Sports Round-up 14 February 2008 

Superman: Captain Hasney Aljofree bares all on Tuesday

Maurice Malpas declared himself "very happy" with the response his players showed against Cheltenham on Tuesday night.

Following the disappointing weekend loss to Huddersfield the team showed a renewed vigour in defeating their local rival.

Malpas was also delighted at how quickly Simon Cox and Billy Paynter rekindled their partnership, with both strikers scoring in the game.

“Simon scored a typical striker's goal and Billy got across the defender well and they both linked up terrifically,” said a delighted Town boss.

With a trip north to Nottingham to face the high flying Forest, Malpas is adamant that the team won’t be going there with anything other than three points in mind.

“If we go down fighting then so be it, but we have already beaten them once this season so why not again,” added Malpas.

However, with Cox suspended for the game and Barry Corr on the sidelines with his shoulder injury, either Blair Sturrock or Moses Ashikodi will partner Billy Payner up front as Swindon look to keep pressing for a play-off place.

On a lighter note the Town boss claimed not to have seen skipper Hasney Aljofree reveal his true colours as Superman.

Stunning winner: Kyle Lapham

Swindon Supermarine’s trip to Rugby Town didn’t get off to the best of starts when the Team bus got lost and didn’t arrive at the ground until 10 minutes before kick-off.

With the game eventually getting under way at 3.10pm, Mark Collier’s men unsurprisingly went a goal down with 30 seconds of the start of play.

Marine appeared all at sea in a first-half where only the heroics of keeper Tom King kept them in the game.

However, the second-half brought a transformation in the Supermarine performance, and two inspired substitutions paid dividends.

First Mark Draycott got in behind the Rugby defence and slotted the ball home. Then with ten minutes left Kyle Lapham rifled the ball home from outside the area to complete the turnaround.

The goal sparked wild celebrations from the travelling fans and staff, and the result has moved Swindon up to 13th in the table.

 

Ice Hockey - Swindon npower Wildcats

 

Hat-trick hero: Joel Petkoff in action against Wightlink

Two inspired performances from fans' favourite Joel Petkoff saw the Wildcats complete their first weekend-double since the start of December.

On Saturday the Cats travelled to Telford to face the Tigers, where a Petkoff hat-trick and a goal from fellow Canadian John Wheaton was enough to secure a 4-2 victory.

Sunday saw the visit of Wightlink to the Link Centre, and once again Petkoff was the star of the show.

His second hat-trick of the weekend, along with goals from Tomas Janak, Matty Davies, Adam Brittle and John Wheaton gave Swindon a hard fought 7-5 win.

However, the game went right down to the wire as Petkoff completed his treble with only 12 seconds remaining.

 

Hockey - North Wilts Hockey Club

 

The junior section of the North Wilts Hockey Club entered the National Yazoo Mini Hockey Tournament.

The qualifying stages were held at Daunsey School in West Lavington, with the team coming up against other sides from the area.

Both the boys and girls teams put in highly creditable performances but unfortunately were unable to gain qualifying places.

Jolly Hockey Sticks: North Wilts Hockey Club juniors

The Club are always looking for new recruits, and train at the Dorcan Leisure Centre on Tuesday evenings.

For any more information please contact Steve Pratt on steve@itsy.freeserve.co.uk.

 

Speedway - Swindon Robins

 

With the 2008 season rapidly approaching, Swindon Speedway has been handed a double boost.

Only last night, plans for the redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium were finally approved by the Council’s planning committee.

The Robins are hoping to make the new stadium home for the start of the 2010 season, in a move that will secure the long term future of the team.

Plans approved: Plans for the new Abbey Stadium get the go ahead from the Council

They have also announced two associate partners for the 2008 season. George White Motorbikes and M+S Van and Truck Rentals have pledged their supports for the Robins this upcoming season.

Finally the fixture list has been announced for the 2008 season and the first date to put in the diary is Thursday 20th March, the first home fixture at the Abbey Stadium (see below for the full fixture list).

 

Basketball - Swindon Sonics

 

Swindon Sonics Basketball team are in urgent need of players for their 6-11 year old age group.

Catch me if you can: Swindon Sonics in action

The Club offers children the opportunity to try out this fast and fun sport in a safe environment.

The teams train at the Haydon Wick Leisure Centre on Saturday mornings from 9.30am – 11.00am.