Month: February 2016
St George’s Cup VI
Mitchell Young reports on his highlights of the sixth St George’s Cup…
The South were victorious in the sixth instalment of the St George’s Cup and remain unbeaten to lead the series 6-0 with a 43-25 win, as the North hosted at Solihull Indoor Bowls Club.
The North and South of England put their rivalries to one side, as they raised an amazing £7,550 for Great Ormand Street Hospital.
The North’s most valuable player for the weekend was Danny Landon who remained unbeaten for the weekend along with Dom Reed for the South.
On day one, in the opening pairs session the South took an early 6-2 lead with bragging rights for the South Captain Anthony Fautley partnered with Gareth Davies as he won 21-6 over the North Captain John Manley paired with Martyn Simcock.
An Impressive 21-14 victory also went to debutant Callum ‘Gaggle’ Goodman paired with Melvin Woods, as they played their part in the first session advantage against Josh Towey and Glyn Berrisford.
Mike Ivings and James Smith snatched the race to 21 as they won 21-19 to beat Keith Lacksford and Adam Smith on his debut for the North.
The North’s victories came from pairings John Lax and Alan Jones in a 21-20 nail biter, along with former South player Jack Shepard and Kevin Siddle to win 21-16.
The South then mirrored the first session with another 6-2 victory win, with standout victories for Bronaugh Toleman and Steve Stanton coming from 12-1 down to win 21-19.
North Victories went to Cheshire duo Keith Smith and Ste Tinsley, as they won 21-19 in another tight match against Steve Killington and last year’s Captain Mark White.
The other win for the North went to northern MVP Langdon and Allan Williams, as the South went into the break with a 12-4 advantage.
In the afternoon, the North came back at the southerners in the third session in the fours as they won three of the four games and the newly introduced extra point – for the overall shot difference to bring it back to 13-8.
Huge wins for the northern quartet Towey, Lacksford, Langdon and Smith with a 20-8 victory over Toleman’s rink and Lax, Simcock, Lowery and Manley despatched the southern four 28-7.
In the final session of day one, the South upped their game to retrieve the dropped points and take the session victory 4-1 and restore the eight-point lead for 17-9 at the end of day one.
Brindley (Junior), Pegg, Willies (Senior) and Follis (Junior) was the only win for the North against AJ Brown’s rink as South victories were headed by Fautley, Reed (Junior) and Smith.
On day two, the North went in search of building some momentum for themselves, as they won three of the first four games in the fours and the extra point for a 4-1 victory on the first four games.
Fautley’s Forfeit
Due to the South Captain losing the sponsorship challenge of raising the most money, Faultey’s forfeit was a sorrow one after his 20-14 defeat cost him 20 shots of alcohol.
In the other fours, the South regained the deficit to win all four fours’ and the overall point to win the session 6-4 and extend their total to ten points at 23-13 – going into the singles.
The North’s comeback hopes were dwindling, as they won just three of the first eight singles through Follis (Junior), Captain Manley leading by example and a first singles win in the St George’s Cup for Micheal Tandy as he beat Toleman (Mrs) 21-6.
The South needed six points to retain the Cup, but the North were not bowing down as the next eight were split four each.
Shepard edged out the wobbly South Captain Fautley 21-19, after his forfeit in the fours found himself dazed.
Simon ‘Pieman’ Pridham was the man to get the South over the line and claim the victory, as he won 21-11 against Easthope. The southerners took confidence from the overall win and took the third set of singles 6-2.
The South claimed five of the final eight singles matches with North wins for Berrisford, Wiggins (3rd Best) and Willies (Senior). To complete the 43-25 victory for the South with a record breaking amount raised in the St George’s Cup, for the brilliant charity GOSH.
A big thanks goes out to all the players, supporters, the SGC committee and all those behind the scenes for their sponsorship support, fantasy bowls, raffle and bonus ball which contributed to the cause – surpassing all expectations, long may it continue.
For more information on the weekends scores, teams, players or about the St George’s Cup in general then check out the SGC website http://www.stgeorgescup.co.uk/index.html.
Holdsworth Consortium Completes Trotters Takeover
Mitchell Young reports on the latest takeover news at Bolton Wanderers…
Sky Bet Championship side Bolton Wanderers has been sold for £7.5 million to the Sport Shield Group Consortium (SSGC) headed by former player Dean Holdsworth.
The 47-year-old striker, took charge of newly promoted Ryman Premier side Brentwood Town at the start of the season in a new challenge for the former Wimbledon man.
However, Holdsworth had to relinquish his position as manager due to his pursuit of other business ventures, which included the possible Trotters takeover as reported exclusively by Rising East back in November. http://risingeast.co.uk/holdsworth-leaves-brentwood-in-pursuit-of-bolton-takeover/
The SSGC will now take ownership of the club, pending consent from the Football League.
The club was due to appear in the High Court over unpaid taxes of £3m, but the case has been adjourned for a fortnight in order to complete the takeover.
Despite the adjournment Bolton could still face administration, if they does not pay the outstanding debt before the 14-day deadline.
The Trotters could also suffer a 12-point deduction, which would send the former Premier League side into League One.
Bolton board advisor, Trevor Birch confirmed during the hearing that a Sales and Purchase agreement was now in place.
Speaking to The Bolton News, Holdsworth, who’s set to become the new chairman said he’s, “honoured to be part of this club again”.
http://risingeast.co.uk/holdsworth-consortium-completes-trotters-takeover/
Essex edge into ICC final
Essex Premier booked their place in the Inter County final for the first time since 2012, after they defeated Devon Premier 22-18.
Essex will now face Norfolk in the ICC final, in the East of England derby. After they sent former ICC champions Cheshire packing 24-16 for what will be the first southern final in recent years.
Essex manager Adam Sultana was edged out 15-11 to the in form Michael Ivings. Barry Hedges out muscled a tight encounter with James Smith to win 16-12.
In the pairs, Chris Coates and Del Coates showed their consistency as they held off Simon Pridham and Graham James to win 12-11. Whereas Mitchell Young and Matt Dillon were moments from victory until James Trott and Richard Ivings picked up a four on the final end to win 13-12, to level the session 4-4.
In the second session, Essex turned the screw as Phil Banner, Paul Bax and Matt Stifford won 12-7. The other trio, of Mo Binsford, Alan Kay and Tony Ealham were heading for the win but dropped a four on the final end to draw level 15-15.
In the fours, Debbie Dillon, Rachael Cordy, Steve Killington and Craig Burgess held off the Devonshire quartet headed by Tony Main and Paul Pomeroy, as they won 13-9. Babs Morokutti, Linda Lambert, Keith Paxman and Anthony Fautley were held level but pulled away to win comfortably 17-8. With Essex gaining an 11-5 lead going into the break.
In the third session, Sultana overturned a 10-2 deficit to beat Smith 14-13 on the final end. Hedges could not repeat his first match, as Ivings won 17-13 for Hedges’ first defeat of the season, as Devon snatched the bonus points.
In the pairs, Coates senior and junior despatched Trott and Ivings 14-6. Dillon and Young struggled throughout, as they lost 14-7 but held on for the bonus points on the last end. To lead going into the final session 17-11.
Essex only needed fours points in the final session, but Devon made them fight to the very end. In the triples, Banner, Bax and Stifford were slow starters and fell to a 14-7 defeat. Binstead, Kay and Ealham came from behind late on to win 14-12 and split the bonus points as well, leaving Essex only needing a point.
In the final discipline, Dillion, Cordy, Killington and Burgess lost 17-12 but kept the shot difference down to remain in control. Morokutti, Lambert, Paxman and Fautley were defeated on the final end by Pomroy’s rink 11-10. Although Essex held on for the bonus points in the fours to carry them over the line 22-18 and into the ICC final in a fortnights time.
Players Ratings
Barry Hedges 7.1/10
Adam Sultana 7/10
Matt Dillon 5/10
Mitchell Young 4/10
Chris Coates 8.5/10
Del Coates 8.5/10 ***
Mo Binstead 7.5/10
Alan Kay 7.5/10
Tony Ealham 7.5/10
Phil Banner 6.5/10
Paul Bax 6/10
Matt Stifford 6.5/10
Debbie Dillon 7/10
Rachael Cordy 6/10
Steve Killington 6.5/10
Craig Burgess 7/10
Babs Morokutti 7/10
Linda Lambert 7/10
Keith Paxman 7/10
Anthony Fautley 7.5/10
Star Player ***
Ryman League Premier: Brentwood Town 0 Leiston FC 2
Brentwood Town’s four game unbeaten run comes to an end and halts their survival chase, after a 2-0 home defeat to Leiston at the Arena.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the first half but in the second half Billy Clark slotted in from close range to give the visitors the lead.
Leiston had lost their previous four matches and as Brentwood pushed for an equaliser the away side got the second in injury time from a deflected Clark shot.
Mike Flanagan made two changes to his side that drew 3-3 at home to Canvey Island, as Bradley Nobbs starts in place of the injured Lewis Knight and Shad Ngandu is preferred to Mitch Hahn.
Marcus Milner returned to ‘The Blues’ from Cheshunt and made the bench for the home side.
With just five minutes on the clock, Brentwood almost took the lead as Robbie Rees’ corner was whipped in and came back off the crossbar but was cleared from danger.
Leiston had a half chance shortly after, as Kelsey Trotter took on a strike from a loose ball but was comfortable for Ollie Bowles.
Brentwood nearly broke the deadlock 38 minutes in, from quick play by Bowles up field for Tom Richardson and Robbie Rees. The ball eventually fell to Andrew Freeman at the far post but his drilled shot across the six-yard box could not be turned in.
The visitors still made their attacking threat known, after a high ball into the box by Stuart Boardley was won by Leon Ottley-Gooch beating Bowles to the ball but his header went wide.
In the second half, Leiston grabbed the lead just after the hour mark, as Louis Baucutt was dispossessed by Ottley-Gooch who whipped it across the box and was tucked away by Clark at the far post.
Brentwood nearly got the leveller through Shad Ngandu, as the ball broke to him just inside the box he cut back inside and his shot was well held by Ashlee Jones.
‘The Blues’ pushed for the equaliser, which did not come and Leiston doubled their lead in injury time, as Clark’s shot took a wicked deflection off the Brentwood defender and crept in the near post to seal the three points.
Brentwood remain 22nd eight points off safety with six games in hand, facing third placed Dulwich Hamlet at the Arena on Saturday.
Brentwood Town Lineup: 1 Ollie Bowles, 2 Leon Gordon, 3 Louis Baucutt, 4 Martyn Stokes ©, 5 Ryan O’Rawe, 18 Shad Ngandu, 7 Bradley Nobbs (77), 8 Connor Witherspoon, 9 Tom Richardson, 10 Robbie Rees, 11 Andrew Freeman
Substitutes: 12 Mitch Hahn, 14 Marcus Milner (77), 15 Chris Manangu, 16 Joshua Banton, 17 Dwade James
Leiston Lineup: 1 Ashlee Jones, 2 Jack Ainsley, 3 Stuart Boardley, 4 Toby Kerslake, 5 Joe Jefford, 6 Tom Bullard ©, 7 Jack Baker, 8 Kelsey Trotter, 9 Leon Ottley-Gooch, 10 Tom Winter, 11 Billy Clark
Substitutes: 12 Christy Finch, 13 Alex Rossis, 14 Will Oxbrow, 15 Aaron Thurlow, 16 Gareth Heath
Attendance: 98
Follow link for interview with Brentwood Town manager Mike Flanagan:
http://www.phoenixfm.com/2016/02/16/ryman-league-premier-brentwood-town-0-leiston-fc-2/
Essex stroll into semis
Essex Premier progress to the semi-finals of the Inter County Competition with a convincing 32-8 victory over Kent Premier at Daventry Indoor Bowls Club.
Essex made short work of their close rivals with the result confirmed after the third session.
England Internationals Adam Sultana and Barry Hedges lead the team into an early advantage, as Sultana beat Tim Rycraft 17-8 and Hedges won 18-4.
The pairs on the other hand had two tight encounter, as Chris Coates and Del Coates secured their victory on the last end to win 12-10. In the final match of the session, Matt Dillon and Mitchell Young had to battle it out on the final end and came out on top, as they won 10-9 against the Kent pairing skipped by England International Nicky Bartlett. To complete a clean sweep of victories and lead 8-0.
In the second session Mo Binstead, Alan Kay and Tony Ealham surged to a 10-0 lead but only held on for a narrow 11-10 victory. The other Essex triple Paul Bax, Phil Banner and Matt Stifford found themselves behind early on and the Kent triple won comfortably 17-5.
Anthony Fautley’s quartet with Babs Morokutti, Linda Lambert and Keef Paxman was tight throughout but thanks to a big count on the final end held on and won 14-8. The other four Debbie Dillion, Racheal Cordy, Steve Killington and Craig Burgess edged out the Kent four, as they had a 12-8 victory. To go into the break with a 14-2 lead.
In the second half Essex maintained their momentum, as Dillon and Young shook off the fightback from the Kent Pairing to win 14-11. Coates senior and junior kept their match tight despite defeat, as they lost 13-10 to claim the pairs bonus points.
Hedges made it two wins from two, as he won 17-7 against Rycraft. Sultana put in another convincing win, as he won 28-2 to claim the maximum bonus points available and book Essex’s place into the semi-finals – with the scoreline at 24-4.
In the final session Kent were playing for pride and got some on the find end as Binstead, Kay and Ealham were beaten 9-8 by the final bowl from the Kent triple. In the other Essex triple Bax, Banner and Stifford came from 9-0 down early on, to overturn the deficit and win 20-11 but was not enough to win the bonus points in the triples.
In the fours Dillon, Cordy, Killington and Burgess eased to a 13-3 victory. Morokutti, Lambert, Paxman and Fautley completed the rout after coming from behind early on to win 15-7.
Essex will now return next weekend to Daventry to face Devon in the semi-finals, after their playoff victory against West Midlands.
Player Ratings:
Adam Sultana 8.5/10
Barry Hedges 8.5/10
Mitchell Young 7.5/10
Matt Dillon 7.5/10
Chris Coates 7/10
Del Coates 7/10
Mo Binstead 7/10
Alan Kay 7/10
Tony Ealham 7/10
Paul Bax 6.5/10
Phil Banner 4/10
Matt Stifford 7/10
Debbie Dillon 8.5/10***
Rachael Cordy 7/10
Steve Killington 7/10
Craig Burgess 8/10
Babs Morokutti 7.5/10
Linda Lambert 7.5/10
Keef Paxman 7.5/10
Anthony Fautley 7.5/10
***Star Player***
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