Morpeth I 7 Durham City I 1 North East Hockey League, Premier Division

AFTER a couple of recent defeats, Morpeth men’s first team returned to winning ways with an excellent performance against Durham City.

Their high-tempo plan worked to perfection as within the first minute of the game, the hosts won a short corner. It was a pin-point injection from McLean to Danecki at the top of the D, who in turn fired home into the bottom corner.

This gave Morpeth a surge of confidence and they looked to take the early initiative by adding to the goals tally. And it was only a matter of minutes before the boys in green and gold scored a second, this time Danecki being neatly played in on goal before rounding the keeper and very calmly knocking the ball in with a reverse-stick shot.

After only five minutes Morpeth had complete control, dominating possession in the middle of the pitch and passing the ball around with great confidence and style.

It was not long before they found themselves a third goal, when great play up the left-hand side from Breakey in only his second appearance for the firsts enabled him to play an inch-perfect pass to Valentine on the back post who fired into the roof of the net.

Morpeth further extended their lead on the 15-minute mark, this time great build-up play in the midfield allowed Andy Carser to push forward and find himself a goal with a clean strike past the on-looking keeper.

Again within minutes Morpeth added a further two, Valentine finding his second and then a calm finish on the near post from Will Mooney putting the home side 6-0 up going into half-time.

After a very positive chat from skipper Brown, Morpeth looked to further seize the initiative and break into double figures.

Although keeping a consistent pace to their play, the home side seemed to take their foot off the pedal slightly.

Even though they could afford to due to the strong first half, several other chances went begging and a slight dip in concentration meant that they could only add one more goal.

The seventh came from another short corner, again an immaculate injection from McLean, this time to McPate, who flicked the ball into the right-hand corner with tremendous precision.

Morpeth seemed certain to keep a clean sheet, until minutes from the end when a ball was fired across only to take a wicked deflection off McLean’s back stick and rifle past the helpless keeper Jackson.

Moments later the full-time whistle blew and with it a much-needed three points for the mighty Peth and an improved goal difference which will help them kick on into the coming weeks.

Amble United stamped their authority on the Premier Division title race with a 7-1 thumping of visitors Shankhouse this afternoon.

Their nearest rivals, Heaton Stannington, had their match postponed.

In Division One, Wallington notched an impressive 5-2 victory against Willington Quay Saints, while Morpeth Town A lost 0-4 at home to Northbank Carlisle.

Ponteland United made it through to Round Three of the Combination Cup, beating Newcastle Chemfica 4-2.

And in Round Two of the Amateur Cup, Wooler lost 3-0 at Blyth Isabella.

RESULTS

Saturday, November 24

PREMIER DIVISION

Amble United 7 Shankhouse 1

Blyth Town v Heaton Stannington pp

Gateshead Rutherford 2 Percy Main Amateurs 1

Harraby Utd 1 Seaton Delaval Amateurs 1

Walker Central 0 Killingworth Sporting 5

Wallsend Town 3 Ashington Colliers 1

Whitley Bay A 0 Carlisle City 2

DIVISION ONE

Forest Hall 3 Hexham 4

Newcastle University 1 Gosforth Bohemians 2

Morpeth Town A 0 Northbank Carlisle 4

Wallington 5 Willington Quay Saints 2

DIVISION TWO

Cramlington United v Grainger Park B C pp

New Fordley 1 Alston 1

Newcastle Benfield Reserves 3 Alnwick Town Reserves 1

Swalwell 0 Wallsend Boys Club 2

THE PIN POINT RECRUITMENT COMBINATION CUP, ROUND TWO

Cullercoats 2 Red House Farm 5

Bedlington Terriers Reserves 0 Heddon 1

Ponteland United 4 Newcastle Chemfica 2

Cramlington Town 4 Gateshead Redheugh 5

THE PIN POINT RECRUITMENT AMATEUR CUP, ROUND TWO

Wideopen & District 0 Seaton Burn 1 (aet)

Blyth Isabella 3 Wooler 0

High Howdon S C 0 Longbenton 5

Birtley St Josephs 2 North Shields Athletic 0

PREMIER DIVISION

Amble United stretched their lead at the top as they thumped seven past Shankhouse this afternoon, writes Jon Tait.

Brett Aisbitt and Sean Taylor both celebrated doubles with Matty Graham, Ross Gair and an own-goal making up the tally.

Josh Miller hit the consolation for the shell-shocked visitors, who crashed to the foot of the table as Rutherford celebrated a narrow win over Percy Main.

Mark McMeekin headed the opener and although Chris Bell levelled, Eddie Keenan grabbed the winner with just three minutes left.

Killingworth Sporting never looked back after Paul Baird’s first minute strike at Walker Central and added four more through Connal Reed, Ben Kiddy and Darren Walsh with Baird’s second finishing the job.

Sean Bannon and Kyle Armstrong netted for Carlisle City at Whitley Bay A, who had Ryan Keltie dismissed, and Harraby United were also reduced to 10 men in their draw with Seaton Delaval.

Alex Benjamin had missed a penalty for the Red Devils before shooting them in front, while Lee Otway rounded the keeper to slot the leveller.

Both sides hit the woodwork, Matthew Thompson saw red and United keeper Jamie Greenall make a couple of brilliant stops to deny Benjamin and Rob Haney.

An own-goal gave Wallsend Town the advantage against Ashington Colliers and they added two more from Paul McHutcheon and Chris Garwood. Michael Hogg struck for the visitors.

DIVISION ONE

Wallington moved into second spot with games in hand as three late goals gave them three hard-earned points against Willington Quay Saints at Pegswood.

Jordan Nellis and sub John Paxton both struck twice, with Sam Walton grabbing the other, while Mark Henderson got both Saints’ replies.

Scott Robson’s double helped Hexham to victory at Forest Hall. Gavin Cox and Jamie Peel also netted with the home side’s Josh Gow (two) and Dan Sherliker crashing home.

Will Allison scored for Newcastle Uni but Bohs took the points with Joe Baker and Dan Child notching at the other end and Northbank got back to winning ways as Mark Worrall hit a hat-trick at Morpeth Town A. Martin Blair got the other.

DIVISION TWO

Newcastle Benfield Reserves continued to climb the table with goals from Steve Thompson, Adrian Handyside and Chris Thompson against Alnwick Town Reserves, who had Jake Lowes fire in.

Michael Starkie netted twice in Wallsend Boys Club’s 2-0 win at Swalwell and it ended all-square between New Fordley and Alston.

Lee Waugh shot the home side ahead five minutes after the break, but Greg Irwin levelled for the Cumbrians just two minutes later.

PIN POINT RECRUITMENT COMBINATION CUP

Ponteland came from behind against Newcastle Chemfica to advance into the semi-finals.

Lenny Lansbury’s first-minute opener was overturned by goals from Mark Findlay, Paul Ford and Billy Holden. Steve McLaughlin gave Chemfica hope, but Richard Kent finished them off with a fourth five minutes from the end.

They will play Heddon, who had Robbie Frame on target with the only goal at Bedlington Terriers Reserves.

The other semi will feature Gateshead Redheugh, who won a nine-goal thriller at Cramlington United, and Red House Farm, who stormed past Cullercoats.

Ben Howell (two), Craig Williams, John Dewhurst and Joe Bell fired in for Redheugh at the league leaders, who had Steven Elsey (two), Jordan Watson and David Wilson on the scoresheet.

Jack Martin crashed in a double for Red House with Lee Brady, Zak Brogden and Joe Devitt netting the others, Steven Hart and Daniel Sneap grabbing the Doves’ replies.

PIN POINT RECRUITMENT AMATEUR CUP

Second-half strikes from Dan Irving and Niki Langston gave Birtley St Joseph’s a deserved win over leaders North Shields Athletic and booked them a semi-final berth against Seaton Burn, who won a close encounter at Wideopen through Dave Hewitt jnr’s 97th minute winner.

Blyth Isabella will meet Longbenton in the other semi.

Isabella had Matt Lavender, Kris Allington and Daniel Hislop on target in a good win over second-in-the-table Wooler, while the Bulls cruised through 5-0 at High Howdon.

David Short (two), Anthony Peel, Rob Woods and David Kane did the damage.

RESULTS

Saturday, November 24

PREMIER DIVISION

Amble United 7 Shankhouse 1

Blyth Town v Heaton Stannington pp

Gateshead Rutherford 2 Percy Main Amateurs 1

Harraby Utd 1 Seaton Delaval Amateurs 1

Walker Central 0 Killingworth Sporting 5

Wallsend Town 3 Ashington Colliers 1

Whitley Bay A 0 Carlisle City 2

DIVISION ONE

Forest Hall 3 Hexham 4

Newcastle University 1 Gosforth Bohemians 2

Morpeth Town A 0 Northbank Carlisle 4

Wallington 5 Willington Quay Saints 2

DIVISION TWO

Cramlington United v Grainger Park B C pp

New Fordley 1 Alston 1

Newcastle Benfield Reserves 3 Alnwick Town Reserves 1

Swalwell 0 Wallsend Boys Club 2

THE PIN POINT RECRUITMENT COMBINATION CUP, ROUND TWO

Cullercoats 2 Red House Farm 5

Bedlington Terriers Reserves 0 Heddon 1

Ponteland United 4 Newcastle Chemfica 2

Cramlington Town 4 Gateshead Redheugh 5

THE PIN POINT RECRUITMENT AMATEUR CUP, ROUND TWO

Wideopen & District 0 Seaton Burn 1 (aet)

Blyth Isabella 3 Wooler 0

High Howdon S C 0 Longbenton 5

Birtley St Josephs 2 North Shields Athletic 0

MORPETH-BASED SGR Racing’s season drew to an end at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent.

The team, in conjunction with Jason Douglas Racing, ran the Yamaha R6 in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 race and again Xavier Zayat on the SGR 125GP Honda in the British Monster Energy Motostar Championship.

Team manager and co-director Steve Kinghorn said: “Although we didn’t gain the results we had hoped for this season, the team has continued to develop the 125GP bike and has high hopes for the 2013 season already.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way this past year, including all our sponsors and everyone who has donated to the team via Facebook and our webpage.

“We are aiming to run the 125GP bike again for the 2013 season and would love to run a Moto3 bike or Stock 600 bike. So if anyone feels they can help us to achieve this and promote their company, please contact the team through the website www.sgrracing.co.uk”

A LOCAL player showed his talent by winning the Junior Open at Ponteland Golf Club.

Marcus Dixon received the coveted Robbie Robertson Trophy and Stewart Blair Jug at the event, sponsored by commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), after beating more than 50 other competitors from a range of areas with his score of 42 points.

The scoring system took into account the ages of the participants, who were between 10 and 21 years old.

The 16-year-old champion said: “I’m really proud to have won this tournament, especially on my home turf.

“I’m hoping to continue the progress I’ve made this year as a golfer and am very grateful to everyone connected with the club for their commitment to junior golf.”

The Junior Open at Ponteland Golf Club has taken place for the last six years. It has a handicap limit of 36 for girls and 28 for boys.

Darron Barker, Director and Head of Office at LSH in Newcastle, said: “We would like to extend our congratulations to Marcus for his fine performance on the day.

“We are delighted to have sponsored the Ponteland Golf Club Junior Open for the fourth year running.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to support and encourage junior golf and we hope to continue our association with this event for many years to come.”

For further information on next year’s event, interested parties should contact the secretary’s office on 01661 822689 – extension 3.

Ponteland United 4 Newcastle Chemfica 2 Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup, Round Two

WITH Rankin and Rae injured and Lamb unavailable, United made three changes from the side which beat Seaton Delaval last Saturday for this Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup second round match.

The game was only a minute old when United found themselves a goal down after centre-forward Leonard Lansbury got on the end of a throw-in to put the visitors in front.

However, it didn’t take long before Pont were level, with Cook the architect on seven minutes.

As Pont surged forward, the ball was fed to the powerful front man who swivelled well to get to the bye-line before squaring the ball to Marc Findlay to crash the ball into the roof of the net.

United then started to play some good football with Findlay, Hodgson and Davidson linking well in midfield and feeding Cook and Holden up front.

Holden was looking particularly dangerous with his speed and quickness of feet.

From a Holden pass, Davidson shot at the keeper and later Holden himself shot wide, having done all the hard work.

At the other end, Chemfica had two excellent forwards in Lansbury and McLaughlin with the latter being denied by an excellent save by Taylor. Armstrong made a rare burst down the right to collect a ball from Ford and was brought down.

Davidson’s curling free-kick with pace was headed goalwards by Holden and Ford made certain, heading in from a few yards out to put the black and whites back in front.

Cook had another powerful run, this time on the left, and as he approached the goal he opted to ignore the in-coming Holden and somehow forced the ball onto the post before it rolled across the goal-line.

Holden followed in but was thwarted by a last-ditch tackle by a defender.

In the closing minutes of the half, Chemfica gave a warning of their capabilities.

Lansbury broke away down the centre and was denied by Taylor palming the ball around the post.

Shortly afterwards, McLaughlin similarly raced clear but Armstrong’s determination to catch him probably hurried the striker who shot wide with only Taylor to beat. Half-time, United 2 Chemfica 1.

In the first period of the second half, United weren’t keeping the ball quite as well and were defending deeper.

Ten minutes into the half, Kent replaced Ford which perhaps gave the side a better balance down the right and with the ever-improving L’Argent down the left, United were blessed with pace all across the front line. An excellent cross by Cook found L’Argent which the midfielder hit first-time but screwed it high and wide.

On 65 minutes, a flowing move with Hodgson, Kent and Cook all involved ended with Cook slipping the ball through to Holden who shot early past Weatherstone to give United some breathing space.

Chemfica kept plugging away though and played some good football without really troubling the United rearguard until the excellent McLaughlin pounced on a lack of concentration by Davidson as he lingered on the ball just outside the Ponteland area and smacked it into the far corner to lift the visitors’ spirits.

United brought on Anderson and Wright to replace Cook and Davidson as Chemfica pushed more bodies forward in search of an equaliser.

United always looked dangerous on the break though and with five minutes to go Wright, with instant control, found Kent with an exquisite pass, racing clear of the defence and finishing with aplomb past the advancing keeper Weatherstone to fire United into the semi-final where they will meet Heddon, who disposed of Bedlington Terriers Reserves 1-0.

A GROUP of Morpeth Rugby Club youngsters were sent packing on Saturday – but it was all in a good cause as they were raising funds for their first overseas rugby tour.

The boys who play for the U14s side, with support from their coaches and parents, took it in turns to help pack customers’ bags at the check-outs of Marks & Spencer in Sanderson Arcade.

Some handy work by the enthusiastic youngsters and the generosity of shoppers saw more than £570 collected, which will go towards funding the tour next Easter (April 5 to 8, 2013).

The team will be travelling to the Netherlands to play two games of rugby against teams from the Noordwijk area and will be staying in youth hostels for the duration of the trip.

Morpeth U14s coach Dave Chattaway added to the fund with a donation of £142 following his recent sponsored bike ride.

Further activities, including a refreshing New Year’s Day sponsored dip in the North Sea, are planned over the next few months as the team looks to raise as much money as possible to offset the cost of the trip, which will be around £260 per head.

Mr Chattaway said: “An overseas tour will be a great opportunity for the boys to enjoy the sporting culture of another country, play some rugby and experience the hospitality of other nations.

“The bag pack was a great success and the boys were brilliant – they were very polite and a credit to the club and team. Thanks to everyone who donated, it’s really appreciated.”

Pledges of money and suggestions for fund-raising ideas can be made to Dave Chattaway on 07739 206317 or Tracy Sweet at swwt240@btinternet.com

Birtley Town 0 Morpeth Town 3 Ebac Northern League Division Two

THE Highway Men returned to league action on Saturday at Birtley, looking to gain three points to keep their promotion push on track, writes David McMeekan.

Morpeth were soon into their stride, utilising the flanks to put the home side on the back foot.

Anderson put in a series of dangerous crosses and corners in the opening phase of the game. From these, Tumilty almost broke the deadlock on five minutes when his towering header was cleared off the line with the home keeper well beaten.

The visitors held the initiative for the whole of the first half but the packed home defence managed to hold them at bay until the final minute of the half.

Dines burst into the penalty area and was impeded in the process of shooting. The ever-reliable Chilton dispatched the penalty to give the Highway Men a deserved lead.

In the second half, Scott on the left and Anderson on the right continued to stretch the home defence.

Ten minutes in, Scott forced his way to the bye-line and cut the ball back to Chilton who finished from close range.

Twenty minutes from time Chilton completed the scoring and his hat-trick with the goal of the game. After a neat interchange of play on the right between Hiftle and Anderson, Hiftle bent a 25-yard cross between the home centre-backs and the advancing Chilton volleyed home from 12 yards out.

Birtley were now a spent force and long-range efforts from Dunn, Lunn and Anderson almost increased the Highway Men’s lead.

This was an impressive victory that maintains their promotion challenge.

Morpeth travel to Tow Law on Saturday then it’s on to Qatar for an exciting overseas trip where they will play a Qatari Select XI in Doha on Tuesday.

Morpeth Town: Mundy, Henderson (Hiftle), Wilson, Grant, Tumilty, Dunn, Dines (Darwent) Anderson, Scott, Anderson, Chilton (Lunn), Keenan. Rusty’s Taxis man-of-the-match: Michael Chilton.

• Manager Nicky Gray admitted that his side had given themselves an uphill task by going 3-0 down early on against Ashington in the Northumberland Senior Cup Quarter-finals a week last Wednesday, but hopes they will learn from it.

Morpeth did at least come back into the game, as they ended up losing 3-6.

Gray said: “We kept going right until the end but I was disappointed in the manner in which we conceded the goals and we have got to learn from it. If we do so, then we will be all right for the remainder of the season.”

The next match at Craik Park is against Northallerton on Saturday, December 8. Kick-off is 3pm.

Newcastle University 3 v Morpeth I 2

MORPETH’S men’s first team faced another University side growing in strength and confidence as they settled into their season.

The game started at a high tempo and the early attacks from Newcastle were duly dealt with by the experienced defence.

Morpeth scored the first goal within the first 10 minutes after a decisive counter attack found captain Ritchie Brown in the D, who finished clinically after four quick passes split the home defence wide open.

Having conceded a number of cheap penalty corners, Morpeth faced another routine from the University

This time, the initial strike wide of the goal was deflected up and onto the defender guarding the post resulting in a penalty flick.

After his recent penalty flick save, Morpeth keeper Steve Jackson confidently took his place between the posts and the strike rebounded off the post.

Almost from the second-half whistle, Morpeth worked their way into the D and earned a penalty corner. The initial strike was pushed wide by the keeper towards Morpeth forward Ross Valentine, who controlled the ball and found the gap between keeper and post to score the second.

Another penalty corner for Newcastle was flicked hard towards the goal and deflected off the stick of the closing defender taking the ball wide of the committed keeper for their first goal and the start of a change in momentum in the second half.

After some good runs from forward John Dixon, the ball was collected high up the pitch.

One such penetration in the D led to a strike on goal that rebounded off post and keeper to fall harmlessly over the back line.

A pacey attack from Newcastle down their right hand channel forced a low tackle on the reverse side from defender Phil Holmes.

The advancing player slipped on the outstretched stick and the umpire reached straight for a yellow card to leave Morpeth playing with just 10 men against the advancing home side.

Soon after, a speculative hit rebounded off the far post directly to the Newcastle forward who demonstrated greater anticipation than Morpeth centre back, Stuart Fairbrother, rounding the keeper to finish the rather fortunate opportunity.

At two goals each, Newcastle received a final gift after a moment of confusion between umpire and players which resulted in another penalty corner awarded against the Morpeth side.

The Newcastle striker flicked the ball wide of the goal. Defender Fairbrother was stunned as the ball struck his thigh and redirected it just inside the left post.

Morpeth I 3 Stockton 2

MORPETH firsts bounced back from Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle University with a decent home victory against Stockton.

The home side started the game in a very attacking mindset, pushing the visitors deep into their own half and creating some decent chances early on.

After a couple of short corners and some near misses, Morpeth finally took the lead. A penalty flick awarded and very calmly converted by defender Stuart Fairbrother.

However, it was the away side who got themselves an equaliser.

Morpeth persisted and this gave them the upper hand going into half-time.

As the second half got underway, a slight change in tactic seemed to make all the difference.

Morpeth allowing Stockton the ball but denying any space resulted in numerous mistakes from the Stockton midfield. From this, Morpeth were able to break up the pitch and win themselves another succession of short corners.

They took the lead again when Brown fired a shot that rebounded off the keeper into the path of Mooney, who skilfully scooped it over the top and into the net.

The home side further increased their lead from the next short corner, Brown drilling a hard slap shot to the goalkeeper’s right, which ricocheted in to the side netting.

Stockton managed to grab a late goal to make it a tight finish, but Morpeth showed character and resilience and were able to hold on for the victory.

Hartlepool Rovers 25 Ponteland 19 Durham and Northumberland Division One

THE curse of the A19 struck Ponteland again as they went down to a close defeat against Hartlepool Rovers.

Pont have never enjoyed the best of times in this part of the world but came into this game in buoyant mood against a Rovers side who had lost three of their previous four matches.

The visitors started the better. Rovers were penalised for infringements at the break down and despite an early miss, Michael Mullins soon made amends, slotting over a penalty after 12 minutes to give Ponteland a 3-0 lead.

This seemed to spur Hartlepool into life and after a spell of pressure they scored an unconverted try, although the grounding was questionable the referee awarded the score.

Back came the away side and they scored what was undoubtedly the try of the match to reclaim the lead. Calling a mark in his own 22, Peter Maughan expertly manoeuvred into some space to gain Pont ground.

What followed was an excellent example of support play as Rob Lenderyou’s lay-off found Will Newbigin, who in turn set up his brother Pete to dive over for his first try for the first XV.

But despite some excellent aspects to their play, Pont were constantly shooting themselves in the foot. A poor catch from the restart saw the hosts awarded a penalty which they converted with 30 minutes played. After gifting possession back to the home side, they ran in their second try to retake the lead (13-10).

Philip Mundy made an excellent break which led to a penalty for the visitors, which Mullins knocked over to level the scores at 13-13 going into the break.

In the second half, the visitors were caught cold as a persistent spell of early pressure from Hartlepool resulted in the centre running through at pace to score their third try to make it 20-13 with the conversion.

Pont kept plugging away and Mullins sent over another penalty to bring the score to within four points as the penalty side for both sides crept up.

But they were made to pay for a couple of handling errors which could have seen them claim their second try as Rovers went up the other end to score their fourth of the match.

Ponteland secured a bonus point when Mullins put over a penalty with the last kick of the game to make the final score 25-19.

Team: Coulthard, Norris, Kelly, Robinson, Freer, Lenderyou, Mundy, McGookin, Maughan, Mullins, Britland, Storey, Moller, P. Newbigin, W. Newbigin. Sub: Bell.

Morpeth 3 Middlesbrough 17 North One East

A WEEK is a long time in sport and so it proved as Morpeth went down to a disappointing home defeat against a Boro outfit that was stronger up front and worked efficiently to gain a well-merited victory.

This was a game in which Morpeth could hardly say they deserved a share of the spoils and were ultimately defeated by the better team on the day.

It was a gloomy day when the home side, in good form after recent victories, kicked off towards the clubhouse end with Craigs immediately in the action, leaping high to continue the momentum and prove a focal point. Quick ball was recycled but eventually came to nothing.

Unfortunately this proved to be one of the highest points of the game from a Morpeth perspective as they failed to maintain their early promise.

On their first visit into the Morpeth 22, an attacking line-out and drive saw Morrison trip, thereby allowing the Boro fly-half to cross over unopposed. The successful conversion made it a seven-point score.

Morpeth did get on the score-sheet when Phillips converted a penalty, albeit he missed another from a similar distance, and when the Teessiders converted one of their own it made the half-time score 10-3 to Boro.

Five minutes into the second half, a sizzling outside break by the Boro centre saw him race over from fully 40 metres to touch down under the posts, leaving a simple conversion to make the score 17-3.

It was a crucial score with the home side unable to make any impact on the game which became as gloomy as the weather.

Try as they might Morpeth could not breach the Boro defence as the half-backs pushed the home side back into their half, thereby controlling the territory and the game.

MORPETH Harriers will be forced to reckon without the services of leading light Jonathan Taylor at next month’s North Eastern Counties Championships in Hartlepool a week on Saturday, writes George Patterson.

Instead, he will be spearheading the Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland squad at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on the following day.

Taylor fully earned his selection as the country’s number one when he achieved one of the biggest victories of his career in Saturday’s McCain UK Cross Challenge meeting at Sefton Park, Liverpool, which also incorporated the official European Trials.

He certainly put in an excellent performance as he clearly outclassed a strong line-up in the Senior Men’s 9.8k event and won with 20 metres and four seconds to spare over Aldershot’s Andy Vernon (29m59s), who was defending his title.

Third place went to Stockport’s Steve Vernon (30m00s), with Tom Humphries of Cannock finishing fourth in 30m03s. Inter Counties winner Keith Gerrard of Newham secured the final automatic spot for Budapest when he placed fifth in 30m04s.

The only other Morpeth Harrier competing in Liverpool was Nick Swinburn, who will feel a little disappointed in finishing 59th in 32m10s.

l A week last Saturday saw the 61st running of the annual Brampton to Carlisle 10-mile Road Race and 17 Morpeth Harriers made the trip to Cumbria to take some share of the spoils on offer.

The results have now been ratified with regards to the North of England Championships, which were incorporated within the event, after eligibility checks were made. There was team success in the women’s section as they took victory in front of Keswick AC, with local rivals Blyth RC finishing third.

They were led home by Joanne Brown (third in 65m16s), with Charlotte Wilson placing fourth (65m55s) and Jane Briggs completing the scoring three in 13th place.

Morpeth Harriers’ men were third after Paul Waterston (56m18s) was eighth, Phil Walker (57m02s) came in tenth place and Fergus Bates (57m52s) finished 13th.

Pam Woodcock was first Over 60 Lady in 79m01s and the other club finishers were as follows: Chris Waugh (60m45s), Matthew Forster (61m04s), Rob Hancox (62m45s), Michael Winter (63m33s), Hamish McCallister-Williams (67m52s), Bob Sewell (68m28s), Mike Steven (70m53s), Norman Clark (75m08s), Ian Corner (78m45s) and Peter Maylia (92m34s).

• Morpeth Harriers sprinter Jack Hepple was in electrifying form at the Gateshead Indoor Standards Meeting, held at the Gateshead College facility on Thursday, November 22.

He ran two 60m races and won them both. In the first race, the Under 20 specialist clocked 7.27s, however then returned to better his time to 7.26s which was a new personal best.

Hepple’s athletics career has certainly taken off since linking up with Morpeth Harriers sprint coach Eddie Hedley, which has seen him find a regular place in his club’s Senior Men’s Track and Field squad and win the Under 20 Men’s Grand Prix at the Start Fitness North Eastern Athletics League series.

He still also has the odd link-up with his other coach Mick Groves for additional sessions, which are providing a perfect platform for what is a resurrected and blossoming athletics career.

Hepple began with Morpeth Harriers when he was 11, concentrating on distance road and cross country, and was very much part of a strong Under 13 Boys squad at the time. He then had a spell away from the sport to concentrate on junior football, however two broken legs in 18 months somewhat encouraged his return to his original love.

Other club performances at the Standards Meeting saw Alex Nesbit clock 7.97s for second in the Under 17 Men’s 60m and sisters Naomi and Nadine Arkle finished tenth and third in the respective Under 15 Girls and Under 13 Girls 60m with clockings of 9.13s and 9.32s, which was a new personal best for the latter.

• Following his excellent run at the opening fixture of the Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League, Morpeth Harriers have given their October 2012 Benfield Motor Group Athlete of the Month award to Elliot Kelly.

Running from the Slow Pack, he showed a clean pair of heels on what was a very muddy course to win the Under 17 Men’s event with 35 seconds to spare over his closest rival and succeeded in clocking the fastest time of the day.

• Holding a justified reputation as one of the fastest courses in the country, the Abbey Dash attracted a record entry of over 7,000 runners to the city of Leeds.

There were a number of fine individual performances and several personal bests recorded by those Morpeth Harriers who made the short journey down the A1.

With neither of Morpeth’s first and second place representatives from last year, Jonathan Taylor and Nick McCormick, opting to run this time, the race itself was won by Luke Cragg of Leeds City in a time of 29mins 30secs, with Josh Lilley of Tipton in second.

Not far behind them, however, was Morpeth’s Ian Hudspith, who placed sixth in a time of 29m59s and also took the award for first veteran male over 40.

He was followed home by Lewis Timmins, 16th in 30m27s, and Ross Floyd, 33rd in a new personal best of 31m08s. Michael Dawson was next home, 46th in 31m42s.

Three Harriers competed in the race for the first time and there was a close battle between them, with Jordan Scott finishing 156th in a time of 34m26s, Mike Thomsen 162nd in 34m37s and Tom Straughan 166th in 34m40s.

There were also personal bests for Scott and Straughan.

In his first race of the year after a long spell out with injury, Peter Scaife finished in a time of 42m24s.

In the women’s race, won by Alison Dixon in a time of 32m53s ahead of two previous winners, Rebecca Robinson and Susan Partridge, Kate Chapman was Morpeth’s sole representative. She finished as 56th woman home, completing the course in 41m50s.

• In the Osaka Marathon in Japan on Sunday, the men’s race winner Serod Batochir of Morpeth Harriers and Mongolia, ran 2hrs 11m52s to set a new course record.

The top Japanese finisher, Yasuyuki Nakamura of Suzuki Hamamatsu AC, was second in a new personal best of 2hrs 15m37s.

Half-marathon national record holder Atsushi Sato of Team Chugoku Denryoku was third in 2hrs 16m26s.

• Although well outside his course record of 16m11s, Morpeth Harrier Graeme Taylor was still more than a match for his rivals in Saturday’s Gateshead 5k Park Run in Saltwell Park, which he won in 16m36s.

PREMIER DIVISION

With most of the Northern Alliance programme on ice due to the frosty conditions this afternoon, Walker Central moved up to eighth spot in the Premier Division with a goal in each half at Percy Main, writes Jon Tait.

James Mottram netted the opener direct from a corner and James Walker added number two from the penalty spot after Dean Morgan had tripped Mottram in the box.

DIVISION ONE

Strikes from Craig Stafford and mark Race put Bedlington Terriers Reserves back on top of Division One as they took the points at Willington Quay Saints. Kane Chirnside netted for the home team.

DIVISION TWO

Damien Stevens latched onto a goalkeeping error to shoot Birtley Saint Joseph’s ahead against Alston and Tony Smith crashed in the second from outside the box in the second half. The win moved St Joe’s up to third.

NORTHUMBERLAND FA MINOR CUP

Doubles from Kurran Dhugga and Jake Salisbury helped Newcastle Uni into the fourth round of the Northumberland FA Minor Cup – but they were made to work hard for the win by a dogged Cramlington United side.

Dave Mifsud and an own-goal completed the Students’ haul, with Callum Nixon, Niall Young, Ryan Waite and Ian Doughan all netting for United in the 10-goal thriller.

There was more excitement at New York, where Wideopen blew a 5-1 lead before winning 7-5 in extra-time.

Despite going behind, Wideopen smashed in five times up to the hour – then took their foot off the gas and three goals in the last 10 minutes made it all-square. The second division side breathed a sigh of relief with two goals in the first period of extra-time.

Chris Sword (two), Shickle (two), Robert Edwardson, Thomas McGregor and Will Nutman were the scorers in a thrilling tie.

RESULTS

Saturday, December 1

PREMIER DIVISION

Ashington Colliers v Amble United pp

Carlisle City v Stocksfield p

Hebburn Reyrolle v Blyth Town pp

Killingworth Sporting v Gateshead Rutherford pp

Percy Main Amateurs 0 Walker Central 2

Seaton Delaval Amateurs v Heaton Stannington pp

Whitley Bay A v Harraby Utd pp

DIVISION ONE

Heddon v Gosforth Bohemians pp

Morpeth Town A v Wallington pp

Northbank Carlisle v Ponteland United pp

Willington Quay Saints 1 Bedlington Terriers Reserves 2

DIVISION TWO

Birtley St Joseph’s 2 Alston 0

High Howdon SC v Swalwell pp

Longbenton v Wallsend Boys Club pp

A POPULAR equestrian event will have a new home from next year.

The Belsay Horse Trials, formerly known as the Hexham Horse Trials, will take place on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, in the Grade I-listed parkland that surrounds Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens.

Organisers are hoping that the cross-country, dressage and show-jumping action will attract big crowds at its new venue.

Edward and Jane Pybus will be bringing their experience of the Hexham event, which they ran with Bobby and Sarah Charlton at The Linnels for 25 years, together with support from much of the original organising committee.

“The beautiful parkland surrounding the 14th-century castle at Belsay is absolutely perfect for a horse trials event and we are very grateful to the trustees of the Belsay Charitable Trust, which maintains the parkland, for allowing us to use this historic venue,” said Mr Pybus.

“There is already a lot of excitement among competitors about coming to Belsay next year and we hope to build a really exciting event here, which will also attract a large number of spectators.”

The Pybuses are organising the Belsay Horse Trials with Peter and Laura de Wesselow, who live in the village.

Mrs de Wesselow, who represents the current generation of the Middleton family that have resided at Belsay for more than 800 years, said: “Belsay has a wonderful equestrian heritage.

“My family bred and trained racehorses here in the 18th and 19th centuries and even won the St Leger at Doncaster in 1859 with a horse called Gamester, so it is very exciting that we are now bringing eventing to Belsay.”

International course designer Ronald Alexander has designed the BE90, BE100 and Novice sections for 2013, as well as the infrastructure for the Intermediate section that will commence in 2014. Work is about to start on the course, which is being built by experienced BE-accredited builder Peter Wilson.

English Heritage, which manages the hall, castle and gardens, is fully supportive and site manager Kate Anceau said staff are already planning on how the attraction can complement the event.

VOLUNTEERS and staff at a Tranwell riding centre have been rewarded for their skills and dedication at a special ceremony.

Following a dressage competition held at the Pegasus Centre, the accolades were presented by RDA National Chairman, Sam Orde, in front of an appreciative audience of riders and their families and friends.

Some of the recipients, including four volunteers, were receiving RDA Group Instructor badges, recognising their abilities to deliver lessons. Emily Froggatt, a member of staff, also received her EQL BHS Level 1 certificates in Riding Horses and in Horse Knowledge and Care.

First Aid at Work certificates were presented to six people, following successful completion of a course held at the venue by Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure, which is a partner in the Pegasus Centre.

Centre Manager Martin Peagam said: “The riders here benefit from the skills that our volunteers and staff have, so it is great that they can see these people receive formal recognition of the skills and knowledge they have acquired whilst at the Pegasus Centre.”

The centre is committed to providing staff and volunteers with training opportunities and it currently has a number of young volunteers working towards the Young Equine Leaders Award.

Meanwhile, riders can once again go on their horses outside following the restoration of a riding track by volunteers from Greggs.

The seven people offered their services for a day and they not only restored the track, but also cleared away overgrown bushes, installed noticeboards and even assisted with the delivery of lessons.

Mr Peagam said: “The restoration of the outdoor track has been fantastic and will bring great pleasure to so many of our riders.

“The track had taken a pounding during the wet weather and it was unsafe for riders to use. We were delighted when Greggs offered to help us restore it.

“Their volunteers have worked very hard and we are delighted with the outcome.”

RIDERS from across the region were formally honoured for their success at the annual Barnesbury Cycling Club awards in The Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn.

Among those to receive trophies or plaques were Chris Aspey from Morpeth, Clive Horton from Nedderton and Ann Hodgson from Pegswood.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Under 12 Summer Cyclo X (West Bedlington Parish Council Cup): Pete Watson; Under 16 Cyclo X plaque: Chris Aspey.

First U16 girl (receives the ‘Ditto’ prize): Megan Rae; First U16 boy (‘Ditto’ prize) and Junior 10-mile champion (Belle Rankin Trophy): Jack Watson; Barnesbury Cyclo X champion: Geoff Turner; Open 25-mile time trial for the Jack Burney Cup (handicap race): Ian Bryan; Best team in the Hilly 21-mile time trial (Paul Wildsmith Trophy): Teasdale CC.

Barnesbury Road Race champion (Billy Calow Trophy): Clive Horton; Hill Climb champion (Hill Climb Trophy): Andrew Hale.

Barnesbury First Lady Hill Climb medal: Ann Hodgson; Barnesbury best all rounder (Jack Adams Trophy) and Novice champion (Stan Sadler Trophy): Ian Bryan; Barnesbury Vets 10-mile champion: Peter Manners; Vets Bar (Joe Jones Cup): James Allen.

Lifetime membership awards for over 50 years service to the club: Eric Potts, Alan Wilson, Trevor Leightley and Robin and Pat Nichol.

WITH major events taking place in the forthcoming weeks, it was a relatively quiet weekend competitively for athletes from Morpeth Harriers.

Two events took place in the region, both of them semi multi-terrain.

On Sunday, the Sweatshop Angus Tait Memorial Hexhamshire Hobble took place in Allendale and it attracted 192 finishers.

First home from Morpeth Harriers was Richard Kirby, who finished 73rd in 90m24s. Ten places and two minutes and 10 seconds behind him was club colleague Mike Steven.

The club’s other finisher was Jim Tomlin, who was 170th in 122m09s.

The other event on Sunday was the annual Blyth Sands Handicap event, organised by Blyth Running Club.

First home for Morpeth Harriers, and also third Over 60 Male Veteran, was Archie Jenkins. He finished 29th off a seven-minute handicap.

Running off a four-minute handicap, club colleague Peter Scaife was one place behind and was third Over 50 Male Veteran.

Further down a field of 127 finishers was Morpeth Harrier Peter Maylia, whose five-minute handicap saw him finish 102nd as eighth Over 55 Male Veteran.

l Despite icy cold conditions a week last Saturday, 217 finishers took part in Elswick Harriers’ annual Norman Woodcock five-mile Road Race, held within the inner ambulance track at Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park.

By the time runners set off on their three-lap effort, the morning conditions had considerably abated and the field was led home by Gateshead Harrier Marc Elliot, who clocked a winning time of 25m30s.

One minute and 52 seconds and 12 places behind him was Morpeth Harriers’ first finisher Phil Walker, who was also second Over 45 Veteran Man.

Next home for the club was Sam Hancox, who continued his excellent run of form to finish 17th in 27m31s.

Also having an excellent run in a Morpeth Harriers vest was Michael Thomsen, who finished 19th in 27m48s, just ahead of clubmate Fergus Bates (20th) 27m49s, who was third Over 40 Veteran Men’s finisher.

Paul Waterston was next to finish when placing 22nd in 27m54s. One place behind him was Morag Stead of Morpeth who won the Women’s race in 28m11s, finishing 18 seconds clear of her closest rival Joss Stone, of Middlesbrough Mandale.

The other Morpeth Harriers finishers were as follows: Chris Waugh (30th and 2nd O/50) 28m23s, Alistair MacDonald (53rd and 7th O/45) 29m56s, Stephen Bradley (71st) 31m00s, Jim Alder (74th and 5th O/50) 31m09s, Les Cavill (99th and 11th O/50) 33m15s, Mike Steven (102nd and 12th O/50) 33m22s, Richard Sill (103rd and 13th O/50) 33m23s, Peter Scaife (110th and 15th O/50) 33m48s, James McFetrich, having his first outing in a Morpeth Harriers vest, (152nd) 37m20s, David Gray (166th and 4th O/60) 38m39s, Peter Maylia (177th and 26th O/50) 41m31s, and Bernie Cordes (189th and 6th O/60) 43m08s.

l One of Morpeth Harriers’ oldest and longest-serving members is still proving to be an example to all at the ripe age of 75.

Walter Ryder, who is based in Ross-Shire in far West Scotland, travelled to Belfast recently and competed in what was his umpteenth British and Irish Masters Cross Country International, representing his home country, England.

Belying all of his years, he locked horns with several of his Over 70 contemporaries, competing on a tough and muddy 6k course at the Queen’s University Playing Fields, and fully justified his selection when he came home as his country’s fourth finisher, and 13th overall in his age category, when he clocked 28m53s for his efforts.

Walter is hoping to return to the North East in 2013 to firstly compete in the Veteran’s North East Cross Country Championships, and possibly the British Masters Cross Country Championships, which are due to be held at Herrington Country Park, in Sunderland in March.

l Morpeth Harriers are in action at their first major Cross Country Championship of the 2012/13 campaign when they compete in the 107th running of the North Eastern Association Championships, held at Summerhill Nature Reserve, in Hartlepool on Saturday.

The club is hoping to take medals in a fair number of events on the nine-race programme, and they expect their best results both on an individual and team front to come from their Senior Men, Senior Women, Junior Men, Under 17 Men, Under 15 and Under 13 Boys.

Jonnie Nisbet could prove to be a potential individual medal winner in the Junior Men’s event and in the Men’s Under 17 race, Philip Winkler and Elliot Kelly should be among the leading contenders for individual honours.

Ryan Green may figure among the leading finishers in the Under 15 Boys and in the Under 13 Boys, Kieran Hedley may just squeeze in for an individual medal. It is hoped the club will field a number of athletes in the Under 13 Girls, Under 15 Girls, and Under 17 Women’s events.

DIVISION TWO

Only two Northern Alliance League games beat the winter conditions, with the majority of the fixture list wiped out – but those two fixtures in Division Two saw an amazing TWENTY THREE goals scored.

Birtley Saint Joseph’s went into second spot with a 14-0 drubbing of Swalwell, with striker Damien Stevens leading the way with a six-goal haul.

Anthony Smith (two), Dan Waller (two), James Bowman, Jamie Dixon, Dan Irving and sub Lee Cuthbertson all got in on the act as Saint Joseph’s ran riot.

Wideopen struck five times to win a nine-goal thriller at Longbenton and move up into fourth spot.

Andrew Shaw grabbed a double and he was joined on the scoresheet by Craig Duncan, David Gabbitas and Leigh Shickle, while Longbenton’s hit-men were carl Clarke (two), Anthony Brown and David Hetherington.

NORTHUMBERLAND FA MINOR CUP

Scott Robson netted a hat-trick in Hexham’s 7-2 Northumberland FA Minor Cup victory over FOWS Diggers.

Stuart Brown, Luke Parkinson, Thomas North and Liam Heenan grabbed the others.

Red House Farm’s Patrick Collins, Roi Tinknell, Paul Newton-Eddy, Jack Bell and Adam Steinmetz all netted as they went into Round Four with a 5-2 win over Blyth Isabella, who had Kris Allington and Jake Miller on target, while nervy Alnwick Town Reserves suffered a derby defeat as they crashed out 4-1 at home to North Sunderland. Stephen Hogg scored, but it was scant consolation for gutted manager Andrew Atkinson after one of their worst displays of the season.

RESULTS

Saturday, December 8, 2012

PREMIER DIVISION

Amble United v Wallsend Town pp

Carlisle City v Walker Central pp

Gateshead Rutherford v Ashington Colliers pp

Heaton Stannington v Blyth Town pp

Killingworth Sporting v Hebburn Reyrolle pp

Seaton Delaval Amateurs v Whitley Bay A pp

Shankhouse v Percy Main Amateurs pp

Stocksfield v Harraby Utd pp

DIVISION ONE

Northbank Carlisle v Cullercoats pp

Gosforth Bohemians v Bedlington Terriers Reserves pp

Newcastle University v Heddon pp

Ponteland United v Wallington pp

Willington Quay Saints v Cramlington Town pp

DIVISION TWO

Alston v Wallsend Boys Club pp

Birtley St Josephs 14 (Fourteen) Swalwell 0

High Howdon S C v Cramlington United pp

Longbenton 4 Wideopen & District 5

NORTHUMBERLAND FA MINOR CUP, ROUND THREE

ALNWICK TOWN RESERVES 1 North Sunderland 4

FOREST HALL v NORTH SHIELDS ATHLETIC pp

GRAINGER PARK BOYS CLUB v Heddon St Andrews pp

HEXHAM 7 FOWS Diggers FC 2

NEW FORDLEY v Belford pp

North Shields Athletic Reserves v WOOLER pp

RED HOUSE FARM FC 5 BLYTH ISABELLA 2

SEATON BURN v NEWCASTLE CHEMFICA (IND) pp

Durham FA Trophy Round 2

GATESHEAD REDHEUGH v Coundon & Leeholme Youth pp

A PONTELAND High School student was part of the successful England U16s Victory Shield football squad.

Daniel Pybus, who is in Year 10, came on as substitute in the 1-0 win against Scotland a week last Thursday that secured the title for England.

Within school, he is part of the Junior Athletic Education Programme for Talented Athletes which provides support through access to a mentor as well as specialised tutoring on time management, goal setting and lifestyle choices.

Headteacher Kieran McGrane said: “We are all very proud of Daniel’s achievements so far and know that he will make an outstanding contribution when given the chance to represent his country.”