Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote having no fun in the sun.

Thanks to Ian for the report. We catch up with Lanzarote, still in a poor run of results. The latest installemnt will be tomorrow.

C.D. SAN ISIDRO   1   LANZAROTE   0

When will this bad run end? Since the opening day away win Lanzarote have failed to secure three points in a match in nine games and are now third from bottom two points adrift of safety.

Prior to the match the Rojillos were sitting one place above their Tenerife rivals and it was the home side that began the match with more desire. In the 9^th minute midfielder Simón struck inside the area but his goal bound effort was cleared with a last ditch block.

Lanzarote steadied themselves and began to threaten with good chances for strike duo Miguel Yunes and Rosmen going amiss.

Nine minutes before the break and the home side were awarded a spot kick when Alex Yunes brought down winger Cristian on the edge of the box. The same player shook off the knock and stepped up to convert the penalty giving his side a 1-0 advantage to take into the half time break.

As ever, Lanzarote picked up their performance in the second half but conceding first is an all to usual occurrence with the Rojillos these days. In the 64^th minute Rosmen spurned a great chance failing to hit the target and if that wasn’t bad enough four minutes later a good header from Rosmen was handled by the defender giving the Rojillos a penalty and also reducing the home side down to ten men. It was Rosmen´s responsibility to put his side back on level terms but almost inevitably his strike was saved by the Tenerife keeper.

The home side quite rightly shut the door and packed the midfield to protect their 1-0 lead. Lanzarote dominated the possession but just could not break through whilst the hosts squandered a great chance on the counter attack in the 87^th minute. With the Rojillos pressing forward desperately in search of an equalizer the ball was hoofed forward and midfielder Aday found himself alone with just the Lanzarote keeper Marcos Machín to beat but fired his effort over the bar.

Lanzarote couldn’t find any way through as San Isidro leapfrogged Lanzarote in the league table leaving the Rojillos in the drop zone.

Morale is at an all time low but Lanzarote will have to pick themselves up as this Sunday they face a home match against the inform Las Zocas. The Tenerife side are in fine form lately unbeaten in their last six outings winning five of them which has moved them up to fourth spot. Kick off time is yet to be confirmed though it will probably be played at the earlier time of 11.30am.

GOALS
1-0 min 36 Cristian (Penalty)

March to the Arch 4: Chelmsford earn trip to Crawley

I know it’s late in the day, but well done to the clarets for beating Colchester 3-1 in the F.A.Cup 1st Round proper. Chelmsford continue to represent Sports Pulse with a trip to Crawley, in the next Round.

With the win against league opposition the mighty Clarets earned 3 bonus points.

So how are we going in March to the Arch 4.

We started, as always, at Barkingside in the Extra Preliminary round. Barkingside faced Great Yarmouth Town from Eastern Counties Division One, a group below the'side in Sports Pulse classifications. After a 1-1 draw the Great Yarmouth brought Barkingside home(ish), and comfortably beat them 3-0 and also earned a MttA bonus point.

The Preliminary Round saw Great Yarmouth entertain Witham Town, from Ryman League Division One North. More bonus points were available to the Bloaters if they secured victory. Not to be, as Witham Town hammered them 8-1.

In the 1st Qualifying Round Witham travelled to East Thurrock United from the Ryman Premier League. Witham were obviously underdogs, but were riding high on the previous rounds result. A well fought match saw East Thurrock win 2-0 and the Rocks travelled to Kingstonian. 

East Thurrock made hard work of a very promising start but still ran out 3-2 victors in the 2nd Qualifying Round. Then in the 3rd Qualifying round they brushed aside Maidstone United 3 – 0 to set up the derby with Chelmsford.

Chelmsford ended the hopes of East Thurrock with a penalty shoot out, after the rocks earned a well deserved replay. The clarets were drawn against Colchester, mentioned above in the 1st Round proper.

The Merit Table as from today as follows:

1.  East Thurrock United    25 points

2.  Chelmsford City  16 points

3.  Witham Town   10 Points

4.  Great Yarmouth Town   5 points

5.  Barkingside  4 points

6.  Colchester United 2 Points

7.  Maidstone United  2 Points

8.  Kingstonian  1 point

Below is a reminder of the Merit Table points rules and classifications.

March to the Arch (MttA 4) Points & Classifications.

Merit Points are awarded after each round. The MttA winner will be the team who have accumulated the most points over the competition. There are 15 Rounds between the Extra Preliminary Round and the Final.

If teams are level on points at the end of the tournament the winner will be:
1) The team with the most appearances in the tracker.
2) The head to head result between the teams if applicable.
3) Goal Difference over the competition
4) Goals scored
5) If still level after the above, position will be shared.

Merit Points are awarded as follows

8 points Away win
7 points Home win
6 points Away win after replay
5 points Home win after replay
4 points Away defeat after replay
3 points Home defeat after replay
2 points Away defeat
1 point Home defeat

Semi Final
8 points for a win
3 points for defeat
1 point deducted each team, if tie goes to extra time.
2 points deducted each team, if tie goes to penalties.

Final
10 points for win
5 points for defeat
1 point deducted each team, if tie goes to extra time.
2 points deducted each team, if tie goes to penalties.

Bonus Points

Divisions will be split into 11 groups. 1 point will be awarded to teams that beat a club above their group (1 point per group above the lower team). For example if Harpenden Town, from the South Midlands League, beat Premier League Manchester United, they will receive 9 bonus points.

The groups are split as follows

Group 1: Premier League
Group 2: Championship
Group 3: League 1
Group 4: League 2
Group 5: Blue Square Premier
Group 6: Blue Square North and South
Group 7: Regional Premier Leagues (e.g Ryman Premier etc)
Group 8: Regional 1st Divisions (e.g Ryman 1st Divisions North and South etc)
Group 9: County Leagues (Essex Senior League etc)
Group 10: County League feeder divisions (e.g South Midland League 1st Division etc)
Group 11: General leagues.

Hoop Zone: Barking Triple Weekend

What a weekend for Abbey Basketball, 2 league victories and success in the National Shield. Thanks to Mark and all the team for pics and info.

Manchester Mystics 56  Barking Abbey 63

Barking Abbey Senior Women moved to 2-0 in VCars.co.uk Division 1 with a 63-56 defeat of Manchester Mystics, in Manchester, on Saturday evening.

“Pleased with win,” said head coach Mark Clark after the game. “Ros (Mason) really led by example and showed why I think she still offers the national team an option. It was good to get some young players in to the game.”

Mason led BA with 19 points, Shequila Joseph added 15, whilst Georgia Jones finished with 7 points and 5 assists.

“We must continue to get better every game if we are to compete with the best though,” Clark added.
BA will look to keep their perfect record on November 24, when they take on City of Sheffield Hatters at home (8:00pm tip)

University of East London NASSA 72  Barking Abbey 74

Barking Abbey left University of East London Sports Dock with their closest victory of the season on Saturday afternoon, beating University of East London NASSA 74-72, to move to 5-0 in the VCars.co.uk Division 4 Men’s league.

Both teams entered the game undefeated, and with the top spot in the league table at stake, BA didn’t back down from the more experienced NASSA side.

“This was a great win for Barking Abbey, I couldn’t be happier with this group of players,” enthused head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “This was a game we have been preparing for all week. In the end our players just wanted it more. They stuck together, played hard, and never gave up.

“We shot the ball well as a team, and dominated the glass; both areas we focused on this week in practice”
David Akibo (pictured, above) led BA with a 20 point, 7 rebound, 4 assist effort, Josh Steel added 17 points, Paulius Satkus had a 12 point, 15 rebound double double, and Joe Lockwood finished with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

“Joe, Paulius, and David were huge for us in the post,” continued Holloway. “They played a physical game, and didn’t back down at all.

“Our defensive pressure in the second half is what helped us secure this win.”
Roy Downey added 9 points and 5 assists.

BA will now play Medway Park Crusaders II at home on November 17 (6:00pm tip).

Barking Abbey 99 Solent Kestrels 90

Barking Abbey advanced to the National Shield quarter finals on Sunday afternoon, with a 99-90 home victory over Solent Kestrels.

The win came with no less than six players scoring in double digits, led by 18 points from Ryan Addision as he drained 6 three pointers.

“Solent were very aggressive on both sides of the floor, something we expected,” explained head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “We made some adjustments at half time that really helped us down the stretch of the ball game.”

Paulius Satkus had a 17 point, 11 rebound, double double, Roy Downey finished with 17 points and 5 assists, whilst Josh Steel, Joe Lockwood and David Akibo added 16, 14, and 11 points respectively.
“In the end our defense won us the game,” continued Holloway.

BA advance to play Nottingham Hoods away on December 9.

Front Row: Nuneaton edge out Hinckley in this local derby.

Hoppa had a trawl around the clubs in the Midlands and stumbled over this report. Thanks to Chris Campbell and all at Hinckley Rugby Club for the post and photo. With thanks also to our friends at Pitchero.

Poor first half performance leaves too much to do

By Chris Campbell | Sunday 28th October 2012

A poor first half performance meant that Hinckley had to settle for only a bonus point in their local derby with Nuneaton on Saturday.

Playing with a strong wind at their back, the home side conceded 3 tries to leave them trailing having to play against the elements, and in the end, despite a well worked come back, the win was out of reach.

Josh Smith opened the scoring with a 5th minute penalty which was immediately cancelled out with a successful kick from the visitors. Then, from the resulting restart Hinckley managed to turn the ball over, however a pass from the resulting ruck went between the Hinckley players leaving a loose ball which was picked up by Elliot Brown who ran 70 metres to score a converted try.

Things got worse 5 minutes later, with a 2nd try coming as Hinckley fell off tackles, and when the visitors ran in their third score after just 24 minutes to take the score to 20 - 3, it looked like it could be a very long afternoon for the home side.

Following this Hinckley ralled well however. Firstly on 30 minutes Smith continued his strong kicking form with a second penalty, and then with Nuneaton down the 14, the Hinckley pack drove a lineout over the line, with Tom Ball coming up with the ball, giving him his first try for the club.

At 20 - 11 at half time, the odds were strongly with Nuneaton, and the game looked close to beyond doubt when Nat Aston got a bonus point try for the visitors to extend their lead to 27 - 11, just 5 minutes after the break.
Hinckley however continued to fight and with an increasing amount of possession, and the opposition tiring, the game started to open up. This lead to two tries for Devon Constant, his 14th and 15th of the season. Josh Smith converted both of the scores to leave the score at 25 - 27 with 8 minutes to go.

Unfortunately however, another opportunity didnt present itself, and Hinckley had to be content with just 1 point from yet another game they could, and possibly should have won.

Next week Hinckley travel to Staffordshire, taking on Longton. Kick off time is still to be confirmed.
Hinckley: Smith, Hastie, Buckley, Harris, Constant; Culpin, McFedries; Cunningham (c), Ball, Peck, Salt, Marshall, Morfill, Horwood, Fearn. Reps: Macqueen, Barrett, Brocken

Get Your Kit On: British & Irish Lions 2013 Shirt

Thank you to our friends at ESPN Scrum for the info and picture.

The British & Irish Lions have unveiled their shirt for the 2013 tour of Australia.

The Lions kick off their 10-match tour in Hong Kong against the Barbarians on June 1 and they will be wearing a shirt that sports a collar reminiscent of the top they wore during the victorious 1997 tour of South Africa. The tour will be the Lions' 125th anniversary and the shirt also has an enlarged crest similar to earlier designs.

The "tonal hoop design" harks back to the top worn by the 1888 and 1891 tourists and the fabric is clima lite.

The Lions will be searching for their first series victory since 1997 and their first series win on Australian soil since 1989. The Lions, coached by Warren Gatland, will be visiting Australia for the first time since 2001 and apart from the Wallabies, will also be playing against all 5 Super 15 outfits ( Reds, Brumbies, Force, Tahs, Rebels) and a combined NSW/QLD outfit.

Hoop Zone: A good week at the Abbey

Thank you to our friends at Barking Abbey for the following match reports. Catch up next week with the team news in Hoop Zone. Better still go down and watch the men on the 3rd Novemeber (details below)

Barking Abbey made it three wins from three games in Vcars.co.uk Division 4 league action on Sunday afternoon, defeating Ware Rebels, 74-60, at Wodson Park Sports Centre.

Joe Lockwood had an 18 point, 12 rebound, double double to lead BA, David Akibo had 11, whilst Josh Steel finished with 10. Paulius Satkus added 8 points and 10 rebounds.

“We played inside/out and moved the ball well in our offense. As a team we are learning how to play up tempo, but at the same time taking care of the basketball,” commented head coach Frank Holloway.

“Joe Lockwood, Paulius Satkus, gave us some great minutes, as well as some big rebounds. David Akibo and Josh Steel shot the ball well tonight. Jefferson Davis and George Jarvis did an outstanding job at the PG spot. They moved the ball, and created open shots for their teammates. All in all, I couldnt be happier with the team’s performance. Everyone contributed in the hard fought road win.”

BA will look to continue their winning ways on November 3 at home (Barking Abbey Leisure Centre, 6.00pm tip) against Hertfordshire Warriors.

Meanwhile the U19's

Barking Abbey continued their winning streak in the U19 EB/BCS Premier League on Wednesday afternoon, routing Northfleet, 77-37, to remain undefeated four games into the season.

The result never appeared to be in doubt, as BA forced four straight turnovers to start the game, running out to a 10-0 lead and not letting Northfleet back into the game.

“It was nice to get a home win for our fans here at Barking Abbey,” said head coach Frank Holloway after the game. “I know the players really enjoyed playing in front of their classmates and teachers.”

Robinson Idehen (1997 born) had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead BA, with Niall Hegarty (1994 born) adding a 12 point, 10 rebound, double double of his own.

“Everyone played in tonight’s game, and everyone contributed,” Holloway continued. “We executed well, and did some good things on both sides of the ball. Michael and Robinson both came off the bench and gave us some great minutes tonight.”

The Under-19s will look to go 5-0 on November 14, when they play Shoebury away.

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote fight back to claim a point.

Thanks to Mr Lane for braving the warmth of Arrecife, to bring us the latest match report.

LANZAROTE   2   U.D. IBARRA   2

Two goals in two minutes midway through the first half gave the Rojillos there traditional mountain to climb though a spirited second half fight back almost saw Lanzarote claim all three points.

The Conejeros (Locals) started brightly with right back Camacho shot come cross hitting the bar in the third minute. The home side dominated possession but when the Tenerife side got the ball they immediately gave it to their left winger Leandro who´s brilliant foot work and pace had the Rojillo defence in sixes and sevens the whole match.

In the 19^th minute the Rojillos half cleared a corner only to find the ball arrive at Leandro´s feet. The small winger may only have a tiny frame but he unleashed a brilliant powerful drive and though the Lanzarote keeper got a hand to the ball he could only steer it into the roof of the net giving the visitors a 0-1 lead.

Two minutes later and Lanzarote were torn apart by the trickery of man of the match Leandro. The winger picked the ball up in his half and beat a couple of defenders before playing a one two then superbly struck his shot wide of Lanzarote keeper Machín to double his sides lead.

Not even half way through the first half and Lanzarote found themselves once again trailing the match 0-2. Heads were down and only a few minutes later the visitors could have further extended their lead with midfielder Emilio being denied by a good save low down from Machín.

Gradually the hosts got their act together and began to threaten the opposition. Centre back Kamara rose well from a free kick on the right wing but his powerful header fell straight into the arms of the keeper. Midfielder Javi Betancort also came close with a header but Lanzarote went into the break trailing 0-2.
The home fans were hoping their side were going to show some pride in the second half and they were not to be disappointed.

It wasn’t until the 57^th minute that the Rojillos managed to pull a goal back. A strike from midfielder Victor was saved by the keeper but Rojillo´s winger Toñito picked up the pieces and fired in a cross which found Echedey who stroked the ball home putting his side well back into the game at 1-2.

Lanzarote then surged forward with wave after wave of attack whilst the Tenerife defence were forced to retreat, a goal looked inevitable. In the 72^nd minute the goal finally arrived with Javi Betancort firing home from six yards following an almighty throw in by Kamara.

The Rojillos went in search of a winner and as the intensity increased so did the chances. Two minutes before full time and Lanzarote had a golden chance to win the match. Javi Betancort found himself with the ball at his feet in almost the exact position as his earlier goal. The impressive midfielder blasted low and hard but the Ibarra keeper Fran did well saving with his feet, the follow up shots were blocked and finally striker Miguel Yunes headed over from three yards.

It was a great game with the home fans appreciating the fight back their team did in these difficult times. Lanzarote remain one place out of the drop zone but have the opportunity at home this Thursday 1^st November at 1pm home to climb the league ladder with the re-arranged match against 8^th placed side S.D. Tenisca. The visitors will also be up for this match as a win would see them climb into fourth spot and the final playoff position.

GOALS

0-1   min 19 Leandro
0-2   min 21 Leandro
1-2 min 57 Echedey
2-2 min 72 Javi Betancort