Sports Round-Up 20 March 2008 

 

'More of the same' was the message from Maurice Malpas at his weekly video press conference.

The Town boss was delighted with the performance against Carlisle on Saturday and wants to see a repeat against Brighton.

“That was undoubtedly the best box-to-box performance that we have produced since I have been here,” claimed Malpas.

The manager also confirmed that he would be naming an unchanged side for the trip to Brighton, despite having Billy Paynter and Barry Corr back in the squad.

“It was an easy decision about the starting eleven, but I’m still undecided as to who will be on the bench for the game,” added the boss.

Despite there being nine games left before the end of the season, Malpas has already got one eye on next season as he begins his search for players he would like to bring in to bolster his squad.

Injury nightmare: Christian Roberts will undergo surgery next week in an attempt to solve his knee problem

One of those who will not be available for the start of next season will be enigmatic Welshman Christian Roberts, who will undergo surgery on his troublesome knee injury next week.

He is expected to be out for a number of months but his manager was keen not to put an exact date for his return.

“Some people heal quicker than others but all I will say is Christian will be back as soon as he is ready, and will be receiving the full support of the whole club in his rehabilitation,” stated the Town manager.

Jamie Cox might grab all the headlines, but Swindon's thriving boxing community has a number of rising stars.

 

Most of whom can be found training in the most unlikely of places - the back of the County Ground hotel in the shadows of the football stadium.

 

Harry Scott and his team of trainers are responsible for coaching and developing the talent that comes through their doors.

 

Having trained Jamie Cox for nine years, Scott is more than aware of what is needed to produce a top-class fighter.

 

He currently has four national champions under his tutelage, with Marlon Reid being his brightest prospect.

 

The 25-year-old is gearing up for the Senior ABA Championships at the end of the month, and will be looking to improve on his success of last year where he lost in the final.

 

Teamwork: Coach Harry Scott (front centre) and his team of coaches and students in their gymnasium at the County Ground Hotel

Two of Swindon’s other brightest young boxing stars endured mixed results at the ABA Golden Gloves Championships in West Yorkshire.

Thirteen-year-old Tommy McDonagh was the star of the show in the Class 1 (46-48kg) division, beating Ryan Bolton on points to claim the title.

In a close encounter, the young fighter eventually won the bout 8-5 to record the biggest win of his fledgling career.

McDonagh has only been at the Walcot Gym for three years and is coached by trainer Dave Veysey, who was on hand to see his protégé claim the title at his first attempt.

“That was an incredible performance from a young man who is only 13 years old -he’s a real top prospect,” claimed a delighted Veysey.

The young champ also paid tribute to his dad who takes his son to the Walcot Gym five days a week for training.

“I’m so happy to win at my first attempt and would like to thank dad for all the time and effort he puts in for me,” said McDonagh.

Unfortunately Ryan Martin was unable to match his compatriot’s performance as he lost in the final to Patrick Miller in the Class 2 (57-60kg) division.

Last year’s Class 1 Champion was unable to overcome his opponent, narrowly going down 4-2 on the judge's scorecards.

However, his chances weren’t helped when he woke up on the morning of the fight with a cough and cold which undoubtedly had an effect on his performance.

Both fighters will be on international duty next month as they represent England Schoolboys at a Three Nations event in Sheffield on 11-12 April.

 

Football - Swindon Supermarine F.C.

 

Star man: Mark Draycott

Supermarine finally ended their five game draw streak with an impressive 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Corby Town.

Mark Draycott inspired the home side as a goal and an assist from the young forward lifted his side up to 9th in the Premier League table.

Having failed to break the deadlock in a tight first-half where both teams had chances, Marine dominated the second period.

Two goals in as many minutes just before the hour mark were enough to hand Swindon all three points, and in the process setting a new club record having gone 9 games without losing a game.

Manager Mark Collier declared himself "delighted" with the result and in particular the performance of Mark Draycott.

“I don’t normally like to single out players but Mark Draycott was magnificent today,” claimed a jubilant Collier.

 

Speedway - Swindon Robins

 

The Robins face Eastbourne tonight in the return fixture of the Craven Shield, after Swindon lost the away tie on Monday going down 52-41.

Despite a sparkling 17 point haul from Leigh Adams, the side were unable to recover from a poor start that saw them only take 18 points from the opening 9 heats.

Impressive return: Seb Alden shows his potential at Eastbourne

Seb Alden was the next best in the points chart for the Robins, with paid 8 points on his return to the team. 

Swindon manager Alun Rossiter will be hoping home advantage tonight will be instrumental as they look to claw back the 11-point deficit.

The meeting will also see the first return of ex-Robins hero Lee Richardson who moved to Eastbourne in the close season.

Tapes are up at 7.30pm at the Abbey Stadium and all support is more than

welcome.

 

Ice Hockey - Swindon npower Wildcats

 

Play-off potential: Coach Pete Russell hungry for success

The Wildcats' play-off preparations took a hit last weekend with disappointing losses to both Guildford and play-off rivals Slough.

However with a number of injuries, both games featured under-strength squads.

Having drawn Bracknell, Milton Keynes and Slough in their play-off group, Pete Russell will no doubt be focusing his roster for a championship push.

Their post season campaign gets underway this Easter weekend with home and away fixtures against Bracknell.

The Cats and the Bees have shared two victories each in League fixtures this season, but with three of the four games going to overtime, this weekend’s fixtures are set to be very tight encounters.

Play-off fixtures:

Sat 22 March : v Bracknell (h) 5.45pm
Sun 23 March : v Bracknell (a) 6.00pm
Sat 29 March : v Milton Keynes (a) 7.00pm
Sun 30 March : v Milton Keynes (h) 5.45pm
Sat 5 April : v Slough (h) 5.45pm
Sun 6 April : v Slough (a) 6.30pm

 

Hockey - North Wilts Hockey Club

 

North Wilts celebrated success last weekend as they finished the season on a high with a 1-0 victory over City of Bath.

The win not only secured promotion for the club but also gave them the League Two title in the process.

League champions: North Wilts men's team

The team will now play in the Wilts and Somerset Division One next season as the club goes from strength to strength.

Off the field the club has also been granted England Hockey 1st Accreditation, which will allow the club to receive local and national Sports Grants to aid their development.

On a personal note, Club Secretary Steve Pratt has also been promoted to Level Two umpire, which will allow him to take charge of South West Wessex Premier League matches next season.