Coventry Telegraph - Pink Online

Boxing: Mikey Cole wins battle with Royal Fusilier at Warwick School

2012-02-21T11:01:10Z

PUNCHING machine Mikey Cole had a sell-out crowd on their feet at Warwick School.

Cole claimed the bout-of-the-night trophy after outpointing Corporal Reay on a show that paired Warwickshire boxers against the First Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Reay had a nine-fight unbeaten record but 24 year-old welterweight Cole, from Napton, landed the cleaner punches throughout a ferocious, toe-to-toe battle of wills.

Myles Vale was another winner for the Cleary's gym in Leamington.

Vale showed some skills on his way to a 23-18 points decision over Fusilier Chilton in their welterweight fight.

Nav Mankoo, in action in the BUSA championships this weekend, solved the problems posed by slippery Lnc Crprl Salen to run out a 17-7 points winner.

Ben Daly was just edged out in another crowd-pleasing punch up. He was pipped 22-21 by Fusilier Harris in their welterweight match.

Michael Jephcott, from Cleary's ABC, turned the tables on Nathan Whitehouse (Bulkington). Jephcott had suffered a stoppage defeat in their previous bout but was a convincing 23-7 points winner to claim a second win in three fights between the pair.

Charlie Bradley, from Red Corner ABC, forced a second-round stoppage over Fusilier Morris and Don Johanneson (Stratford) ruined the ring return of Ben Castle (Cleary's) with a points win.

Fifteen year-old Cane Summer was beaten 27-28 by Rhys Hackett, from Studio ABC, in another good bout and Gino Jones, the former Three Nations champion from Coventry Boys ABC, ended the night in style.

He posted a 12-7 point over John Mason (Warwick Boys) in the final bout of a night organised by Adie Bush and Chris Summer.

Cricket: West Midlands Corporate cricket teams eye Warwickshire Taverners Trophy

2012-02-21T10:56:14Z

KEEN cricketers will have the chance to play at Edgbaston in the final of this year's Warwickshire Taverners Trophy.

Formerly known as the John Bright Trophy, the West Midlands corporate competition has been expanded to 20 teams and has teamed up with the Lord's Taverners charity.

After competing in group fixtures at Moseley Ashfield CC's Britannic Park Ground, corporate cricketers will now play at the Bears' redeveloped headquarters in the final on September 14.

Football: Hinckley United 0 Guiseley 1

2012-02-20T11:06:37Z

HINCKLEY stay just above the Blue Square Conference North relegation zone after a Simon Baldry's goal gave Guiseley a win that keeps their promotion hopes intact.

Baldry pounced on 46 minutes after Cieran Toner's shot had been blocked. Knitters rarely threatened, Paul Lister's 17th-minute header their only chance of note. But for on-loan Leicester keeper Patrick Lane, the defeat would have been much heavier.

Lane saved from Danny Boshell, Toner's curling 25-yarder and James Walshaw in the first-half.

On the hour, when Walshaw was brought down by Haydon Hollis, Lane was equal to Walshaw's spot-kick - getting down low to save to his left.

Football: Colwyn Bay 1 Nuneaton Town 6

2012-02-20T11:02:27Z

DANNY Glover re-wrote the Nuneaton Town record books with the first four-goal league performance since the club reformed back in 2007 as Boro blitzed Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

Glover led the way in a high-octane display from Kevin Wilkin's men, who had the game won inside the opening quarter.

Home manager Jon Newby, presented with the January Manager of the Month award prior to kick off, will certainly feel the honour was a jinx as his team capitulated.

Before the game, Newby stated: "Nuneaton have two very good forwards in Glover and Brown, both of whom work hard and have good movement, but hopefully we will have Frank Sinclair back to organise us at the back to cope with that."

But the ex-Leicester and Chelsea centre-back failed to back up his boss's hopes as Glover and Andy Brown did exactly what Newby was concerned about.

Glover helped himself to a four-timer while Brown also got on the scoresheet as well as totting up three assists.

And as the forwards ran riot, it was also a performance in which the midfield showed its hand, skipper Mark Noon and Adam Walker impressing along with Wes York and the experienced Gary Mills.

Defensively, Boro contained the Bay forward line with some authority although it did need a couple of smart stops from the departing Danny Alcock to deny Karl Noon and Rob Hopley prior to the interval.

Boro started the rout inside six minutes. Glover made the breakthrough by crashing a clinical drive beyond keeper Andy Metcalfe after good work by Brown, who within 60 seconds fired in a fine angled drive to double the advantage. Wilkin's men were buoyant and on 23 minutes Noon latched on to Brown's cushioned header to round Metcalfe and poke into a begging net to put Boro into a 3-0 lead.

Three minutes later, Neil Cartwright hoisted a long ball forward and Glover collected, held off a defender's challenge and exploded a 15-yarder into the net.

The former Worcester man completed his hat-trick on 39 minutes with another decisive finish after Simon Forsdick's piercing run and pass to took his tally to four just past the hour by converting Brown's unselfish square pass.

Late on, Jimmy Armson was penalised for handball in a goalmouth melee enabling Fraser McLachlan to grab a consolation from the spot.

Rugby: Nuneaton 3 Hull 15

2012-02-20T10:56:40Z

NUNEATON missed the chance to pull clear of the drop zone as they were edged out by Hull in a gritty Liberty Way clash.

A James Cameron penalty midway through the first half gave the visitors a slender interval lead.

The Nuns had a chance soon after the restart to claim the opening try following a break from full-back Elliot Brown, only for the move to break down shy of the Hull line.

Huw Thomas did land a penalty three minutes into the half though and the home side began to take control.

But their hopes of a vital victory were dashed five minutes later when Hull centre Stephen Slingsby intercepted a pass inside his own half before running the ball home, Cameron slotting over the conversion.

Nuneaton were thrown a lifeline in the closing stages when the visitors had replacement Matthew White sin-binned but they still managed a second try a minute from the end through the tireless Cameron.

Phil Maynard offers no excuses for Coventry's defeat at Macclesfield

2012-02-20T10:53:18Z

RUGBY director Phil Maynard conceded that Coventry were outplayed in every department as they slumped to a 40-10 defeat at Macclesfield in their first National League One game for three weeks.

Cov conceded a try after just 29 seconds and - 28-0 down at the break after facing a strong wind - never looked like finding a way back into contention.

"It was a bitterly disappointing performance in several ways, no question, and Macclesfield gave us a lesson," said Maynard.

"We knew we had to keep the ball in hand in the first half against the wind and then after working hard to get into any sort of field position, we continually gave the ball away cheaply. It gave us a mountain to climb.

"The game was summed up for me when the first time we got some attacking ball in the first half we kicked it away and simply fed their counter-attack, which was exactly what we had said we wouldn't do.

"In the second half I counted Macclesfield carrying the ball through 22 phases and making 20 yards without giving the ball away - we couldn't do that and it was very disappointing to see a Coventry pack being completely out-rucked the way we were today."

Added Maynard: "We had a number of forced changes and we have a lot of injuries in the squad but having said that these lads are playing for Cov and for places next season.

"I thought Khrist Kopetzky offered a different dimension when he moved to fly-half for the last quarter but it was probably the only positive."

Macclesfield 40 Coventry 10

2012-02-20T08:16:47Z

COVENTRY'S sorry run continued and this time there wasn't a single positive to draw from a totally uninspiring and lacklustre performance at Priory Park.

Behind inside the opening thirty seconds, Cov never recovered and were outplayed all round by a sharper, smarter and much more streetwise Macclesfield side who handed out a harsh lesson in how to play the difficult conditions.

The tale of woe began when Cov, who had elected to face a strong, cold wind in the first half, failed to secure Macclesfield's kick-off at the first attempt, were put straight on the back foot by a clearance kick which died in the wind and failed to make touch, and then left space in the middle for centre Fergus Mulchrone to score after 29 seconds.

It didn't get a lot better over the rest of a first half which saw Cov generally give away possession whenever they made any progress and fail to reach the home 22 with ball in hand while their now buoyant hosts claimed three more tries under the prompting and probing of scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone.

And just to rub it in, Macclesfield then managed to 'win' the second half as they did everything that Cov should have done by keeping the ball tight through phase after phase to strangle any hopes an increasingly frustrated Cov might have held of mounting a recovery.

Cov's forwards were unable to dominate as they had in recent games against a strong Macclesfield eight and as a consequence an evolving back division - including three players making their first start - struggled to make any impact, which added up to a sorry show all round.

Cov's early-season exploits mean that despite sliding down to 12th place in the National League One table, they retain a good cushion over the three sides currently occupying the relegation spots.

But every performance like this drains a little more of what confidence there is within the squad and with injuries continuing to bite deep in key areas, Cov's coaching team have a job on their hands to stop the rot and get things back on track over the next two months.

Winney ignored a clear overlap on the quarter hour as Cov were pinned back but Macclesfield's second try came two minutes later when hooker Iain Taylor smuggled his way over on the right and when Cov failed to secure a line-out in their left corner, Ryan Parkinson picked up and had a clear run to the line for number three.

Winney converted both scores and was on the mark again when Charlie Mulchrone dived over from close range for Macclesfield's bonus point try after just 32 minutes of a one-sided half.

It should have been more but Josh Fowles was unable to hold on to a Winney pass with the line at his mercy, and Cov did manage a brighter start to the second half with Jack Green's break to the 22 eventually leading to a Brett Daynes try after 49 minutes, Elliott Read's conversion bouncing away off the right upright.

But Macclesfield regained the initiative as Cov continued to give the ball away at will and Gavin Woods and Eddie Stobart added further tries, one converted by Winney, before Andy Murray ran in a consolation try as the game moved into added time.

Macclesfield: tries F Mulchrone (1), Taylor (17), Parkinson (28), C Mulchrone (33), Woods (58), Stobart (74); conversions Winney 5 (1, 18, 29, 35, 59). Coventry: tries Daynes (49), Murray (80).

Macclesfield: Winney; Moorhouse, F Mulchrone, Davenport (Stobart 62), Fowles; Eaton, C Mulchrone; Woods, Taylor (Kent 66), Mantell (Robinson 66), Marsh, Williams (Roddy 73), Owen, Parkinson (McCarthy 73), Barker.

Coventry: Russell; Sutherland, Otutaha (MacBurnie 64), Green, Gillick; Read (Murray 60), Kopetzky; Waller, Ager (Hafu 49), Parkins (Weller 52), Mather, Dechartres (Weaver 47), Daynes, Miller, Tibbatts.

Referee: M Caton (RFU).

Football: Steve Farmer wants Bedworth to get out against Ashford Town

2012-02-17T09:26:42Z

PURGATORY may be the word that Bedworth United manager Steve Farmer could use to describe the last few weeks - postponed fixtures, unavailable players and successive league defeats have all frustrated his side, who have lost some of their early season sparkle.

But he's not seeking any benevolence, his sole wish is for the Greenbacks to get out against Ashford Town tomorrow and show their promotion potential.

The straight-talking United chief said: "It's been a frustrating time with one thing or another but despite everything we are fourth and have a great opportunity of reaching the play-offs.

"We still have five lads missing for various reasons but we are a lot stronger in depth than when we played Ashford down in Middlesex as we were absolutely threadbare that day.

"I had to call on players from local clubs to make up the squad and we still drew 2-2."

He continued: "We are better equipped tomorrow and though there's been a light-hearted atmosphere in training, there's been no shortage of hard work and commitment.

"Those last two defeats against Fleet and Chalfont are in the past.

"We've regrouped and licked our wounds, now we need to kick on and get three points in the bag."

Missing the Ash Trees clash are Jamie Greenway (knee), Ian Roper (ankle), Kyle Baxter (holiday), Ashley Robinson (groin) and Ashley Spencer (suspended).

Football: Rugby primed and ready for trip to Bedfont Town

2012-02-17T09:22:39Z

RUGBY Town are primed and ready for their trip to fellow in-form outfit Bedfont Town tomorrow, hoping that victory would take them into the play-offs for the first time since October.

Dave Stringer's men are well placed in seventh and just two points down on that crucial fifth spot.

With an excellent four-game winning run under their belts since early last month, Valley are high on confidence and go to the Orchard Ground more than hopeful of plucking all three points.

However, their rivals go into the fixture on the back of a splendid 3-0 win at Fleet in midweek to complete a hat-trick of league wins for the Peacocks, who are 14th in the table. Town kept their unbeaten record in head-to-head clashes against Bedfont with a 1-1 draw earlier this term at Butlin Road, with Harry Harris's 54th-minute equaliser salvaging a point from a stuttering display from Stringer's men.

Rugby's Red Insure Cup quarter-final clash at Chesham has been rearranged for Tuesday. The latest call off came despite the efforts of the ground staff in removing surface water from the Meadow pitch, following a severe frost on Friday night. Chesham has recorded the lowest temperature in the country so far this winter at minus 17.5 degrees centigrade.

Football: Hinckley United aim to stop title ambitions of Guiseley

2012-02-17T09:20:13Z

FRESH from a superb 2-0 win at Corby Town in midweek, Hinckley United aim to put a severe dent in the title ambitions of Guiseley at the Greene King Arena tomorrow.

Knitters hoisted themselves out of the bottom three with the defeat of the Steelmen and with no shortage of self belief in his squad, manager Dean Thomas will expect something from the home clash with the Leeds-based Lions.

Craig Farrell, 29, opened his goal account for United at Corby, celebrating his permanent move to the club after being on loan from AFC Telford.

Football: Nuneaton hope for win against welsh side

2012-02-17T09:17:00Z

IT HAS been almost eight years since Nuneaton last visited the Principality but that wait ends tomorrow as Boro go to Colwyn Bay on the north Wales coast for what is far from a holiday jaunt for Kevin Wilkin's men.

The Seagulls are on a good run of form with just one defeat in their last seven league outings, a 1-0 home reversal to FC Halifax last weekend, and offer sixth-placed Boro, who are one spot and three points ahead of their hosts, a stern test.

Wilkin, who scored in the 4-3 defeat at Merthyr Tydfil when Boro last journeyed into Wales in April 2004, is under no illusions at the task that awaits his side at the Red Lion Stadium but he believes it's a test that will bring out the best in his players.

He said: "They are having a good season and their results over the past month or so have been impressive with wins at Stalybridge, Worcester and Altrincham plus they beat Boston at home. They are all seriously good sides so we know we have a real task on our hands."

Boro were grateful to a brace of Danny Glover penalties to earn them a 2-1 win over Vauxhall and net their first league victory of the 2012 but it was back at the beginning of December they last picked up maximum points on their travels, a 2-1 decision at Gloucester where a Glover spot-kick again decided the issue.

Guy Hadland is expected to recover from the ankle injury suffered in the 1-0 Birmingham Senior Cup win over Tamworth in midweek.

Keeper Danny Alcock is to leave the club after taking a job promotion offer within the Stoke City Academy where he's a coach.

Alcock, an England C international, could have played his last game for Nuneaton as takes up his new post at the end of the month.

Wilkin said: "Danny told me a few weeks ago and I realise his commitment. We shall keep him on the books in case of emergencies.

"Fortunately we have an excellent keeper in Neil Collett, who had been quite superb at the start of the season before suffering a groin problem and in my opinion there's nothing to choose between the pair of them."

* FORMER Coventry City full-back Kirk Stephens has resigned from the board of Nuneaton Town.

Stephens, also a former Boro player and manager, has quit due to business commitments that are forcing him to spend more time out of the country limiting his commitment to the club.

He understands the role of director at Nuneaton Town is an active, working one and he felt he was unable to fulfil that obligation."

Football: Leamington pray for success against leaders Brackley Town

2012-02-17T09:14:23Z

PAUL Holleran expects a positive and determined approach from his Leamington side tomorrow when they go to St James' Park to face league-leaders Brackley Town.

The Brakes boss is desperate to see the end of a seven-match winless league run that's seriously compromised their play-off and promotion ambitions although Holleran hopes the cold snap will have come at an opportune time. "We now need to get back on track and put a halt to this disappointing run of league results," he said.

"I don't think there will be any problems as regards fitness as we managed to get a friendly in at Solihull Moors in midweek and we did well."

He continued: "It will be good having most of the squad available, including Jamie Hood who has been out for three months with knee ligament damage."

Holleran expects Jon Adams to recover from flu and hopes are high that Alex Taylor is fast approaching fitness following a nagging ankle problem.

Brackley, who this week secured the services of talented Nuneaton Town left-sided wing-back Eddie Nisevic for a third month on loan, fought out a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture at the New Windmill Ground in October, while they won a penalty shoot-out to defeat Brakes in the League Cup a month later.

Holleran, who includes new signing Lee Chilton in his squad, added: "There won't be much between us. I would imagine the odd goal will decide it."

Cricket: Kenilworth Wardens look for lady cricketers

2012-02-17T09:12:06Z

KENILWORTH Wardens are staging a series of ladies cricket taster evenings at their Glasshouse Park headquarters on four consecutive Mondays starting next week (6.30-7.30pm).

They are open to all ages - no previous experience required - and anybody interested should turn up in tracksuit and trainers.

More information is available from philippa.rawbone@btopenworld.com.

Football: Sporting Futures Coventry boosted by new footballs

2012-02-17T09:09:43Z

SPORTING Futures Coventry has collected 20 brand-new footballs to spice up their twice-weekly sessions at the Daimler Green Community Centre in Radford.

The gift comes courtesy of EA Sports' Love Football Play Football campaign which has distributed 5,000 to projects all over the country as part of the Football Foundation initiative.

Sporting Futures Coventry attracts between 30-35 youngsters, aged between 10-19 on Monday and Friday evenings.

Rugby Union: Two new signings to get first starts as Coventry head to Macclesfield

2012-02-17T09:06:57Z

COVENTRY are set to unveil two of their new signings in a revamped back division at Macclesfield tomorrow as they resume National League One action after a three-week break.

French sevens international Khrist Kopetzky comes in at scrum-half for the unavailable Lewis Barker and ex-Leicester Academy winger Michael Gillick is preferred to Spencer Sutherland on the left flank.

In addition, centre James Otutaha makes his first start after coming on as a second-half replacement in Cov's last game at Cambridge while Callum MacBurnie - signed, with Gillick, on dual-registration terms from Moseley - is named on the bench.

In the pack, second row Benji Dechartres returns from injury and Tongan hooker Will Hafu, who has come to Cov from Rosslyn Park, is in the running for a place among the replacements.

"We've freshened up the side a bit and it will be interesting to see how it irons out," said rugby director Phil Maynard. "There is competition for places and plenty of people with points to make.

"Training has been going well but it's no real measure of how we are going and the one thing we want is to get back playing rugby - it's been a bit boring really for everyone!

"The lads are all raring to play some rugby and get things back on track."

Cov recorded a 36-25 home win over Macclesfield in October when, after a good start, the visitors were going through a sticky spell with five defeats in six games.

But they have recovered well, winning eight of their last ten games, and are currently lying fifth in the table with brothers Fergus, at full-back, and scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone, who have both scored 13 tries this season, playing vital roles.

"It's a tough game to start back with," conceded Maynard, "but we are confident that if we hit the ground running and play to our strengths, we can get a good result."

Kick-off is 3pm.

Coventry: Russell; Gregson, Otatuha, Green, Gillick; Read, Kopetzky; Waller, Ager, Parkins, Mather, Dechartres, Daynes, Miller, Tibbatts. Reps from MacBurnie, Murray, Weller, Harrop. Hafu, Weaver.