World in Union: Round 11 review of the Aviva Premiership

ROUND 11

Over 146,000 people stepped through the turnstiles to watch Aviva Premiership Rugby over the Christmas weekend including the Harlequins v Saracens Big Game 4 which sold out to a capacity crowd at Twickenham Stadium, a new world record for a regular season club game.
Christmas Eve at Franklin’s Gardens saw Northampton Saints in control, courtesy of a star performance from George Pisi, that condemned Bath Rugby to their fourth consecutive defeat. Tries came from Phil Dowson, Tom Wood and Jamie Elliott for the Saints, and from Francois Louw for Bath. Final score: Northampton Saints 22, Bath Rugby 13.

On Boxing Day, Nick Macleod won the kicking battle for Sale Sharks as his side beat their northern rivals Newcastle Falcons to return to an Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final position in fourth place and leave their opponents at the foot of the table. Sale had taken a 16-0 lead after 24 minutes through three Macleod penalties and a converted Tom Brady try, but Newcastle mounted a comeback. After Macleod and Jimmy Gopperth had traded three-pointers, substitute Jeremy Manning went over to reduce the gap to 19-10 at half-time. Gopperth continued to boot the Falcons back into the game and narrowed the gap to three points before England wing Mark Cueto touched down to seal the win for the home side. Final score: Sale Sharks 27, Newcastle Falcons 19.

Over at Kingsholm, Jonny May and Olly Morgan both scored two tries as Gloucester produced a stunning performance to demolish London Wasps. The home side thrilled a packed stadium as Wasps had no answer to the power of the Gloucester pack and the potency of their backs. Gloucester’s tries came from Luke Narraway, Jonny May, Henry Trinder and Olly Morgan, with just one Wasps try in reply courtesy of Elliot Daly. Final score: Gloucester Rugby 39, London Wasps 10.

On Tuesday London Irish finished the year third in the table in an Aviva Premiership Rugby play-off place thanks to a tough win over Exeter Chiefs at the Madejski Stadium. Centres Joe Ansbro and Shontayne Hape grabbed Irish tries, while wing Tom Homer landed 19 points with five penalties and two conversions. Exeter did manage a losing bonus point though, after full-back Luke Arscott ran in a try in the second half while fly-half Ignacio Mieres kicked five penalties and a conversion. Final score: London Irish 29, Exeter Chiefs 22.

Over at Sixways, England star Toby Flood ran the show as Leicester Tigers extended their unbeaten Aviva Premiership Rugby run to five games after brushing Worcester Warriors aside at a sold-out Sixways. The Tigers never looked back once they had built a 17-point lead early in the second quarter following tries by Flood and wing Matt Smith. Fly-half Flood added another 12 points from the boot, while Leicester and England lock Louis Deacon sealed Tigers’ victory when he rumbled over for a 60th-minute try after wing Marcel Garvey’s touchdown had briefly threatened a Worcester revival. Final score: Worcester Warriors 13, Leicester Tigers 32.

A defiant Saracens side ended Harlequins unbeaten start to their Aviva Premiership Rugby season with a ferocious defensive performance at a sold-out Twickenham. Owen Farrell kicked 14 points and David Strettle scored against his old club as Saracens raced into a 19-3 lead after just 24 minutes. Harlequins attempted a comeback and prop Joe Marler, whose pass had earlier been intercepted by Strettle, scored in a dominant second-half performance from the hosts. Saracens did not score another point but defended resolutely to seal the victory in front of a record crowd who were kept entertained for the full 80 minutes. Saracens win closed the gap with the league leaders to five points. Final score: Harlequins 11, Saracens 19.

WSN Basketball. Wasps win against Maroons

Thanks to Dave Bushall and all at the Wasps for the match report. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Hull Wasps put in a stunning performance on Saturday afternoon to outclass Bradford Maroons. Heading into the game, the Wasps sat just below Bradford in the league in fifth place but have moved up to fourth after the 89-40 victory and are now just two points behind league leaders Stockport Falcons.

For the first time in years, as many as six teams are in the running for the play-offs; Stockport, Rossendale, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Bradford Maroons and now, after four straight wins, Hull Wasps are all in contention for the top-three spots.

The home game on Saturday was a big game for the Hull club, looking to make a big statement to the rest of the league for the first time this season. The game was billed as a definitive game, looking to be a close contest all the way. The opening period of the game certainly looked that way with both sides racking up 17 points each before the first break.

However, the Wasps came out from the rest with a renewed vigour and took the game to Bradford with some fast breaks and excellent defensive work which created a 16-2 run to open up a commanding 16 point lead before half-time.

The home crowd expected a fight back from the visitors after the break but another outstanding period of play from the Wasps restricted Bradford to just 8 points in the quarter, while sinking 23 points themselves.

With the game all but buried, the Wasps didn’t let up. Wasps’ coach Matt Fawcett took the opportunity to rest some senior players while other members of the squad produced another solid performance with a 25-7 run to seal the biggest win of the season at 89-40 for the Wasps.

“It was a huge win for the team today” said Fawcett following the performance.

“We played hard and just played our game how we wanted. After that opening period we knew we had a tough game on our hands but the guys were solid on defence and that opened up opportunities when we broke forward.

“In all honesty, we all looked at this fixture months ago and expected a tight game with only a few points to decide it. But it wasn’t the case in the end and it’s brought us our biggest win of the season so far. This squad has got great potential and we’ve proven it here today. It’s been a solid team performance with everyone working for each other.

“It has set us up nicely for the second half of the season, knowing that we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us. We’ll enjoy it over the Christmas break but we mustn’t get too caught up on this as we’ll lose focus. It’s two points at the end of the day and that’s all. We’ve got some big games in January and we’ll be back in the New Year looking to continue the season as we left it.”

Adrian Blatherwick top scored for the Wasps with 18 points. James Rayner came second with 16 while MVP John Brignell scored 15 points. Hull Wasps will next play Oldham Titans away on Saturday 8th January.

Big Puck reports: CHIEFTAINS LOSE TOP SPOT AFTER DEFEAT ON ISLAND

Thanks to Pete Lewis and all at the Chieftains for the reports, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Chelmsford Chieftains have slipped from top spot after going down 5-4 on the Isle of Wight thanks to a late winner from Dominic Hopkins. The Chieftains had been in the lead for the bulk of the game and were the better side for much of it, but were unable to turn possession into goals. Connor Pollard scored first for the home side, but then a double from in-form Tom Long put the Chieftains 2-1 up at the end of the first period. Then Alex Murray tied the game before Ross Brears put the Essex side back in front. It was neck and neck now and the two sides traded goals as Damon Larter put the Raiders on level terms during the second period. Alan Green put the visitors back ahead and it looked like the 2 points and retention of the league-leader placing would remain in Chelmsford before former EPL forward Arran Strawson tied the game with 7 minutes to go and then a late goal from Hopkins put the Raiders back ahead, much to the disappointment of the visiting fans and players. Alan Green had a chance to tie it up with seconds on the clock, but a bad bounce from the puck meant he never got a clean shot away and the travelling fans were left disappointed.

Onto Sunday and player-coach Gary Clarke knew he had to turn things around and the team did so in style with a 10-3 demolition of the Oxford City Stars. In seemingly normal fashion, the Chelmsford side fell behind to an early goal from the Stars, but then ran in 8 unanswered goals in the first 2 periods. Former Stars forward Alan Green got the ball rolling before Jakub Klima and then Long got his 3rd and 4th of the weekend. James Ayling then put the puck away before Clarke himself netted a brace either side of the first interval. Brears then made it 8 before Josh Oliver scored for the Stars prior to Klima getting his hat-trick with 2 late goals in the third period. Oliver scored again late on but it was never going to be enough to start a fightback and the Chieftains comfortably saw the game out. Klima picked up the man of the match award after a fine performance in the teams final game before the Christmas and new year break.




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Kult & Punk: St Pauli crucial win keeps them in touch with leaders.

Thanks to Jonathan who filled in for the boys, while they over did the festivities. One dressed as a Nun the other Roger Rabbit - absolutely no idea. Thanks to Kult and Punk for 2011 already looking forward to 2012, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New year. Season greetings to the Players, officials and supporters of FC.St Pauli from all here at Sports Pulse.

FC St. Pauli consigned Eintracht Frankfurt to only their second defeat of the campaign with a deserved 2-0 win that took them to fourth in the table, level with their visitors on 39 points and only three behind league leaders Fortuna Düsseldorf.

The final Bundesliga 2 game before the winter break provided an entertaining spectacle for the fans at the sold-out Millerntor-Stadion, who saw goals from Fabio Morena and Max Kruse lead the hosts to victory over a fellow promotion favourite.

Entertaining start

Both teams began energetically, determined to finish the year on a high note, and it made for a lively encounter, as the play switched from end to end. The visitors marginally edged the opening period and almost took the lead after Karim Matmour's through ball allowed Alex Maier to run in on goal, but the striker's shot from a tight angle was well saved by Philipp Tschauner.

The hosts' reply came only moments later and Fin Bartels should have done better than to skew the ball over the bar after excellent work on the right from Florian Bruns had found him unmarked in the box. Frankfurt had the next opportunity of a frenzied beginning, when Gordon Schildenfeld flicked Pirmin Schwegler's whipped free-kick goalwards, but Tschauner once again reacted well to save.

Pauli go in front

However, it was Pauli, buoyed by their vocal home support, who took the lead just after half an hour. Frankfurt failed to deal with a corner from the right, and Morena was on hand to prod the ball in from close range after visiting keeper Oka Nikolov had parried Sebastian Schachten's shot. Frankfurt pushed for an equaliser, but were unable to find a breakthrough before half time.

The match began in the same fashion after the restart, and Pauli broke following a series of Frankfurt corners, going close through Fabian Boll after a mistake from Anderson in the Frankfurt defence. At the other end, Mo Idrissou tested Tschauner with a snap-shot from the edge of the box, which the unsighted keeper did well to save.

Kruse seals the win

That strike initiated an intense period of pressure from the guests, who created several half chances, which neither Idrissou nor Theofanis Gekas were able to make the most of. With the hosts struggling to get beyond the halfway line, their second goal came totally against the run of play. Frankfurt had committed men forward for another corner when Bartels broke down the right, running the length of the pitch before crossing for Kruse to stroke past the helpless Nikolov.

Frankfurt continued to push for a goal, but they were lacking the necessary creativity to unlock the well-organised home defence. The guests pumped high balls forward, looking to exploit the aerial ability of Idrissou, but the forward was well marshaled by Morena, while shots from distance were rarely accurate enough to trouble Tschauner. Indeed, Pauli looked the most likely to score again and constantly looked threatening on the break, but neither side found the net again.


Jonathan Stockitt

Cycle Premier Racing Team announce the signing of Stephen Adams

Cycle Premier Racing Team Press Release

Cycle Premier Racing Team is delighted to announce the signing of 24 year old Stephen Adams from Nottingham who joins the team from Sigma Sports for 2012.

Adams will see early season action with the team in the final round of the National Cyclo Cross Series and in the National Cyclo Cross Championships in January before a well earned rest ready for the road season in March.

Adams said, “I’m really pleased to be on-board with Cycle Premier. I have seen the team grow from strength to strength over the past few years and I'm looking forward to a successful and prosperous 2012 with them.”

Cycle Premier’s Rod Freeman said, “We are delighted to welcome Steve to the team and really excited about the experience he brings to the team on the road, criterium circuits and off road. I’m looking forward to seeing Steve and Michael (Berling) in action together in April at Dengie Marsh, Tour Doon Hame and Cicle Classic.”

The team has so far announced 11 of its 13 man squad for 2012. They are:

Stephen Adams (24)
Michael Berling (29)
Tom Black (21)
Declan Byrne (18)
Jamie Caldwell (21)
Russell Falder (21)
Richard Hepworth (24)
Jake Martin (19)
George Moore (18)
Jon Mozley (24)
Chris Pritchard (28)

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote extend their unbeaten run to eight games

Lanzarote earn a disappointing draw, but continue their unbeaten run. We wish the players and officials of UD Lanzarote a Merry Christmas and happy new year. A massive thank you to Ian for supplying the reports for 2011 and look forward to their continuation in 2012. SportTrades would like wish Ian, Anna, Jessica and Oscar a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

C.D. CORRALEJO 0 LANZAROTE 0

The second half of the season began with a scoreless draw as did the first. It may be an away point and Lanzarote have extended their unbeaten run to eight games but the Rojillos will be disappointed returning from Fuerteventura with just a point.

The Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) began the game the better of the two sides but rarely troubled the League´s best goalkeeper Santi Lampón. Midfielder Isaac had the best chance of the half in the 9th minute but failed to hit the target for the hosts. Lanzarote best opportunity was a free kick from Gustavo García but the ex Las Palmas player saw his strike fall into the arms of the Corralejo keeper.
Before the half was up Rojillos manager Fabían Rivero was forced into making a double substitution. Echedey and Aythami limped off and were replaced by the experienced Jotha and defender Jesús but the game remained goalless going into the break.

If the fans thought the first half lacked entertainment then they were not going to be impressed with an even poorer second period. The majority of the match was played in midfield and it wasn’t until the final few minutes that either side threatened.

In the 87th minute Toñito fed Alex Yunes, his strike was well saved by the Fuerteventura keeper then his follow up shot was deflected away by a defender. In the final minute a header for striker Dino went narrowly wide for the home side but this was a day when neither side deserved to score.

The Rojillos remain in ninth spot but have drifted to three points off the play off places as we head into the National Spanish football break. The chase for a playoff position resumes with a tasty home match on the 8th January against fifth placed side Las Palmas B.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
Ian, Anna, Jessica and Oscar.

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates progress to next round

Thanks to Cornish Pirates & Woll for the match report and also Simon Bryant for the pictures

Cornish Pirates 30-3 Cross Keys

British & Irish Cup Round 4

At The Mennaye Field Penzance

Woll's Match Report

Thirty years ago and almost within sight of The Mennaye, the real meaning of bravery was redefined by the actions of the crew of the Solomon Browne. Tragically, it was the ultimate outcome that provided the reason for the very emotional sixty seconds prior to today’s kick off; an annual show of respect, impeccably observed, and a humbling reminder of what really constitutes perspective.

Not a bad thing given the past few days and concerns regarding future Pirates plans; but at least this particular cup tie could be played in the knowledge that they are clearly progressing, if a little behind original timescales. Something that post match, Chris Stirling confirmed and re-iterated his intention to remain part of, hopefully dispelling any remaining question marks.

Just as well then, that attention could focus back on to the field of play so quickly even if this clash was in effect a ‘dead rubber’; both sides having already booked their quarter final berths. Something that may have contributed to a game that never really hit the heights one would have hoped for.

Not that Matt Evans would be too bothered; as the winger helped himself to a couple of tries to put any hopes a much changed Cross Keys side may have had of causing an upset, well and truly to bed. Something that allegedly the visitors eventually managed during their overnight stay, the evening prior.

A scrappy contest then, took a good fifteen minutes to ignite, as Thomas coming in at full back, saw a couple of early pots miss their target; denying the Pirates some reward for their early pressure.

But pressure there was, and the Keys were already creaking before Hodge incurred a ten minute spell on the sidelines for his troubles, as his colleagues just couldn’t please Mr. Harding at all. So much so, that the official finally decided to trot under posts to disturb the scorers for the first time on the quarter hour. Ceiron this time doing the honours.

As if on cue, this sparked the Welshmen on against his countrymen. Five minutes later, he put Evans through on the left for his first score in the Old Western National Corner, in an identical manner to one in the first minute that didn’t end quite so successfully. Keys full back, Andrews’ timely intervention, preventing the perfect start for the Pirates on that occasion.

At this point a flurry of points seemed likely, as the gulf between the teams on the day threatened to be reflected in a large score line. As it materialised, only two further Thomas penalties came forth and so a 20 point gap at the break had to suffice.

Après tea and the first drama revolved around Chris Morgan and a gash to his head, that gave his otherwise boyish features, a menacing red war paint shade. The flow of the red stuff happily ceased after liberal use of the magic towel, but the image no doubt remained with all and sundry; perhaps raising a few blood pressures in the process. A spat between the impressive Doherty and his opposite number, Owens, seemingly occurring soon after.

This earned the pair a lengthy lecture from Mr. Harding, but no further punishment. The clips on the ears from fellow players, apparently being sufficient from afar.
Cattle meanwhile was thrown on to spare James any further pain, and for a few minutes it appeared that the Pirates may well find that extra gear. Ward in true Wardy style roused the crowd with his usual ball stealing exploits and bullocking runs as well. But it was the visitors who scored next as they nailed their only points of the afternoon with less than half hour remaining, as Mills landed a 30m penalty.

Minutes later, a 45m attempt by Andrews went well wide and joined his earlier attempt at bringing the Pirates TV gantry down, as moments best forgotten.
In fact, this was about as good as it got for the Welsh Premiership side as they began to feel the force of the Pirates pack turn up the heat once more.
Several catch and drives threatened, until Thomas’s boot finally ended what had been a stale period otherwise, with his third penalty of the afternoon.

Keys were creaking and once again upsetting Mr. Harding. Nash finally bit the bullet and took one for the team as their tempers frayed. A little aggrieved that the official hadn’t done similar to Suniula for a high challenge not long before. Regardless the talcum powder flurried and some animation in front of the main stand almost distracted sufficiently for many to miss Evans’ second dot down, as ‘talks’ continued on the touchline.

Any chance of an escalation in hostilities were quashed however, as Cowan’s final charge ended in a knock on, and Mr. Harding calling time; no doubt with half an eye on getting to the bar in time for drinks with the retiring Nigel Higginson.
If calculations are correct, then Nottingham will have to visit the Mennaye twice in the New Year come the next round of the British & Irish Cup. Interesting no?

Cornish Pirates

15 C. Thomas 14 D. Daniel (21 R. McAtee 53mins) 12 G. Pointer (22 S. Hill 75mins) 13 A. Suniula 11 M. Evans 10 M. Dorrian 9 J. Doherty (20 G. Cattle 48mins) 8 B. Maidment 7 P. Burgess 6 C. Morgan (capt) (18 B. Cowan 71mins) 5 M. Myerscough (19 K. Marriott 53mins) 4 M. Smith 3 R. Brits (1 R. Storer 70mins) 2 D. Ward 1 R. Storer(16 A. Paver 53mins)
Replacements: un-used 17 R. Elloway

Tries: Penalty, Evans 2
Cons: Thomas 3
Pens: Thomas 3


Cross Keys

15 L. Andrews 14 K. Baller (20 J. Robinson 59mins) 13 L. Williams 12 N. Williams 11 M. Johnstone 10 S. Mills 9 O. Jones (c) 8 R. Williams (16 R. Nash HT) 7 C. Trayhern 6 M. Popham 5 L. Rawlins 4 D. Hodge 3 M. Jones (18 C. Gould 55mins) 2 J. Sollis 1 I. George
Replacements: un-used 17 G. Price, 19 T. Lampard, 21 P. Williams, 22 R. Dyer

Pen: Mill

Yellows: Hodge, Nash

Match Officials
Referee: Simon Harding (RFU)
Assistants: Tom Foley & Nigel Higginson
Referee Coach : Jerry Wallis
Man of the Match: Matt Evans

Cycle Premier Racing Team announce the signing of Michael Berling

Cycle Premier Racing Team is delighted to announce the signing of 29 year old Michael Berling from Arhus in Denmark for the 2012 UK season.

Berling is best known in the UK as having won one of the few UCI events in this country, the Leicestershire Cicle Classic and finishing 2nd in 2009 and 4th in 2008 but in Denmark he is also the Criterium Champion, Danish Cup Champion (a long running Danish Federation race series made up of 5 major events) and has finished in the top 10 of the National Road Championships on more than one occasion. As well as a truly talented rider on the road Berling also holds national medals on the track in Madision, Points, Omnium and Team Pursuit events.

Not only is Beling keen to return to Cicle Classic in 2012 but he has also sighted the British Premier Calendar as a race series he is looking forward to riding as well as sampling the British criterium scene during the summer.

The British Premier Calendar starts this year with a new race that uses off road sections like Cicle Classic as part of the course and Berling is looking forward to riding this with the team before heading north of the border to Tour Doon Hame, in Scotland and then rounding off April with Cicle Classic in the teams home county of Leicestershire.

Berling said, “I was keen to try the British race scene this year and with Kovert Racing bikes being a new sponsor to Cycle Premier this seemed a good time to join them and help promote their products both in the UK and in Scandinavia.”

Cycle Premier’s Rod Freeman said, “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the team and really excited about the strength he adds to the squad. There will be two or three more foreign riders to announce over the next few weeks and 2012 is starting to shape up well.”

The appointment of Berling has also led to tyre sponsor Vittoria bringing their Pave CG tubulars and tyres into the team for specific races like Dengie Marsh, Tour Doon Hame and Cicle Classic

The team has so far announced 10 of its 13 man squad for 2012. They are:

Michael Berling (29)

Tom Black (21)

Declan Byrne (18)

Jamie Caldwell (21)

Russell Falder (21)

Richard Hepworth (24)

Jake Martin (19)

George Moore (18)

Jon Mozley (24)

Chris Pritchard (28)

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Sports Pulse would like to wish all our contributors and followers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We would like to also send season greetings to all the clients, suppliers and partners of SportTrades.

Spotlight on the CSL, with Anelka bound for the Orient

With Anelka bound for the Orient – no, not Barry Hearn – the spotlight has falling onto the Chinese Super League.

The Wanda Plaza Chinese Super League is relatively new, it was formed in 2004. It consisted of 12 teams with no relegation for the first two seasons while an expansion programme took place. The current season the league will consist of 16 clubs. The current CSL Champions for 2011 are Guangzhou Evergrande, with Shandong Luneng winning the most titles with 3 crowns. The top scorer for 2011 season was the Brazilian, Muriqui, who netted 16 times for the champions Guangzhou Evergrande.

The largest stadium is the Workers Stadium; it holds 62,000 and is the home of Beijing Guon. Anelka’s new home is Hongkou Stadium, with a capacity of 33,000. Shanghai Shenhua, Anelka's new team, is yet to lift the CSL. They have been runners-up three times though, will their fortune change – is it all in the cookies.

The Wanda Plaza CSL runs from February/March to October/November. The league, as already mentioned, consists of 16 teams, with promotion and relegation between the CSL and JIA League (Chinese First Division). The bottom two teams in the CSL are relegated to the JIA league, and therefore the top two teams in the JIA are promoted to the Wanda Plaza CSL. Each team plays each other home and away, resulting in a 30 game season. The top 3 in the CSL and the Chinese Super Cup winners qualify for the AFC Champions League, equivalent of our Champions League. Now there’s a thought F.A, 3 Premier league places, with the 3rd place in qualifying rounds joined by the winners of the F.A.Cup for the Champions League – just a thought.

Players from England who have played in the CSL, Marlon Harewood, Paul Gascoigne and Howard Wilkinson has managed there. The CSL is full of players from Europe and South America, they also have great development projects to encourage and train nationals into all aspects of the professional sport. One club had a link to England, the Chengdu Blades who have a link with Sheffield United; unfortunately the Blades were relegated this season.

Will Sports:Pulse be following a team in 2012?. We certainly are, we will notify you of the feature name in good time, at present we are seeking a source to provide match reports in English for us. We have chosen Qingdao Jonoon Football Club, the Sea Bulls as our team. The team is based in Qingdao, Shandong and play at the smallest stadium in the CSL, Qingdao Tiantai Stadium, which holds just over 20,000.

The club was formed in 1990, with the catchy name of Shandong Economic and Trade Commission Football Club

In 2011 they had a number of Europeans and Brazilians playing for them, including Eber. They finnished 6th in the 2011 season.

Please contact us at info@sporttrades.co.uk if you are interested in providing match reports and news updates about the club.

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote draw at league leaders

Ian Lane reports as Lanzarote draw with league leaders. One more game before the Christmas break. Remember if you're lucky enough to be on the island, go to the Teguise market on Sunday. Find Ian and the team on the UD Lanzarote stalls and get those last minute Christmas pressies.

CF ESTRELLA 1 LANZAROTE 1

The Rojillos end the season’s first round of games against the league leaders with an excellent draw with only 10 men and are now just two points from a playoff position.

The league leaders began the day on the back of five consecutive wins and six points clear at the top of the Tercera Division (fourth tier). The Rojillos were also in good form unbeaten in their last six outings.

Lanzarote got off to a terrific start. The ever impressive Ángel Gil crossed the ball in from the left and the ball struck defender Omar on the hand, the ref did not hesitate pointing to the spot and Rosmen finished the job giving Lanzarote a 0-1 advantage.

In the matter of four minutes Lanzarote went from joy to despair. Defender Adrián Martín was adjudged to have pulled the shirt of striker Rául and the ref again did not hesitate awarding a penalty.

To make matters worse Adrián was given a red card and the Rojillos were forced to play over 80 minutes with just 10 men. To add to the controversy keeper Santi Lampón saved the spot kick but the linesman flagged as players had entered the box so the ref ordered that the penalty had to be retaken. Striker Eneko made no mistake on his second attempt as the score was levelled at one apiece.

Even with a player less the Rojillos were looking good and creating the better opportunities. In the 22nd minute Vladi´s free kick found Rosmen who neatly fed Ángel Gil but unfortunately the defenders strike hit the post and was cleared.

The game was being played at a fast and furious pace as both sides were trying to dominate possession but the score remained at 1-1 at the break.

The second period wasn’t as dramatic as the first with the home side lacking ambition against a 10 man Lanzarote side. Ten minutes from time and a mistake by Rojillos defender Sixto let in striker Borja. Goalkeeper Santi Lampón may be knocking on with his 39 years but was brilliant with his reflexes saving from Estrella front man.

A couple of minutes later the on field playing staff was levelled as Borja also received his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on defender David Dorta.

Both sides fought for the three points in the closing minutes with Echedey and Ángel Gil coming closest but the game ended fairly in stalemate.

The next and last game before the Spanish Christmas break is on the 18th December against C.D. Corralejo of Fuerteventura.

GOALS
0-1 min 4 Rosmen (penalty)
1-1 min 10 Eneko (penalty)

Big Puck reports: TOWIC in the Essex Cup

Thanks to Pete and all at the Chieftains for this news update.

THE ONLY WAY IS CHELMSFORD IN THE ESSEX CUP FIRST LEG

9th December 2011

The Only Way is Chelmsford after Thursday evening's resounding defeat of Romford Raiders in the first leg of the Essex Cup at the Riverside ice rink. A 5-2 demolition job was carried out on a depleted Raiders team who started off brightly but then faded as the legs began to tire and the extra bodies on the Chieftains bench began to tell.

Former Chieftains forward Matt Turner scored after just 30 seconds of the game with a nice finish past Ben Clements. Danny Wright then blasted home later in the first period and the game was nicely poised at 1-1 going into the first break. Things began to heat up in the second period and some indiscipline from the Raiders culminated in a fight between Chieftains captain Dwayne "Dog" Newman and Shaun Wallis of the Raiders, with the Romford scrapper getting the upper hand in the bout. A bizarre incident then took place as JJ McGrath of the Raiders side then fired the puck at Clements while the two officials were sorting out the penalties for the fight and McGrath ended up losing the plot and was given his marching orders to leave the Raiders even shorter benched. A brace from the unassuming Alan Green took the Chelmsford side to a 3-1 lead heading into the final session.

Jakub Klima and Danny Hammond then netted a goal a piece in the third period as Chelmsford went 5-1 ahead, but then the gloves came off again this time with Michael Ranby and Tom Davis squaring off on the ice. Ranby took a decisive win in the fight, much to the delight of the impressive midweek crowd of Chelmsford fans. Romford player coach Danny Marshall took some of the gloss off the win with a late goal to bring it back to 5-2, but the Chieftains are well in the driving seat going into the second leg in Romford in the new year.

Alex Staples picked up another man of the match award after a fine display in defence for the Chieftains, while forward Tom Long took home the Karen Bloomfield Memorial Award for Player of the Month for November.

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirates in a close game at Headingley

Thanks to Ben Woolatt for the match report and Brian Tempest for the pictures. More details regarding the Pirates, can be found at www.cornish-pirates.com

Leeds Carnegie 14 Cornish Pirates 13

RFU Championship Round 14

Headingly Carnegie Stadium

Sunday 11 December 2011

Match Report From Ben Woollatt

On a cold mid-December afternoon in Yorkshire, Leeds Carnegie hosted the Cornish Pirates at their Headingley stadium keen to get revenge for having been beaten 52-10 at the Mennaye Field in September.

With the stage set for a close contest, Leeds started proceedings playing towards the West stand, but it was the Pirates who would show encouraging early dominance at scrummage time.

The first scoring opportunity also came from the visitors when Miles Dorrian made a break through the Leeds defence. His chip and chase was almost gathered by wing Rhodri McAtee but the ball bounced dead before anyone could ground it.

Following a messy line-out the home side was able to surge forward, nearly creating a try for winger Peter Lucock who broke through a couple of tackles. A penalty was signalled to Leeds, and seeing no other opportunities their young fly-half, Joe Ford, slotted a neat seventh minute drop goal to give his side a 3-0 lead.

Home lock Sean Hohneck claimed the restart but Ford went from hero to villain as his clearance kick went straight out on the full. This gave the Cornishmen a chance to regroup and they worked their way to within five metres of the whitewash.
The phases were good and momentum was starting to build with a series of pick and go drives leading ever closer to the try line. These drives were reminiscent of the Cup game in February 2007 and in exactly the same area of the pitch, but the result was different this time. A knock on, and then some naughtiness by the front row denying the Pirates a repeat of that particular success.

Leeds suffered a wobble at the resulting line-out and the Pirates were again able to break into the '22' after a strong run by flanker Kyle Marriott.
With the phases built once more the hosts were forced to defend and to their credit made some huge tackles to repel ball carriers. The referee, however, awarded a penalty to the Pirates and full-back Rob Cook made no mistake to level the scores at 3-all.

The key moment of the half came just after the 20 minute mark, as another Pirates attack led to wing David Doherty chasing a kick through. Unfortunately for Leeds, Michael Stephenson tackled Doherty before he had the ball, earning the experienced winger a trip to the sin-bin and the Cornish side a penalty try which was converted by Cook.

Joyous one moment, the Pirates then committed the ultimate sin in rugby by conceding a penalty straight after scoring. Full-back Tommy Bell made no mistake to reduce the gap to four points with 15 minutes to go until half time.

Despite the numbers advantage, things didn’t get any better for the Cornish side, as finding themselves in their own 22 and trying to play their way out of trouble they were caught holding on. Handed the chance with a penalty to close the gap to 9-10, Bell happily and successfully obliged.

Some order was restored, however, when with only five minutes of the half remaining the Leeds pack found reverse gear to gift Cook his second penalty and give the Pirates a 13-9 half-time lead.

After the break and with the game so close, it was felt that the next score would be crucial, and with a direct approach the hosts started to make ground against the previously unbreakable Cornish wall. Indeed, forcing their way into the '22' they were awarded a penalty as a Pirate defender crept offside, but Bell's kick drifted wide to provide a sigh of relief to travelling supporters.
This setback did little to stem the home side’s spirit, as agai
n they smashed their way forward, with such as Stephenson, replacement Scott Barrow and Lucock making ground against the tacklers. Luckily for the Pirates, Carnegie's centre Iain Thornley was penalised for not releasing and the lines could be cleared.
A try looked 'on' as Leeds responded to apply pressure once more, only for the chance to go begging when the ball spilled forward.

Controversy was next around the corner, when Leeds were awarded a penalty 35 metres out from the Pirates line, right in front of the posts. The kick went up, the flags went up............but it was not awarded. Referee Mr. Dean Richards had over-ruled his assistants as he was sure that the ball had sailed outside of the posts. This was met with great displeasure from the home support and was perhaps the catalyst for the final quarter of the game.

The Pirates, seemingly buoyed by the various misfortunes of Leeds, went on the attack in an attempt to put the game beyond doubt. Their edge at scrum time continued as they were given a penalty after another Leeds infringement, but the hosts were let off the hook when Cook's lengthy effort fell just short.
Into the final 15 minutes saw Leeds dominate generally, but with the Pirates defence also looking sound as they restricted their opponents solely to small lateral gains.
A few turnovers won at the breakdown by skipper Chris Morgan and Marriott gave hope that the Pirates could hold on, but Leeds then built a telling momentum which culminated in Leeds taking advantage of a Pirates knock-on for Stephenson to make amends for his sin binning by wriggling over in the corner. Bell missed the conversion but clock clicking to a conclusion Leeds were 14-13 ahead.

The Pirates response was positive and from phase after phase they gained some ground, until Dorrian finally pulled the trigger from 45 metres out with a dropped goal attempt. Although his effort missed there was still time, but sadly not enough, and when had Ford the chance to belt the ball into touch the home celebrations began.
All credit to Leeds who have clearly regrouped since their pasting at Penzance in September. Their immense physicality appeared the most visible difference, led by Hohneck, who was a nuisance throughout.

For the Pirates, who are now fifth in the table, a losing bonus point was a consolation, as they now look forward to Sunday's British & Irish Cup encounter at home to Cross Keys, kick off 2pm.

Scorers:

Leeds

Tries: Stephenson
Penalties: Bell 2
Drop-goals: Ford

Cornish Pirates :

Tries: Penalty
Penalties: Cook 2
Conversions:Cook

Leeds Carnegie
15 T. Bell 14 M. Stephenson 13 I. Thornley 12 J. Barker (S. Barrow 40)
11 P. Lucock 10 J. Ford 9 C. Hampson (D. White 70)
1 M. MacDonald 2 A. Titterrell (capt, S. Freer 71) 3 K. Palma-Newport
4 D. Hemingway (R. Beck 71) 5 S. Hohneck 6. R. Burrows
7 J. Rowan 8 D. Paul (C. Walker 71).

Replacements (not used): C. Zeiss ,M. Mustafa.

Cornish Pirates :

15 R. Cook 14 R. McAtee (G. Pointer 52) 13 D. Locke 12 S. Hill 11 D. Doherty
10 M. Dorrian 9 T. Kessell (J. Doherty 78)
8 B. Maidment (P. Burgess 66) 7 C. Morgan (capt) 6 K. Marriott 5
I. Nimmo 4 L. McGlone (M. Smith 80) 3 A. Paver (R. Brits 78)
2 R. Elloway (D. Ward 52) 1 R. Storer (P. Andrew 58)

Referee: Dean Richards

Attendance: 2568

Kult & Punk: St Pauli in unexpected defeat shock

St Pauli fall to an unexpected defeat. Some things remain predictable, the boys went straight back on the Elf & Goblin brew and threw darts at Mercozy pictures, while wearing Dave masks. All very strange, but next week Jedward and Louis Walsh.

FC Ingolstadt 04 1-0 FC St. Pauli

After more than a month propping up the league table, FC Ingolstadt finally moved up in the standings after a surprising win over promotion candidates St. Pauli, giving Tomas Oral a first taste of victory as head coach.

The home side began somewhat defensively, wary of their visitors' attacking prowess. The match was hard fought in the early stages, with both struggling to make any headway in an over-crowded midfield. While the hosts' defended well, they lacked cut and thrust in attack, and with regular strikers Moritz Hartmann and Edson Buddle both missing, Pauli appeared to be in little danger as the sides went in goalless at the break.

Akaichi snatches win

The guests began determined to establish themselves as the dominant force in the game and they succeeded in putting together more threatening attacks, though without really troubling Ramazan Özcan in the Ingolstadt goal. The match appeared to be heading for a stalemate, but the hosts scored with one last throw of the dice, Ahmed Akaichi eventually prodding the ball over the line after it had ricocheted around the box following a corner.

The hosts move up to 16th place on 13 points, while Pauli missed the chance to go second in the table and stay in fourth, now six points behind leaders Düsseldorf.

Nick Morgan: update on his progress.

As you know a good friend of SportTrades, the Billericay Town FC ‘keeper Nick Morgan, was attacked and left paralysed outside the Sugar Hut in Brentwood a number of weeks ago. A fund raising night has took place last weekend at O’Gradys Pub, Seven Kings, Ilford, where a long list of items were donated for auction. The auction is part of a campaign to raise funds towards equipment and treatment, to aid Nick’s recovery. We will keep you in touch with Nicks progress, these posts are supplied by his brother Ben Morgan and taking in full from his blog www.nickmorganfund.com. Please visit the blog for details of forthcoming events, to keep updated with Nicks progress or to donate.

Nick Morgan Fund

Hi all,

I’m gonna start with the good news and end with the brilliant news. Try not to cheat and skip to the end!

The good news is that the Benefit Night on Friday was an amazing success. We raised a substantial amount of money for Nick and the support shown was astounding! We had people queuing to get in and the place was packed to the rafters and rocking all night. The auction raised some unbelievable numbers with the kind of generosity that staggers belief.

The amount of auction items and raffle prizes that were donated is just ridiculous. What a wonderful group of people. Nick is one lucky fella to have such a strong support network of friends and family.

As Nick mentioned in his speech, a huge thank you to Seamus O’Grady and his staff for putting on the night at such short notice. Plus, another huge thank you to everyone that contributed before, during and after.

We have some more fundraising plans in the pipeline. Seamus is teaming up with Ford’s to get Nick a brand new car, which we will be selling raffle tickets for. The winning ticket will be drawn in O’Grady’s on Paddy’s Day on Saturday 17th March. We’ll drive the car around on a trailer to various venue’s selling tickets all the way. We’re hoping this will raise another big lump sum for Nick.
Now the bit you’ve been waiting for….

Nick’s new chair arrived from Sweden yesterday and its a big old bit of kit. He say’s it’s so much more comfortable and Nick was able to sit in it for 3 hours straight off the bat.

When he got back into his bed at 6pm, we did a bit of physio with him. We went through the regular routine of manoeuvring his arms and legs, while doing some strength exercises to keep his limbs from seizing up. We felt good progress there in the strength he was able to exert.

Then came the brilliant bit. We picked up his hands to manipulate his wrists and fingers to stop them going stiff. All of a sudden his index finger twitched. Then again, this time stronger. Then his thumb went, with even more of a movement. Then all four fingers went together! Mum was like a woman possessed, she was out of the room like a shot bringing the nurses, kitchen staff and cleaners in to see what Nick was now doing. Anyone that was in the vicinity was dragged in ha ha. An amazing moment for everyone!

Well done Nick – we are all so proud of you!! Keep up the good work, stay strong and your sheer determination will see you through!

Ben

WSN Basketball: Wasps thrid away win in a row.

Thanks to Dave Bushall and all the guys at Hull Wasps for match report and pictures. Get along and support the Wasps this weekend, visit their shop - get some first class Christmas presents.

Mold Magic 50 Hull Wasps 70

Hull Wasps took their third straight win away from Wales on Sunday afternoon with a convincing 70-50 victory over Mold Magic. A flying start from the Wasps all but ensured victory after a first quarter performance which saw them take in a 23-12 lead at the break.

Hull’s player-coach Matt Fawcett introduced some fresh blood into the team at the start of second, giving a first appearance to 18-year old Miles Baldwin. The initial changeover caused a loss of momentum but still managed to extend their overall lead in the game to take a 35-20 lead in at the half-time interval.

A reintroduction of the some of the more experienced players at the start of the third brought another strong period for the Wasps who extended their lead even further to 53-30 before closing out the game at 70-50.

John Brignell finished as the Wasps top scorer once again with 15 points. Brignell has been the Wasps top scorer in every game he’s featured in so far this season.

Matt Brutnell came second with 14 points and Andy Marr came third with 7.

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote win last home game of 2011

Ian Lane reports from Arrecife, as Lanzarote end their programme of home games for 2011, with a win.

LANZAROTE 1 C.D. LAGUNA 0

Lanzarote´s last home game of the year ended in triumph courtesy of an eighth minute header from winger Toñito. Over the last six games the Rojillos have been dominant winning four and two draws, this run of good form has pushed the Conejeros (locals) up to seventh spot and within touching distance of the play offs.

The Rojillos began the match with a better tempo than their Tenerife opposition. Only two minutes had past when defender Ángel Gil crossed from the left to find Rosmen. The Lanzarote captain who has been struggling to find his goal scoring form of last season rushed his shot and fired into the side netting.

Lanzarote piled on the pressure with a succession of corners and free kicks but the all important goal was not to come from a dead ball situation. After some neat passing Alex Yunes crossed the ball from the left to the far post, winger Toñito timed his run to perfection and headed home from six yards giving the keeper no chance and made the score 1-0 to his side.

The temperamental winger looked in sparkling form after returning to the starting eleven following his absence through internal misconduct. Unfortunately a few minutes later Toñito tweaked his groin with a defensive clearance and had no alternative but to be subbed.

The visitors realised that they could be in with a tough afternoon after conceding an early goal so sat back and defended as Lanzarote were looking to extend their lead. Rosmen and Alex Yunes came close but the lack of strikers in the squad was evident as the Rojillos ended the half with a minimal advantage.

Lanzarote began the second half in similar fashion as they did in the first period by dominating possession desperate to find the goal that would give them some breathing space. In the 56th minute a run to the by-line and a chip to the far post by Rosmen found the head of Alex Yunes but his header narrowly flew over the bar.

Laguna defended well but offered very little in attack. Still with the game at only 1-0 nothing was guaranteed for the Rojillos. In the final few minutes the visitors began pressing as the Rojillos were sensibly holding on with what they had got. The visitors even sent their goalkeeper up for a corner which led to a bit of panic in the Rojillo defence but in truth Lanzarote´s goalkeeper Santi Lampón was rarely threatened over the 90 minutes as his team successfully claimed all three points and move within a win of the play offs.

The Rojillos final two games of the year are both away, first up is this Tuesday against Gran Canarian side and runaway leaders of the division C.F. Estrella followed by a derby match against C.D. Corralejo of Fuerteventura on the 18th Dec.

Goals
1-0 min 8 Toñito

World in Union: Review of Round 10, Aviva Premiership

World in Union brought to you by our friends at Aviva. Aviva for a wide range of ultra competative insurance rates direct, not matched on price comparison sites. Aviva, not making a drama out of a crisis (those were the days).

Round 10

Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 10 witnessed some compelling rugby with a one-point win for Newcastle Falcons at home to Gloucester as well as a highly committed performance from the two East Midlands sides in what became a 14-man encounter for nearly 60 minutes, with Leicester Tigers just coming out on top. Elsewhere Saracens and Exeter both posted wins in an effort to keep up with Harlequins who recorded their 10th straight win in the league.

The weekend was also dedicated to the support of responsible drinking. For some key facts about alcohol and drinking responsibly please visit www.drinkaware.co.uk.
On Friday night Newcastle Falcons picked up their second Aviva Premiership Rugby win of the season as they clung on for a narrow victory over visitors Gloucester Rugby at Kingston Park. Two first-half Gloucester tries from Olly Morgan and James Simpson-Daniel were answered by scores from Jordi Pasqualin and James Fitzpatrick, but it was the visitors who led 20-17 at the interval. Scott Lawson scored for Gloucester in the second half but the boot of Newcastle’s Jimmy Gopperth steadied the ship. Final score: Newcastle Falcons 26, Gloucester Rugby 25.

On Saturday Sale Sharks ensured they catapulted two places up to fifth in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table with a valuable away win over Bath Rugby who slipped another place down to tenth. Sale’s match-winner was fly-half Nick Macleod who shrugged off some early misses with the boot before kicking three penalties and converting Mark Cueto’s 54th-minute try. Bath’s points came from a Michael Claassens try, converted by Olly Barkley, who added two penalties. Final score: Bath Rugby 13, Sale Sharks 16.

At Welford Road, Leicester Tigers snatched a dramatic bonus-point win over Northampton Saints in a pulsating East Midlands showdown. The match was contested by two teams of 14 for over an hour after Chris Ashton’s clash with Alesana Tuilagi resulted in red cards for the Tigers’ winger and Northampton flanker Tom Wood. Leicester tries came from Matt Smith, Steve Mafi , Ben Youngs and Horacio Agulla, with Northampton replying with tries from Chris Ashton, Tom May and Phil Dowson. The win for Leicester means a climb from tenth to seventh in the table and a drop from fourth to sixth for the Saints. Final score: Leicester Tigers 30, Northampton Saints 25.
Over at Sandy Park on Saturday, Exeter Chiefs climbed to third in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table as they ended a run of two league home defeats. Argentina international fly-half Ignacio Mieres slotted all of his five kicks at goal before being replaced. Worcester Warriors replied through two Joe Carlisle penalties before his replacement Andy Goode earned them a third losing bonus point of the season, keeping them six points clear of Newcastle Falcons. Final score: Exeter Chiefs 15, Worcester Warriors 9.

On Sunday Owen Farrell kept Aviva Premiership Rugby champions Saracens on the coat-tails of leaders Harlequins by kicking all his side’s points in a narrow victory over local rivals London Irish at Vicarage Road. Irish took the lead through a Tom Homer kick but Farrell struck three times before the break to hand Sarries the advantage. Daniel Bowden’s penalty for Irish reduced the deficit before two more Farrell kicks made it 15-6. David Paice secured the Exiles a losing bonus point with the only try of the match. Final score: Saracens 15, London Irish 11.

Over at Adams Park, visiting full-back Mike Brown scored the pick of the tries as Harlequins survived a late fightback by Wasps to secure their 10th successive Aviva Premiership Rugby victory. Brown crossed 10 minutes after the break in between centre Matt Hopper’s seventh-minute touchdown and flanker Luke Wallace’s score as the leaders roared into a 22-6 lead with 57 minutes played. But Hopper’s departure for the sin-bin saw Hugo Southwell claim a first try for the home side and when England winger Tom Varndell followed suit nine minutes from time, the game was back in the balance. Wasps’ Nick Robinson twice hit a post as he failed to add to his six points, while opposite number Nick Evans’ single penalty and two conversions helped to see the visitors home for their 14th consecutive win in all competitions. Final score: London Wasps 16, Harlequins 22.

March to the Arch 3: Hatters fall at final hurdle before Round 3

March to the Arch 3 heads toward the 3rd Round. We will have an updated merit table in our preview to the next game. Unfortunately we loss Luton at the final hurdle before the ‘big teams’ enter the competition. Hats off to the guys for a great effort, enjoyed following you.

Our great hopes going into the next round is the mighty Cheltenham Town. They have a fantastic draw away at Spurs in Round 3 of the F.A.Cup.

Luton 2 - 4 Cheltenham

Cheltenham avoided an FA Cup shock as they gained a hard-fought win at Luton.

Darryl Duffy put the Robins ahead when he raced on to Scott Brown's goal-kick but Aaron O'Connor equalised when he converted from Robbie Willmott's cross.

Marlon Pack's solo effort made it 2-1 and O'Connor levelled with a powerful finish before Luke Summerfield's first-time shot restored the visitors' lead.

Duffy was sent off for foul language but Cheltenham scored again as Russell Penn finished off a counter-attack.

Gwrys Yn Kernow: Pirtaes brush aside Scottish.

Thank you all at Cornish Pirates for the match report and picture. www.cornish-pirates.com

Cornish Pirates 42 London Scottish 10

RFU Championship Round 13
Mennaye Field

Sunday 4th Deceember 2011

Woll's Match Report

A week in the home port’s dry dock, seemed to be just what was needed after a month voyaging to foreign climes had increasingly taken its toll.

The damage done below the waterline in the previous one hundred minutes of Championship rugby had been more than superficial for sure; but the ‘smiles’ as High Performance Manager, Chris Stirling, alluded to post match; had returned.

And why not (?), as the expected stubbornness London Scottish were expected to bring to the party, was conspicuous by its absence for most of the contest.

On a cool and mainly dank December afternoon at the Mennaye then, it was the Pirates who took charge from the start; and, despite an early Mugford penalty that gave the visitors a 2 nd minute lead; rarely looked under threat of not regaining 4 th spot.
Ten minutes later and it was a completely different complexion, as a three try blast by Hill, Locke and Walker-Blair had the Exiles well and truly on the ropes, and facing the real possibility of a humiliating outcome.

Eventual Man of the Match, Hill, was the slickest of the bunch after he combined well with loanee Dorrian, to burst through from 20m at pace.

No-one was going to stop the youngster from there and more of the same was to come, as this fresh half back pairing combined well all afternoon to create havoc.
The rest of the half scoring wise, belonged predominantly to Cook; as he slotted a couple of penalties before dotting down himself to cancel out Mugford’s charge down try three minutes earlier. The full back’s score being made initially by another Myles and Sam interchange, before skipper for the day, Morgan, left him with little option but to do the decent thing behind the posts.

The half concluded with a seminal moment but no further points, as the Pirates pack set up a maul on their own 22 to surely only relieve a defensive situation. Forty metres late and moving at a rate of knots that wouldn’t have disgraced a winger, it quite suddenly ended with a host of blue shirts hitching a lift and trying to request a stop.

Kellard took the rap on the pitch. While residents in Bodmin were reporting what they had thought to be an aftershock, to their earlier 2.2 earthquake.
After tea and now down to fourteen for their troubles, the Scots now had the sun in their faces and a gusty breeze to contend with. Their freshly donned white shirts were destined for a hotter than recommended wash it would seem.

And Lo. Within seconds of Mr Tempest rattling his pee for the restart, that man Doherty was scampering over in the Scoreboard Corner for his tenth try of the season so far, after the visitors were turned over in their own 22 once more.

At 35-10, Cornishbob must have been smugly content with his pre match score prediction, and willing the next thirty nine minutes to rush by without further ado.
For half an hour it seemed as if he might just get his wish, as the Exiles fared slightly better to finally break the siege lines on occasion. Their flood of replacements making a slight difference and blowing away any thoughts their coaching staff may have had pre-match of a 3 stop strategy. Think lollipop man and lineout practice.

Their one main chance of consolation came and went ten minutes in as firstly McAtee made the try saving tackle 10m out, and then Pape fumbled.
From here on, there was only one team in it, and it came as no surprise that Evans rounded off the afternoon with five to go. The Canadian opening his Pirate account in the process, with a carbon copy touchdown to that of the Doc in the Scoreboard Corner.

Rain threatened and darkness loomed. Nothing else for it then, but for Mr Tempest to end the contest in an anti-climactic moment of confusion and spare the pitch any further dents. Most notably from Amor whose persistent squabbling since his introduction, had a ‘quiet chat’ on the deck somewhere soon.
Mercy then for us all as the sing song in the bar beckoned with a melody of Cornish and Scottish songs emanating from within. A good weekend for the Pirates rounded off as it should be. Amen to that.

Cornish Pirates
15 R. Cook 14 R. McAtee 13 D. Locke (22 G. Pointer 55mins) 12 S. Hill 11 D. Doherty (21 M. Evans 60mins) 10 M. Dorrian 9 T. Kessell (20 J. Doherty 60mins) 8 K. Marriott 7 C. Walker-Blair (19 P. Burgess 71mins)
6 C. Morgan (Capt) 5 I. Nimmo 4 L. McGlone (18 D. Ewers 55mins) 3 R. Brits (16 A. Paver 65mins) 2 R. Elloway (17 D. Ward 71mins)
1 R. Storer (3 Brits 75min)
Replacements: all used

Tries: Hill, Locke, Walker-Blair, Cook, Doherty, Evans.
Cons: Cook
Pens: Cook 2

London Scottish
15 J. Sole 14 T. Holgate (21 G. Trueman 54mins) 13 A. Gosio 12 D. Mugford 11 D. Howells (20 S. Amor 66mins) 10 James Brown © 9 M. Heeks
8 J. Kellard 7 B. Lonergan (22 L. Calder 55mins) 6 W. Lipp
5 B. Thomas (19 Josh Brown HT) 4 K. Rudzki (18 S. Pape HT)
3 L. Thiede (17 A. Liffchak 47mins) 2 A. Kwasnicki (16 T. Standfield 41mins)
1 A. Clarke
Replacements: all used

Tries: Mugford
Cons: Mugford
Pens: Mugford

Yellow: Kellard

Match Officials
Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistants: Simon McConnell, Richard Parker-Sedgemore
Ref Coach: Ed Morrison
Man of the Match: Sam Hill
Attendance: 2,168

Big Puck reports: 5-STAR CHIEFTAINS RIDING HIGH IN THE LEAGUE

Thanks to Pete and all at Chieftains for the report, apologies that we were unable to bring reports for the previous week. However on the 26th November they hammered Bristol pitBulls 10-0 and on the Sunday they beat Invicta Dynamos 4-1.

Streatham Redskins 0 - 5 Chieftains

Chelmsford Chieftains are sitting pretty at the top of the English National Ice Hockey League South as they go into the home winter break. With only one more home game before the New Year, Thursday 8th December at 8pm against arch-rivals Romford Raiders in the Essex Cup, the Chieftains sit just 1 point above the Raiders after a resounding 5-0 away win to Streatham Redskins on Sunday night. Missing Danny Cox, but welcoming back Sean Easton in defence, the Chieftains were able to soak up the limited offence offered by the Redskins in a comfortable performance. Man of the match Tom Long got 3 assists on goals for Jakub Klima and player-coach Gary Clarke's brace of goals. The other goals were provided by Alan Green and Ross Brears in what was a feisty match at times, including Long throwing a huge hit on former Chieftains and Warriors favourite Jerry Pavlus. In the final game that the Chieftains will play in Streatham's grand old rink, that's being knocked down in a few weeks time to make way for a shopping centre, David Wride gave a solid performance in the Chelmsford goal and kept a deserved clean sheet.

The Chelmsford Warriors were in action over the weekend on both nights and picked up maximum points. Firstly, after a long trip to South Wales, they picked up an impressive 4-1 win in a rink that's traditionally tough to pick up any points. Richard Whiting, Ben Osborne, Gary Brown and Grant Bartlett all scored in what was a very fiery game with plenty of niggly stuff going on. Grant's twin brother Cameron took home the man of the match award after a fine performance.

24 hours later and it was a much tighter affair at home as the Wightlink Tigers were at the Riverside, but once again Paul Wilcock led his team to another 2 points to keep the side in the promotion hunt. Whiting netted his second of the weekend, while Cameron Bartlett, Rory Garrett and Ricky Mills all got themselves on the scoresheet. Robert Manlove picked up the man of the match award to reward a strong display for Chelmsford's second side.

Next weekend sees the Chieftains heading to Slough, while the Warriors have a weekend off. The last chance to see the Chieftains in action in 2011 is on Thursday night in the Essex Cup at home to Romford Raiders at 8pm. This will also be the final chance to donate gifts to the Chieftains Hospital visit to Chelmsford hospital's childrens ward in a few weeks time. If you are wishing to donate, please make sure the gifts are new, wrapped and labelled for what age and what sex the present is aimed for.

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote earn a point at Tenerife

Catching up with games, this was Ian’s (he is the one on the right as you look at the photo) report from two weeks ago. Yesterdays report will be with us tomorrow. I know – lost myself in all this.

C.D. TENERIFE B 1 LANZAROTE 1

28th November 2011

The Rojillos came from behind to pick up a point and move up to seventh in the league table after an entertaining game with plenty of goal mouth action.

The game began at a fast pace with chances for both sides, the best of which fell to the Lanzarote Captain Rosmen but his effort went narrowly wide.

The home side took the lead in the 23rd minute from midfielder Saúl but only seven minutes later and Lanzarote were level. Rosmen won the ball well in the air and fed fellow strike partner Alex Yunes and the 22 year old fired home.

Tenerife finished the half on the front foot with two good opportunities from Joshua and Saúl but the Rojillos held on and went into the break with the score 1-1.

Lanzarote were much more positive in the opening stages of the second half and pinned their opponents back into their final third but their inability to find the net was evident to see.

As the game entered into the final minutes both teams had good chances to win the match but the contest ended fairly in a draw. Next Sunday the Rojillos will be looking to extend on their five match unbeaten run when they host second from bottom side C.D. Laguna.

Kult & Punk: St Pauli late equaliser at Paderborn

The boys have been beside themselves about not being able to contact you for so long. Actually the truth is the new guest ale in Zoë’s, the Goblin Elf; they have not noticed a thing.

SC Paderborn 07 1-1 FC St. Pauli

A late, late equaliser from Fabian Boll ensured Andre Schubert's return to SC Paderborn as coach of new club St. Pauli did not end in the disappointment of defeat.

As expected these two early frontrunners offered plenty of evidence to support their promotion bids in a first half full of quality. The visitors' Mahir Saglik went close with almost half an hour gone when he cut inside and fired just over and SCP keeper Max Kruse saved another effort from Fin Bartels, but it was the home side who took the lead just before the break as Nick Proschwitz (45') hammered in his tenth of the season on the bounce.

Boll steps up

Considering the timing of the goal, Pauli did well not to let their heads drop and piled on the pressure in the second half, sending countless deliveries into the hosts' area. A left-wing cross agonisingly evaded Sören Brandy at the other end as SCP came close to a second, but it was a rare moment of respite as the away side continued to probe.

It looked as though Deniz Naki had spurned the Kiezkickers' final chance to level the scores when he rounded the keeper but blazed wildly over with three minutes remaining, but up stepped Boll (90+3') to head in the final corner of the match and ensure St. Pauli maintained a three-point lead over their rivals.

While we were away doing our nails, St Pauli played the previous weekend. Exciting, I know you’re beside yourselves. Below is the match report.

FC St. Pauli 3-1 Dynamo Dresden

FC St. Pauli moved up to third with a turnaround home victory over Dresden at the Millerntor. The result leaves the Hamburg side level on 35 points with leaders Eintracht Frankfurt and Fortuna Düsseldorf, who take on fourth-place Greuther Fürth in the big Monday game. Promoted Dynamo are treading water in mid-table on the back of their third straight defeat.

The game got off to a decidedly leisurely start and only really sparked into life after the break as St. Pauli slowly cranked up the tempo. It was the visitors whop broke the deadlock against the run of play however, Zlatko Dedic finishing off a 66th-minute counter-attack after team-mate Pavel Fort got the better of home keeper PhilippTschauner one-on-one.

Hosts go into overdrive

St. Pauli's response was swift, Fabian Boll connecting with Dennis Daube's free kick just five minutes later to pull them level again. With virtually their next attack, the hosts then went in front thanks to a fine combination between two substitutes. Marius Ebbers provided the assist with a backheel and Deniz Naki the finish with a thumping drive from the edge of the box.

Robert Koch and Cheikh Gueye both passed up chances to pull Dresden level inside the final ten minutes, but Ebbers made the result safe with five minutes to go, knocking home a low ball in from Patrick Funk.

Normal service will be resumed.

Sorry about the lack of posts over the past two weeks, we have had technical issues that we have had to overcome. We had hoped to bring a fresh new look to the blog, but unfortunately that will not be launched until January 2012.

We will also have brand new features for your enjoyment.

It has been an unbelievable time, with the passing of 2 footballing greats. Socrates died over the weekend, a member of one of the most exciting Brazilian sides not to win a World Cup.

The biggest shock of all was Gary Speed. I would like to officially add our thoughts and prayers to the family and many friends. We met Gary 2 or 3 times as part of a group or at functions. The kindness and warmth you felt when meeting him was that of a great man, a true gent. He would greet you as a long lost friend, regardless of whether you had been in his company before.

The united front of football at the loss of Gary, indicates the high esteem he was held by those who worked with him, who (like us) had been in his presence very briefly, those who simply enjoyed watching him play and the teams he sent out.

Gary Speed - rest in peace.