Hockey

BERKHAMSTED maintained their good form at the weekend, as the men’s second XI and third XI both kept their promotion hopes alive.

The second team thrashed Cheshunt 8-0, while the third side beat South Adelaide 4-2 on Saturday and West Herts 7-2 on Sunday.

Cheshunt travelled to Berkhamsted with the same team that saw off Berko 9-1 at the beginning of the season, but the hosts showed how far they have progressed since then.

In a top passing display Berko swept their opponents aside to secure the comfortable win. Goals came courtesy of Simon Kaye, Dominic Johnson, James Edwards, Oliver Bowman (2), and a well-earned hat-trick from Paul Whitby.

The third XI, meanwhile, did well to pick up two wins in as many days.

First up, the side travelled to bottom of the table Southgate Adelaide and were made to work hard for their 4-2 win.

In a tougher game than Berko were expecting, Southgate took the lead against the run of play, but the visitors hit back through Mark Robinson.

The home side regained the advantage, but Robinson – pictured right – levelled things up before half-time with his second goal of the game.

Berko improved after the break, and Iwan Roberts put the visitors in front, before Robinson wrapped up the win as he completed his hat-trick.

With only one day’s rest, the thirds were in action again on Sunday, and swept West Herts aside to make it two wins from two.

Peter Allam, Roberts, Robinson and Tom Kemplen all found the net, as Berko moved up to third in the league.

TO celebrate the 30th anniversary of a town’s annual running challenge, a fancy dress contest has been added to the event’s programme.

The Berkhamsted Half Marathon will begin at the town’s cricket club at 10am on Sunday, March 4, and a five-mile fun run will begin there 30 minutes later.

There will be £50, £30 and £20 prizes for those who wear the best fancy dress during the fun run.

The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Berkhamsted Bulbourne, which gives all profits from entry fees to charities.

Learn more – or sign up for either event before Friday – at tinyurl.com/85btveq

London Colney 1 Kings Langley 2

Cup specialists Kings Langley progressed to their third semi-final of the season, toppling local rivals London Colney for the second time in eight weeks.

In a bruising encounter, Kings keeper Ross Channer was carried off after just six minutes, before defender Colin Wilson suffered the same fate with a quarter of an hour on the clock.

Kings had to dig deep, but responded magnificently, taking the lead when a Chris Mason left wing run and cross was glanced home by Jimmy Armstrong.

Within three minutes, the prolific marksman struck again, blasting in a Nathan Pooley corner to notch his 43rd goal of the season – breaking the previous campaign’s record by Lewis Toomey in the process.

John Butler headed in a free kick for Colney within 48 seconds of the restart, but with few chances at either end, Kings stood firm.

Winger Jack Johnson – forced to move to right-back – and keeper Ross Hampton were outstanding in a tremendous team performance.

The home side racked up four bookings and finally had striker Matt Newman sent off for one challenge too many on Hampton, before the final whistle brought jubilation for Kings and set up a semi-final at Ampthill.

Royston Town 1 Tring Athletic 0

AN own-goal five minutes from time knocked ten-man Tring out of the Premier Division Cup after a brave display at high-flying Royston Town.

Tring put in a gutsy effort in the semi-final clash, but it was Royston who ultimately booked their place in the final.

Athletic had been without a first team match for over three weeks, and it was hosts Royston who started the stronger.

Tring dug in, though, and apart from a couple of headers from set pieces, Royston failed to test stand-in keeper Nick Law who was deputising for the injured Mike Underwood.

Athletic were much more of a threat in the in the second half, and the visitors were thwarted by Royston’s excellent young keeper who saved a penalty from Graham Hall, as well as efforts from Hall, Mickey Swaysland and Jack Thomson.

A red card for Tring’s Matt Jarvis swung the tie in Royston’s favour and, in a cruel end for Athletic, a deflected goal five minutes from time sent Royston into the final.

The Little Hay Juniors teed off for the first time in 2012 as the half-term stroke play competition took place last week.

The clear winner was Harry Chapman with a net 71, second was Luke Wrathall with 76 and third was Ryan Howe with 77.

The juniors section has been growing for the last two years due to efforts by the club and the golf complex, and a full programme of coaching, competitions and matches has been arranged for 2012.

Any boys or girls wanting to take up the game or join the club should contact the Little Hay Golf Complex or phone John Poston, junior organiser, on 01442 873343.

Elsewhere, on Saturday, the men’s section competed for the Alan Irwin Trophy. Nearly 30 players entered and the winner was Phil Chester with a commanding 47 points over Keith Muir (38) and Nick Pinnock (36).

On Thursday, the 35 Little Hay senior men held an away day at Hatfield London Country Club where they played the new course.

Graham Cracknell shot the best individual score – 39 points. Nearest the pin was Derek Tarling and longest drive went to Geoff Selley.

The team prize was won by Cracknell, Roger Woods, Peter Humphrey and Jon Ridgewell.

Little Hay ladies’ competition was called off last week due to snow but the ladies will be welcoming interested new members for a chat over coffee on March 3 and 5.

For details, please call Carol Kent on 07976 559660.

Hemel Town 0 Banbury United 2

HEMEL Town were dumped out of the Red Insure Cup as Banbury United booked their place in the semi-finals.

New Tudors boss Mark Eaton was hoping to register his first win since taking over at Vauxhall Road, but two goals from Banbury early in the second half were enough to win the tie.

It was Hemel who made the brighter start of the teams, but the hosts could not turn their early dominance into goals.

Lewis Toomey saw an effort cleared off the line after a good interchange with full-back James Brighton, before new signing Rob Harworth squandered a good headed opportunity from a Dave Pearce cross.

Banbury began to work themselves back into the game, though, and Tudors keeper Ross Kitteridge was forced into a save from Josh Cole’s header.

From the resulting corner, Ricky Johnston rose highest to meet Wes Emery’s cross, but his header crept over the bar.

As the half went on, Banbury began to crank up the pressure on the Hemel goal, and Simeon Williams almost profited from some slack defending, only to see his effort fly wide.

Chances continued to fall to the visitors, and Emery was next to go close as his long range strike fizzed inches past the top corner.

Hemel boss Eaton would have been looking for a response from his side after the break, but it was Banbury who continued to press and finally managed to force the breakthrough.

Joe Colman found space down the right before delivering a cross to the back post where Williams was on hand to slot past Kitteridge.

And it did not take long for the Puritans to double their advantage as Dior Angus rocketed an unstoppable volley into the top corner from 30 yards.

That effectively ended the game as a contest as Hemel heads dropped, and Banbury booked their place in the semis.

THE final countdown to the big Strictly dance-off has officially begun and, with just a few days to go, practice sessions have gone into overdrive.

I was pretty impressed when I totted up the hours dedicated to dancing last week – 40 minutes on Monday, two hours on Wednesday, an hour on Thursday, an hour on Saturday, an hour on Sunday morning followed by almost two hours at the regular Sunday night class with our fellow enthusiastic dancers.

But as my ever reluctant dance partner Michael Carillo has put little effort into dancing for the last five weeks – that’s when he’s not trying to get out of it all together – we had a lot to catch up on.

And there’s been plenty of help – a private lesson with dance teachers Shirley and Brian made a big difference and we’ve had the benefit of rehearsal space thanks to professional fighter Denniston Sutherland, who has allowed us to twirl around his Hemel Martial Arts gym, and Boxmoor Lodge Hotel owner Andrew Rickett who has offered up the venue’s dance floor whenever we require it. This has saved us from many bumps around the living room.

And it looks like the dancing drive is about to get ramped up further – Michael woke me at 5am on Monday morning to suggest we rehearse before he headed off to work. I won’t tell you the reply he received before I turned over and returned to my slumber.

So far this week, we’ve practised together on Monday night and then attended a jive class on Tuesday evening in a bid to pick up some fancy footwork.

Dancers were given a run down on how the big night at Berkhamsted’s Centenary Hall will work during Sunday’s practice, which set the nerves off but we were all given a boost with some kind words from the lady who will be the lead judge on Saturday – director of nursing and clinical governance at the Hospice of St Francis, Alison Briant.

She told us: “You have been transformed from clumsy ducklings into graceful swans.

“To be able to dance two complex dances within a few weeks’ practice is amazing – you should all rightly be very proud of yourselves.”

She reminded us that we are all doing this for a fantastic cause and encouraged dancers to enjoy the night.

Senior community fundraiser Fran Martin, who is in charge of organising the event, is also full of praise.

“Not only have our lovely dancers had to learn their steps, they’ve also had to raise sponsorship money for the Hospice of St Francis too, and I’m thrilled to say they’ve excelled in both.”

The others making up the judging panel are Linda Venables, a former winner – along with husband Frank – of world, European, British, UK and international championships, competing in both Latin and ballroom dancing; Katherine Coburn, who teaches dance across South Bucks and is studying for a BA in dance; and Daniel Fox, a morning presenter on Heart Breakfast.

> Sponsor Victoria at http://www.justgiving.com/victoriaandmichael

Rugby

Camelot came away with all three points from their trip to Welwyn on Saturday.

The visitors were on top throughout and made a blistering start to the game as number 7 Craig Bailey crashed over the line for the first try of the match after just four minutes.

And it was not long before the Hemel side extended their advantage.

Full-back Alex Wilby sold a dummy to break through the defence before spinning the ball out wide to winger Carl Buckingham who scored in the corner.

Hemel were in complete control and made it 15-0 after 24 minutes as number 8 Hadyn Morgan crashed over the line.

Welwyn hit back with a penalty, but Hemel extended their advantage to 22-3 as Buckingham sprinted round the defence to score his second try which fullback Alex Wilby converted.

The hosts bagged a consolation try shortly before the final whistle, but it was too little too late and Hemel took the points.

It was a valuable victory for Camelot who retain fifth position in the league while putting pressure on fourth-placed Chiswick.

The two sides meet on Saturday, 2.30pm kick-off at Chaulden Lane.

Berkhamsted finally returned to action after a prolonged break, but Mick Vipond’s side came away empty-handed from their trip to Hadley.

Having not played since January 28 as a result of the big freeze earlier this month, Berko were keen to get their season back on track.

However, Hadley goals either side of half-time put paid to the Comrades’ chances and gave the hosts all three points.

“I think overall they probably deserved it,” said Berko boss Vipond. “Second half they were the better side and we had a couple of scares before they scored. They had one or two decent players.

“If you want to win games in this division you have to play well for 90 minutes and we didn’t do that.”

Vipond was able to welcome Dale Sears back into the starting XI for Saturday after his ankle break in September.

Tyler Hatherley was also recalled following suspension in a strong looking Berko line-up, but it was Hadley who took the lead as Nick Chrysanthou slotted home in the 14th minute.

The lead did not last long though, with Berko’s Matt Wardle firing home his ninth goal of the season five minutes later to restore parity.

The third goal looked as though it would determine the outcome of the game, and it was Hadley who struck next to claim the win.

Mid-way through the second half, Dom Petrucci ran on to a through-ball and rounded Ed Farmer to bag the points for his side.

>See tomorrow’s Gazette for more

]]> 1.3544992 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:45:30 +0000 http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/united_spoil_the_day_for_new_tudors_boss_1_3541225

Chesham United 2 Hemel Hempstead Town 1

NEW Hemel Town manager Mark Eaton got off to a losing start as his side were beaten by Chesham.

Eaton was appointed by Hemel last week, but he could not make an immediate impact as the Tudors slipped to defeat.

Despite the loss, though, Eaton was upbeat about his team’s display. “There were a lot of positives,” he said. “We got a good response from the players even though we haven’t had much time to work with them.

“I think the players took on board what we wanted. We tried to encourage them to get the ball down more and, in parts of the game, we did that.

“We could have got a point from the game but, on the balance of things, Chesham just about edged it.

“We had a period where we were on top but what was a bit disappointing was that we didn’t really smell blood and turn the screw.

“I’ve spoken to all of the players and asked them to think about where we can improve.”

After nearly three weeks without a game, both teams looked rusty on Saturday in a match affected by strong wind.

Following a scrappy start, Hemel keeper Ross Kitteridge produced a good save from a Steve Wales free-kick after nine minutes, but Chesham took the lead from the resulting corner.

Ryan Moran headed goalwards and Brad Wadkins was on hand to tap home and put the hosts in front.

Chances were few and far between for the rest of the first half, with winger Dave Pearce looking the Tudors’ most threatening player.

Kitteridge was forced into a good stop at the start of the second half, but the Tudors responded well and produced their best spell of the game – resulting in the equaliser.

Marquin Smith was felled in the area by Danny Gudgeon, and Pearce stepped up to dispatch the resulting penalty.

After Hemel’s dominant patch, a quiet spell followed and it was Chesham who eventually bagged the decisive third goal.

Steve Wales played the ball to Simon Thomas who shrugged off a challenge from Barrie Matthews, and set up Chris Watters to net the winner for the hosts.

An exciting future lies ahead for rugby league in Hemel following the announcement that Hemel Stags will make the step up to semi-professional level at the start of the 2013 season.

In a press conference held at Stags’ Pennine Way ground, Hemel chairman Bob Brown and RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer confirmed that the club will be plying their trade in the re-vamped Championship One competition.

> See tomorrow’s Gazette for full story.

THERE’S a serious summer of sport on the way, with the Olympic Games in London, the Euro 2012 football tournament, and all manner of other high profile competitions to catch the attention.

But that doesn’t mean grass roots sport takes a back seat – and the Gazette has got together with the Riverside Shopping Centre in Hemel Hempstead to create a community sport programme which will see two local clubs or sporting ventures each scoop a £1,000 windfall

The Community Sports Awards scheme, which will be officially launched at the centre on Saturday, aims to help and support local sports clubs and groups in and around Dacorum in celebration of this exciting Olympic year.

The shopping centre is coming up with the cash to back the venture, which will run throughout the spring and will see members of the public playing a key role in deciding where the funds end up.

But to kick things off, we need to hear from clubs who could put those funds to good use.

So if your club needs new kit, your school has its eye on new sports equipment, you know an Olympic hopeful who needs financial help along the way or your facilities need a makeover, we want to hear about it.

The awards will be launched at the centre on Saturday, between noon and 3pm.

If you’d like to get involved, all you have to do is send a representative to the centre to talk through the details.

And don’t worry if this weekend’s fixtures mean you can’t get to the town centre – there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved, and full details will appear in the Gazette in the coming weeks.

But Saturday’s launch is well worth checking out, because it’s not just an information session – there are demonstrations and displays by the Zumbaboyz, WingTsun Martial Arts and Dacorum Majorettes – pictured above – scheduled during the day..

Centre manager David Robinson said: “There are so many fantastic sports organisations and clubs around the area that deserve some extra support and we would like them to come forward and tell us how we can help.

“The Community Sports Awards is something brand new for us and we are all very excited about how the money that we donate will be able to help local projects and groups.”

Gazette editor John Francis added: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with the Riverside to make sure that as many sports organisations in Dacorum know that this wonderful windfall is available.

“The Gazette is the number one paper for local sport, and we’re always keen to help local firms get their message across – especially when grass roots sport stands to get such a welcome shot in the arm.”

Tring Athletic ploughed past Stevenage to reach the final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup.

Braces from Amanda Wainwright and Sally Green and a goal from Trisha Richards saw the visitors cruise to a 5-0 victory.

Read more in The Gazette.

Saracens 19-20 Leicester Tigers

Defending champions Saracens took on last year’s runners up, Leicester Tigers, at Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon.

In front of a large crowd, Saracens dominated the majority of the game but were unable to pull clear.

The first half consisted of Saracens seeming to kick the ball away at every opportunity, while Leicester scored four penalties in the opening period from the boot of fly-half Toby Flood – the England player released to gain game time with his club.

But it was Saracens who scored the only try of the first half as they secured a loose line-out.

Schalk Brits made a fantastic break and was aware enough to offload to scrum-half Neil De Kock.

The South African raced through the gap and beat the last man to go over. The try was converted by Alex Goode and the full-back added a penalty to draw the gap to 12-10 at half time.

Goode added a further two penalties after finding his kicking boots in the second half, but a well-worked try by Ed Slater put Leicester ahead once more.

Goode nearly secured the win with a last minute touchline penalty, but Leicester still had time for one more attack.

They held onto the ball well despite a disciplined Saracens defence. The home side could not give away any penalties and so the Tigers took valuable ground.

Eventually, they worked a position for captain Geordan Murphy to strike over an ugly drop goal in extra time, giving them a deserved win.

BSFL

COMETS Sports Club saw their cup dreams shattered as they were knocked out of the FA National Sunday Cup by Lakeside Athletic.

Comets had enjoyed a fine run in the competition over the past few seasons, but their hopes of lifting the trophy were ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat.

Chris Marsh netted the consolation goal for Comets.

It was better news for AFC Boars, however, as a Sonny French Brace was enough to see off Nicholas Breakspear 2-0 in the fifth round of the Herts Sunday Senior Cup.

In the league, meanwhile, Berko Tornadoes breezed past Hemel Town Celtic in a 5-2 victory.

Ricky Shepherd bagged a hat-trick for Berko, and Andy Wheeler-King and Tom Kelly completed the scoring.

The Herald were also on form as Lee Simper (2) and Karl Davidson helped them to a 3-0 win over Boxmoor, while a Matt Gunary double gave Gossoms End a 2-1 win over Park Rangers.

AFC Rovers were the big winners in Division One, thrashing The Midland 8-0 courtesy of goals from Danny Tomkins (3), James Heward, Lawrence Kain, Rob Buckland, Tom Hardy and Dean Howie.

Warners End also won well, driving past Landrovers 4-1 with efforts from Ned Ozkasim, Marc Biswell, Dave Ferguson and Lee Picknell.

The Old Grey mare landed the odds at Berko Raiders as Greg Dormer (2), Kevin Turnham and Pete Hay earned a 4-3 win, and Greenacres II saw off VFC by the same scoreline.

Mark Crampton, Michael Tearle, Alex Palmer and Paul Hanafan got the goals for Greenacres.

Sportspace and The Robin Hood could not be separated, with Paul Baker and Dave Wilkinson on target in a 1-1 stalemate.

In Division Two, Drays Athletic kept on track with a 7-0 thumping of FC Intervino.

Livewire marksman Nick Jackson bagged a brace, and Adam Durrant, Lee Clarke, Jamie Smith, Ben Durrant and Russell Kercher completed the scoring.

It was a sweet day for Matt Honey as he hit four goals for KLCC in their 7-2 win at Tring Royals.

Honey led the way in front of goal, and Colin Wilson, Al Gunning and Steve Alderman also netted for KLCC.

Blackbirds Rangers also picked up three points as they put The Queens Head to the sword.

Gareth Carder (2), Jack Copson and Paul Lelliott got their names on the scoresheet in a 4-2 triumph.

Echoes had Paul Joyce and Oli Gurney to thank for their 2-0 win at Comets Reserves, while a last minute own-goal handed Run DFC a 1-0 win over Berko Tornadoes Reserves.

The Steamcoach were the biggest winners in Division Three – crushing AC Grapes 3-0 thanks to strikes from Graham Aikman, Gareth Cox and Gino Metcalfe.

Inter Hemel Sunday also won well, beating Park Rangers Reserves 3-1 with goals from Ryan Smith (2) and Jack Fender.

Sean Workman, Matt Richardson and Jamie Russell were the match-winners for AMG United in their 3-2 victory over the Three Blackbirds, but Potten End Sunday and Hemel Corinthians could not be separated.

Ben Poole and Lee Owens found the net for Potten End, but an Andy Deaton brace ensured the game ended all square.

In Division Four, two players shared all eight of Big GC FC’s goals in their 8-2 trouncing of Hemel Corinthians Reserves.

Adrian Keane helped himself to five, while Dan Fitzgerald completed the scoring with a hat-trick.

The Old Bell Gate took the three points in their clash with Apsley Athletic, with Dale Camper and an own goal doing the damage.

Palace and Green Park Rovers played out a 1-1 draw as Matt Wollacott hit the target for Palace and Paul Wilkins replied for Rovers.