Darts : Defeat For Cornwall

Cornwall have slipped down the table after suffering their second defeat of the British Inter Counties Championship campaign, and find themselves 23 points behind leaders Gwent after the Welsh tabletoppers won 20-16 at Mount Charles Social Club, St Austell, writes Steve Chapman. The Ladies^ B team came from behind on three occasions to carve out a draw, thanks to wins from Tania Jenkin (17.48), Sally Van Evelingen (18.61) and Tracy Hancock (15.89). Lance Beckerleg (20.29) edged Cornwall in front for the first time when he took the opening set of the Men^s B encounter and although the Welsh visitors levelled, the lead was restored in the third set when John Mann (25.46) emerged a 3-2 winner. Gwent then unfortunately took charge and only Ian De Rosa (23.12) and Graham Elliott (21.09) were victorious from the remaining nine sets and Cornwall went into the second day trailing 11-7. A good start was now required from the Ladies^ A team and that is just what was served up as Nikki Furse (25.00), Teresa Brookshaw (16.13) and Sue Shepherd (21.47) all won to bring the Duchy within one point of their opponents. Gwent rallied to take the next two, but a 4-2 victory came to fruition when Angie Bird (18.83) defeated former World Championship semi-finalist and Welsh international Jan Robbins 3-2. The Welsh side now led 13-11, but their margin increased to 16-11 when they took the first three sets of the Men^s A encounter. Terry Webber (22.62) stopped the rot when carving out a 3-2 win and although, Gwent won the next, solid victories from Sean Johns (25.10) and Simon Stevenson (27.94) kept Cornwall in touch. But any hopes of a comeback were soon dashed as only Steve Pascoe (22.57) and Kevin De Rosa (26.16) emerged winners from the last five, which was a little disappointing to say the least. Kevin Davey played his 50th game for the county and certificates were also presented to Annie Lane and Sue Shepherd, marking 125 and 150 games respectively. As well as receiving her lady of the match award for a superb 25.00 average, Nikki Furse was also presented with a certificate from the British Darts Organisation for having the highest average in the division in the match against Middlesex in November. Cornwall^s next match will be played over the weekend of February 14/15 away at Dorset.

LEGENDS OF THE OCHE:

Three of the greatest names in darts appear in Legends of the Oche at Hall for Cornwall on Friday February 13. Bobby George, John Lowe and Eric Bristow go head-to-head in two hours of entertainment. The players have over 1,500 titles to their names, including 40 world titles. Bobby George is one of the most successful England Internationals of all time and widely recognised as the best known and most colourful and charismatic darts players. Eric Bristow, the Crafty Cockney, is one of the most famous British darts champions to date – with a string of International championship titles to his name. John Lowe remains to this day the only player in the history of darts to have won three World Championship titles in three separate decades. Presented by Duncan ^Chase Me^ Norvelle, see the players^ outstanding dart skills, hear their true stories, ask them questions and maybe even get to play with the legends. The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £15 and £12.50 – plus an 85p Theatre Fund payment. Book now by calling the Box Office on 01872 262 466 or book online at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

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Table tennis

POINTS MARATHONS:

The Christmas excesses apparently haven^t spoilt the stamina and fitness of some players as the West Cornwall Table Tennis League approaches the half way point of the season, writes Brian Nicholls. Since the re-commencement of matches from the festive season eight different sets have produced more than 100 points per set. The match between Falmouth Docks B and Bridge C saw two sets reach over the 100 points mark ensuring a late night for all concerned. The most eye catching of these marathon sets was the encounter between Scott Meagor (Cape Cornwall A) and Nathan Jones (Hayle School B). Scott eventually won 10-12, 11-13, 11-6, 11-6 and 19-17 for a grand total of 116 points for the set. Falmouth Docks A continue to lead the Premier Division with two 10-0 victories over St Ives and Bridge B. Such is the strength of the Docks club they were able to promote David Plumb for the unavailable Martin Rule and still secure victory without losing a set in one of those encounters. Hayle A have enjoyed mixed results with an 8-2 win and a loss to People^s Palace B by the same score. William Crenell has had to drop out of Hayle^s side due to injury. Olly Hamer from the First Division side is taking his place and has earlier made his mark in the season against Premier opposition. In the match against St Austell B, in the above mentioned 8-2 win, Olly overcame the experienced Tim Bowler to assist in his team^s victory. Bridge B are bottom with Falmouth Docks C and St Austell A six and eight points ahead respectively. St Austell B head Division One, but not by the margin anticipated by earlier results. They lead the Falmouth Docks D by 12 points and People^s Palace by 16. Four teams are closely bunched together at the foot of the table with Mylor A bottom but they have matches in hand. Three teams contest top honours in Division Two – Penpol, Falmouth Docks G and People^s Palace E. St Ives B, hot on the heels in fourth place, enjoyed a 10-0 victory over close rivals Falmouth Docks H, but succumbed to the venerable trio at People^s Palace E 7-3. Gordon Hoyes, aged 81, overcame Peter George in a 102 point thriller. Mount^s Bay B prop up this division and are 14 below their nearest rivals Harris Mill B. Judging by the scorecards received there are a number of 5-5 and 6-4 results by teams occupying the middle section of Division Three. Mylor C enjoyed a recent 10-0 walkover of Falmouth Docks J and now head the table by 15 points.

Badminton

FIRST VICTORY:

Cornwall U17s travelled to play Gloucester and won their first South West Counties match of the season 25-11.

Cornwall: Ross Lashbrook Launceston College; Patrick Davis Launceston College, Phil Lyle (capt) Launceston College, Huw Vicary Truro College, James Payne Callington School, David Collard* Callington College, Bronwen Wotton (Capt) Truro College, Lorna Garbett Callington College, Sofia Ziajka Callington College, Imogen Powell* Truro School, Bethany Wotton Hayle School, Daphne Luke Mounts Bay School, Eve Robertson Callington School.

The Cornwall U15 and U17 Dairy Crest Davidstow Junior Championships were staged at Penryn College.

UNDER 15s:

In the boys^ singles, the experienced Ben Cooper (Penryn College), beat boy Kris Jasper, from Launceston 21-17, 21-16. The girls^ singles was won by Imogen Powell (Helston) who defeated Bethany Wotton (Leedstown) 21-17, 21-19. In the boys^ doubles Ben Cooper and Sam Spencer (Penryn College) took on Lee Chapple (Mount^s Bay) and Tony Marshall (Bude), with the latter pair winning in three sets. The girls^ doubles witnessed another exciting three-ended match between Charlotte Somerville (Gorran) and Corinna Garbett (Liskeard) and Emma Higson (Padstow) and Stacey Pascoe (St Day) who were the winners. Lee Chapple and Beth Wotton beat Ben Cooper and Imogen Powell in the mixed doubles final.

UNDER 17s:

In the boys^ singles: Ross Lashbrook beat Patrick Davis (both Launceston College) 24-22, 21-10. Jo Bronwen (Truro College) beat Johanna Philp, (Port Isaac/Truro School) in the girls^ singles final 21-12, 21-8. In the boys^ doubles: Ross Lashbrook and Patrick Davis defeated James Payne (Callington School) and Trevelyan Greenhall (Helston College) 21-10, 21-8. Bethany Wotton (Hayle School) and Imogen Powell (Truro School) 63 points won the girls^ doubles with Bronwen Wotton and Lorna Garbett (Callington College) runners-up on 61 points. Ross and Bronwen defeated Tony Marshall (Bude) and Johanna Philp 21-10 21-9 to win the mixed doubles.

Hockey

TRELAWNEY DIVISION ONE:

Dart 2, Morgarows St Ives 1

Morgarows travelled to Exeter last Saturday to face league leaders Dart. They knew it was going to be a tough fixture as both clubs have been vying for the top spot since the beginning of the season and this game lived up to it^s reputation. Morgarows travelled with 13 players so fresh legs were there when needed, Dart being the home side also had subs so all was even at the start of the game. Morgarows dominated for the whole of the first half, their sloppy play from last week was forgotten and sharp, crisp passing kept the home side chasing shadows. The pace of the ball was a lot quicker, which again, was a great improvement from last week, possession was won and kept, with the whole team working triangles around the bewildered home side. Penalty corners were won but with the visitors struggled with their usual flowing routines the home side^s defence was more than equal to the challenges and cleared several attempts on goal. Morgarows did however score a deserved goal from a great move. Quick passing from the back linking through the midfield to the forwards resulted with a shot on goal being saved by the Dart keeper, who was, in this first half, the busier of the two goalies. Following up the initial save was midfield player Carol Julian who scored with a superb improvised reverse sweep to send the ball into the far corner. The Dart keeper was soon called into action again when a defender deliberately stopped the ball on the line with her foot. Helen Moran bravely stepped forward to take the awarded penalty flick but the keeper thwarted her attempt with a diving save. This meant Morgarows went into the break with a slim, but deserved 1-0 advantage. The home side cleverly worked out the stronghold that the Morgarows defence had over the game and altered their tactics accordingly so the second half was dominated by the home side. Their change in tactics meant a constantly changing forward line which disrupted the defence and allowed Dart^s midfield to push through overwhelming the visitors. Two quickly taken goals shook Morgarows who tried but failed to respond within the allotted time so the league leaders extended their points tally at the top of the division. Next week Morgarows face Oakhampton at Penzance Astro Park 11.30 pushback, all supporters welcome.

Morgarows: J Simpson, S Nankervis, C Rouncefield, H Moran, S Parton, L Thomas, N Tansey, G Pellow, C Julian, R Martin (c), R Moss, S Perkin, P Barlow.

● Morgarows invite you to their pig racing night at St Ives Rugby Club this Saturday January 31. Free admission and cheap drinks. First race is at 8pm, so don^t be late.

Cricket

INDOOR SIX-A-SIDE:

The semi-finals of this year^s Western Indoor cricket six-a-side at Truro Leisure Centre have been determined following the completion of group games. Truro were unbeaten in Group A ahead of Perranporth, Troon and Leedstown. Falmouth topped Group B ahead of Penzance, Chacewater, Mt Hawke and Mullion. Sunday^s (February 1) semi-finals are Truro v Penzance (1pm) and Falmouth v Perranporth (2.15pm). The final will follow at 3.30pm.

BOTALLACK CRICKET CLUB:

Botallack CC are holding their annual meeting at the Wellington Hotel, St Just on Sunday February 1, at 7.30pm. It is important that all players and members attend. New players and members welcome. For details contact Jonathan Whitaker: 01736787685/07983710714 or e-mail jonathanwhitaker@hotmail.co.uk

GOLDSITHNEY CRICKET CLUB:

Goldsithney^s annual meeting will be held in the Crown Inn, Goldsithney on Monday February 2, at 7.30pm. All players and officials are asked to attend and have your say about the election of officials and captains for the forthcoming season.

ROSUDGEON & KENNEGGY CRICKET CLUB:

Rosudgeon & Kenneggy Cricket Club hold their annual meeting on Monday February 9, 7.30pm in the Sports & Social Club. All welcome.

CORNWALL LEAGUE AGM: See full report, page 66.

Football

HAVE YOUR SAY:

People in Cornwall are invited to give their views on the state of the game, in return for entry into a draw for match tickets and other prizes. Last year Cornwall FA and The FA launched the National Game Strategy to develop football between 2008 and 2012. Cornwall FA will be aiming to achieve the goals which have been agreed. The Strategy^s basic aim is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game in a safe, positive environment. Barry Cudmore, Cornwall FA secretary said: "Having your say is important because we want to ensure the Strategy delivers what people want for football over the next four years. There is a questionnaire for people to complete online at cornwallfa.com or ask for a copy from our office on 01726 74080." Key areas of the Strategy are to increase the number of players and keep people in the game; raise standards and address abusive behaviour: develop better players, specifically, improving the quality of the 5-11 age group; and for The FA and Cornwall FA to lead and govern the game with integrity and minimum bureaucracy. Those who enter have until Saturday February 7 to fill in the questionnaire and will have a chance to enter a draw for prizes including a signed England shirt, 10 pairs of tickets to England v Slovakia and sports vouchers.

Women^s football

CORNWALL GAME OFF:

Cornwall^s South & West Women^s Counties Championship fixture with the Army was postponed last Wednesday. Cornwall next play at home to Gloucestershire on Wednesday February 11, then Devon on Tuesday February 24 at Wadebridge Town (7.30pm). On Sunday March 15 , Cornwall host Guernsey at Launceston (10.30am). The U18s are in action at home on Sunday February 15 against Wiltshire, then on Tuesday March 3 they play Devon at Plymouth Parkway (7.30pm).

BLANK WEEK FOR MAGPIES:

Cornwall League Division 2 Penzance w/o Wendron

Despite the Penlee Park pitch being fit for play on Sunday, Penzance were left frustrated as Wendron could not raise a team. With another washout of fixtures this week, the league awarded the fixture to the Magpies, rather than reschedule the game. Penzance welcome Charlestown to Penlee Park for the first time this Sunday (2.30) and victory for the Magpies will all but ensure their promotion to Division One. ● Penzance have been accepted into the Lucozade Sport Performance League Cup, a virtual competition with teams from across the country, whose ties are decided by goal tallies from their respective league fixtures. The eventual finalists will get to play at Manchester United^s Carrington training ground. The Magpies have also applied to join a similar league competition for next season. ● The Penzance LFC six-a-side Football Fiesta will take place on the last May Bank Holiday weekend, May 23-24. Entry is £25 per team for two full days of football. For a brochure, call 01736 874689 or visit the website at www.penzanceladiesfc.co.uk ● The Penzance Junior Magpies U12s have a Kernow Youth League fixture away to Truro City on Sunday. Meanwhile, Penzance Junior Magpies U14s have been drawn at home to Newquay Ladies in the semi-finals of the Kernow Girls League Cup. Newquay Saints play Charlestown in the other tie, both to be played on March 1.

Junior football

MINING LEAGUE DIVISION TWO:

Newlyn NA 2, Crown Inn Glory 0

Newlyn took the points in this local derby but were made to work hard by an improving Crown side that defended well. A strong wind and sticky pitch made it difficult for both sides, but the Crabs produced the best move of the game to take the lead midway through the first half. The ball was played out of defence to Will Wiltshire, who held it up well and laid it off for Callum Mitchell to curl a pass into the path of Adam Strowger to score. The second half saw Newlyn up the pressure and go close several times before Mitchell crossed for Strowger to score with a rare header at the back post. Failure to add to the goal tally led to some anxious moments in the Newlyn defence. But, with home keeper Pete Bainbridge only called into serious action once, doing well to tip over a wind-assisted shot, they were able to celebrate a second consecutive clean sheet.

DIVISION THREE:

Gulval Res 1, Wendron 5ths 2

In sticky conditions underfoot, Gulval looked to bounce back after last week^s loss. Playing against the bottom team in the table, action moved from one end to the other in an entertaining, well-fought game. Wendron took the lead midway through the first half, but Gulval created a lot at the other end. With seconds remaining in the first half, Gulval failed to level as Corey Howes struck a penalty wide. The same effort from both teams continued into the second half, with Gulval finally drawing level through Charlie Pearce^s excellent shot. But Wendron took the points with a spectacular effort of around 50 yards, catching the keeper off his line.

Story By: The Herald

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