Rebels 3: Rebels defeat Force 30-23

Super Rugby returned over the weekend. For the 3rd season Sports Pulse will be following Melbourne Rebels. So welcome to the first post from Rebels 3 series.

Thank you to our friends at Melbourne Rebels Media Team for the following post by Pete Fairbairn.

For the first time in their three year history, the RaboDirect Rebels have got their season off to the perfect start, defeating the Western Force 30-23 in front of nearly 12,000 fans at AAMI Park.

Despite appearing to eradicate the issues in last week's trial, it was a familiar story for the Melbourne Rebels as they got off to a sluggish start as they did on so many occasions in 2012.

Starved of the ball for the opening ten minutes, the Rebels were under the pump directly from the kick-off when James O'Connor failed to find touch on the full and presented the Force with an opportunity to attack from the lineout, just 10 metres out.

The hard-work that the Rebels had put into their defence in the off-season was on show right from the outset as they repelled eight phases on their own goal line, but Kurtley Beale was caught offside and presented Force debutant Kyle Godwin with the opportunity to score the first points of the season.

Godwin missed with the kick, but didn't have to wait much longer to get on the scoresheet, knocking one over from straight in front after Ged Robinson was penalised for being off his feet.

The Rebels were putting the Force under plenty of pressure at set-piece time, stealing two lineouts from the back as the Force looked to convert their dominance into points, but when the Rebels did have the ball they were unable to hold onto it for long enough to make it count.

The Force extended their lead when Godwin knocked over a second penalty goal after Scott Higginbotham was sent to the bin, and Alfi Mafi scored the first try of the competition for 2013 just before the half hour mark, as the Force opened up an 11-0 lead.

Scott Fuglistaller and Gareth Delve were doing plenty of grunt work as the Rebels tried to accommodate for the loss of Higginbotham for ten minutes, and Robinson was looking dangerous when he carried the ball.

And it was Robinson who opened the scoring for the Rebels. With Higginbotham back on the field, the Rebels took advantage of a five metre scrum with a big push from the forwards resulting in Robinson planting it down, with O'Connor comfortably adding the extras. A penalty in front just before half-time reduced the deficit to one point as the teams went in at the break with plenty to discuss.

Right from the re-start, the Force looked to pile the pressure on again. Flyhalf Sam Christie broke almost immediately after the restart and only a fantastic tackle from Luke Jones kept him from regaining the lead instantly. Nick Phipps did well to collect a grubber kick, but was held up in goal and the Rebels did exceptionally well to defend on their own line and get the ball clear.

But after 46 minutes, it was the Rebels who took the lead. Great work from Fuglistaller to drive the Force away at the breakdown led to a turnover, and with Phipps delivering a lightning quick ball out wide, Richard Kingi was able to draw three defenders before miraculously offloading to Hugh Pyle to run over unopposed and score, with O'Connor easily adding the extras.

The yo-yo game continued though, with the Force hitting back moments later as Mafi grabbed his second from a set piece at the scrum. The scrum had been awarded after Beale’s quick pass to release Higginbotham was deemed forward.

O'Connor was able to add three points from just 20 metres out after Angus Cottrell was caught offside, with the Rebels holding onto a 20-16 lead until just before the hour mark when their cause was helped by Force flanker Chris Alcock being shown a yellow card for using his forearm.

Rebel pressure almost paid off immediately following Alcock's dismissal, as a big drive forward was only thwarted by the Force's dogged and desperate defence as they were held up over the line, and then Pyle was tackled just one metre short of the line after the scrum.

Tensions were building, with scrumhalf Alby Mathewson yellow carded as well and the Rebels were in a prime position to capitalise on their two-man advantage. They did just that, a fantastic cut-out pass from O'Connor releasing Kingi to complete a swan dive into the right-hand corner and when the fullback added the extras from the touchline, the Rebels had established a double figure lead for the first time all night and now had just a touch over fifteen minutes to push for a fourth try and subsequent bonus point.

The Force were keen to show that they weren't done yet, and the advantage was pulled back after they knocked on in good position, with Alcock now back on the field. And their pressure eventually paid off, despite stoic defending from the Rebels, with Richard Brown crashing over in front and Godwin adding the points; a lead of just 4 points set up a tense final ten minutes.

Jarrod Saffy replaced the brilliant Fuglistaller and instantly showed Rebels' fans just what they had missed during his long injury layoff, bringing fresh aggression and physicality to the contest. He was joined on the field by Paul Alo-Emile and Cadeyrn Neville as the Rebels looked to inject some fresh legs and kill off the Force.

They opted to extend their advantage when the Force were penalised for not rolling away, with O'Connor making t 30-23 after slotting truly from 30 metres out.

As the Force threw everything at the Rebels, those fresh legs played a massive part, with Alo-Emile getting low and driving the Force back as they got within range.

The hooter went with the Force in possession, but they knocked it on in what turned out to be their final surge, with the Rebels holding on to win by seven points.

Speaking after the game, Rebels coach Damien Hill said that while he wasn't pleased by the slow start, he never lost faith that the Rebels would win the game.

"In the first twenty minutes, we chose not to treasure possession and gave away opportunities," Hill said.

"Our discipline started to go, and fatigue began to set in.

"In the second half, while we weren't as clinical as we would have liked, it was definitely better and we were able to put points on the board."

Hill was also delighted with some of the players who were able to complete the full 80 minutes.

"For Laurie Weeks and James O'Connor, that was their first 80 minutes in a long time; for James, in eight months, which is a tremendous effort that shouldn't go unnoticed. Kurtley Beale played 43 weeks of rugby straight last year, but that was his first 80 of the year and he managed to get through really well."

The Rebels have precious time to reflect on their victory before they host the Brumbies next Friday at AAMI Park at 7:40pm.

Pete Fairbairn is the Senior Rebels Writer and was at AAMI Park for the Rebels’ first Super Rugby game of the season, against the Western Force.

Hoop Zone: Barking Abbey '2 out of 3 Ain't Bad'

Thank you to Mark, Lloyd and the team at Barking Abbey for the match reports and pictures.

Barking Abbey 77 Greenwich Titans 67

Barking Abbey made it a perfect weekend in VCars.co.uk Division 4 after beating Greenwich Titans 77-67 on Sunday afternoon.

For the second straight game, a strong fourth quarter secured BA the victory as they remain atop of the Division 4 South East conference.

“We shot the ball well as a team tonight,” said head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “We were able to play everyone in this game, that was important to me. All week our players put the time in during practice, they need to be rewarded.”

Niall Hegarty had 20 points to lead BA, with Roy Downey finishing with 17 and Daniel Ogunseye adding 17.

BA will now take on Brentwood Fire next Saturday at home (Barking Abbey Leisure Centre, 4:00pm tip).

Medway Park Crusaders 50 Barking Abbey 70

Barking Abbey secured a 20 point victory over Medway Park Crusaders, 70-50, on Saturday afternoon, avenging a loss to them earlier in the VCars.co.uk Division 4 season.

Playing away from home at Medway, the game remained close until a 20-7 fourth quarter propelled BA to the win.

“I am really happy with the win,” said head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “Even though we only had 8 players our guys played very aggressive tonight.

“We let the first game slip away from us at Barking earlier in the year, and the players remembered that.”
David Akibo led BA with 25 points, Niall Hegarty added 14 and Ronan O’Sullivan 10. There will be little time for rest as the team take on Greenwich Titans on Sunday afternoon.


Sheffield Hatters 74 Barking Abbey Women 60

Barking Abbey Senior Women fell to just their second loss of VCars.co.uk Division 1 season, 74-60, to City of Sheffield Hatters on Saturday in Sheffield.

Both losses have come against league leaders Sheffield, who remain undefeated on the season. BA remain in second place in the league table, with an 8-2 record.

“With the disruption to our prep I was happy with our performance,” said head coach Mark Clark after the game. “Azania and Roz playing well is what they, and I, expect. The learning experience for me and the young players will help in preparing for the run in as we try and secure second place in the league”

Ros Mason scored 22 points to pace BA, with Azania Stewart finishing with 20 against a number of her GB teammates.

BA will look to bounce back on Saturday as they return home to face Sevenoaks Suns (6:00pm tip).

The Dark Art: Hoppa Surfs to Plymouth Albion

Hoppa, our very own Silver Surfer, washed up in Devonport, to 'watch' Plymouth Albion. Ok sat in his armchair, with a large Malt and Stilton, in the warmth of his own castle, hovering his mouse.

Thanks to Plymouth Albion for the match report and Beechwood for the photo.

Albion after being up in Yorkshire for their last two games, the team looked happy to be back in Devonport.

The sun was shining over brickfields and the pitch was looking good, considering how much rain we have had over the last few months.

Nat Saumi made only two changes to the team he had initially named on Friday day time. Lock Brett Beukeboom was forced out with an infection and he was replaced by Rupeni Nasiga, while Lloyd Fairbrother was passed fit and came in for David Morton. Wayne Sprangle was named on the bench for Beukeboom

Bedford made a great start and took the lead after less than three minutes into the game. From a penalty the Blues went for the corner and hooker Neil Cochrane scored from a catch-and-drive move from the line-out. James Pritchard converted to make it 7-0.

Bedford could have doubled their lead six minutes later. Mark Atkinson made a good break and put James Stephenson away down the wing. But Tom Bowen managed to get his hands on the ball before being turned over just inside Albion’s 22.

And with the last kick of the half, Roberts kicked a penalty to reduce the gap to just four points at the break with a penalty.

Half time score was Albion 10-14 Bedford.

Tries from Harrison Tovey and Ruari Cushion had Albion in front, but Josh Bassett got one back for the visitors.

Darren Veenendaal's try had Blues ahead then Aaron Carpenter went over for Albion, but Roberts missed the extras.

The final score ended Albion 28-29 Bedford.


Albion could have stolen the game with the last kick of the game, but Paul Roberts attempt went slightly right of the upright.

However the West Country side will again be happy to come away with two bonus points, this gives them a 12 point cushion from bottom side Doncaster.

Albion has now narrowly lost their last three Championship matches by a combined total of just six points.
Next week the Albion players have a well deserved week off from Rugby, I’m sure all the players will embrace the time away.

Albion are next playing against Nottingham away on Sunday 3^rd March, KO 3pm. Please get in contact with the travel club if you would like to come and watch the lads?

Albion: Rhodri McAtee, Lewis Waner, Toby Howley-Berridge, Tom Bowen, Paul Roberts, Ruairi Cushion (capt), Jack Andrew, Jon Vickers, Lloyd Fairbrother, Rupeni Nasiga, Harrison Tovey, Sean-Michael Stephen, Sam Hocking, Aaron Carpenter. Reps: Paul Rowley, Paul Bailey, Ben Rogers, David Morton, Tom Cowan-Dickie, Wayne Sprangle, Sam Matavesi.

Bedford: James Pritchard, James Stephenson, Brendon Burke, Mark Atkinson, Josh Bassett, Jake Sharp, Ricky Reeves, Neil Cochrane, Phil Boulton, Paul Tupai, Mike Howard, Greg Gillanders, Darren Fox, Don Barrell. Reps: Chris Locke, Dan Seal, Ben Gulliver, Tom Armes, Darryl Veenedaal, Myles Dorrian, Ollie Dodge.

Referee: Steve Lee (RFU)

Front Row: Aviva Premiership Round 15 Review

Thank you to our friends at Aviva Premiership for the following post and photo.

 

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond was refusing to get carried away despite his side taking another step towards avoiding relegation from the Aviva Premiership on Sunday.

The Sharks have shown more fight since the turn of the year and arrived at London Welsh's Kassam Stadium having with two wins from their last three Aviva Premiership games.
The Exiles on the other hand had lost five straight and this became six courtesy of Sharks replacement Nick Macleod knocking over a penalty eight minutes from time for a narrow 26-25 win.

Sale remain bottom but are now just one point behind London Irish with London Welsh only three points further ahead, but Diamond knows there is still a long way to go.

"It was always going to be that sort of game and them picking Henson at ten meant he was always going to be a real threat, as he proved during the game," he said.

"London Welsh are a good side and we'd thought we had got away just after half-time and they just came straight back with a penalty and then scored a try.

"So, like ourselves, they won't go without points until the end of the season.

"This is a fourth win on the trot for us - the momentum from the last three games has helped us and we've remained injury-free to a large extent.

"We're still bottom of the league and we've got Harlequins and Leicester coming up in the next fortnight so we've got a job on our hands.

"We are by no means out of the mire and we've just got to keep doing what we're doing and pick up points."

Elsewhere on Sunday London Wasps held on to fourth spot despite a late Gloucester Rugby fight back at Adams Park.

Dan Robson and Mike Tindall crossed for the Cherry and Whites but saw Ashley Johnson, Christian Wade and Billy Vunipola scores put the hosts in control.

But just as it looked as though Wasps were cruising to victory Ryan Mills and Charlie Sharples crossed late on to make for a nervy finish, although Dai Young's side held on for a 33-29 win.

On Saturday, life at Allianz Park in the Aviva Premiership got off to the dream start for Saracens and England prop Mako Vunipola - who proved his international credentials against Exeter Chiefs according to director of rugby Mark McCall.

The giant prop was released from Six Nations duty by Red Rose head coach Stuart Lancaster and crossed the whitewash on 53 and 70 minutes.

That, added to scores from Charlie Hodgson and Matt Stevens, kept the pressure on their title-chasing rivals with a 31-11 win over Chiefs, a result which proved they could make the transition to their new artificial pitch seamlessly.

"I thought Mako Vunipola was magnificent," he said. "He wasn't just good in the loose where he is as good as anybody, he was good in the tight as well. He scrummaged really well. He's already a special player.
"The pitch feels good and there is a temptation in certain situations where you might kick where it feels right to run."

Sarries though remain in second place in the Aviva Premiership table after Harlequins triumphed 25-21 over Leicester Tigers, with Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea lauding another England hopeful Danny Care.
Scrum-half Care's brilliant individual try, in which he ran half the length of the field, proved the difference despite Toby Flood's 16-point haul and Adam Thompstone's try.

"The right reaction was to come back and perform for your club, that was world class out there, you're fortunate to be able to watch those types of moments," said O'Shea, who also saw Ben Botica kick 20 points

"From Stuart's [Lancaster] point of view he must be thinking 'I've got Ben Youngs and Danny Care, how lucky am I?'.

"From my point of view we love having him back. He got stuck in and got physical; looking at the team, we were physical, we were magnificent."

Elsewhere on Saturday Bath Rugby made it six wins on the spin - keeping alive their Aviva Premiership play-off charge with a 40-16 bonus-point win against London Irish.

Injuries to Stephen Donald and skipper Francois Louw dampened Bath's celebrations somewhat but a penalty try, followed by Nick Abendanon, Nathan Catt and Anthony Perenise tries, was enough for Bath to take the points.

Meanwhile Northampton Saints got back to winning ways with a 27-18 victory over Worcester Warriors, who were condemned to their fourth straight Aviva Premiership defeat.

It was all about the boot in the first half as fly-halves Andy Goode and Stephen Myler kicked the only points, Goode giving the hosts a three-point lead.

But Samu Manoa's 66th-minute effort and a late penalty try assured victory for the Saints who remain in the hunt for a top four berth.

XV News: Lee Mears retires from rugby due to Heart Problem.

The following report supplied, with thanks, by our friends at BBC Sport. Sports Pulse and SportTrades support C-R-Y Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Bath and former England hooker Lee Mears has been forced to retire from rugby because of a heart problem.

The 33-year-old has spent 16 years at The Rec, making 268 appearances, and has been capped 42 times for his country.

Mears, who has not played a league game since January, was advised to quit after an abnormality was detected on a cardiac screening.

"It's mixed emotions at the moment," Mears told BBC Radio Bristol.

“Mearsy is a legend, pure and simple. His retirement will be felt by all of us at the club”

Bath head coach Gary Gold

"But you've got to be positive and think about the things I've achieved. I'm smiling, even though it's a sad day.

"I knew it was going to come and I'm so glad it's come at the end, rather than the middle or the beginning."
Torquay-born Mears made his Premiership debut for Bath against Saracens in March 1999 and established himself as first-choice hooker during the 2005-06 season.

He represented England through the age groups and, after a successful stint with the Saxons in 2005 and 2006 Churchill Cups, earned his first full cap in November 2005.

Mears was also included in the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of South Africa in 2009 and started the first Test in Durban.

He announced his decision to retire from international duty in June, and his last game for Bath came in the 19-16 win against Agen in the Amlin Cup on 12 January.

Mears confirmed the heart issue was discovered during a routine check last month: "I had an unusual ECG [Electrocardiography] and with further tests it was revealed.

Mears' career in numbers

• 16 years at Bath
• 177 Premiership appearances
• 10 Premiership tries
• 42 England caps

"It's something that can happen with elite athletes and it can cause and unusual arrhythmia through a thickening of the heart walls.

"It was a bit of a shock but now it's onwards and upwards."

Head coach Gary Gold added: "Mearsy is a legend, pure and simple. His retirement will be felt by all of us at the club, and also by the supporters who have cheered him on over the years.

"The only thing that matters is that he is healthy, and if that means he stops playing, then that's the way it has to be. He will be missed, but we will always welcome him back with open arms.

"This is his club, and it always will be. We send him off with real affection and gratitude."

The Dark Art: Hoppa travels to Bedford for the Jersey Boys.

Hoppa was kept home due to adverse weather and a rather splendid malt. As he sat and surfed, he ended up with the blues. So with thanks to the guys at Bedford Blues, for the following report and photo.

Bedford Blues 38 Jersey 21

Bedford Blues put their past two league defeats behind them as the picked up an important bonus point win over a dogged Jersey on Saturday afternoon.

Anyone who visited St Peter earlier in the season will know that the Islanders never give up until the end and that was certainly the case at Goldington Road with the score standing at 26-16 with eight minutes remaining. But Bedford had enough in the tank to dot down twice more although the visitors did score a consolation deep in stoppage time.

It was a frantic start to the game with James Pritchard and former Blues man Ross Broadfoot exchanging penalties with the former leading 2-3 (or 6-9) after 32 minutes. Bedford then scored the first of their five tries when the lineout ball was collected and the forwards marched on with Neil Cochrane scoring from the back of the maul. Pritchard then rounded the half off with his third penalty of the afternoon to make it 14-9 after Chris Levesley was binned for not releasing a tackle.

The second half started with Bedford on the ascendancy and it didn’t take long for Jake Sharp to score. Broadfoot failed to find touch and the ball was returned through Josh Bassett and James Stephenson  before the number ten took over to score in the corner but it was a little too wide for Pritchard.

Jersey were back to a full complement but they could do nothing when Bedford’s forwards carried out a carbon copy of the opening try and Cochrane popped up again with the ball but this time Pritchard did convert to make it 26-9.

Jersey still had a fighting chance and they used the Goldington Slope to their advantage in the 66th minute when number eight Guy Thompson played in Nicky Griffiths to cross the whitewash and Broadfoot added the extras.

But the revival didn’t last long. Another Bedford lineout saw Luke Baldwin break with pace from the back and he played in Mark Atkinson for the score which Pritchard converted. Five minutes after that and it was game, set and match as Ben Gulliver found himself on the right wing and played in by the stand-in half back combination of Phil Boulton and Mike Howard to make it 38-16. Thompon got a try deep into stoppage time which was unconverted but it made little difference as Bedford moved back into second place in the Championship.

Front Row. Aviva Premiership Week 14 Review.

Round up of the action from week 14 of the Aviva Premiership. The following post and photo supplied by our friends at Aviva Premiership. Aviva for all your insurance needs.

London Wasps finally broke their six-year losing streak at the Twickenham Stoop with a thrilling 17-16 victory over Harlequins as they closed the gap on the Aviva Premiership leaders.

Tries from Tom Varndell and Christian Wade had put Wasps in the driving seat but champions Harlequins roared back and Matt Hopper's try brought them into contention.

Fly-half Nick Evans had a chance to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games with a 78th minute penalty but the normally ice cool Kiwi failed from the tee to hand Wasps the points.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young admitted the form of Varndell and Wade meant they both in the frame for an England call up.

"We're really pleased with what they do for us, they are a big threat for us and they have shown time and time again that if they are given space and given enough ball they are going to cause any team problems," he said.

"We're blessed in England that we have a lot of wingers and I wouldn't want to do Stuart's [Lancaster] job for him. It is hard enough selecting any team but they have certainly got to be keeping the pressure on.
"We have shown some good form at home but we have struggled away and they don't get much tougher than coming to the Stoop so this win should give us a lot of belief."

A try in each half for from Jonny May was enough to secure Gloucester Rugby a rare away win as they surprised Northampton Saints 27-11 at Franklin's Gardens.

Roob Cook added 17 points from the kicking tee as Gloucester took points off their rivals for a top four Aviva Premiership finish - earning their first away win in the league since September.

Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies insisted it was the Cherry & Whites improved discipline that had helped them secure victory.

"Discipline was always going to be huge for us. In the past three games we'd given away 18 penalties, which is not good enough, and if you come here and do that you're not going to get anything out of the game," said Davies.

"We were very disciplined and very accurate in the contact areas as well, which maintains your discipline and allows you to be effective in that area.

"And having Jonny May back makes the difference. He's the type of player who, in a tight arm wrestle of a game, can change how it looks and that's what he did."

Leicester boss Richard Cockerill played down the performance of England flanker Tom Croft after the Tigers mauled London Welsh to keep up their relentless surge towards the end-of-season play-offs.
Croft, who suffered a broken neck in an Aviva Premiership clash with Harlequins' last April after miss-timing a tackle on former England colleague Nick Easter, was making only his third start after returning to full fitness.

George Ford kicked 13 points for Leicester against London Welsh, with Adam Thompstone scoring a first-half try, with Niall Morris and Dan Bowden also touching down for the Tigers after the break, while Gordon Ross scored 12 points for the Exiles.

"Tom Croft is sharp, he's a quality player, we know his abilities in the loose but he's not played much in eight months but he'll get better," said Cockerill.

"He's got pace and at times we need that to get us out of some sticky moments but it's all positive for me but we do need to be patient."

Meanwhile, Bath Rugby boss Gary Gold believes his side are a match for anyone on their day after a free-flowing performance that saw them run in five tries against Worcester Warriors.

Gold's men have thrilled fans at the Rec in recent weeks with a brand of running rugby that has brought them five wins in a row in all competitions, including this 32-9 win over the Warriors.

The victory was Bath's fifth in a row, and they wasted no time in building on last weekend's 32-5 demolition of Gloucester Rugby in the LV=Cup.

"We achieved the win with a bit of style in the end, but I thought we made heavy weather of it in the first half, which was disappointing," said Gold.

London Irish caused the shock of the day as they defeated Saracens 29-16.

Scores from Shane Geraghty and Ofisa Treviranus, plus 19 points from the boot of Tom Homer, saw Irish make it back-to-back Aviva Premiership wins and inflict a first defeat in nine games on Sarries.

Victory leaves Smith's side five points clear of bottom-club Sale but the Exiles boss is in under no illusions as to how much hard graft awaits.

"I didn't watch last night's game as I couldn't - it would have given me too many butterflies. I checked the result but didn't refer to it once when speaking to the boys," he said.

"We are looking ahead and are aiming at 16 points from our last eight games with five of those at home. However we must not look too far ahead."

SportTrades Projects inc, Aston Villa, JonJo O'Neil Racing and much more

This is a SportTrades update, contact mediateam@sporttrades.co.uk for details of every project mentioned in the following post. Told you we've been busy!

We have continued to work on many Community Sporting Projects for our clients, also  Sponsorships searches for JonJo O'Neil Racing and East London Royals ( a new BBL franchise next season).

We have had a number of additions to our portfolio. A former champion athlete is searching funding for a school athletics programme. The project is supported by a number of Team GB  Olympic medal winners.

Aston Villa have approached us to search for a main sponsor for next season. They are looking for a deal that will be valid for 2 seasons.  In terms of relative Premiership sponsorship terms,  it is a fantastic and competitive price.  It is also realistic if the unthinkable happens. It won't, Villa will be still in the Premiership next season.

Staying with football, we have been approached by a Chinese Soccer School to look for for sponsorship. The organisation has 2 schools in China, currently the coaching is supplied by 2 high profile premiership clubs. The schools themselves are run by former professionals with Premier League Clubs. A fantastic opportunity for a business wanting to break into the fastest growing economy. 

We will have some more opportunities within the next week including sponsorship of a 'one off' game in Dubai involving a top Premier  League Club.

For more information about all the projects mentioned in this post contact us at mediateam@sporttrades.co.uk

Front Row: Hoppa Sat Navs to Ealing Trailfinders

Thank you to the guys at Trailfinders for the following report and photo.  Hoppa silver surfed the internet and found this game to his liking. He should be out and about again next week, instead of the warmth of his home.

As you know our coverage of Rugby at present comes under the title of Front Row, so a few changes. Front Row will remain as the working title for the Premiership and L.V Cup updates. XV News: will be for extra reports throughout the season regarding Rugby Union. Rebels 3 will return for the Super Rugby season, following Melbourne Rebels. What about Hoppa? Next week his post will be renamed The Dark Art, he was in a previous life a Hooker (no laughing at the back) and goings on in the scrum are often referred to as the dark art. Hoppa's choice, he likes to feel an authority on the subject (don't start him off).

Ealing Trailfinders 21 v 14 Blackheath

Ealing Trailfinders’ clinical edge proved too much for Blackheath as the league leaders clinched an absorbing derby 21-14 at Vallis Way.

Due to the recent adverse weather conditions, Ealing Trailfinders had not played since their 25-22 victory against Tynedale on 12th January and the fans were treated to a typically attritional derby clash. The opening exchanges were evenly contested as both sides combined an efficient kicking game strategy with forward runners repeatedly rampaging over the gain-line. Ealing Trailfinders centre Thomas Wheatcroft This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Blackheath pivot Rory Teague exchanged penalties to level the scores at 6-6 with a quarter of the game played. Ealing Trailfinders forwards experienced contrasting fortunes in their set-pieces. In the scrum the hosts had the edge over their London counterparts, as the Blackheath pack was dismantled with relative ease on a regular basis. However, the Ealing Trailfinders line-out performed dismally, reducing their electric back-line to living off scraps. The clinical nature of Ealing Trailfinders attacking prowess was fully evident in their first try of the game. A passage of play from the home side lured Blackheath numbers into the ruck before a jinking break and perfectly-timed pass by Peter Hodgkinson found Wheatcroft , whose deft grubber-kick into space was collected and scored by Phil Chesters. Wheatcroft’s third successful penalty sent Ealing Trailfinders into a 14-6 interval lead.

As expected, Blackheath surfaced from the break with renewed energy in their attempt to reduce the 8-point deficit. Despite securing a large proportion of the territorial advantage, the visitors lacked the necessary penetration in the final third of the field. Ealing Trailfinders defence, particularly against Blackheath’s line-out drives, stood firm and continually forced them back. With less than a quarter of the game remaining, Teague’s third penalty of the game reduced the arrears to 14-9 and signalled a potentially thrilling finale to the derby. However, Blackheath’s optimism quickly dissipated when Ealing Trailfinders’ second try all but secured the victory. A succession of close quarter pick and drives, which proved to be a successful weapon in Ealing Trailfinders attacking arsenal all afternoon, resulted in replacement hooker Jon Moyce sneaking over to score. Wheatcroft’s conversion sent the home side into a 21-9 lead with 8 minutes remaining. Blackheath refused to lie down and managed to score a consolation try through winger Liam Gibson that provided them with the losing bonus point.

It is back to back London derby home games for Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV as Richmond come to Vallis Way to play the rescheduled fixture from the 19th January this Saturday. It is a 3pm KO on Saturday so get down and show your support.

We've missed you! Blog Update

Sorry we've been away for a few days. We have been updating our systems and the day job has been a bit hectic, more on that later.

We will be changing the blog format in stages, over the next few weeks. Sorry if this delays postings onto the blog. It will be all be worth it in the end. The new look Sports Pulse will launch in full on 8th April. Next week we will be posting blogs on Wednesday only. The following two weeks will be normal service (I know - whats that?).

We will be out of service for 10 days during March, days will be announced later this month. The site will close from 4th April until the new site launch on the 8th April. Sorry for the inconvenience while we are working to improve the blog - We promise you will like it.

SportTrades Media Team.


If you have any sport stories you want to share please send, if possible with a photo, to sportspulse@sporttrades.co.uk

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote suffer defeat in Gran Canaria

Sorry there has been a break in posts, all will be explained. Rest assured Mr Lane has been present all the way through. We will bring you up too speed with Lanzarote's season next week. Back on track, the boys visited Gran Canaria last weekend. Thanks to Ian for the following post and photo.

LAS PALMAS B 2 LANZAROTE 1



It’s been a good year for the Gran Canarian club. Their first team have gone from bottom of Segunda A (The Championship) to within two points of a playoff spot to reach Spain’s Golden league, the Primera Division.

The B side has been flying all season and with just three defeats they lead the Tercera Division by four points. Obviously this game was never going to be easy for the Rojillos but the Lanzarote side were only seven minutes away from taking a point.

Manager Adolfo Pérez brought back captain Jotha after serving his four match suspension and gave first starts to Marcos Cabrera and Jamie Macphee who lined up alongside his brother Ryan. There was no place for Lanzarote´s in form striker and leading scorer Rosmen.

The home side dominated possession and went into a deserved 1-0 lead on the half hour when striker Cristian Herrera beat Lanzarote keeper in a one on one situation.

The Rojillos were on the back foot but grabbed a lifeline two minutes before the break when Lanzarote winger Toñito was brought down by a defender and the Ref awarded a spot kick. Toñito dusted himself off and made no mistake with the penalty taking his side into the half time break with the score level at 1-1.

The pace of the game dropped in the second period but as time drew on the Gran Canarian side increased the tempo but were thwarted with an organised Rojillo defence. The winning goal came in the 83rd minute with Cristian Herrera with another good strike for his and his team’s second goal of the match.

With the score at 2-1 Lanzarote had no choice but to venture forward in search of an equaliser. Ex Lanzarote keeper Alexander wasn’t tested as the Las Palmas side eased to victory.

Lanzarote drop a spot and are now in 13th position. The next home match has been changed. The game versus Fuerteventura side CD Corralejo was scheduled for Sunday but will now be played on Saturday 9th Feb at 4pm.

GOALS 1-0 min 29 Cristian Herrera 1-1 min 43 Toñito (penalty) 2-1 min 83 Cristian Herrera