Sports Round-Up 6 March 2008 

Racing - John Manners Racing

 

With the Cheltenham Festival only days away, we travelled to Highworth to visit the stables of one of the Festival’s more colourful characters.

Based at the 400-acre Common Farm just outside of the town, John Manners and his team currently have 20 horses in training – with the self-titled hunter chaser ‘Man From Highworth’ getting all the attention.

 

In it to win it: we check out Highworth's very own Cheltenham hopeful - currently a 12-1 shot for the Foxhunter's Chase on Friday 14 March

Following his recent good form, including wins in his last two point-to-point races, he has been entered into the famous Foxhunters race at the Cheltenham Festival next Friday.

The 9-year-old gelding will be hoping to emulate his famous uncle Cavalero, who triumphed in the 1998 Foxhunters at Aintree and the 2000 Foxhunters at Cheltenham.

In the saddle will be 19-year-old amateur jockey David Bass, who has ridden him to his last two successes – most recently in the Coronation Cup at Lark Hill, which shares a similar steep finishing incline to Cheltenham.

 

"I'm really excited about Cheltenham, we seem to work well together as a team so there is no reason why we can't win," added Bass.

 

Teamwork: jockey David Bass gives 'Man From Highworth' a brush down

Manners himself will no doubt be present at a venue where he once famously jumped the barrier to cheer on Knight of Love, one of his first Cheltenham winners in 1982 – actions he was promptly reprimanded and fined £50 for improper conduct.

With odds currently being offered at 12/1, Man From Highworth looks a fair each-way bet for success in a race that follows the Gold Cup on Friday.

 

Football - Swindon Supermarine

 

In-form: striker Ashley Edenborough

Supermarine kept a second successive clean sheet for the first time this season with a 0-0 draw against Bromsgrove Rovers.

The result leaves Marine firmly cemented in mid-table - a position manager Mark Collier would no doubt have taken at the start of the season, following their promotion last term.

In a game with little chances, the in-form Ashley Edenborough was Swindon’s main goal threat but was thwarted by the home keeper on a number of occasions.

Following the game, a delighted Mark Collier claimed, ”we’ll take any away point in the Southern League that we can get, but to keep a clean sheet as well is an added bonus.”

Fans of Speedway will no doubt be waiting in eager anticipation for the start of the 2008 season.

But with only 9 days to go until the first fixture against Eastbourne the wait is almost over.

However, before this fans have an opportunity to meet the new squad that will make up the Swindon Robins this coming season.

 

Back for more: fans' favourite Leigh Adams

 
On Monday at 4.30pm fans will be able see the new team ride for the first time at the Abbey Stadium.

Admission to the event is by donation (minimum donation £1) in aid of the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund.

Later on in the evening there will be an opportunity to meet the riders in the middle bar at the Abbey Stadium for autographs and any questions.

 

 Swindon Robins Speedway Fixtures - list of

 

Ice Hockey - Swindon npower Wildcats

 

Safe hands: net-minder Nathan Craze

The Wildcats virtually cemented their place in the end of season play-offs with a hard-earned double last weekend.

Saturday’s close fought 4-3 victory over Chelmsford was inspired by young forward Matty Davies who added another two goals to his season's tally.

Sunday saw the team travel to the Isle of Wight to face bottom of the league Wightlink.

Despite their lowly league position, the hosts pushed the Cats all the way and had it not been for a last gasp winner from Jan Vrtik overtime would have been a certainty. 

Net minder Nathan Craze must also take a lot of the credit for the victory as a string of fine saves restricted the home side to a single goal.

With only four games of the regular season left and the Cats six points clear of the 9th placed team, a play-off place is a near certainty.

 

Rugby League - Swindon St. George Rugby League Club

 

Rugby League is the latest sport to hit the vibrant sports scene currently being enjoyed in Swindon.

Having spotted a gap in the market, Swindon St. George Rugby League Club has been formed, with its launch set to be unveiled on Saturday 15th of March.

The club are currently recruiting players, helpers and fans as they look to encourage people into this vibrant and hard-hitting sport.

They will be based at the Supermarine Club for both training and home fixtures.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact Neil Ferguson on neil@chrome.fsnet.co.uk or Tony Ellis on tony.ellis60@virgin.net. Or you can visit the website at www.swindonrfl.co.uk.