STRUGGLING Kidderminster's batsmen wasted the chance to pick up valuable points at home to Old Hill in the Birmingham and District Premier League. The visitors won by 117 runs and Kidderminster must now be prime candidates for relegation. They are level
THERE was Worcestershire League Division Two disappointment for fourth-placed Cookley when they were soundly beaten by lowly Evesham at home. Put into bat, Cookley amassed 220-7 at Lea Lane with John Martin (68) and Lee Shewry (64) the main contributors
BIG-HITTING Andy Maiden topped the Worcestershire League scoring table with a brilliant 178 not out for Brintons in their Division Six winning draw. Division Five: Worcester Corinthians 193-7 (24 points) (Neil Evans 4-36), Cutnall Green 114 (3) (Evans
SPARKS are flying in St John's after sleeping families suffered a rude awakening from an impromptu fireworks display. Previous pyrotechnic stunts in the area have been the handiwork of Paul Read. But Mr Read was not at his home in Arrowsmith Avenue when
ANOTHER senior officer at Malvern Town Council has resigned. The news comes as the council started to interview 17 candidates today who are bidding to become the authority's chief executive. The resignation of Colette Milner, the acting proper officer
NORMAL refuse collections which were cut back because of the foot-and-mouth crisis are being resumed in the Evesham area. Wychavon District Council faced problems with access during the height of the disease, leaving binmen only able to carry out roadside
A WORCESTER football fan downed 15 pints of lager before biting the hand of a teenager who tried to stop him attacking his friend. Evesham magistrates were told that 23-year-old David Tyrer also punched a 16-year-old as he walked through Worcester city
TWO schoolboys have picked up awards from the police after they alerted a Worcester clinic to a discarded syringe. Matthew Sheen and Richard Harvey, from St Joseph's RC Primary School, have been honoured with a Good Citizen Award for their drug awareness
TRIBUTES have been paid to a retired Droitwich Spa teacher who has died after a battle with cancer. Eileen Askew, of Berrill Close, died on Tuesday July 3 at home with her family. The 51-year-old had taught at Westacre Middle School, in Ombersley Way,
WITH months of long, hot weather expected, Worcester City Council is trying to encourage people to rent an allotment. A recent publicity campaign has highlighted the benefits of renting an allotment for families and younger people, but parks officer Chris
THE town's Tory MP, Peter Luff, has slammed the Government for failing to commit to a fairer funding deal for Spa schools. During a parliamentary question time, the Mid-Worcestershire MP asked Labour education chief Simon Timms to set a timetable to bring
A STRIKE by court staff in Droitwich planned for yesterday was called off. The Association of Magisterial Officers threatened not to turn up to work until 1pm. The union claimed its members were not prepared to move from Droitwich and Redditch to new
IT was the icing on the cake for a Droitwich Spa mum when she scooped a top prize. Cassie Brown won a gold sugarcraft award at the Creation and Inspiration 2001 event in Telford. The 24-year-old impressed judges at the international show with her delicate
VANDALS embark-ed on a wrecking spree at the town's historic Lido Park causing £1,200 of damage. Waste paper bins were set alight, posts and nets at the tennis courts ripped up, fencing around the children's play area trashed and stepping stones destroyed
COMMUNITY leaders are supporting a new partnership formed to improve employment opportunities in Droitwich Spa. The forthcoming closure of the Christian Salvesen depot, at Berry Hill Industrial Estate, has drawn a number of agencies together to help its
A TOWN organisation linking volunteers with needy charities has relaunched. Droitwich Spa Volunteer Bureau has opened at the Old Library Centre, in Ombersley Street East. Formally called Spa Volunteer Bureau, the service had been based at One Stop Shop
SHEPSHED Dynamo at home will be the opening test for Stourport Swifts in their first Dr Martens League Western Division campaign. Swifts play Worcestershire rivals Evesham United on August 27 (home) and Boxing Day (away). They take on fellow county side
FAST food giant McDonald's hopes to open a drive-through restaurant at a village near Droitwich Spa in April next year. A spokesman said, if blueprints are approved, the facility will employ 60 staff and seat 85 people. The site, near Junction 5 of the
A SERIAL killer mutilated a young woman beyond recognition and dumped her naked body in a country lane near Droitwich, a court heard. Unlicensed taxi driver Philip Smith strangled and set fire to his first victim, beat and drove over the second and clubbed
PRETTY Rosie Corcoran died from horrific head and neck injuries which dislodged her brain and forced her jaw to snap away from her skull, a court heard. The 25-year-old mum had been beaten, stamped on and kicked so ferociously that the pathologist called
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has called for a major reassessment of the Studley bypass options after what she described as 'so much doubt'. Ms Smith now supports Option 9, a short bypass to the east of Studley, which she says 'would give the least disruption
CCTV cameras will be installed in all Redditch shopping centres as part of a massive £8 million spending programme to improve the town, writes Becky Procter. The revelation comes after a £800,000 Government bid to extend the town centre CCTV system across
DETAILS of a major £1.5m plan to tidy up trees around Redditch have been revealed by the council. The three-year scheme will see footpaths and roadsides improved with better access, visibility and security. A list of the closes and roads proposed for
ALVECHURCH youngsters are petitioning for the provision of a suitable site in the village for them to practise their mountain biking and BMX skills, writes Melina Cannon. Suggestions made to parish councillors include using part of the Meadows, Alvechurch
Alvechurch sewage treatment works is to be upgraded if a planning application gets the go-ahead. The application relates to part of a package of works to upgrade and renew facilities at the Redditch Road site to meet new operating standards to be imposed
THE result of the house-to-house collection and Lifeboat flag day collection is as follows: House-to-house collection £580.27 Lifeboat flag day collection £420.01 Total £100.28 Expenses nil The committee wishes to express grateful thanks to the people
SCOTT Preston's amazing outburst (Letters, July 4) completely misses the point. Candidates must do all they can to ensure they quote facts and figures accurately. That's why Scott must apologise for the inaccuracies he put about in Lodge Park. He seems
NEW recruits Parfait Medou-Otye and Neil Mackenzie are set to be in Kidderminster Harriers' starting line-up for tonight's LDV Vans Trophy first round clash against Carlisle United at Aggborough (7.45). Twenty-three-year-old French utility player Medou-Otye
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are putting extra resources into their reserve and youth team set-up -- with the help of a familiar face! That's former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Shaun Cunnington who was released as a player by Harriers during the summer.
PATIENCE -- that's going to be the key word for Kidderminster Harriers this season. Life in the Nationwide League Division Three will not be easy -- and it's going to take time to settle. Understandably, interest in Harriers is currently running at fever
CYCLING: Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club's Fred Browning and Bill Picton won veterans standard medals and recorded personal bests at the Birkenhead CC 30-mile time trial. Picton, 70, completed the race in one hour 20 minutes 43 seconds, while Browning took
TENNIS: The men's A and B teams at Stourport had a disastrous week on the tennis trail. They lost by clean sweeps to Stourbridge A and Wall Heath A respectively. In the Kidderminster League, the men's A team had more success with a 3-1 win over Hartlebury
MOTOR SPORT: Bliss Gate's Rob May took the Classic Saloon and Sports Car class at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb. May, driving a Lotus Seven, just held off the challenge of Worcester's Simon Bridge to scoop the local competition. Graeme Wight Junior won
A REDDITCH couple will give up their time to help teach adults and youngsters to play instruments at an afternoon of music for all the family. John and Wendy Quirk, from Church Hill, have offered their services to the Music for You event on Sunday, starting
GOLF: Val Cox won the Aggborough Bowl in a play-off against Chris Lockley in Kidderminster's ladies section. The Mixed Open Championship was held at Great Barr. Mewis and Harris won the Kidderminster salvers and first prize, Cox and Paul Whitehouse took
A VITAL transport service is set to become an independent, non-profit making charity. Redditch Community Transport, which moved into offices at the Securehold Business Centre, Greenlands, a year ago, will make the change on October 1. The organisation
A POLICEMAN risked his life to rescue a woman from a burning house on Sunday. Pc Stephen Cole, of Redditch Police, was first on the scene at the fire in Laurel Close, Smallwood, and helped a 45-year-old woman from the blazing building. Pc Cole and the
TWO lucky Redditch sisters were served up a treat at Wimbledon's Centre Court after scooping free tickets to watch the British number one. Rebecca and Emily Clarke, from Headless Cross, secured their centre court seats for Friday's men's semi-final matches
Redditch fire crews had a rather spiky operation on Saturday night when they were called to deal with a flood in a house in Lords Lane, Studley. One hedgehog was rescued.
I MUST admit we enjoyed having a few beers after the game against Torquay who wouldn't after such an historic day! But, don't worry, we've already got down to the hard to the hard work of preparing for Saturday's tough trip to Scunthorpe. But after opening
UP to 5,000 homes were without electricity for several hours last Wednesday evening after two power cuts. A power failure occurred at about 5.30pm due to an underground cable fault and about 1,600 customers in Unicorn Hill, Bordesley, Abbey Retail Park
WALKERS and dogs have been banned from a wood surrounding a Rowney Green residential centre for young people, writes Melina Cannon. The action has been taken after complaints from group leaders at Peck Wood, a private woodland given in trust for use as
A STATE-of-the-art fitness club will be opening up in the Kingfisher Centre next autumn, it was announced on Monday. Topnotch Health Clubs will begin creating a 25,000sq ft fitness centre next March as part of a £60 million revamp of the Kingfisher. The
Volunteers are being sought to don their wellies and join a conservation work party to clean up Feckenham Wylde Moor Nature Reserve. The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust reserve was closed to visitors in March due to the foot and mouth crisis and is now
Townsfolk wanting to protect Redditch's rarest wildlife can pick up a leaflet on the subject at Redditch Library. Worcestershire's Biodiversity Action plan details wildlife targets to protect, including otters. Copies of the leaflet will be available
PUPILS from Pitcheroak School joined others in a specially designed golf taster session today. About 40 youngsters aged 10-18 from four schools were set to receive coaching from fully qualified PGA professionals at Bromsgrove Golf Centre. There was also
THERE was sweet revenge for Avoncroft First XI in Worcestersh-ire County League Division Four as they inflicted a crushing 123 run defeat on table topping Birlingham. The victory avenged their earlier defeat and gave 'Croft a full helping of points for
DROITWICH Cricket Club had contrasting fortunes in the V-Sports Premier League on Sunday. In a league which has a combined table of First and Second XI results, Spa were due to play Old Hill. The First XI travelled to Old Hill only to discover the ground
With no first team match this weekend it's more relaxed at Sixways this week but as the squad have been at it for some nine months now it's important to leave something in the tank. Last season we ran out of steam just when we needed the big push and
IN the hurly, burly of the promotion race it's easy to forget there has been some terrific rugby played and last week's match against Exeter was the third cracking game in a row. We're all ambitious and are striving for the top, but we must not forget
BROMSGROVE CC teams for this weekend. Saturday July 14. First XI v Harborne, away, meet 12pm: PC Duffy, J Campbell, N Davies, J Conner, K Patel, M Evenson, S Keyte, J Duffy, N Husbands, N Ingram, J Court. Second XI v Hagley, home, meet 12.30pm: M Bennison
ANYBODY who thinks we're in for another cakewalk against Wakefield on Saturday had better think again. In October we scored a total of 13 tries and put a record 84 points on them at College Grove but things couldn't be more different this time. Since
THERE'S never a dull moment in rugby union these days and on Tuesday I found myself at a conference of Premiership clubs where the new law changes were explained. They are basically being brought in to make the game more open and cover three main areas
ONE of rugby's finest tournaments kicks-off this Saturday and I believe the Six Nations will be both fascinating and very difficult to predict. Wales are much improved over the last 18 months and will recall their memorable victory at Wembley last season
SUREAL Madrid went top of the Kidderminster Six-a-Side League with a narrow 2-1 victory over Deviate. Three Lions go into second place by beating last weeks League leaders Ryans's Wanderers 3-2 in Stourport. Other results: Ryan's Wanderers 2, Three Lions
A FEW jaws may have dropped when people saw Rotherham had thumped Exeter 34-0 last weekend -- but I've been saying they are the form team for some three weeks now. But as a squad we're ignoring other results and just making sure we keep up the pressure
ORGANISERS of a nationwide search are hoping the "face of women's soccer" might be in the Wyre Forest area. The women's football website, www.MyBeautifulGame.com, and Global Sporting Media plc are looking for an ambassador to promote the game across the
A 24-HOUR sponsored fish in aid of Air Ambulance and Kemp Hospice has been organised for August 4 and 5 at Wren's Nest Pools. The event will begin at noon on the Saturday and end at noon the next day. Anyone wishing to join in can call Alec Cowen on 01562
OUR brave cup showing against London Irish on Monday showed we can rub shoulders with the big boys and, with a bit more polish, we would have won it. It was a good cup day but, unfortunately, we're not in the in the hat which is what really counts in
AS we've reached the half-way stage of the season it's an ideal chance to look back on the story so far. Following the disappointment of not going up last season we had a lot of changes which left some skeletons in the cupboard but the new faces settled
THERE were a few sleepless nights on Saturday among the management and players after our defeat at Exeter. It has been a set-back in the season and it's time Worcester Rugby Club did it's talking on the pitch. I said on Saturday that we felt the rub of
A WILD Saturday night raised the roof at one Malvern home, as storms battered the town. The Thomas family home - a 500-year-old barn conversion in Broadlands Drive - was struck by lightning at around 8.30pm, leaving a 6ft wide hole in the roof. Jacky
SATURDAY'S Allied Dunbar Premiership Two game at Exeter is going to be another tough one for Worcester Rugby Club. There are very few teams in this league that win at Exeter as they are particularly good on home soil, as we found to our cost last year
The waiting is nearly over, we're just 48 hours away from the biggest game so far this season at second-placed Leeds. We've had some close games against them and they've played some cracking rugby over the last few years and play in an open and attacking
FRANCE'S stunning victory over New Zealand should sound a warning across the bows of complacency at Worcester. Like New Zealand we're being heavily tipped as the overwhelming favourites in our competition but one of sports finest qualities is that nothing
AT last the World Cup is upon us and my tip for glory is New Zealand but I expect England to go close. The All Blacks have just got so much quality in their side and that's what you need in such exalted international company. They cruised through the
SATURDAY'S visit of the mighty New Zealand All Blacks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I would recommend to everyone not to miss it. I'm delighted for our members, supporters and all of our players that New Zealand are coming to Worcester and the
LOOKING back on our season it's the defeats which unfortunately stick in my mind rather than our victories. But there are some quality rugby teams around the country and the Exeters of this world should not be underestimated. After an encouraging start
THERE seems to have been as much action off the pitch as on it in the past month or so -- but I would not blame that on Worcester Rugby Club's form. Professional sport is all about what happens on the pitch and we've come second far too often. As for
OUR recent bad run has nothing to do with a lack of effort from the players but it's still a bitter pill to swallow. At Coventry on Saturday we didn't perform particularly well and skipper Bruce Fenley's comments about not being good enough on the day
WITH all the talk about our two-point appeal and the possibility of buying promotion it's about time to put forward the club's views. It's easy to remain very moralistic about buying a first division club instead of earning promotion on the field but,
REDDITCH United boss Rob Smith was full of praise for his players after they held out for an opening day victory at home to Hinckley United. The Valley Stadium side hung on for a 2-1 win despite being under pressure for much of the match against a side
WE were bitterly disappointed with our defeat at Leeds on Sunday and it was the manner of defeat more than the result which hit us hardest. We made mistakes, which have got to be rectified, but there was a very positive meeting on Monday night when the
Worcestershire Girls U17 cricketers lost by 85 runs to a very strong Yorkshire side at Harrogate. There was, however, much to be optimistic about despite the defeat. The strength in depth of Yorkshire girls cricket was evident when they fielded a full
SIX buoyant members of Worcester Royal Grammar School's rowing team will be fighting for national places this weekend on the back of a Henley Regatta appearance. RGS -- whose Coxless Pairs crew claimed victory in the National Schools Regatta earlier this
THERE are now three teams left in the Allied Dunbar Premiership Two title race -- Bristol, Rotherham and ourselves -- and the winners will be the side that wants it most. Every match is so important from now on and this weekend all three are at home with
BROMSGROVE Rugby Club, the North Midlands Cup holders, will begin their title defence with an away game at Bridgnorth. Bromsgrove, who defeated Newport in the final at Stourbridge in May to win the cup for only the second time, will travel to Shropshire
SATURDAY'S defeat at Exeter was a bit of a shock to the system but we are no different to any other sporting team in that we have no divine right to win games of rugby. Matches in our league are always competitive but we were found wanting -- we set high
WYRE Piddle came out on top in the second one-day event in the Wychavon Parish Games when they claimed the rounders title. Despite heavy overnight rain, conditions were perfect for play at Pershore High School with nine teams competing. They were split
ONE of the most impressive parts of Worcester's win over Fylde last Saturday was the clean sheet. People might say we were playing a side near the bottom of the league, but I would like to think it would be as just as difficult for any side to score against
I'M NOW confident our team can go on to prove it's the best team in the league. The side has come on leaps and bounds and I've no doubt they are good enough to win promotion. But there's no point just talking about it -- we've got to get out there and
WORCESTER'S victory over Moseley was extremely pleasing not just because of the 54-5 scoreline but how we achieved it. The lads produced some high quality rugby with good inter-passing and I was very encouraged by a lot of their play. They worked hard
SATURDAY'S victory over London Welsh was a crucial result for us and I would have settled for a 9-6 win before kick-off. The only disappointment was that we didn't take all of our chances and that led to the nerve jangling finish. But as the club's wise
NOBODY needs reminding that this week's visitors London Welsh are the last side to take two points from Sixways. London Welsh are a much improved side and are very strong and powerful with a big pack of forwards. They also have a very strong midfield
Sunday's game with Bristol at Sixways is obviously a big one for the club. We have come a long way over the last few years and I see Sunday and the next three months as a really strong test of the squad's strength. Bristol have quality players in a lot
IT'S time to take a deep breath and reflect on the season so far especially after the relief of winning at Orrell. The team didn't play particularly well but once again showed that incredible knack of always finishing as the winners. That's something
SATURDAY'S victory at Coventry was a cracker and a fantastic result for us. It would perhaps be unkind to say it was the best win of the season as every game is important, but the terrific draw provided us with a marvellous rugby occasion. Coventry threw
I COULDN'T have asked any more of our players on Saturday, they showed more control than they have all season. The commitment in the forwards was excellent with some superb driving play against a good London Welsh side. Phil Maynard said before the game
THE most talented young performer in Redditch will be revealed on Saturday when the final of the Reach for the Stars talent competition takes place at the Palace Theatre. All the heat winners will battle it out at the Alcester Street venue from 7pm and
THERE are some fearsome battles ahead in the next couple of months and we've got to be really positive. You could almost say there are some seedings in the league because our tough games really start in the next few months including London Welsh, Orell
TOM Robinson is disappointed by the points wrangle which surrounds his brief appearance at Wakefield --but it's not his fault. We've done everything we felt we could and while it's not right to pre-judge things we feel we've sent the documentation to
IT WOULD be churlish to say we should have finished Leeds off early on Sunday. They are a very good side and their lives depended on winning. On the day we were comfortably the better team -- the commitment and some of the quality play pleased me. Our
WE NEED to play better than we performed against Moseley on Saturday despite our third win. The players and coaches have got together and said what we had to say about the game but we must remember Moseley were very committed and played well. I spoke
LOSING Paul Holford to an ankle injury is bad news especially coming at a time when we've got three lads at the Commonwealth Games. But this isn't an ideal world. We can question whether it's in our interest to have the players away but, in my opinion
REDDITCH'S disappointing season took a turn for the worse this week with confirmation from the Birmingham League four teams could face the chop from the Western Division. The complicated system of cricket promotion and relegation depends on the county
THE world premiere of musical drama The Love of Larry, conceived by the Rev David Martin and written and performed by the people of Alvechurch, saw a cast of more than 50 playing to near capacity houses. With an age range from five to 70 plus, the cast
MORE than £9,000 was raised on Saturday at the annual Alexandra Hospital Fete. All the money raised will go towards new equipment for the Accident and Emergency Department. All the stalls were successful at the fete, with the plant stall raising £1,218
WYTHALL had a bizarre end to their clash against Handsworth on Saturday when the league leaders upped sticks and refused to finish the match after disagreeing with some umpiring decisions. With only one league umpire present both teams were asked to provide
STUDLEY had a welcome pick-me up this week after humiliation at the hands of Water Orton. Chasing a target of 212 for seven the Washford Fields side were skittled out for 60 with Simon Stamenkovic second highest scorer with nine. But Birmingham League
FOLLOWING the vandalism of the skateboard park may I be the first to congratulate the council in developing the new concrete one in Worcester Road. What a brilliant idea to spend an enormous amount of public money (it could have been wasted on essential
UP to £36,000 will start to be injected into GP surgeries across the town during the next few weeks in an attempt to improve services and staff working conditions. The move comes after members of Redditch Primary Care Group discovered they would be receiving
GREAT Alne hauled themselves out of the Cotswold Two danger zone with a welcome win over basement boys Hockley Heath on Saturday. After a dismal season Craig Millard's troops came good when they had to in a rain-affected relegation dogfight. Man of the
ASBESTOS found at a Headless Cross church last year is to be removed in August at a cost of more than £2,000. Village contractors will move in on August 13 and it is expected the work, costing £2,350 from St Luke's budget, will be finished within a week
THE next few matches will decide Alvechurch's Worcester Three future according to captain Nick Jones. The Birmingham Road side suffered an all-too-familiar batting slump against Alveley at the weekend. In mitigation, Church were missing five regulars
ALCESTER and Ragley Park will be missing star batsman Shaun Quirke for the top of the table clash at Twyning on Saturday. Quirke did the damage with a 104 as the Ragley Park side comfortably beat Shipston-on-Stour Seconds on Saturday. Gary Strain added
HANBURY under-12s are looking for lads who want to play competitive football at a good standard on one of the best pitches in the Central Warwickshire Boys League. The lads train at Harris Brush on Thursday nights starting on July 12 at 6pm. If you think
BROMSGROVE Town FC have entered teams for the forthcoming season at under seven and under eights of the Central Warwickshire Youth Football League. And two trial sessions will be held on the next two Saturdays, July 14 and 21, at Lickey End Recreation
Thursday July 12 l Poetry: Joanne Limburg, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 7.30pm Friday July 13 l Dance: Adzido, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 7.30pm. l Music: Hinge and Bracket, Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, 8pm. Saturday July 14 l
CALLOW Hill superbiker Jason Wilshaw has pulled out of this weekend's non-championship race at Mallory Park. Wilshaw took the decision after a loss of power in his main race bike at the end of the previous round of the Classics Club Post Classics Series
TEAM Legs 11 manager Dave Worthington has parted company with rider Tristan Palmer after he crashed out at Thruxton. After seeing the highly-rated youngster ignore instructions to take it easy and trash his second bike in two meetings, Worthington lost
BROMSGROVE and Redditch star Bernie Jones won his fifth Inkberrow Fun Run at the weekend. Jones was first home after 31.42 mins in the 16th annual event. Clubmate Dave Kesterton was second in the six mile event which attracted 157 entrants. Alister McNay
REDDITCH Road & Path Club's 10-mile evening series continued on Tuesday, July 3, this time on the New End - Dunnington - Arrow circuit. Once again Ollie Braithwaite was fastest, in 23 mins 44 secs, closely followed by private trialist Mike Hopkins
MARK Williams has become Hereford United's third summer signing. The 22-year-old central defender has joined the Bulls after being freed by Rotherham United at the end of last season. He joins fellow newcomers Scott Voice and Scott Goodwin at Edgar Street
INKBERROW First School pulled out all the stops on Saturday for a fun packed fete for all the community. Stalls, fine food and face painting were just some of things on offer.
STRIKER Paul Danks notched a hat-trick against former club Stourbridge as Redditch United stormed to a 7-0 victory at the Valley Stadium. But it could have been so different had the visitors not missed three golden opportunities in the opening ten minutes
REPLYING to Joy Turner (You Say, July 4), I would like to point out that New Labour has failed to tackle bogus asylum seekers costing hundreds of millions, failed to tackle 21 million bogus NIS numbers costing billions, failed to tackle bogus housing
JEFFREY Holmes says (You Say, July 4) that there isn't much truth in religion. I don't believe in Noah's Ark either, but the essence of all the major world religions is peace, love, compassion and self-denial. The reason there is so much suffering and
IN response to Jeffrey Holmes' letter (You Say, July 4), yes, you are a capable person with your walking and martial arts. I ran marathons and got silver medals in two races. I fought in a war. When I die I can't take this with me. It is only man's selfishness
I DON'T know about your political columnists, but I am a lot more hopeful that Worcestershire County Council might, at last, serve the people. Let us remind them that they were elected to serve the people. If you have to have a Tory in the chair, then
DROITWICH Dolphins had to field teams for both the PGL and Nuneaton Junior leagues on the same night recently, which provided opportunity for some new faces to swim. In the Nuneaton league, Droitwich swam against Fox Hollies, The Court, Enderby, Wombourne
BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletic Club were represented at Sunday's challenging two lap Rubery Half Marathon by runners Huw Jenkins and Gordon Marshall. The event saw 163 competitors finish the race with the Bromsgrove pair finishing 11th and 46th respectively
BROMSGROVE'S Andy Bull and co-driver Stuart Coupe were disappointed with sixth place on the International Rally Narron in North Western Spain last month. The pair went to Spain expecting hot weather and only took medium and hard compound tyres. As it
HERE are the final results and statistics of the Bromsgrove Ladies Darts League for 2000/2001. Division A league winners: Catshill A; Runners-up: Hopwood. Division B league winners: Hawthorns; runners-up: Greyhound. League Cup winners: Blackwell C; Runners-up
A LATE result from last weekend was The Drennan Super League final fished over two days at Woodlands and The River Avon at Twyford Farm. Top man on Saturday was Steve Mayo (Daiwa Dorking) who pole fished worms at Arles pool peg 14 for 84-7-0, his team
ROWINGTON batsmen Graham Sly smashed six 6s in an over during last Saturday's Cotswold Hills League match against Henley-in-Arden, writes Mervyn Collins. The unfortunate bowler was Geoff Shepherd who must have been feeling pretty "crook" after the onslaught
WYTHALL police have asked parish councils for funding towards a new car costing more than £6,000, writes Melina Cannon. Wythall, Beoley and Alvechurch parish councils have been asked to chip in for a car for beat manager Pc Paul Twentyman. Sgt Peter Cherry
POLICE are trying to trace a customer who witnessed an attack on a shop when four youths pelted it with stones after being refused cigarettes. The newsagents, in Parkfield Close, Church Hill North, was targeted after the youths threatened to through a
MONTHS of detective work led to a series of police raids across Redditch on Friday as part of an ongoing drugs operation. Redditch police officers raided eight addresses as part of Operation Score and recovered a quantity of cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines
ALVECHURCH FC vice chairman Fred Evans said the club was expecting to name their new manager early next week. The newly-appointed press officer said the club had received six applications for the post but had extended the deadline for applications which
ABOUT £2,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen when a cashier was distracted at a service station in Mappleborough Green. The theft happened at about 7.40pm on Tuesday, July 3, at the Dog Hill Service Station on Birmingham Road. Two men came in and distracted
A 92-year-old Wythall woman had her bag containing cash and a quantity of jewellery stolen after two men walked in through the back door of her home. The incident happened at about 2.40pm on Saturday, June 30, in a house off Station Road. Police said
TOWN councillors have decided not to pursue the idea of more CCTV and will abandon the project for at least six months, writes Helen Clarke. The camera they originally wanted was to be sited on Swan Street, Evesham Street, Priory Road and Stratford Road
WARWICKSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has drafted in teddy bears for frontline service to support fire-fighters. The bears, called Trauma Teds, will be found on fire engines throughout the county. The main function of the bears is to bring a bit of comfort
ORGANISERS of two major fundraising events have paid tribute to those who helped raise more than £3,000 for charity. Norman Baker, who planned this year's Alcester Garden Walkabout, said the event was the greatest and best attended ever. He thanked everyone
BIDFORD on Avon Sports Association has applied for more than £1,000 from Stratford District Council. They say the money is needed to step up security at the pavilion on the village's Big Meadow. Because of its isolated position, the sports building is
SOMEWHAT belatedly, I read a copy of the June 27 issue of the Alcester Chronicle and I was saddened to note that the Alcester in Bloom competition will not take place this year. At least, thanks to the efforts of the dedicated committee and team, we will
A WAR of words has broken out between Alcester Town Council and Stratford District Council, writes Helen Clarke. Alcester councillors hit out over the state of the grass in the town, the cutting of which is organised by the district. They say a letter
AN Alcester choir is hoping to bring more music to the people of the town with the help of Stratford District Council. Alcester Male Voice Choir has requested a grant of £592 from district councillors to help them meet demand at their annual concert.
CROWDS of people turned up for an event in Dunnington to get a real taste of nature. An extremely well attended open day was held at Hillers Farm Shop, Dunnington Heath Farm. Among the delights at the event were the contents of the farm shop, as well
11/7/01 KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will now play Macclesfield Town away on Sunday, October 7 (2pm). The game with Harriers' former non-league rivals was due for the Saturday but would have clashed with England's meeting with Greece.
EACH week I read within the Advertiser/Messenger how our local council in Bromsgrove fails time and time again to address key issues. Well now I think I know why. Many readers will recall how last year there were numerous features and letters about the
IN reply to Wychavon District Council's press officer - yes, we agree litter is picked up daily around the Spar shop and immediate areas, but not so on the rest of the Chawson estate. Most of the tenants and homeowners do take pride in their own little
I FIND the concerns expressed by Cllr Peter McDonald in the Advertiser/Messenger (June 27) about Conservative election signs being placed on land still subject to foot an mouth precautions amazingly cynical. The Prime Minister who prior to the General
Through your paper I would like to thank everyone who helped me make our first Water Festival at the Spa Canal Basin a success. The people that turned up to watch the different craft during the day made the hard work put in by the volunteers very worthwhile
Herefordshire's Ravi Nagra takes the Man of the Match award for his 105 off 107 balls - hitting twelve 4s and two 6s.
Leatherdale hits a four to take Worcestershire into the quarterfinals of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy, with 12.5 overs to spare.
Herefordshire skipper Chris Burrows takes the catch off the bowling of Farook. Leatherdale is the new batsman in.
A VALE inventor had a starring role on television when he won a prestigious national award. Robert Powell scooped the Tomorrow's World Consumer Innovation award for his home fire extinguisher system, Powex. He received the award at the Tomorrow's World
AWARD winning poet Emma-Jane Arkady is set to return to Redditch Library for a 'sneak preview' reading of poems from her collection Lithium due out later this year. The poet, whose work has taken the literary world by storm, has already had three pamphlet
Skipper Graeme Hick 88 not out - on course for his ton? Solanki hits a four to take him to 37.
REDDITCH Library is home to two exciting exhibitions until the end of this month. Visitors to the Alcester Street library will be able to browse around Behind the Green Door and Spick and Span during July. The Behind the Green Door exhibition, on show
Following Singh's departure Hick was joined by Vikram Solanki and continued to step up the Worcestershire victory bid. Hick completed his 50 off 51 balls, including nine 4's in 73 mins.
THOSE long, lazy summer holidays can soon be put to good use at Woodrush Sports Centre as it prepares to lay on some fun-filled activity programmes for youngsters. Leisure chiefs at Bromsgrove Council have received a £16,000 lottery grant from the New
Worcestershire's Anurag Singh out for 42 off the bowling of Herefordshire's Kevin Cooper.
THERE'S a new sound at NewSong Community Church, which is youthful, vibrant and contemporary due to a new leader from down under. The church, in Broad Street has enlisted the help of Shaun Griffiths, singer, songwriter and musician, who jetted from New
Thursday, July 12 Jubilee, Swan Theatre, Stratford. Until October 13. Tickets from 01789 403403. Poetry Bites: Joanne Limburg, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 440 3838. Epoch Productions: Rabbit in the Footlights, Midlands Arts Centre
Anurag Singh and Graeme Hick continued to prosper and took their second wicket partnership past the 50 mark. The Herefordshire bowlers were finding it difficult to make any inroads as the New Road pair cruised along happily at a rate of over four an over
Worcestershire suffered an early shock when they started their reply, opener Phil Weston being run out for five by a fine throw from Round, fielding in the covers. But they soon got into their stride and stood on 57-1 after 12 overs, with Anurag Singh
BROMSGROVE rockers Easy are celebrating the sound of success. The lads reached the finals of the Tamworth Battle of the Bands competition and will be competing in the finals on Saturday. Having got this far it means Easy can take part in Tamworth's music
STEVE Daniels hopes to lure gangly former Birmingham City striker Kevin Francis to the Victoria Ground in time for Saturday's pre-season friendly against Kidderminster Harriers. And former Blues midfielder Dean Peer could also pull on a Bromsgrove Rovers
BARNT Green Spartak FC have been boosted in their plans for the forthcoming Midland Combination Division Two season with the signing of two new players. Manager GJ Singh has signed midfielder Urel Brown from Highgate United and former Knowle star Patrick
AUSTRALIAN fast bowler Andy Bichel gave Worcestershire a quick success when the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy fourth round tie with Herefordshire started at New Road today. He trapped opener Harshad Patel leg before for five to leave the Minor Counties
A CHAPLAIN serving in the Boer War reported that one night in Orange River Colony, the password for their camp was "Bromsgrove". Rev J L Findlay, former curate of St John's Church, was chaplain to a Worcestershire regiment in South Africa. "Send me more
ARTY organisations in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa involving young people will be receiving grants of up to £2,000. West Midlands Arts is awarding funding for projects that involve young people working with professionals. This money is aimed at involving
Wednesday, February 21, 2001 A triple substitution by Jan Molby provided the spark which lifted Kidderminster Harriers to a 2-1 Nationwide League Division Three victory over Southend United at Aggborough last night. Two of the subs, Ian Bogie and Stewart
Saturday, January 27, 2001 KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Jan Molby was delighted with the way his side fought back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw in Saturday's Nationwide League Division Three clash against crisis club Hull City at Aggborough. "I doubt
A CIRCUS skills workshop has learned a trick or two from Droitwich plastics company, Allibert Handling. Shooting Stars Circus, which tours British schools from its Hereford base, is using more than 20 of the company's attached-lid containers in various
CONVICTED murderer Omar Mohammed has spoken exclusively to the Redditch Advertiser from his cell for the first time since starting a life sentence on Thursday, writes Becky Procter. On Monday, during his nightly telephone call to his family, the 19-year-old
A WICKET-KEEPER has displayed maturity beyond his years to force his way into England U-15s squad and the Worcestershire seconds line-up. Kidderminster-based Steve Davies, 15, has already been praised by county director of coaching, Aussie cap Tom Moody
LOWLY Kidderminster Cricket Club are being urged to avoid relegation in memory of award-winning groundsman Denis Jones. The 63-year-old, who had tended the ground since 1985, has died after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Kidderminster players, officials
CHADDESLEY Corbett are the Worcestershire League Cup champions after beating Netherton. The villagers batted first but Matt Boden was dismissed in the third over by Neil McGellan. However, Mark Edwards and Ian Chambers took the score to 50 before the
RAIN robbed Bewdley of the opportunity of another win when a torrential downpour at Bromyard ended play just after tea. Despite hostile bowling from the Bromyard opening attack, Charlie Combes and Paul Edwards put together an attractive first-wicket partnership
VICTORIA responded to a high target at Himbleton to win with 10 overs to spare in their Worcestershire League Division Three encounter. The home side batted first and notched up 265-7 from their 50 overs, despite James Rine's three catches behind the
SIZZLING Stourport cruised to a six-wicket victory over promotion-chasing rivals Enville at Walshes Meadow. The visitors' total of 170-8 was kept in check by the hostile pace of Gary Mills who captured 5-68 after the early loss of two wickets. Superb
HIGH-FLYING Stone batted out a losing draw at leaders Cape Hill Victoria in Worcestershire League Division Five. The villagers asked their hosts to bat first and Cape Hill made steady progress despite losing wickets regularly. Having reached 97-7 off
KIDDERMINSTER'S Rachel Baldwin has been competing for Worcestershire girls U-17s in the County Championship. The 14-year-old King Charles I High School pupil took 2-4 from seven overs in her first game against Warwickshire. Then all-rounder Baldwin scored
TERRY McCarthy made 79 runs for Areley Kings but could not prevent his team being beaten by Broadwaters in the Stainweld Cricket League Supplementary Cup. Chris Pye's 79 helped Alveley to a 52-run Premier Division victory over Stagborough. Wednesday results
CONSERVATIVE MP Peter Luff today criticised Ministers for taking more than three months to respond to his written Parliamentary questions about the foot-and-mouth crisis. He also attacked their refusal to commit to a public inquiry on their handling of
ONE of Worcestershire's most scenic landscapes will be out-of-bounds to people until September at the earliest. Archaeologists working at Croome Park, near Pershore, have been told they can continue to excavate at the grounds, but visitors will not be
A MALVERN dog has been awarded the highest possible accolade - the title of champion. Flora, a gold Schipperke bitch, has been awarded the coveted title after winning her third challenge certificate at the South Wales Championship Show. Flora, aged six
WORCESTER shoppers and visitors were invited to add their mark to a national Oxfam campaign. Campaigner Georgina Virr was in the city to collect signatures on her T-shirt, protesting about Third World debt. She will then travel to Genoa, Italy, to present
WORCESTER schoolchildren wore colourful face paints when they performed a magical play at their school. Youngsters of Hindlip CE First School danced and acted a play called Bluebird of Happiness, set in a fantasy world. The exclusive play was especially
A TALENTED teacher from Droitwich Spa has scooped a coveted prize for excellence in the classroom. Westlands First School has been thrown into the spotlight thanks to Debbie Prigg, winner of a regional award for special needs teaching. The 48-year-old
A PAGAN has launched an action group to help residents from a Droitwich Spa homeless project. David Simones-Jones, of Paddock Way, Droitwich, has joined forces with ex-members of staff from Droitwich Spa Single Homeless Project. Last week, we reported
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to get a supermarket developed in Droitwich Spa could call on voters for support. Action for Droitwich (AFD), a newly formed pressure group, wants a store and petrol station built off Kidderminster Road. On Monday the group is holding
A TOWN politician is calling for the Lido Park kiosk to be re-opened. Wychavon district councillor Roy Seabourne (Lab, Droit.West) wants to see the small shop, which sold refreshments during the summer season, back in business. It was closed when council
CONFERENCE side Hereford United have been added to Stourport Swifts' pre-season dates. Graham Turner's men will head to Walshes Meadow on Thursday, July 26.
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers utility player Adie Smith has signed a new three-year deal with the club. The 27-year-old, signed from neighbours Bromsgrove Rovers for £19,000 in 1997, had another 12 months left on his existing contract, but manager Jan Molby
Proposals for an £80,000 traffic calming scheme along Redditch's Studley Road will be presented next Wednesday. The exhibition, organised by Worcestershire County Council's Highways Unit, will be held at St Bedes Middle School, in Holloway Lane, Lakeside
WORK to clean up Abbeydale has been praised by councillors - but they say more needs to be done. Liberal Democrat councillors Diane Thomas and Nigel Hicks said a recent blitz on the area to remove litter had helped. Mr Hicks said bushes and foliage in
THROUGH the letters page of the Redditch Advertiser, I would like to thank all the staff and students who provided us with a wonderful evening of entertainment on Thursday, June 28. The concert was given to mark the closing of a wonderful school that
SO, Worcester's long-awaited, much-delayed new hospital - Worcestershire's, we should say - has finally been given its new name. We'd harboured high hopes, like many, that the Royal prefix which has graced its predecessor for decades would find a home
MY SLEEP was rudely shattered at about 11.30pm on Thursday, June 28, by what can only be described as the start of World War Three. It would appear that Bridley Moor School wanted to close with a bang! Really, what about the ill, elderly and weary parents
THE old lady refused to go quietly to her appointed grave and why should she, after half-a-century of stalwart and fine upholding community service? Her legacy has touched and benefited thousands of pupils over the years, most of whom are now active and
CRIPPLE and cure. That's the trick New Labour learned off the Old Tories. Starve services of cash to cause a problem then fix it by selling off land and reducing the standard of services. 'Schools and Hospitals First' - first for what, privatisation by
THE Crabbs Cross community, under the leadership of the Reverend David Rogers (now our Rural Dean and vicar of Beoley); enjoyed a full programme of events when the Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977. Our committee organised street collections
DRAGON BOAT RACING: A World Championship beckons for Stourport sports star Samantha Corfield - but her chosen field, or rather river, may be unknown to some people. Corfield, 26, is one of the top members of Worcester's Dragon Boat Racing Club, among
MOTOR SPORT: Kidderminster kart racing champion Nathaniel Freke narrowly missed a double win at Kimbolton Circuit on Sunday. Racing in his normal 125 gearbox class, Freke decimated a quality field, finishing second and first in the qualifying heats to
ATHLETICS: King Charles I High School pupil Steve Parker was not put off by taking part in the opening event of his first major competition. Parker finished eighth in the shot putt at the English Schools Athletics Association Track and Field Championships
BOWLING: England and Kidderminster's Grant Burgess saw off Ireland 120-89 in Belfast last week to take the Home International bowls title for the first time since 1994. The country's victory in the decider earned them 19 of the 22 points available. They
SIX swimmers from Wyre Forest Swimming Club have been competing in the Midland District Age Group competition in Coventry. Amy Smith, 14, added to a recent sprint gold with a superb swim in the 100 metre freestyle, improving her personal best time considerably
MARTIAL ARTS: An ancient Filipino martial art is set to be taught in Kidderminster with a free demonstration planned on Sunday. Classes in the devastating but little known art of Eskrima will start at the Holy Trinity School, Birmingham Road, next Thursday
JUDO: The Midland Area Open Kata Championships was dominated by Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club for the second year running. They won gold medals in four of the six categories as well as five other awards. Kata is the more technical side of judo which
ATHLETICS: John Amos was first home for Amazing Feet Running Club in the Rubery half-marathon in humid conditions. Amos finished 23rd in one hour 31 minutes nine seconds with four other local runners taking part. Eddie Sanders recorded 1-31-56 for 27th
GYMNASTICS: Five gymnasts from Wyre Forest Gymnastics School have passed their coaching examinations. Leigh Harrison, 14, and Hollie Styles, 16, passed their general assistant club coach test in Hereford. Eighteen-year-olds Marrie Carrigan, Louise Anson
ATHLETICS: Kidderminster Running Club star Steve Smith ran the Rubery half-marathon for the first time on Sunday and finished fifth in one hour 22 minutes 3 seconds. Smith found the hilly two-lap course in south Birmingham challenging but managed his
GOLF: The first three places in the men's 36-hole nett competition at Cleobury Mortimer were tied with the same gross score. The final positions were decided on countback. Result: Jack Pringle 159 nett 24 handicap 135 gross, Mark Gill 151-16-135, Jim
JUDGES are seeking a taste of the best dishes and drinks at Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa eateries. Worcestershire County Council has joined forces with the Heart of England Fine Foods organisation to launch an innovative competition. The Tastes of Worcestershire
SAILING: Trimpley hosted the Midland Optimist Traveller meeting with 18 boats and sailors from as far as Northumberland. Various Trimpley members and their friends made the event a success. The home side fielded three youngsters, Amy and Natalie Rees
SWIMMING: Ten students from Holy Trinity School took medals in the Worcestershire Catholic Schools Swimming Gala in Bromsgrove. There were 11 golds and six bronzes in the U-9 and U-11 categories, leaving a delighted physical education teacher in Emma
TENS of thousands of pounds damage was caused to a Kingfisher Centre store after heavy rainstorms led to severe flooding on Friday, writes Becky Procter. Staff at Marks and Spencer worked through the night to try and clean the shop which had closed at
A TOWN charity for the homeless has announced ambitious plans to create flats for needy young people in Redditch, writes Becky Procter. The news comes after the official launch of the new base for Step Out Drop In which opened up in Park House, Mount
A PACK of pooches from a Redditch club have proved their worth after helping raise hundreds of pounds for a facility for the disabled. The members of Matchborough Dog Training Club held an exemption dog show to raise money for the disabled riding facilities
WELL, the big day will soon be here and the excitement around Aggborough is building by the hour. And I'm sure that by the time we kick off for our Nationwide League Division Three season against Torquay United on Saturday the atmosphere will be electric
AN innovative website promoting rural enterprises has been launched by a Bromsgrove businessman. Ian Lambert hit upon an idea to help the embattled rural economy - a countrywide site that thinks locally. Mr Lambert is the managing director of computer
The Bishop of Dudley, David Walker, will be dropping into Redditch on Sunday to visit congregations at St David's Church Batchley and St Stephen's Church in the town centre. Bishop Walker will be at St David's from 9am and St Stephen's from 10.30am.
A BOLD Bromsgrove civil engineering student is adapting to life in the deepest jungle of Central America. Twenty-year-old Helen Bovey flew to Belize on Monday for a ten week exhibition with Trekforce. Helen, of Hanbury Road, Stoke Heath, is among 40 young
A CORPORATE rejig has boosted a leading Droitwich Spa materials manufacturer's product range. Restructuring by US-owned Myers Group will bring three companies together including Allibert Handling, at Berry Hill Industrial estate. The firms products include
A REDDITCH school, due to close this term, is celebrating the success of three pupils who have been awarded Good Citizen awards. Only three young people from Redditch have been awarded the rare accolade this year, all of them attending Bridley Moor High
STRAWBERRIES and cream was on the menu for toddlers at one Redditch nursery last week. Pre-school children at Noah's Ark Nursery, Matchborough, held a tea party for their parents. The four-year-olds at the nursery served up treats all afternoon after
A REDDITCH soldier is to serve on an operational tour of duty in Northern Ireland after completing the final stage of his infantry training. Former Leys Highs School pupil Keith Rock, 20, recently joined the First Battalion of the Worcestershire and Sherwood
BROWNIES have been busy helping to preserve the future of an ancient churchyard in Studley. The 2nd Studley St Mary's Brownies recently got their hands dirty at Studley Parish Church as part of their work towards their conservation badge. The girls also
A WEBSITE set up by two Redditch musicians to promote local bands and their music through the internet has been completely revamped to mark its first birthday. www.redditchbands.co.uk was set up by Mark Stevenson and James Mulvale and officially celebrates
STUART Lampitt returns to Worcestershire's side for today's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy fourth round tie against giant-killing Herefordshire at New Road (10.45am). The long-serving paceman was rested for the County's Championship victory over Derbyshire
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club's First XI finally had some luck on Saturday when their tightly poised Birmingham and District Premier League Division One clash with Wellington fell foul of the weather in the closing stages. Whilst the result could have gone
AVONCROFT Second XI returned to winning ways by grabbing hold of a match that appeared to be slipping away from them. Having been asked to bat on a damp wicket by Birlingham Seconds, openers P Whitehead and I Athey put on 59 in good time before Athey
I CAN'T remember the last time we went into a game as underdogs but that's how most people will look at Saturday's trip to Rotherham. I've been at Worcester club for three years now and I don't think the team has been in this position before. Rotherham
BROMSGROVE Seconds took a well deserved winning draw against division leaders Wellington Seconds on Saturday. 'Grove were looking to make amends for defeat earlier in the season as the predictable lost toss, gave them first use of the wicket. The Boars
CUTNALL Green Cricket Club couldn't catch a cold against Corinthians in a friendly on Sunday. Corinthians, batting first, scored runs steadily with a mainstay performance by Brian Lavell (105 not out), who was dropped five times. He saw Corinthians through
THERE'S no denying Saturday's defeat at Coventry was a hammer blow to our promotion bid. The penalty count was very high and heavy against us and, after totting them up, we found the score was 20-8 in Coventry's favour. We trailed in the first half, got
MAKE no mistake about it Worcester Rugby Club are heading for a do-or-die spell in their battle for Premiership Two title glory. And all supporters can rest assured that we'll be leaving no stone unturned in the club's bid to realise our ambition of clinching
SATURDAY'S game against Wakefield was a real treat for rugby lovers and I thought both sides played some inventive rugby with the ball in hand. For some months now we've been on about how crucial kicking has proved to be so it was nice to see such positive
IT'S the big one this weekend for the Six Nations as England travel to Paris looking for their first ever win at the Stade de France. With the form they showed against Ireland they must be quietly confident of gaining a crucial win which could bring them
DURING the last week we've had a chance to study the fixtures of our promotion rivals and judging by the games they face our chance is far from over. Not only have Rotherham and Leeds got to face each other again at Headingley but both have to travel
WE built up last Saturday's clash with Leeds as a shoot-out and unfortunately we're the ones who lost out. It involved two evenly matched sides but they took their opportunities and for that they deserved to win on the day. We haven't conceded a try in
A Hot-air meet and jousting tournament scheduled to take place at Eastnor Castle this weekend has been cancelled because of continuing foot and mouth restrictions. The cancellation of one of the region's high-profile summer events is another blow to Herefordshire
we're bitterly disappointed to have lost the Leeds game because it was so important for us in terms of winning the league. There were external factors involved which got to us and in future we've got to look to be more professional in our approach. On
I DISCOVERED some interesting statistics at the weekend which put our Teteley Bitter Cup victory at Kendal in a much better light. First of all, they conceded only 120 points at home in the whole of their league campaign last season which is something
CONGRATULATIONS to Australia on becoming World Champions but I feel some hard work needs to be done to improve the tournament. The final was a fantastic occasion but unfortunately the game was a typical final and showed that in modern day rugby it's easier
SIXWAYS has been a much quieter place than usual this week as all the senior players have been given a week's rest from training. We're in the middle of the three week break from competitive first team action so it's an ideal time to rest some aching
THE biggest problem we have at the moment is avoiding the hype and getting on with our rugby. You can make very dangerous assumptions in this game and if you do that you end up coming second. It's the English disease to build teams up just to shoot them
TWO seasons ago, I commented on the strawberries and ice cream image of the fans at Worcester, but that's now changing, and fast. We've seen a real core of support developing at the club and I feel it's become more vocal and passionate in the past two
THE lads showed a tremendous amount of character to win our game at London Welsh as it could easily have drifted away from us after we fell 12-0 behind. London Welsh have some very good rugby players and we saw the quality of some of their play when they
IT doesn't matter what word you use but 'ruthless' springs to mind with the way we at Worcester Rugby Club mauled Rugby Lions 73-0 last Saturday. And if we're going to win the Allied Dunbar Premiership Two that's exactly what we'll need to be for the
WE might be just one game into the season but even so I would like to put a fair wager forward that no side all season will turn over Manchester like we did on Saturday. I don't expect anybody to score as many points as we did and neither do I expect
THIS time last year I said a place in the top six was a goal for us and this time I would like to think we'll be in the top three fighting all the way for promotion. That's not a case of setting our standards low but of being realistic on what will be
MOTIVATING the team will not be a problem on Saturday even though things have been taken out of our hands. First of all we're ready to get back playing again after practising all of last Saturday at Abberley School. Then there's our very proud unbeaten
THE highs and lows of rugby reflect the highs and lows of life and we've experienced both this season. The players could not have given any more physically on Saturday and, on reflection, our defeat at Moseley followed a background of injury problems.
WORCESTER City's footballers headed for the hills last night as they began their punishing pre-season schedule. Manager John Barton put his new-look squad through their paces on the Malvern Hills. His three summer signings Jon Holloway, Allan Davies and
OUR last three encounters against Leeds have been thrillers and I'm sure it will be no different this weekend. It's a really tough test for us going to Headingley for what will be a watershed in our season. Last year we were in a similar position, travelling
