Our very own TOWIE, Pete Lewis will be providing us with the reports, directly from the club.

We join 11 matches into the season; the Chieftains are top of the pile with 9 wins 1 draw and only 1 defeat. So to start, here is last weeks match report. COME ON YOU CHIEFTAINS!

Chelmsford Chieftains 12 Bracknell Hornets 1

16th October: ENL1: Riverside Ice Rink, Chelmsford.

Recently the Chieftains smashed the Hornets in a 12-0 drubbing at the Hive in Berkshire, however the Hornets were at least able to claim a goal this time around, but were still hit for 12 in a one-sided drubbing. Danny Hammond set the ball rolling with an early goal before Nick Minhinnick levelled things up, but then it was all one-way traffic. Hammond netted again as did Jakub Klima and Alan Green got the first of his hat-trick goals before the first period was over.

Into the second and things went from bad to worse for the visitors as Klima, Green and Gary Clarke all netted. Green was then involved in some fisticuffs with Graham Bellamy of the Hornets after the Bracknell defenceman offered to go with Chelmsford forward. Green dispatched Bellamy as easily as the Chieftains were finding the net and the crowd were lapping it up. As things progressed into the third and with the game lost Bracknell coach Bill Webb opted to switch netminders and on came Mark Petch, but he didn't fare much better as the Chieftains forwards were in riotous mood. Tom Long, Darren Brown, Klima again and then Green completed his hat-trick before Ross Brears rounded out the scoring late on.

This gives the Chieftains a great motivating boost as they go into next weekend when they come up against the always tough Milton Keynes Thunder before they take on crisis club and big rivals Invicta Dynamos on Sunday in Kent. The Chieftains are on a great run of form at the moment having only dropped points in 2 of their 12 league games this season and will be looking to build on the confidence built up this weekend.

Meanwhile the second side, Warriors, are celebrating a fine 4-2 win over then league leaders Peterborough Islanders and gave them their first defeat of the season. The Warriors have moved into 5th position and are looking stronger by the week. Man of the Match was Dave Abbott in goal and was well deserved.

The big clash of the season in league 2 happens next Saturday night at the Riverside when the Chelmsford Warriors go into battle against Romford Fury. Expect sparks to fly between the two sides as there is no love lost and both sides are looking for bragging rights over the other. The night after the Warriors make the short trip to East London to face the Lee Valley Lions.

March to the Arch 3: Hendon pull the Hatters out the Hat.

March to the Arch is rapidly heading towards 1st Round ‘proper’ day. First there is a small matter of the 4th Qualifying Round.

Hendon were the standard bearer for Sports Pulse going into the 3rd Qualifying Round. After dispatching Oxhey Jets in the previous round, they headed deep into Essex. Destination, the banks of the Blackwater, to face Maldon & Tiptree.

With 149 people in Attendance, it was a sloppy affair. Hendon welcomed the return of a number of players, notably Issiah Rankin, but not enough to prevent Maldon taking the lead on the 34th minute mark.

The greens had to wait until near the hour before equalising, when Carl McCluskey deflected shot found the net. Minutes later Greg Ngoyi, found himself one on one with the keeper and slotted the ball passed him to make the score 2-1. Hendon were now heading for victory. The scoring was complete in the last 10 minutes when Elliott Godfrey scored to make the 3-1 and sent Hendon into the 4th Qualifying Round.

Maldon & Tiptree 1 Hendon 3 final score.

Hendon now travel to Kenilworth Road and face Luton Town, in the 4th Qualifying Round and 1 step away from the 1st Round Proper. My mate Cloughie may have some feed back on the build up on a Luton Town viewpoint. Hendon still bear the standard for Sports Pulse and pick a maximum 8 points up, for the March to the Arch 3 Merit Table.

A full tracker report will appear after Luton Town v Hendon 4th Qualifying Round - F.A.Cup

Sol y Futbol. Lanzarote carry on home run

Ian struggles with the heat and cheap beer to bring us the match report. What a hero, he does it just for us you know.



LANZAROTE 2 C.D. SAN PEDRO MÁRTIR 0

The Rojillos still remain unbeaten at home this season with four wins and a draw after striker Alex Yunes sealed a 2-0 win with two second half goals.

It is true to say that Lanzarote have yet to fire on all cylinders this season but with 13 points taken at home out of a possible 15 it is just a matter of time until points are taken on their travels and the Rojillos threaten the play off positions.

The Gran Canarian side seemed content in the opening stages to sit back and contain the pressure as the Rojillos looked to improve on their poor goal scoring record with just six goals from the nine games played. Whilst the Rojillos dominated, once again poor finishing let them down. Alex Rojas missing the target and Alex Yunes was just inches away from converting a cross from Jotha were the highlights of otherwise a poor first half.

The Rojillos were much more positive in the second period as they forced their opponents to defend. In the 58th minute a superb run down the left wing by Toñito followed by a wonderful low powerful cross was met by the hardworking Alex Yunes, the Venezuelan timed his run to perfection and rifled the ball home scoring his first of the season and giving his side a 1-0 lead.

The game then opened up as the visitors were forced to go forward but the Rojillos were also looking threatening on the break. In the 75th minute the away side had a great chance to level matters. Sub Jacinto struck the ball from eight yards and it looked as though the ball would creep into the far left hand post until that is, keeper Rúyman stuck his foot out at the last moment and saved the day for the Rojillos.

In the final minute Alex Yunes outpaced the right back and unleashed an unstoppable half volley into the left hand corner scoring his and his team’s second goal of the game and guaranteeing three vital points. This leaves Lanzarote exactly in mid table just three points from the play off places and seven points from top spot.

Next Sunday Lanzarote have a real test on their hands as they travel to Gran Canaria to face fourth placed side U.D. Telde. The Gran Canarian side have not drawn a match this season having won six and lost four. Two of those wins have come in the last two matches.
GOALS

1-0 min 58 Alex Yunes
2-0 min 89 Alex Yunes

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates draw does not make merry men.

Thank you to Cornish Pirates, www.cornish-pirates.com, Phil for the match report and Brian Tempest for the photograph.

Nottingham 25 Cornish Pirates 25

RFU Championship Round 7

Meadow Lane

Friday 14th October

Phil's Match Report

Following their first Championship defeat of the season at home to Bedford Blues the previous weekend, the Cornish Pirates were keen to bounce back to winning ways, but knowing also that it would be a tough task away to Nottingham in what has been a particularly hectic week. As it worked out, the game ended in a draw, the Pirates second of the season, with there considerable pride that they came back to level matters after being 25-13 down as play entered the last quarter.

Playing under the floodlights at Meadow Lane, a strong Nottingham side welcomed back fly-half James Arlidge and back-rower Sione Kalamafoni who have been away with on Rugby World Cup duty with Japan and Tonga respectively, and it was the 'Green & Whites' had much the better of the opening exchanges. Full-back Kieran Hallett, formerly of Plymouth Albion, did miss a penalty chance in the third minute, but he made no mistake shortly after with another opportunity that came his way.

Continuing to dominate on field events the home side extended their lead with 12 minutes on the clock when another Nottingham new man in the shape of ex Rotherham centre Juan Pablo Socino followed up a bobbling ball to score an unconverted try.
The Pirates had some concern when prop Rudi Brits went down injured, but although he thankfully got to his feet they were to go further behind when a waiting Hallett ultimately slotted a penalty to make it 11-0.

Needing to respond, the Pirates all but immediately did just that when full-back Wes Davies looked to catch the the ball on run, gathered it and then passed to centre Drew Locke who crossed for his fourth Championship try of the season. It was a score needed by the Cornish team and when fly-half Rob Cook added the conversion the Pirates were back in the mix.

A penalty attempt from halfway by Hallett, who was second in the Championship's points scoring list ahead of this game, missed, and Nottingham then lost the services through injury of experienced wing David Jackson, who was the competition's equal top try-scorer with six coming into this match.

The Pirates looked to threaten through wing David Doherty and Locke, but when the next points came their way it was three from the boot of Cook whose successful penalty hit put the visitors within one of their hosts.

With half-time approaching Nottingham drove the Pirates back at the corner for a try scored by prop Mike Holford, which was converted by Hallett, and it looked as if the Pirates would go still further behind when Hallett had what appeared a good chance to score a try, only for Doherty to show that he was alert to the danger and help foil the threat.

With the very last play of the game Hallett was off target with a penalty strike, but when the whistle immediately sounded he and his team mates had the consolation that they deserved their 18-10 half-time lead. As for the Pirates, they were still in the match and would look to improve certain areas of their play to strive and get back into the game in the second forty.

It was felt that the start of the second period could be extra lively, and as if to reflect that view it wasn't long before Nottingham went down to 14 men when lock Nic Rouse was yellow carded, with his misdemeanour duly punished by Cook with a successful penalty strike.

There was some concern that if it stayed close then the longer the game went on the Pirates could find themselves under extra pressure, considering the demands put upon them to play three games in a little over five days.

Flowing play initially involving former England centre Ayoola Erinle and then Socino was worrying, and although the Pirates appeared to hold the threat another Socino intervention saw him intercept and take Nottingham forward for replacement Charlie Hayter to score a try converted by Hallett that suddenly made it 25-13 as the hour mark approached.

Could the Pirates respond? Well, hooker Rob Elloway showed he was up for the challenge and when the ball was moved from the breakdown Davies crossed for a score which, although unconverted, gave the Pirates hope.
When Nottingham were penalised at the breakdown, Cook had a chance to pull three more points back, but his attempt went wide. Still, good play from replacements Mike Myerscough and hooker Dave Ward, now on for Elloway, looked to maintain momentum.
With time running the Pirates looked to stretch Nottingham with flanker Chris Morgan, Locke and Davies to the fore. The latter's good evening's work then came to an end, however, as he had to depart the field injured, to be replaced by Ryan Westren who was making his Championship debut.

The Pirates kept their control and with everyone giving their all they held territory and worked their way forward once more for Pointer to force his way over for a try well converted by Cook to level the scores at 25-all.

Deep into a lengthy period of injury time, it was now incredibly tense and there worries when Cook was injured. Thankfully, though shaken, he got to his feet, and although there was frustration in the ranks that the Pirates were not awarded a penalty at the very end, there was admiration that they had showed truly immense character to come back and earn a draw in what had been an enthralling encounter.


Nottingham:

K. Hallett, J. Cobden, A. Erinle, J. P. Socino, D. Jackson (C. Hayter 31)
J. Arlidge, N. Jones, A. Shaw, C. Eggleshaw (L. Morley 70), S. Kalamafoni
N. Rouse, C. Hammond, B. Prescott (M. Parr 63), J. Duffey, M. Holford.

Replacements (not used): O. Taylor, M. Shields, J. Baird, F. Barnham.

Yellow card: Rouse.

Cornish Pirates:

W. Davies (R. Westren 82), G. Pointer, D. Locke, S. Hill, D. Doherty
R. Cook, G. Cattle (capt, J. Doherty 74), B. Cowan (K. Marriott 71), P. Burgess, C. Morgan
I. Nimmo, L. McGlone (M. Myerscough h/t), R. Brits (C. Rimmer 76), R. Elloway (D. Ward 63), P. Andrew (R. Storer 76).

Scorers:-

Nottingham - tries: Socino, Holford, Hayter; cons: Hallett (2); pens: Hallett (2).
Cornish Pirates - tries: Locke, Davies, Pointer; cons: Cook (2); pens: Cook (2).

Referee: Steve Lee (RFU)

Attendance: 1,363

Kult & Punk: 10 Man St Pauli lose to Fortuna

The boys couldn't believe their eyes, how did the Irish ref get back so quickly form New Zealand to officiate this palaver.

St. Pauli 1 Fortuna Düsseldorf 3

Fortuna Düsseldorf stay within a point of league leaders Greuther Fürth at the expense of ten-man St. Pauli courtesy of an emphatic 3-1 win in the Millerntor that left the home side stunned come the final whistle.

It was a match for the football romantics that boasted goals, controversy, plenty of action and most importantly a stunning atmosphere. Max Kruse opened the scoring for Pauli, but the hosts never truly recovered from Andreas Lambertz's stunning strike just before the break. Lambertz added to his tally early in the second half ahead of Markus Thorandt's sending off as it was left to the lively Maximilian Beister to wrap up the win with a sparkling solo effort.

Pauli pressure pays off

The players came out to an electric atmosphere in the Millerntor and with the fans waving their sparklers on a brisk evening in Hamburg, it didn't take long for the match to spark into life. Both sides were moving the ball forward aggressively early on and while Pauli were enjoying the lion's share of possession, Düsseldorf looked dangerous in transition. With the hosts threatening they had to rely on a slice of luck to take the lead just past the quarter hour mark.

Sebastian Schachten found Fin Bartels in the box whose back heel set-up Kruse for a powerful first time shot, which, despite being straight at him, Michael Ratajczak could only help into his own net (16'). Tomas Rösler went in search of an immediate response, but Philipp Tschauner was equal to the effort as the game slowed considerably with both sides cancelling each other out in the middle of the park.

Düsseldorf dig deep

With both teams not afraid of being physical, the game became scrappier with every passing minute as Pauli packed out their defence. Maximilian Beister squandered two good opportunities for Düsseldorf, but just before the break the visitors found a goal of the highest quality to equalise. Lambertz wiggled his way past three defenders before driving into space and leathering a long range effort past Tschauner and into the top corner (45 +1'), sending the teams in level at half time.

Pauli survived a scare soon after the restart as Beister and Lambertz combined agin, but there was no one on the end of the final ball, which trickled agonisingly across the six yard box before Pauli could clear. Schachten hit the post at the other end, but it was Fortuna who struck seconds later. On the counter Rösler dragged Pauli's centre backs out of position before playing in Lambertz ghosting through the middle who poked his second of the evening through Tschauner's legs (57').

Chaotic closing stages

A well worked Düsseldorf set-piece had the Hamburg outfit at sixes and sevens in the box and after Tschauner saved Rösler's initial effort there were three Fortuna players on hand to tap home, but the flag was up as the ball hit the back of the net. The visitors were carving Pauli apart with Beister denied by Tschauner once again and it only got worse for the hosts as Thorandt picked up his second yellow for an off the ball elbow to be sent for an early bath (68').

Shambolic defending saw Beister extend the lead, beating three men on the byline to saunter into the six yard box, flicking his shot past the helpless Tschauner (75'). An inspired effort on the volley should have been the youngster's second, but it came back off the crossbar. The woodwork was the star performer in the closing stages as Schindler and Rösler both hit the post, while Fabian Boll's thunderbolt somehow bounced to safety after coming off the underside of the bar in the final action of what had been a thrilling match up until the very last whistle.

James Thorogood

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates keep out Albion in Cup

Thank you to Phil Western for the report and Brian Tempest for the picture. Taking in full from our friends at the Pirates, www.cornish-pirates.com




Plymouth Albion 0 Cornish Pirates 38

British & Irish Cup Round 2

Brickfields

Wednesday 12th October

Phil Westren's Match Report

With two much-changed sides from those that met at the Brickfields in the Championship just eleven days earlier, the stronger Cornish Pirates did what they had to do and won well against a spirited Plymouth Albion side.

Victory for the Cornish Pirates in this second round of matches in this season's British & Irish Cup competition followed their 50-22 win against Bristol back at the Mennaye Field in September.

From the start of this match a fine kick out of hand by former Plymouth Albion scrum-half Tom Kessell, and then good follow up support given by colleagues, saw the Pirates apply immediate pressure at the main gate corner of the ground. A penalty chance was created for full-back Rob Cook to open the scoring, but his effort narrowly missed.

However, after the Pirates repelled a brief Albion response, they were soon in control of events once more which ended with pack power enabling hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie to register the game's opening try. Cook added the conversion
Cornish 'All Black' Mike Rawlings, who had a spell with the Pirates as an academy player a few seasons back, was performing well in the visiting back-row, as was young Aaron Penberthy who was making his debut at fly-half.

After staying patient and soaking up any pressure from Albion, for whom wing Tyson Lewis looked lively with limited chances, approaching the half-hour mark the Pirates extended their lead when Cook displayed confidence to make a break and and run nearly 40 metres to the line for an unconverted try.

More points for the Pirates looked likely before the break, and after a series of penalties awarded and scrums taken there was disbelief from most about the ground that a penalty try was not awarded. During this period Albion scrum-half Dale Farnham was shown a yellow card by referee Mr. Philip Davies, but it was somewhat frustrating that the Pirates hadn't deservedly added to the tally before the first forty was up.

In a very positive start to the second half the Pirates wasted no time to get the scoreboard rolling again, the ball shipped swiftly through the hands for wing Wes Davies and Kessell to ultimately combine and the latter cross for a try converted by Cook.

Entering the playing arena as an early second half replacement for the Pirates was prop Paul Andrew who, of interest, had soon to scrum down against his brother Jack.
Putting family matters aside, further examples of forward control saw the Pirates conjure up two more tries from catch and drives. The first, a bonus point providing effort, saw Cowan-Dickie score again, and the other was from Andrew, which Cook converted to make it 31-0 to the Pirates.

A flourish of a finish looked likely, with another Cornish All Blacks player and former 'Pirate', Josh Lord, having replaced Rawlings. Another replacement to make his debut would be scrum-half Matt Shepherd from St. Austell, and when the Pirates spread the ball wing Rhodri McAtee timed his pass perfectly for centre Ryan Westren (Main Pic) to run 20 metres to the corner for the final try of the game. Penberthy's conversion was struck perfectly from the touchline.

To their credit Plymouth Albion heads never dropped, their back line an able one and their forwards showing grit, but it was not enough to break down the Pirates to create any score of their own.

It was gone midnight before the Cornish side arrived back in Penzance, and a trip to Nottingham in just a few hours very much on the mind of some of the squad, who thankfully appeared to come through unscathed.

Plymouth Albion:

M. Lee (G. Espin 44), S. Johns (capt), C. Mitchell, P. Bailey, T. Lewis, R. Avery-Wright (O. Raynor 70), D. Farnham (P. Rowley 71), D. Lee (N. Selway 64), J. Harris (C. Grace 58), O. Lloyd, D. Flashman, M. Manton (S. Matavesi 39), R. Hopkins, D. McGregor (R. Freestone 39), J. Andrew.

Yellow card: Farnham.


Cornish Pirates:

R. Cook (M. Shepherd 71), R. McAtee, R. Westren, S. Hill, W. Davies, A. Penberthy, T. Kessell, B. Maidment, M. Rawlings (J. Lord 53), K. Marriott (capt), M. Smith, M.Myerscough (I. Nimmo 71), C. Rimmer (P. Andrew 47), T. Cowan-Dickie (D. Ward 63), R. Storer (R. Brits 71).

Replacement (not used): D. Doherty.

Scorers:-
Cornish Pirates
Tries: Cowan-Dickie (2), Cook, Kessell, Andrew, Westren;
Cons: Cook (3), Penberthy.
Referee: Philip Davies (RFU)
Attendance: 1,425

Sol y Futbol: Rojillos return to winning ways

Mr Lane reports from Arrecife as Lanzarote return to winning ways

LANZAROTE 1 SAN ANDRÉS 0

The Rojillos return to winning ways following the two game losing streak and move back up to mid table just three points from the play offs and seven points off top spot.

The game was delayed 15 minutes due to the late arrival of the flight for the Tenerife side as both teams set foot on the astro turf amid blistering heat.

The match began with Lanzarote dominating possession but this just showed the real problem of the lack of firepower. Without the suspended front men of Toñito and Echedey and the resignation of fellow strike partner Jonathan Torres the Rojillos lacked ideas and the all important clinical finish in the final third of the pitch.

The Conejeros (locals) squandered numerous opportunities in the opening 30 minutes and San Andrés then realised the threat was minimal and began to impose themselves as they enjoyed their fair share of possession.

In the latter stages of the half Lanzarote regained the ball and midfielders Alex Yunes and Ayoze Peréz both came close to opening the scoring. The breakthrough finally came two minutes before half time. Right back Ángel Gil curled in a delightful cross from the wing and Lanzarote B team player Alex Rojas glanced the ball neatly home with a majestic header for his first goal for the senior side and more importantly taking his club into the half time break with a 1-0 lead.

The second half began as a carbon copy of the first with the Rojillos dominating and fluffing their chances. Ayoze struck a post with a header and Rosmen fired wide.

As the game headed into the latter stages the visitors began to push forward but the Rojillo defence looked comfortable and Santi Lampón in goal was rarely threatened. In the final minute of added on time the Rojillos had a glorious chance to double their lead. Rosmen and Ayoze both broke following a corner for San Andrés and found themselves with just the keeper to beat. Rosmen still lacking in confidence had far too much time to think and offloaded the ball to Ayoze who had drifted offside and needless to say it all ended pear shaped.

Still, three welcome points sends the Rojillos back into 10th place. This week the Rojillos travel midweek to Tenerife to take on 7th placed C.D. Marino.

GOALS
1-0 min 43 Alex Rojas

World in Union: Review of Round 6 of Aviva Premiership

Harlequins were the only team to come through the first six rounds unscathed, with six wins from six before they head into the first round of the LV= Cup. It's been a different story for Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons as they'll look to consolidate after a difficult start that's seen them win just one game each.

The LV= Cup competition should provide a welcome break for many clubs, as teams will be welcoming back players from the Rugby World Cup and also looking to explore the depth of their squads.
Aviva Premiership Rugby leaders Harlequins maintained their unbeaten record with their first league win at Welford Road since 1997, and Leicester’s third consecutive home defeat. Harlequins fought back from an early 5-0 deficit to keep their 100% record in the league this season, with tries from Sam Smith, Seb Stegmann and Joe Marler, combined with 12 points from the boot of Nick Evans, earning the visitors the spoils. For Leicester, Boris Stankovich and replacement Scott Hamilton crossed for tries and fly-half Jeremy Staunton contributed the remaining eight points but it was not enough to secure a win. Final score: Leicester Tigers 18, Harlequins 27.

At Franklin’s Gardens, fly-half Ryan Lamb produced an impressive individual performance as Northampton Saints ended a run of four Aviva Premiership Rugby defeats with a comprehensive win over Exeter Chiefs. Saints’ opened up a 20-3 half-time lead courtesy of tries from centre James Downey and wing Paul Diggin. Both were created by Lamb, who finished with a 16-point haul by slotting two conversions and four penalties. Wing Scott Armstrong rounded things off in the final moments with the hosts’ third try. Exeter, who had been third in the table entering this game, could only register an Ignacio Mieres penalty as they came off heavily second best at the breakdown as Saints’ forward power proved too much to handle. Final score: Northampton Saints 33, Exeter Chiefs 3.

Over at a rain-soaked Edgeley Park, Sale Sharks held off a spirited fightback from Gloucester to claim their fourth win from six Aviva Premiership Rugby outings after edging a hard-fought encounter. Sharks’ skipper David Seymour crashed over the line in the first half and a conversion and a penalty from fly-half Nick MacLeod helped the hosts into a 10-0 half-time lead. Two penalties from Tim Taylor got Gloucester off the mark after the restart, followed by another penalty from MacLeod for Sale before a late try from Gloucester centre Henry Trinder set up a grandstand finish. Final score: Sale Sharks 13, Gloucester Rugby 11.

On Sunday, London Irish, without five injured first-choice players, racked up a comprehensive win over Worcester Warriors at the Madejski Stadium. Tom Homer was on form for the Exiles, converting four of his side’s scores, adding a couple of penalties and also crossing for a touchdown himself. Centre Steve Shingler, number eight Chris Hala’ufia, wing Adam Thompstone and centre Jonathan Joseph also scored tries for Irish, while wings Marcel Garvey and Miles Benjamin touched down for the Warriors. Final score: London Irish 42, Worcester Warriors 24.

Over at Adams Park winger Christian Wade, this season’s Aviva Premiership Rugby leading try scorer, grabbed his sixth of the campaign as Wasps overcame visitors Bath in a close match. Tom Varndell, on the opposite wing, scored Wasps’ other try with Nicky Robinson kicking five penalties and a conversion. Tries for Bath came from Kane Palma-Newport and two from Guy Mercer, with three penalties and a conversion from Tom Heathcote. Final score: London Wasps 27, Bath Rugby 24.

And finally, at Vicarage Road Saracens kept up the pressure on Aviva Premiership Rugby leaders Harlequins by securing their fifth win of the season at the expense of Newcastle Falcons as they moved back into second place in the table. Joe Maddock, Alex Goode and James Short crossed for Saracens, with Charlie Hodgson adding two conversions and two penalties, while the Falcons’ only points came through Luke Fielden’s 17th minute try. Final score: Saracens 25, Newcastle Falcons 5.

Let us Introduce - Tennis for Free

Once in a while we speak to people who we believe are doing fantastic jobs in promoting their sports. You also get some statistics that surprise you. On the day that FourFourTwo football magazine published their annual lists highlighting the wealth in football, Sports Pulse were informed of the destruction of free tennis facilities in the UK. The loss of free courts, over 5 years, in public Parks is around 65%. This is not about producing the next Wimbledon champion, Tim Henman or Andy Murray - this is about getting Britain active that benefits the individual, health service and ultimately the well being of a nation on a whole.

So we will start a new feature called Let us Introduce. So if you are an individual or organisation running sport projects in the community contact us at info@sporttrades.co.uk let us know what you are doing and we will highlight your programme.

TENNIS for FREE - www.tennisforfree.com

What We Do

FREE COACHING PROGRAMMES

We work with schools, tennis clubs and local authorities throughout the UK to create vibrant tennis communities utilising public park court facilities FOR FREE.
We provide free equipment and a 2 year coaching programme delivered in a fun and lively environment by qualified coaches to children, young people and adults of all ages, standards and ability for 50 weeks of the year FOR FREE.

At the end of the 2 years, a 'Friends Community Group' is created continuing to provide a free coaching programme with the same inclusive and welcoming ethos, built up through the Tennis For Free programme, to all the attendees. When a 'Friends Community Group' is established, Tennis For Free continues to support the scheme with technical advice and mentoring.

FREE COURTS RESEARCH

The charity's free tennis court research is designed to give anybody visiting the website information on where their nearest free tennis courts are. All courts listed on the site aren't bookable and you can just turn up at the listed site and enjoy a game of tennis FREE.

Why We Do It

The Tennis For Free's mission is to develop vibrant, healthy, socially engaged communities of all ages and abilities who participate in playing and coaching tennis on a regular basis, utilising public park tennis courts in their community, FOR FREE.

Our Coaches
Tennis For Free's coaches are all LTA Licensed or RPT registered and accredited (the UK industry standard coaching organisations). All our coaches and tennis assistants are CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checked and have gone through significant training to bring you the best coaching and support possible.

Each coach at our Tennis For Free coaching sessions will endeavor to give you the best tennis experience and give you the best advice on how to improve your game or where else to play, to give you most satisfaction out of the sport.
If you have any further questions regards our coaching programme or our coaches, please email support@tennisforfree.com

Where We Work

Tennis For Free work at FREE tennis coaching sites all around the country (use the Free Coaching Finder to find your nearest free coaching site) and also from a central London office where we continue profiling and updating all of the free public park courts in the UK, on this website.

You can therefore use this site to find your nearest free public park tennis court or find your nearest free weekly coaching site.

There are many worthwhile organisations promoting sport to communities, for communities. Please let us know about you and we will highlight your project. It doesn't need to be a big national project, individual initiatives, local or national, we will pleased to introduce you to our visitors. Contact us info@sporttrades.co.uk

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates feeling Blue after first defeat this season.

As always thank you to Woll’s for the match report, taking in full from www.cornish-pirates.com. Picture by Simon Bryant.







Cornish Pirates 24 Bedford Blues 34

RFU Championship Round 6

Mennaye Field Penzance

Sunday 9th October

Woll's Match Report

A bright start from the Pirates gave little indication as to the eventual outcome of this contest, as the Blues bounced back impressively from their recent defeats.

Two sucker punches from the visitors in the second quarter did the damage, as a tight, keenly contested game up to that point, suddenly burst into life.

Quick thinking by the eventual Blue’s fans man of the match, Liebenberg; punished the hosts for their earlier squandered chances on the half hour. Before Basset added to the misery; outpacing McAtee in the race for the ball into the Scoreboard Corner.
Things though had that ‘feeling’ about from the moment Thomas had to limp off in the seventh minute, requiring the Welsh Whippet’s introduction. The disruption to the game plan needed no highlighting, as the fly half’s presence had already caused chaos in the Blues defence right from the kick off.

This alone of course shouldn’t have spelt disaster, but with the lineout misfiring for the first half hour, and the early pressure having no more to show for it than a solitary Cook penalty; those alarm bells were rightly on standby. Particularly against a side like Bedford who were obviously smarting coming into this match.
Lennard had of course levelled things before the first quarter had ticked by; although by this time play had become disjointed somewhat. Whether this allowed Bedford to regroup somewhat is probably irrelevant, as until Liebenberg caught the Pirates napping, they hadn’t really found their feet either.

A fourteen point cushion for the Blues beckoned going into the break. Or did it?? As Ward mingled in with the Blues defence at the restart to once again upset their receipt of the ball; thus winning his side the chance to strike back quickly.
However, after Cook slotted his second penalty to some relief, this gap was restored in mirrored fashion, as Tupai did similar. Lennard restored the status quo. 6-20 HT
With the swirling wind now behind the home side in the second period; hopes of a revival were quickly raised by McAtee.

The Welshman’s first foray came to nothing. But his next carry put Ward into space, sucking the Blues into an early indiscretion and handing Cook the three pointer.
Pirate tails were up, none more so than Cowan, who repeated this small success for Robert to close the gap further to only eight points. Game on?

We hoped but then recoiled, as the recently introduced Barrell lived up to his name to barrel over off the back of a 5m scrum.. But hoped once again as Cowan did similar with still a quarter to go, to surprisingly open up the Cornishmen’s try account for the day.

But in truth the writing was on the wall, despite Rimmer’s stampeding 30m run that took no prisoners as Bassett will testify. Moments later, a final flowing Bedford move secured their four try bonus point through Taylor; and with it a timely lesson in how to be clinical Davies’s late consolation try at least put some respectability to the score line. But without even a bonus point to show for their efforts; a rarity for sure; there will be scant comfort in the immediate aftermath of this first defeat of the Pirates Championship campaign.

Cornish Pirates

15 R. Cook 14 W. Davies 13 G. Pointer 12 T. Cooper (21 S. Hill ht) 11 D. Doherty 10 C. Thomas (22 R. McAtee 7mins) 9 G. Cattle(capt) 8 B. Cowan
7 C. Walker-Blair (17 R. Elloway 50mins) 6 C. Morgan 5 I. Nimmo 4 M. Smith (18 L. McGlone 47mins) 3 R. Brits (1 Rimmer 65mins) 2 D. Ward (19 D. Ewers 62mins) 1 C. Rimmer (16 R. Storer 62 mins)

Replacements: un-used T. Kessell

Tries: Cowan, Davies
Cons: Cook
Pens: Cook 4

Bedford Blues

15 B. Burke 14 H. Schmidt 13 D. Taylor 12 T. Bedford 11 J. Bassett (22 M. Kohler 65mins) 10 J. Lennard (21 J. Sharp 75mins) 9 S. Liebenberg (20 L. Baldwin 65mins) 1 N. Steenkamp (17 S. Walsh 70mins) 2 C. Locke (16 N. Cochrane 53mins) 3 D. Seal 4 S. Pailor (18 M. Howard 62mins) 5 S. Tomes 6 A. Rae(capt) 7 S. Harding 8 P. Tupai (19 D. Barrell 53mins)

Replacements: all used

Tries: Liebenberg, Bassett, Barrell, Taylor
Cons: Lennard 4
Pens: Lennard 2

Match Officials
Referee: Terry Hall
AR1: Thomas Davies
AR2: Steve Leyshon
Man of the Match: Ian Nimmo

CRY Awareness Week (8th - 16th October 2011)

To launch CRY Awareness Week (8th - 16th October 2011) CRY is holding this event for the 2nd year running. The CRY Durham Riverside Walk pairs beautiful countryside with the stunning backdrop of Durham’s cityscape to provide incredible views.
Registration costs £15 on the day. Children aged 16 and under free of charge but must be accompanied by an adult. The walk will start and finish at Durham Amateur Rowing Club.

This event will provide new and existing CRY supporters, including corporate and family teams, with an opportunity to get together and commemorate or support young people and to enjoy a beautiful walk in the Wear Valley.

Drinks will be available at the start and finish. Balloons and certificates will also be provided. CRY T-shirts will be sent to walkers in advance, to wear on the day.

The route includes great views of Durham’s iconic landmarks, including the famous cathedral and castle, a World Heritage site.

The cathedral has been voted Britain’s favourite old building and the whole city is steeped in history.

Why not take a stroll along the ancient, winding lanes and pay a visit to the Town Hall, covered market or Botanic Gardens whilst you are in Durham?

Please join us on this CRY event to raise awareness and funds and help save young lives.

We are very grateful to the Durham Amateur Rowing Club and Northumbrian Water for their support for this event by providing a venue and the water for the walkers respectively.

www.c-r-y.org.uk


"Don't Cry" CD EP - raising funds and awareness for CRY

"Don't Cry" is a CD EP by North East singer/songwriter Steve Percival, released to raise awareness and funds for CRY. Steve was commissioned by CRY to create the CD, to help promote CRY's 2011 Raising Awareness Week.
The CD features 4 original songs, including one written specifically for CRY.
The songs feature a host of musicians from the North East who gave their time freely to support the project.

Steve explains, "Since losing a friend in 2002 to one of these silent cardiac conditions that kill so many young people in the UK every year, I’ve wanted to write a song for CRY".

The title track also features Bon Achord, a local 16-member choir from County Durham who performed with Steve and his band at the regional launch party for the CD on October 7th in the Jubilee Hall, West Rainton, Durham from 7pm.

Steve adds, "I hope the song acknowledges the inevitable sadness that is felt, but also the importance of treasuring those things that are left to you and celebrating a life, however young."

"It was difficult to write but I hope people will find it easy to relate to".

The CD was recorded at Quayside Studios in Newcastle, mixed by Julien Batten and Produced by Steve and Will Lang.

The CD, priced £5, is available in regional record stores; or can be purchased direct from CRY via one of these methods:
• Online at the CRY web shop
• Calling the CRY office on 01737 363222 to purchase by credit / debit card
• Sending a cheque [payable to CRY] to: CRY, Unit 7 Epsom Downs Metro Centre, Waterfield, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5LR
All proceeds from sales of the CD will go directly to CRY's core works.

‘Don’t Cry’ CD EP : Steve Percival
Catalogue number: ISSY01
UPC Barcode: 885767904354

Fix 'n' Mix start date put back.

As you know our Fix 'n' Mix feature, that highlights the forthcoming matches that the teams and events that Sports Pulse follows, was due to start this weekend.

Due to the fact that the 'pen man' for this feature is 'stuck' in New Zealand until Sunday morning, the post will now not appear until 22nd October.

We have had a steady response from clubs who wish to promote their events and fixtures, at present the first one of those is the 22nd October.

Please keep sending us details of what is going on at your club or organisation and we will feature them within this section. Don't worry about the start date, if we get any before the new official launch, we will post them well within the scheduled date for your fixture.

For the time being, from the 8th October it is C-R-Y Awareness week. They will be starting with a river walk in Durham, check the website for details. www.c-r-y.org.uk

Cardiac Risk in the Young, 12 young people die each week, due to cardiac conditions they are unaware of. Fit, seemingly healthy people, help increase the equipment available and screenings that can detect this.

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote lose 2 away in a row.

Ian watches on, as Lanzarote fall to their second away defeat in a row and have disciplinary issues. Still always next week.




VILLA SANTA BRÍGDIA 1 LANZAROTE 0

Two successive away matches and two successive defeats. Things are not going to plan for one of the favourites to challenge for the league title. Not only was it the worst performance of the season against a side without a win but the Rojillos ended the match with only nine players following two red cards.

The majority of the first half was played in midfield with neither side wanting to commit players forward which resulted in both teams sitting back and defending. All this changed in the final minute of the half, striker Héctor Figuero received a pass that looked as though it had been backwards leaving him alone with just the Rojillos keeper Santi Lampón to beat. The official raised his flag for A dubious offside. The home side had reason to protest which resulted in their manager receiving a red card and sent to the stands. The game remained goalless at the break after a lacklustre 45 minutes.

Three minutes into the second half and the Gran Canarian side were in front. Strike partners Humberto and Héctor Figuero combined well with the latter firing in a fierce drive beating the Rojillos keeper to give his side a 1-0 lead.

In the 55th minute Héctor Figuero came close to doubling his sides lead but he saw his headed effort rebound off the post. A few minutes later and Lanzarote had a great chance to draw level. A good cross by Toñito from the by line found the head of Rosmen, the striker must of thought he was off the mark for the season but the goalkeeper produced an outstanding save preserving his sides narrow lead.

The local side then completely took any rhythm out of the game by committing fouls and wasting time. In the 87th minute Toñito was involved in a scuffle with defender Carlos Rosa which resulted in both players being dismissed. To round off a bad day, striker Echedey received his marching orders from the Referee in the 93rd minute as the Rojillos dismal day got worse.

Lanzarote have slipped to 16th position, a distant 10 points off top spot but still only three points from the play off places. Next Sunday Lanzarote are at home against U.D. San Andrés y Sauces. The La Palma side are in good form picking up seven points out of the last nine available. The Rojillos need a good result to avoid the alarm bells ringing.

The problem is quite simple and that is the Rojillos failure to score. Out of the seven matches played the Rojillos have failed to score on four of those games and only the two bottom sides have scored less. This Sunday won’t be any easier with strikers Toñito and Echedey out through suspension.

GOALS
1-0 min 48 Héctor Figuero

World in Union: Aviva Premiership Review, Round 5

Thank you to our friends at the Aviva Premiership, for providing us with the review of the weekend games. Aviva insurance products are not available on price comparison websites. Your first call for car, home, pet and other insurance needs.

Round 5 of Aviva Premiership Rugby saw most clubs take full advantage of a sunny October weekend to run in a hatful of tries, with a total of 25 amassed over the weekend. Harlequins were at the top of that list with 6, and remain at the top of the tree after running in 48 points against Sale Sharks before having to hold on after a valiant fightback from the Sharks. Newcastle Falcons also posted their first victory, which wasn't enough to move them from the foot of the table, although importantly it is enough to keep them in touch with the other clubs suffering from early season poor form.

On Friday night at Sixways, Andy Goode scored all Worcester Warriors' points from the boot with four penalties as they ended a run of three Aviva Premiership Rugby defeats and extended Northampton Saints’ winless sequence to four games. In reply, the Saints could only muster a single penalty courtesy of Stephen Myler. Final score: Worcester Warriors 12, Northampton Saints 3.

On Saturday, Gloucester extended their unbeaten Aviva Premiership Rugby home record to 22 games as a penalty from replacement Freddie Burns saw them edge a thrilling try-filled encounter at Kingsholm over London Irish. Tries came for Gloucester from Tom Voyce and Darren Dawidiuk as well as a penalty try, and for London Irish from Alex Gray, Topsy Ojo and Steven Shingler. Final score: Gloucester Rugby 33, London Irish 30.

Over at Sandy Park, reigning Aviva Premiership Champions Saracens made it four wins out of five this season and maintained their unbeaten run away from Vicarage Road. Tries came from Rob Baxter for Exeter Chiefs and from Owen Farrell and Charlie Hodgson from Saracens. Exeter never gave up and kept battling until the final whistle on a quest for a losing bonus point. Final score: Exeter Chiefs 13, Saracens 17.

Jeremy Staunton scored all 25 points for Leicester Tigers against Bath Rugby at a sun-baked Recreation Ground on Saturday but still finished on the losing side. The Irishman put in a sterling performance throughout the game, but at the death, given a 45-metre penalty to win the game with the clock at zero, he pushed the ball wide, his only kicking failure all afternoon. Bath were on fine form with tries from Dave Attwood and Matt Carraro and an impressive kicking display from Sam Vesty and Tom Heathcote. Final score: Bath Rugby 26, Leicester Tigers 25.

At the Stoop Nick Evans inspired Harlequins to maintain their 100% Aviva Premiership Rugby record by scoring 20 points in a bonus-point romp, keeping them at the top of the Aviva Premiership Rugby table. In a remarkable fightback however, Sale came back to collect two points as their hosts switched off following a 10-minute injury break. George Lowe, Ollie Kohn, Mark Lambert, and Nick Evans all scored tries for Harlequins with Mike Brown running in two, Sale Sharks replied with tries from Dwayne Peel, Vadim Cobilas, Tom Brady and Joaquin Tuculet and two from Rob Miller. Final score: Harlequins 48, Sale Sharks 41.

On Sunday at Kingston Park, after 11 consecutive Aviva Premiership Rugby defeats, Newcastle finally lifted the gloom with a hard-earned win over London Wasps. Fly-half Jimmy Gopperth was successful with all five of his penalty attempts to boot the Tynesiders to victory. Wasps’ Christian Wade scored the game’s only try but his side were unable to build on it as a spirited Falcons defence stood firm. Final score: Newcastle Falcons 15, London Wasps 10.