Sports Round-Up 17 January 2008 

 

Golf - David Howell

 

New Start: Howell looking forward to 2008

Story update: 18 January 08, 2.30pm

 

The Swindon golfer seems to be starting the 2008 season as he left off in 2007 with a disappointing performance.

 

His season got underway with renewed optimism yesterday in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

 

But unfortunately he didn’t get off to the best of starts in the Middle East, firing an opening round 74 (+2) which included 5 birdies, but also a bogey and three double bogeys.

 

He followed it up today with an even more disappointing round of 77, placing him well outside of the cut mark of +1.

 

Germany's young star, Martyn Kaymer, leads the tournament by 6 shots on -13.

  

Dream Team: New team Maurice Malpas and Dave Byrne Top Man: New chairman Andrew Fitton

The new man in Town, Maurice Malpas, was on hand to give his first weekly interview as Swindon Town manager.

The canny Scotsman spoke of his delight at finally being back where he feels most at home.

“I took my first training session today and the lads were great, and it felt good to be back where I’m most comfortable – on the training field,” said an excited Malpas.

With the transfer embargo set to be lifted in the next couple of days, the new man is hopeful that some fresh faces can be added to the squad in the near future.

“Myself and Dave have been working hard behind the scenes to bring some new players in, be that on a loan basis or permanently,” said the new Town boss.

We also got the opportunity to speak to his assistant manager Dave Byrne, who spoke in glowing terms of his time at the helm.

“Myself and Ady had a fantastic time as caretakers and I and thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with the new boss as his assistant,” said Byrne.

He also wished to take the time to thank a number of people for the last six weeks.

“Thanks must go the Wills family and the new owners, Mr Fitton and Mr Wray, for the chance to look after first team affairs following the departure of Paul Sturrock, and also now to the new board for the opportunity to work alongside Maurice,” added Byrne.

Football - Swindon Supermarine

Hero to zero: Mark Collier disappointed after weekend defeat

The tables were turned on Supermarine as they followed up their emphatic 5-1 demolition of Yate Town with a crushing defeat at the hands of student outfit Team Bath.

The Southern League Premiership top scorer Sean Canham was the architect for the win with a first-half hat-trick and four goals in total.

Marine's cause wasn’t helped with the sending off of Gary Horgan, bit in all fairness the damage had already been done.

"My feelings are hurt badly, but it's not about me, it's about Swindon Supermarine Football Club. This is a set-back, but if you can't overcome setbacks there's no point being involved in football. We will bounce back from this,” said a disappointed Mark Collier.

 

Fun in the sun: Miles Mackman gearing up for Spanish event

As one Swindon golfer is struggling to find his form, another is on the form of his life.

Broome Manor starlet, Miles Mackman, is currently in Spain preparing for the Costa Ballena Quadrangular Tournament which starts next week.

Mackman has been promoted to the England ‘A’ Squad following a highly successful 2007 campaign, which saw him become West of England Amateur Matchplay champion and also capture the coveted Lagonda Trophy with a tournament record 13 under par score around the testing Gog Magog Golf Course.

Ice Hockey - Swindon npower Wildcats

Inconsistent: Cats in action at the weekend

The Wildcats enjoyed mixed fortunes last weekend, as they suffered a disappointing home defeat on Saturday to the Peterborough Phantoms, going down 7-4.

However, they followed this game on Sunday with what looked on paper to be a tough away trip to Bracknell, to face the high flying Bees.

But a tough rear guard action and some clinical finishing allowed the Cats to secure an impressive 3-1 victory, and in the process silence a few of the critics from the previous evening.