Front Row. Hoppa watches Falcons swoop on Newport

Hoppa travelled to Newport and takes in the British and Irish Cup game against Newcastle Falcons.

Thanks to the Falcons Media team for providing the following post and Hoppa for a self portrait of scoring.

Newcastle Falcons put daylight between themselves and Newport at the top of Pool 4 in the British and Irish Cup, with a 26-10 victory over the Welsh outfit at Rodney Parade.

Yet another win on the road, and another maximum point haul for Dean Richards’ men as the Falcons made it 14 wins out of 14 in all competitions ahead of the return clash at Kingston Park next week.

The Falcons had early opportunities to get the scoreboard rolling with Jimmy Gopperth and Joel Hodgson the architects.

With barely a minute on the clock Gopperth breached the Newport rearguard with a shimmy and a side-step before offloading to Luke Fielden who was tackled 10-metres from the line.

Moments later fly-half Hodgson illustrated his trickery with ball in hand as he danced around three Newport defenders to unleash Rory Lawson. However the move broke down.

But the Falcons registered their first points of the game courtesy of a Richard Mayhew try on 16 minutes. Quick ball at the breakdown provided the Kiwi back-row with the ammunition to burst through a gap unchallenged to touch down. Hodgson, who was in control of the kicking duties, failed with the conversion and the Falcons held the upper hand at 5-0.

Newport reduced the deficit to 5-3 mid-way through the first-half by virtue of a Scott Sneddon penalty after Chris York was penalised for a high tackle. The Welshmen to their credit were demonstrating a real appetite for the contest despite their early set-back.

From the restart the Falcons marched up-field and earned themselves a penalty bang in front of the posts which the visitors turned down in favour of a kick into the corner. Clean ball at the line-out set Grant Shiells free on the charge before he was tackled just inches from the try-line. At the breakdown Lawson fed Hodgson, who in turn moved the ball on to Andrew Higgins with an inch perfect pass. Higgins went over for the try, but referee Eddie Hogan-O’Connell awarded the penalty try for a high tackle on Higgins.
Hodgson made no mistake with the extras to put his side 12-3 in front.

Gopperth enhanced the Falcons lead to 19-3 with a try out wide thanks to a sublime passing move involving both the forwards and backs. Hodgson’s killer ball to Chris York gave Gopperth an easy run-in on the overlap. Hodgson’s conversion gave the Falcons some breathing space with half-time looming.
On the stroke of half-time Gopperth doubled his tally for the afternoon with a carbon copy of his first try to seal the bonus-point. Hodgson converted for a 26-3 interval lead.

Newport came out for the second-period in positive mood and immediately nailed on their first try of the game. No.8 Craig Everett crashed over from close range following patient build-up which saw the hosts keep the ball in hand for a number of phases.

Sneddon converted to reduce the arrears to 26-10. On 56 minutes Mark Wilson was helped off the field of play with what appeared to be concussion following a heavy collision at the ruck. James Hudson returned to the fray after being side-lined with a hand injury.

With less than 20 minutes remaining Newport were making a fist of the affair, backed by a vociferous Welsh crowd. A week after making his league debut, Scott Wilson was sin-binned for an altercation at the ruck, with the hosts pushing for a try.

James Fitzpatrick punctured holes in the Newport defence when he came on as a second-half replacement as the Falcons looked to press home their advantage.

But the Falcons saw out the game to maintain their unbeaten run in all competitions.

Newport: 15 James Leadbeater, 14 Elliot Frewen, 13 Geraint O’Driscoll, 12 Adam Davies, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10 Scott Sneddon, 9 Rhys Downes, 1 David Pattison, 2 Ryan Prosser, 3 Gethin Robinson (c), 4 Dafydd Rosser, 5 Adam Frampton, 6 Brendan Lampitt, 7 Craig Attwell, 8 Craig Everett
Replacements: 16 Andrew Brown, 17 Jamie Jeune, 18 Lance Randell, 19 Oliver Griffiths, 20 Dominic Franchi, 21 Owen Broad, 22 Andrew Quick

Newcastle Falcons: 15 Jimmy Gopperth, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Suka Hufanga, 12 Jamie Helleur (c), 11 Andy Higgins, 10 Joel Hodgson, 9 Rory Lawson, 1 Grant Shiells, 2 Michael Mayhew, 3 Scott Wilson, 4 Sean Tomes, 5 James Goode, 6 Chris York, 7 Richard Mayhew, 8 Taiasina Tu’ifua
Replacements: 16 Matt Thompson, 17 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 18 James Hudson, 19 Mark Wilson, 20 Warren Fury, 21 Waisea Luveniyali, 22 James Fitzpatrick
Referee: Eddie Hogan-O’Connell (Ireland)

 

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote continue their good form

Thanks to Ian (he's the one in the front of the photo, lying down - I think I did that joke last year) for the following post and photo.

LANZAROTE   2   UD TELDE   1

Lanzarote´s fantastic run of form continues making it 13 points out of a possible 15 thanks to first half goals from Captain Jotha and Vice Captain Rosmen.

The game couldn’t have begun any better for the Rojillos. In only the second minute an absolute peach of a 20 yard free kick from Jotha curled over the wall with pace and landed low inside the right hand post leaving the Telde goalkeeper as an observer. A goal Jotha´s ex team mate of Real Madrid David Beckham would have been proud of.

The Rojillos then had plenty of opportunities to kill off their Gran Canarian opponents but it wasn’t until five minutes before halftime when Rosmen picked up the pieces following an Alex Yunes strike. A 20 yard effort wasn’t held by the Telde keeper and Rosmen pounced on the rebound to score a strikers goal from three yards to give the Rojillos a 2-0 lead to take into the break.

Lanzarote had dominated the first period but the visitors came out for the second half looking the better of the two sides. In the 58^th minute defender Airam let rip from just outside the area and even a desperate lunge from Rojillos keeper Marco Machín failed to stop the ball nestling in the top right hand corner giving the visitors hope with the score now at 2-1.

The Conejeros (locals) looked nervous in a game they were once in control of and were now forced to defend and hit their opponents on the break. Toñito and Kevin Camacho both had good opportunities to restore the two goal advantage but instead the Rojillos defence had to withstand a nail biting finish but still ended worthy winners.

Lanzarote remain in 14^th spot but are now six points off relegation but are also only eight points away from a play off finish after recovering from a dreadful start to the season.

The Rojillos have another home game this week which has been brought forward a day and will now be played this Saturday 15^th December at 5pm versus lowly Villa Santa Brígida.

Hoop Zone. Barking reach Shield Semi Final

Thanks to Mark, Lloyd and the team at Barking Abbey, for the following reports and photo.

Abbey head to National Shield Semi Final

Barking Abbey advanced to the National Shield semi-finals on Sunday afternoon, after upsetting VCars.co.uk Division 3 North leaders Nottingham Hoods 88-64 at Nottingham Wildcats Arena.

“To be honest, we just executed tonight, on both sides of the floor,” said head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “We ran our offense, and locked up on defense. Everyone contributed to this win. We had some big stops on the defensive end, and shot the ball very well.”

David Akibo had 20 points to lead BA, Paulius Satkus finished with 19 and Roy Downey added 17.
BA will wait to find out their opponents in the semi-finals, who they will face on January 20, 2013 (date and venue to be confirmed).

A good day by the Sea

Barking Abbey secured their third consecutive victory in VCars.co.uk Division 4 on Saturday evening, defeating Southend Scorpions 92-79 away from home.

“We played well on the defensive end tonight, something we have been focusing on all this week,” said head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “We came out with a lot of energy in the second half to pull away and never look back. We have been really sharing the ball lately, and that is making everyone that much better.”

Josh Steel, Paulius Satkus and Niall Hegarty all led BA with 16 points each, helping BA to remain atop of the South East league table, with an 8-1 record.

BA now have a break from regular season action, until they face London Westside II on January 12 2013 at home (6:00pm GMT tip).

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote earn draw with 10 men

Thank you to Ian for the following match report and photo. As he explains not much travelling over the festive season, as 5 home games are being played. If you are lucky enough to be in Lanzarote over the coming weeks, why not pop along to Arrecife and watch a game. For fixture news, contact us via email sportspulse@sporttrades.co.uk.

VECINDARIO   0   LANZAROTE   0

It may not be a win but with only 10 players for more than half the match and seven points taken over the last three matches the Rojillos have good reason to be pleased with themselves.

The first half of the match offered little in entertainment with the Rojillos best chance coming as early as the 2^nd minute when Alex Yunes did well to control the ball inside the area but his strike didn’t trouble ex Lanzarote keeper Santi Lampón as the ball flew over the bar.

The home sides only shot on goal in the first half was on the half hour when the well travelled striker Futre let rip which produced a good save from the Rojillos number one Marco Machín.

The final five minutes of the first half produced the best of the action. Jotha fired in a powerful strike which was destined for glory until the Gran Canarian goalkeeper spoiled the celebration with an outstanding save. Two minutes before the break and a second yellow card for Rojillos midfielder Victor Rodríguez meant that Lanzarote were going to have to play the second half a man short.

Nobody seemed to notice the numerical difference in the second period as the balance of play tilted towards Lanzarote. Rosmen had a great chance to give the Rojillos the lead but his effort failed to hit the target.
The Lanzarote defence looked strong and with centre back Adrían Martín clearing off the line on the hour mark it was going to take something special to score against a defence that hasn’t conceded in over 300 minutes of play.

The Lanzarote keeper again saved well from a header by midfielder Maikel but the Rojillos were also unlucky when Echedey thought he had put his side ahead but the goal was disallowed for offside.

It was drama in the final minute of the match when the Gran Canarian side were awarded a penalty. Their captain and another ex Lanzarote player Yeray Ortega stepped up but could only fire against the post and Lanzarote held on to claim a vital point which pushes them up to 14^th spot in the table.

This is a fantastic time to find some form as the Rojillos play five of their next six matches at home kicking off this public holiday, Thursday 6^th December in a re-arranged fixture versus 8^th placed side SD Tenisca at 12.30pm followed by this Sunday 9^th Dec at 11.30am against lowly UD Telde.

March to the Arch 4: Crawley too strong for Chelmsford.

March to the Arch continues. Chelmsford went into the 2nd Round as the standard bearer for this Sports Pulse feature. Crawley Town were just too strong and take over the mantal for Round 3 and the visit of Reading. Full merit table update will appear around Christmas. Thank you to Chelmsford City FC for the following post.

Nicky Adams, Billy Clarke and Gary Alexander put ten-man Chelmsford City to the sword 3-0 as Crawley Town advanced to Round Three of the FA Cup amongst the Premier League giants, but Clarets boss Glenn Pennyfather maintained "perspective" afterwards, acknowledging: "We'll have to go and do it all over again next year!"

Chelmsford's Manager had led his team to the Second Round Proper for three consecutive campaigns only to be beaten by Wycombe Wanderers, Macclesfield Town and, now, Crawley. He'd hoped 2012 would be third time lucky, but an unfortunate 23rd-minute opener, followed by the dismissal of Donovan Simmonds a dozen minutes later for a second caution, meant City will seek further glory in other competitions.

Adams' cross-cum-shot drifted into the net to put the npower Football League side ahead against their opponents from three tiers below, then they pressed home their advantage against the depleted Clarets with a second as Clarke volleyed home four minutes before the interval. Chelmsford remained in mild contention, without troubling Crawley, until Alexander converted an 88th-minute penalty to wrap things up.

"We've got to put everything into perspective," reacted Pennyfather, with a potential run in the FA Trophy to construct as Hampton & Richmond Borough visit Melbourne on Monday night. "We've just lost to a team who beat Derby County and Bristol City last season from the Championship, and given Man United a good run for their money. I'm proud of the players, and when we take stock we've gained a lot from this cup run."

"When you're playing a higher level side you have to make sure you keep up with the tempo of the game. We did until they scored, then it was all uphill after the sending off - it'd be hard enough with eleven men. But Crawley... wow! They moved the ball quickly, didn't let us settle, and we can have no complaints with the result. It's easy to look at them and say that they were a Conference National side two years ago, but they're miles away from that now."

Regardless of the result, the entire club can reflect on this season's run with an enormous sense of satisfaction having claimed national plaudits since defeating Colchester United 3-1 in the last round. Underpinning that success has been the terrace support - 1,096 away fans made up around a third of the crowd - and Glenn added: "The supporters have been magnificent, as usual. Our fans made the most noise on the day, so in that respect we're winners!"

Hoop Zone: Barking Abbey win two on the bounce.

Thank you to Mark & Lloyd and all the staff and players at Barking Abbey for providing the following posts. Thank you to James Midwinter for the picture.


Barking Abbey Men win 2 on the bounce.

Barking Abbey are back to winning ways after winning their second consecutive game in VCars.co.uk Division 4 regular season action, after beating Croydon Cougars, 85-75, on Saturday evening at Barking Abbey Leisure Centre.

“This was a game we have been preparing for all week,” said head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “We knew going into it that it would be a tough match up for our guys physically. I explained to the guys, that they have to come out ready to play, and they did just that.”

Roy Downey had 21 to lead BA, with Josh Steel finishing with 17 and David Akibo adding 14.

“They have been really buying in to what we are teaching them here at Barking,” Holloway added. “And it is showing in the win column. Very happy with this group of young men we have on the team.”

BA will look to make it three in a row on December 8, as they take on Southend Scorpions away (6.15pm GMT tip).

Barking Abbey U19 Men suffer first loss.

Barking Abbey suffered their first loss of the Under-19 EB/BCS Premier season on Wednesday afternoon, falling 78-64 at the hands of Copleston High School.

Trailing for the majority of the game, BA managed to get within two points in the fourth quarter but couldn’t get over the final hump.

“We didn’t execute on the defensive end in the first half,” said head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “We need to be ready to play from the start, and this is something that needs to change in order for us to compete with better teams.

“Ipswich is one of the better teams in the league and I am looking forward to playing them again, next time at our place.”

The loss drops BA’s record to 5-1, they will now face Hackney on Wednesday 5 December, away from home.

Barking Abbey U19 Women 2-0 in Premier League

Barking Abbey U19 Women moved to 2-0 in the EB/BCS U19 Premier League with a 79-43 away victory over Copleston High School on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m very happy to win by a wide margin against a good Copleston team,” said head coach Mark Clark after the game. “We carried the women’s D1 level into the first half which I felt justified the 20+ lead.”

Shequila Joseph led BA with 16 points, Shanice Norton had 13 whilst Melita Emanuel-Carr added 11.
“While I was happy with the experienced players’ performance it was exciting to see Abigail Johnson play her first BA game, she gave a preview of her potential,” he added.

BA will now take on Hackney Community College on Wednesday 5 December at home.

Front Row: Aviva Premiership review of Round 10

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

Nick Auterac is an England international in the making, according to Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall, who was waxing lyrical after the prop held a late Gloucester siege at bay to seal victory for his side.

Auterac has just turned 20 but McCall had no problem with throwing him in at the deep-end in the 28-23 Aviva Premiership win at Vicarage Road, and the youngster stood firm against the powerful Gloucester scrum.

Charlie Hodgson's 23 points and Richard Wigglesworth's second half-try had given Sarries a five-point lead to defend but in-form Gloucester piled on the late pressure.

They were awarded three scrums just a few metres from the Sarries try-line at the death but the hosts bull-dozed the visitors in the third, and McCall believes Auterac must take the plaudits.

"The team showed a lot of character," he said. "We brought on Nick Auterac, who hasn't much Premiership experience, for a couple of scrums on our line - so maybe it wasn't the kindest thing I've ever done to him.
"But that last scrum was amazing. He's a really talented kid who's come through our academy. We're well blessed with looseheads and Nick is going to be the future."

Bath Rugby director of rugby Gary Gold insisted his team were the architects of their own downfall in their 17-12 defeat to Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Saturday.

The visitors were 12-6 up in the second half courtesy of tries from Stephen Donald and Tom Biggs with two George Ford penalties keeping Leicester in it.

But referee Tim Wigglesworth then showed the red card to Bath's Francois Louw and Matt Banahan as well as Tigers' Brett Deacon.

Wigglesworth also sin-binned Bath's Simon Taylor and Donald, and Leicester capitalised with Adam Thompstone going over and Ford adding the extras, but Gold refused to blame the defeat solely on the officials.

"I would have to go and have a look at the video before I talk about the red cards but the most important thing and my initial feeling about what happened out there was that we were the masters of our own destiny," Gold said.

"Certainly I will never condone or coach foul play and I know the professionals involved but more worrying for me is the penalty count.

"We are going to work hard to rectify it. We thought we had made headway on it last week but again some of it is a mystery and we need to look at ourselves first.

"I thought Matt's definitely wasn't a red but when you lose a game I don't want to have a go at officials."
Northampton Saints came away with a 27-16 win at Sale Sharks after first-half tries from Jamie Elliott, Soane Tonga'uiha and Tom May.

The Aviva Premiership basement side were much improved after the break adding 13 unanswered points but it was not enough for a losing bonus point.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: "I thought we played really well in the first half - we controlled the game, we did everything we had talked about.

"At half-time we said to keep doing the same things but unfortunately we didn't and the second half left a lot to be desired.

"We were guilty of losing the ball too much - we forced a couple of balls, we missed some tackles and we stopped playing.

"We should have kept playing. I don't think our outside backs touched the ball in the second half -
we've got some good exciting backs and we need to use them.

"As a coach you want to play for 80 minutes but it's something you very rarely do, it's something we have to keep striving for."

London Wasps remain without a win on the road this season after Exeter Chiefs battled to a 30-23 victory.
Chris Whitehead, Haydn Thomas and Phil Dollman all went over as the Chiefs their fifth Aviva Premiership win from as many games at Sandy Park.

The visitors had drawn themselves level at 20-20 with tries from Elliot Daly and Tom Varndell but Wasps failed to score after the break and went home with only a bonus point.

London Welsh player-coach Gordon Ross kicked five-from-five as his side overcame relegation rivals London Irish, who had Chris Hala'ufia's dismissed early on.

In Friday's game Nick Evans kicked a drop goal with seven minutes remaining to lead reigning champions Harlequins to a 22-19 victory over Worcester Warriors.

Evans ended up 17 points after Worcester's leading try-scorer David Lemi crossed for the fourth time this season early on.