FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

UCL Premier Division: Wellingborough Town v Cogenhoe United.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Premier Division: Banbury v Chippenham; Bashley v Leamington; Bedford Town v Swindon Supermarine; Cambridge City v AFC Totton; Cirencester v Barwell; Frome v St Albans City; Hitchin Town v Brackley; Oxford City v Arlesey Town; Redditch v Chesham; Weymouth v Stourbridge.

Division One Central: AFC Hayes v St Neots; Ashford Town v Biggleswade Town; Barton Rovers v Chalfont St Peter; Beaconsfield v Bedworth; Burnham v Aylesbury; Daventry Town v Slough; Leighton Town v Marlow; North Greenford United v Fleet Town; Northwood v Chertsey; Rugby Town v Uxbridge; Woodford United v Bedfont Town.

COUNTY CUP COMPETITIONS

Beds FA Intermediate Cup – Semi-Final: St Josephs v Crawley Green Res.

MOLTEN SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Premier Division: AFC Dunstable v Hillingdon Borough; Colney Heath v Aylesbury United; Harefield United v Hadley; Hatfield Town v Haringey Borough; Hertford Town v Dunstable Town; Holmer Green v Hanwell Town; London Tigers v Biggleswade United (at Hillingdon Borough); Oxhey Jets v St Margaretsbury; Royston Town v Broxbourne Borough; Stotfold v Berkhamsted; Tring Athletic v Leverstock Green.

Division One: Amersham v Harpenden; Ampthill Town v Cockfosters; Bedford v Buckingham Athletic; Chesham Utd Res v Tokyngton Manor; Cranfield United v Hoddesdon Town; Kentish Town v London Colney; Kings Langley v Wodson Park; London Lions v Crawley Green; New Bradwell St Peter v Sun Postal Sports; Stony Stratford Town v Langford.

Reserve Division One: Cockfosters v Hadley; Hatfield v Royston; Hoddesdon v Stotfold; Langford v Holmer Green; London Colney v Risborough Rangers; St Margaretsbury v Wodson Park.

CHROMASPORTS & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Blackstones v St Ives Town; Cogenhoe v Deeping Rangers; Desborough v Sleaford; Irchester v Yaxley; Kings Lynn v Daventry; Long Buckby v Holbeach; Newport Pagnell v N’pton Spencer; Peterborough NS v Thrapston; Stewarts & Lloyds v Boston Town.

Division One: Bourne v Harborough; Buckingham Town v Olney; Bugbrooke v Rothwell; Burton PW v Huntingdon; ON Chenecks v Raunds; Rothwell Corinthians v Sileby Rangers; Rushden & Higham United v Wootton Blue Cross; Wellingborough Whitworth v Potton United.

BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Premier Division: AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College v Flitwick Town; Bedford Hatters v Dunton; Blunham v Woburn; Sharnbrook v Shefford Town & Campton; Wilshamstead v Caldecote; Arlesey Town Res v Oakley Sports.

Division One: Caldecote Res v Meltis Albion; FC Meppershall v Lea Sports PSG; Kings AFC v Luton Boys; Marston Shelton Rovers v Ickwell & Old Warden; Sandy v Lidlington United Sports.

Division Two: AFC Turvey v Shefford Town & Campton Res; Bromham United v Elstow Abbey; Co-op Sports v Clifton; M&DH Oakley v Potton United Res; Marabese Ceramics v Pavenham; Queens Park Crescents v Stopsley Park.

Division Three: Dunton Res v Goldington; Flitwick Town Res v Eastcotts AFC; Kempston Hammers Sports v Wilshamstead Res; Potton Town v Riseley Sports; Renhold Village v Cranfield United Res; Sundon Park Rangers Colts v Stevington; Westoning Res v Royal Oak.

Division Four: Bedford Panthers v Sandy Res; Caldecote A v Stewartby Village; Clifton Res v Dinamo Flitwick; Goldington Hammers v Bedford Park Rangers; Ickwell & Old Warden Res v Thurleigh; Marsh Leys v Wootton Village; Shefford Town & Campton A v Kempston Athletic.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Southern League Premier Division: Evesham United v Hemel Hempstead.

MICHAEL R PETERS BEDFORD SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup – Semi-Final: Mile Road Casuals v Gardeners Arms Biggleswade.

Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup – Quarter-Final: Bumble Bee Flitwick v M&DH Clapham Sunday.

Premier Division: Caldecote Young Boys v v Atletico Europa; Constant & Co Athletic v Queensmen; Esquires v Lawson Park Rangers; Meltis Mexicans v Haynes.

First Division: Dunton v Sharnbrook; Kempston Hammers v 21st GNG Tigers; Stewartby v Harrold & Carlton.

Second Division: Cranfield United v Renhold; Houghton Conquest v Marston Reds; Wootton Wanderers v Eagle Heating.

Third Division: Bedford Allsters v Dunton Sunday Res; Bedford Panthers v Wells Stars; Flitwick Eagles Sunday v Old Boys; Grafton Celtics v Meltis Rangers.

Fourth Division: Bellini’s v BMC United; Fox & Hounds Clapham v Bedford Albion; Oakley Res v Santaniello’s; Rose Biggleswade v Bird in Hand L/Stondon; Shillington Pirates v Bedford Cupids.

Fifth Division: AFC Kempston Town & BC v Sir William Peel Sandy; Oakley Wanderers v AF Mato: Westoning Gijon & RC v Alfa Oakley.

Under 21 Division: Barton Rovers v Brickhill Wanderers B; Brickhill Wanderers A v Leighton Corinthian Seniors; Hitchin Town v Luton Central; Watling Youth v Shefford Saints.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Southern League Premier Division: Banbury v Cambridge City; Cirencester v Swindon Supermarine; Stourbridge v Bedford Town.

Southern League Central Division: Biggleswade Town v Rugby; Daventry Town v St Neots; Marlow v Woodford; Uxbridge v Ashford Town (Middx).

SSML Premier Division: Tring Athletic v Royston Town,.

SSML Division One: Buckingham Athletic v Kentish Town; Cockfosters v Cranfield United; Harpenden Town v Langford; Hoddesdon Town v Ampthill Town; Kings Langley v St Albans City Res; New Bradwell St Peter v Wodson Park.

SSML Reserve Division One: St Margaretsbury v Hoddesdon; Stotfold Reserves v The 61 FC (Luton).

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29

Southern League Central Division: Bedfont Town v Northwood.

SSML Premier Division: Hadley v Aylesbury United.

SSML Division One: Chesham Utd Res v Bedford; Welwyn GC v Stony Stratford.

SSML Reserve Division One: Oxhey Jets v Wodson Park.

UCL Premier Division: Daventry United v Peterborough Northern Star.

Preview for Saturday 25th February 2012.

Action this weekend in The Premier Division supported by Sportsform section takes the new league leaders Shefford Town & Campton on the road to Lodge Road to be hosted by Sharnbrook, the home side having been beaten just three times on home soil all season should provide a stern test for the travelling Town who seek their fourth away win on the bounce.

Whilst second place Caldecote also hit the road to Jubilee Playing Fields to face Wilshamstead, the hosts looking for their third home win on the bounce and revenge for their Britannia Cup exit at the hands of Caldecote on New Years Eve at the same venue.

For third place Bedford Hatters, its home action at Miller Road against second from bottom of the table Dunton who have won just once on the road all season. Whilst bottom of the table Woburn also seek just their second away win of the season when they journey to Moggerhanger Playing Fields to face Blunham.

A third club also looking for just their second away win of the season are Flitwick Town, for them its a trip to Hillgrounds to be hosted by an AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College side that will be looking to end a sequence of three straight home defeats.

The final action in this division coming at The Armadillo Stadium, where Arlesey Town Reserves seek out their first home win since beating Flitwick Town back in mid-October when paid a visit by an Oakley Sports side who look to end a two game losing run.

In Division One the big game of the day takes place at Marston Playing Fields,the venue at which the league leaders Marston Shelton Rovers still unbeaten on home soil this season face fellow championship contenders Ickwell & Old Warden.

The visitors in fourth place trailing them by just five points but with three games in hand. Whilst for second place Lidlington United Sports, now on an 11 game unbeaten run its a tough looking away game at Bedford Road Recreation Ground against a Sandy side that is still very much in the promotion mix themselves.

Over at King George VI Playing Fields, Kings AFC will face no easy task collecting the full three points when visited by Luton Boys. A comment that also applies to FC Meppershall, when in Mowsbury Park they are visited by Lea Sports PSG who are now undefeated in their last five away outings.

The final action in this division comes at Harvey Close, where Caldecote Reserves, beaten just once on home soil all season, will start the firm favourites to collect the full three points when visited by bottom of the table Meltis Albion.

Away from the league, its Bedfordshire FA Intermediate Cup semi-final day and for Bedford Sports Athletic that means a home tie at Grange Road against Luton District & South Beds League outfit Real RNE.

In Division Two the championship battle already looks down to a two way fight between Elstow Abbey and AFC Turvey.This weekend, league leaders Elstow Abbey hit the road looking to retain their seasons unbeaten record against Bromham United at Bromham Playing Fields.

However, the hosts are now unbeaten in their last seven home starts and will be no easy pushovers.Whilst for AFC Turvey, its home action at Stonefield’s against Shefford Town & Campton Reserves where you would expect them to collect the full three points.

Over at Solway Road North, hosts Co-op Sports having been beaten just twice on home soil this season will fancy their chance of collecting the spoils when visited by a Clifton side that has won just once in their last seven outings. A comment that also applies to Queens Park Crescents when they go into home action in Mowsbury Park against Stopsley Park whose only away success of the season has come at lowly Clifton and Great Barford

Other action sees M & DH Oakley seek revenge over Potton United Reserves for their Jubilee Cup exit at the same Oakley Playing Fields less than a month ago. Whilst at Shuttleworth College, Marabese Ceramics seek just their third home win of the season when visited by a Pavenham side looking to return to winning ways on the road for the first time since winning at Stopsley Park back in mid-October.

In division three, the venue for the big game of the day is Renhold Playing Fields where second place Renhold Village play hosts to league leaders Cranfield United Reserves.The hosts looking to retain their seasons perfect home record against a United side who are now unbeaten in their last 10 trips away from their Crawley Road base.

For third place Goldington, despite them not winning any of their last three away outings you would expect that to change when they head for a Horseshoes Close meeting against second from bottom of the table Dunton Reserves who have won just once on home soil this season. Yet for fellow promotion hopefuls Stevington, with just one away win from their last four journey’s on the road the task looks much harder when they visit Wrest Park for a meeting with Sundon Park Rangers Colts.

Also still very much in the promotion mix are Riseley Sports, for them its a trip to Mill Lane to face hosts Potton Town who are now unbeaten in their last five home starts. Whilst down at the other end of the standings, bottom of the table Flitwick Town Reserves host Eastcotts AFC at Steppingley Road.

The Town having lost their last four home outings and the visitors their last four away outings.

Over at Cutler Hammer, hosts Kempston Hammers Sports look to continue their recent revival when called upon by a Wilshamstead Reserves side that has been beaten just twice in their last 11 outings.Whilst at Greenfield Road, Westoning Reserves seek to end a sequence of three straight home defeats when visited by a Royal Oak Kempston side that has won four of its last five away outings.

Division Four action sees league leaders Bedford Park Rangers in away action at Mowsbury Park against a Goldington Hammers side that has lost its last four home outings.Whilst the game of the day in this division comes on The Green between two of the live promotion hopefuls when hosts Ickwell & Old Warden take on Thurleigh.

Another promotion hopeful are Marsh Leys,for them its the quest of their fifth home win on the bounce when visited by near neighbours Wootton Village.

Over at The Bedford Hockey Centre, Bedford Panthers host a Sandy Reserves side that has been beaten just twice on the road this season and at Harvey Close, Caldecote A beaten just twice on home soil this season receive a visit from a Stewartby Village side that are now unbeaten in their last six away outings.

Other action comes at Whiston Crescent, the venue where Clifton Reserves look for their third home win on the bounce against Dinamo Flitwick and at Digswell Playing Fields, where Shefford Town & Campton A look to end a three game losing home run at the expense of the visiting Kempston Athletic.

]]> 1.3550695 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:55:23 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/county_league_win_beds_fa_s_centenary_cup_1_3550689

Wednesday’s night action saw the Bedfordshire County Football League retain their hold on the Bedfordshire FA Inter-League Centenary Cup when under the management team of Caldecote brothers, Neil and Adrian Mapletoft, they eased to a 6-0 victory over the South Beds Sunday Football League.

Ahead after just three minutes when following an inter-exchange between Adam Larsen and Andrew Hayday, Mark Franklin had the simple task of netting from just six yards out, that lead was doubled in the 21st minute from the penalty spot by Larsen after Paul Jones had been dragged down when looking certain to score by South Beds goalkeeper Lee Slocombe.

Jones however was to get on the scoresheet seven minutes later when set free by Larsen to make it 3-0 and just 60 seconds later it was game over when Jones became the provider for goal number four netted by Alex Woolston.

It was now all one way traffic and but for two misses in front of goal by Hayday and a Matt Le-Dell effort coming back off the crossbar it could have been 7-0 by half time.

The 80-plus crowd were to have to wait until the 66th minute before substitute Kai Griffiths-Shilton made it 5-0, with the rout being concluded by a second goal from Jones just four minutes from time.

Beds FA Sunday Cup – Qtr-Finals Caldecote Young Boys 4

AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 4 aet (Caldecote won 3-2 on penalties)

CALDECOTE Young Boys won through to the County Cup semi-finals following a penalty shoot-out win against AC Sportsmen. They started well and took the lead on 15 minutes when Neil Giles’ through ball for Tom Cookman saw him find the net.

The Sportsman equalised from a 21st minute corner but with half time approaching, a Sportsman corner was turned into his own net by a Caldecote player for 2-1.

Young Boys started the new well and five minutes in Jack Boyd levelled while eight minutes later from Giles’ corner, the ball ricochetted from AC’s keeper to Paul Gower who headed in for 3-2. But they then conceded a soft penalty which was converted. Caldecote keeper Nathan Buckland made a fine save to keep the game at 3-3 to ensure extra time.

Five minutes into the first period, AC Sportsman went 4-3 up while it was Cookman who levelled with hios second of the game to send it into a penalty shoot-out.

Sportsman netted their first but the Young Boys missed and while it became 2-0 and Caldecote on their way out, it became 2-2 before match of the Buckland slammed home his kick for 3-2 before saving the Sportsman’s spot kick to ensure his side reached the last four.

Caldecote Young Boys: Buckland, Haddow, Webb, Robinson, Jordan, Giles, Harris, Gower, K Shilton, Boyd, Cookman. Subs: Hall, C Shilton, Wallace, Bilcock.

SUNDAY football resumed at the weekend after an imposed two week lay-off, although in two of the three Beds FA Sunday Cup quarter-final ties, two Bedford League sides went out.

Oakley travelled to St Josephs where they suffered a 3-0 reverse while Esquires were humbled 5-1 at home by FC Leighton Orient leaving Caldecote Young Boys to carry the torch after their shoot-out win – see above report.

It was a bleak picture in the Beds FA Sunday Junior Cup where FC Houghton beat Dunton Sunday 3-1 and Co-op Sports eliminated 21st GNG Tigers by the only goal of the game in Bedford Park.

M&DH Clapham came up against St Joseph’s Reserve team in the Beds FA Lower Junior Cup and lost at home 2-0 although Shillington Pirates went through to the semis after beating Goldington Rangers from the same division 7-1.

It was three wins out of three in the Beds FA Centenary Cup. Westoning Gijon RC disposed of Beechwood 4-2 at home, whilst AF Mato got it right in the end beating Barrels Magnum Luton 5-2 after extra time. Brickhill U21s ‘A’ got up early to nick the tie from Houghton Park Rangers 3-2 away from home.

On the domestic scene, Atletico Europa took the opportunity to overtake Meltis Mexicans near the top of the Premier Division by beating leaders London Road Supreme 4-0 at the Bedfordshire University. Atletico were the better side in the first half competing quickly and doggedly for the ball not letting London Road settle into their game.

On 20 minutes, Bayo Shabi came up from the back and cracked a screamer into Supreme’s net. The rest of the half was nip and tuck with London Road having possible chances of their own but it ended 4-1 to Atletico who were good value for their victory and they are now in second spot behind London Road with four games in hand.

The First Division had only two games. Newtown Rangers beat fellow strugglers Harrold & Carlton 2-1 to forge a gap of two points,and to move away from the bottom two.

Sharnbrook Casuals have won the division after beating Old Hastingsburians 3-1, and this must be the earliest any team has won a divisional title.

It was busier in Division Two where leaders Wootton Wanderers have made it difficult for Renhold to get into the top two places by the end of the season after beating them 3-2. Eagle Heating have crept up behind Renhold and also have a two game advantage after beating Marston Reds 4-1, who are currently languishing in bottom spot.

Cranfield and Houghton Conquest shared the points in a 1-1 draw while Bumble Bee Flitwick got two valuable points off Caldecote Reserves after a 5-0 victory which gives the Bees a chance to get out of relegation trouble.

There were a lot of goals in Division Three in which leaders Grafton Celtics came a cropper being after losing 4-0 at home to Bedford Allsters. Celtics remain top as second placed M&DH Clapham were playing in the County Cup. There was a foretaste of this weekend’s Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup semi-final when Mile Road Casuals played Gardeners Arms Biggleswade. Gardeners won away from home 5-2 so it should be an interesting encounter on the same pitch.

There were ten goals Reserves when Flitwick Eagles came to call and lashed eight of them into the home net, Dunton managing two in return. Bedford Panthers are not out of the title race just yet after their 2-1 win against Old Boys. Panthers are third and could still figure.

There were more goals in Division Four with Fox & Hounds Clapham scoring nine at bottom club BMC, who scored three in reply. Bedford Cupids then drilled seven at home to Bellini’s who scored just one. The Cupids are now top of the division just ahead of Rose Biggleswade who won their game away at Santaniello’s 2-1. Bedford Albion have crept away from the bottom two places after their 3-2 win over Oakley Reserves.

In Division Five, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College obviously got a lot out of their extended holiday when they came back this week to gain only their second victory in the league with Alfa Oakley were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against Kempston who have now hauled themselves off bottom place.

Sir William Peel’s quest for a top finish was dented when they could only draw 1-1 against Oakley Wanderers.

In the Under 21 Division, Luton Central play host to Leighton Corinthian Seniors who won 3-2. Watling Youth lost 6-2 to Barton Rovers at Leagrave Park.

There are two league cup games on Sunday plus a host of league matches in all divisions week (see the fixtures page).

Clive Milton

l The Michael R Peters Bedford & District Sunday League is ready to accept applications from any new clubs wish wish to join them for the 2012/13 season.

For more details, please contact General Secretary Russ Maddox on 01234 404886 or email russmar@ntlworld.com

BEADLOW Manor Golf Club has a small, friendly and very successful junior section which offers an extensive selection of competitive activities at the club for its youngest members.

Beadlow is always looking to encourage more juniors to join and with this in mind, the club is planning a Junior Open Day on Saturday, March 17. It will be open to both girls and boys from ages eight to 18, with or without a handicap. The idea is to encourage junior golfers to come along and see what the club has to offer for all juniors, regardless of their current playing standard.

The club’s resident N1 golf professional Ben Storey will host some free coaching sessions to any juniors who want to attend, the first being at 11.30am and the second starting at 2.30pm. There will also be discount vouchers for non-members to play the Baron or the Baroness course until the end of May, and discounts on selected golf equipment, in the well stocked GOLFX shop, based at the club.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in going along, please contact Beadlow’s Junior Organiser Gary Boyle on either 07787 935992 or at brendabyl@yahoo.co.uk so that he can register your attendance or to offer more information on the open day or the junior section in general.

Richard’s Trampoline Club attended the Eastern Regional Grading competition in Brentwood for the start of the competitive season. The club had a team of 6 performers, some of which were attempting to qualify to move up a grade.

To start the morning off and his first competition at the Regional F grade, Dan Willis was the first up to be judged putting a lot of pressure on him to ‘set the standard’ for the club. Dan handled the pressure well and he kept in the center of the trampoline during his routine with some great lineouts in his somersaults. Dan set a very high standard for the rest of the very large group to compete against. When Dan came to his Voluntary routine, he cast a small amount on the first somersault, but before it was even noticeable, during the next move he took it back to the centre of the trampoline to continue on, and finished the routine to receive some good scores from the judges.

Competing against Dan, Kasey Kilday was back from a long break from the sport due to other commitments, his last competition being almost two years ago. But missing his 2nd home he returned to Richard’s trampoline club to continue his training. Whether it was nerves or lack of experience he couldn’t get through a single warm-up routine only completing 3 or 4 moves before having to stop. Determined to make his coach proud, he really stepped up when it came to the crucial moment making it through the routine and also receiving some very good scores of 8/10. Currently holding first place, and about to perform a voluntary routine, (learnt on the journey to the competition) he got through it but with a bit of travel, although with quick thinking he pulled it back in to the centre of the trampoline to finish the routine. After a frantic wait for the scores, Kasey finished in first place, and Dan in second. They both qualified to move up to regional E but Kasey just missed out on double qualification by 0.5!

Jo Collins was next up, and our only competitor in the regional D grade. Unfortunately having a lot of other commitments she had only been able to train on some very few occasions. Deliberating whether she should compete today, after a good training session a couple of days before the competition she was determined to do her best. She suffered some travel around the trampoline during her set routine, but this did not stop her completing the routine. During the voluntary routine she was unable to complete a move, but with some quick thinking, she cleverly amended the routine by substituting the move and then altered the end of her routine. This kept her routine within the required 10 moves, so the judges were non-the wiser, other than her coach panicking by the side of the trampoline! It is very difficult to adapt your routine like this, so this demonstrates Jo’s experience. She was very unlucky to miss out on a medal as she finished in 4th place by just half a mark!

Ella Hemmings was next up and competing at Regional G. This was an extremely large group with over 35 people, split into 3 flights. Ella was trying out a brand new routine and she handled this well showing improved height and control. She did well to finish in the top 20, which is a great achievement. With more experience of competing her new routine she will improve further still.

Faye Harper was also competing at Regional G and like Ella she was also in a very large group. This was Faye’s first competition with the club after a very long break. Her set routine went well and she maintained a good height throughout the routine. Unfortunately she was only able to complete 8 moves in her voluntary routine, this being very unlike Faye as she is usually very consistent and always finishes her routines. Although she still managed to finish in 10th place which considering a group so large is a great achievement.

Last but not least, Tate Henocq was competing at Regional E for the first time. Not only this, but she was also competing in a new age group meaning she was one of the youngest performers in her group. The standard in Tate’s group was exceptionally high, making Tate’s job even harder. However this did not deter Tate as she performed all her routines well, and she had one of the highest difficulty levels within the group. These are the hardest routines Tate has performed yet in competition and she handled the transition very well. She secured herself 6th place and she will no doubt improve upon this in the very near future.

Richard’s Trampoline Club holds classes in Sandy, Stevenage and Letchworth. For more information about the club please visit www.richardstrampolineclub.com

]]> 1.3548239 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:10:21 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/young_boys_win_thriller_after_penalty_shoot_out_1_3548128

Beds FA Sunday Cup – Qtr-Finals Caldecote Young Boys 4

AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 4 aet (Caldecote won 3-2 on penalties)

CALDECOTE Young Boys won through to the County Cup semi-finals following a penalty shoot-out win against AC Sportsmen. They started well and took the lead on 15 minutes when Neil Giles’ through ball for Tom Cookman saw him find the net.

The Sportsman equalised from a 21st minute corner but with half time approaching, a Sportsman corner was turned into his own net by a Caldecote player for 2-1.

Young Boys started the new well and five minutes in Jack Boyd levelled while eight minutes later from Giles’ corner, the ball ricochetted from AC’s keeper to Paul Gower who headed in for 3-2. But they then conceded a soft penalty which was converted. Caldecote keeper Nathan Buckland made a fine save to keep the game at 3-3 to ensure extra time.

Five minutes into the first period, AC Sportsman went 4-3 up while it was Cookman who levelled with his second of the game to send it into a penalty shoot-out.

Sportsman netted their first but the Young Boys missed and while it became 2-0 and Caldecote on their way out, it became 2-2 before match of the Buckland slammed home his kick for 3-2 before saving the Sportsman’s spot kick to ensure his side reached the last four.

Caldecote Young Boys: Buckland, Haddow, Webb, Robinson, Jordan, Giles, Harris, Gower, K Shilton, Boyd, Cookman. Subs: Hall, C Shilton, Wallace, Bilcock.

SUNDAY football resumed at the weekend after an imposed two week lay-off, although in two of the three Beds FA Sunday Cup quarter-final ties, two Bedford League sides went out.

Oakley travelled to St Josephs where they suffered a 3-0 reverse while Esquires were humbled 5-1 at home by FC Leighton Orient leaving Caldecote Young Boys to carry the torch after their shoot-out win – see above report.

It was a bleak picture in the Beds FA Sunday Junior Cup where FC Houghton beat Dunton Sunday 3-1 and Co-op Sports eliminated 21st GNG Tigers by the only goal of the game in Bedford Park.

M&DH Clapham came up against St Joseph’s Reserve team in the Beds FA Lower Junior Cup and lost at home 2-0 although Shillington Pirates went through to the semis after beating Goldington Rangers from the same division 7-1.

It was three wins out of three in the Beds FA Centenary Cup. Westoning Gijon RC disposed of Beechwood 4-2 at home, whilst AF Mato got it right in the end beating Barrels Magnum Luton 5-2 after extra time. Brickhill U21s ‘A’ got up early to nick the tie from Houghton Park Rangers 3-2 away from home.

On the domestic scene, Atletico Europa took the opportunity to overtake Meltis Mexicans near the top of the Premier Division by beating leaders London Road Supreme 4-0 at the Bedfordshire University. Atletico were the better side in the first half competing quickly and doggedly for the ball not letting London Road settle into their game.

On 20 minutes, Bayo Shabi came up from the back and cracked a screamer into Supreme’s net. The rest of the half was nip and tuck with London Road having possible chances of their own but it ended 4-1 to Atletico who were good value for their victory and they are now in second spot behind London Road with four games in hand.

The First Division had only two games. Newtown Rangers beat fellow strugglers Harrold & Carlton 2-1 to forge a gap of two points,and to move away from the bottom two.

Sharnbrook Casuals have won the division after beating Old Hastingsburians 3-1, and this must be the earliest any team has won a divisional title.

It was busier in Division Two where leaders Wootton Wanderers have made it difficult for Renhold to get into the top two places by the end of the season after beating them 3-2. Eagle Heating have crept up behind Renhold and also have a two game advantage after beating Marston Reds 4-1, who are currently languishing in bottom spot.

Cranfield and Houghton Conquest shared the points in a 1-1 draw while Bumble Bee Flitwick got two valuable points off Caldecote Reserves after a 5-0 victory which gives the Bees a chance to get out of relegation trouble.

There were a lot of goals in Division Three in which leaders Grafton Celtics came a cropper being after losing 4-0 at home to Bedford Allsters. Celtics remain top as second placed M&DH Clapham were playing in the County Cup. There was a foretaste of this weekend’s Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup semi-final when Mile Road Casuals played Gardeners Arms Biggleswade. Gardeners won away from home 5-2 so it should be an interesting encounter on the same pitch.

There were ten goals Reserves when Flitwick Eagles came to call and lashed eight of them into the home net, Dunton managing two in return. Bedford Panthers are not out of the title race just yet after their 2-1 win against Old Boys. Panthers are third and could still figure.

There were more goals in Division Four with Fox & Hounds Clapham scoring nine at bottom club BMC, who scored three in reply. Bedford Cupids then drilled seven at home to Bellini’s who scored just one. The Cupids are now top of the division just ahead of Rose Biggleswade who won their game away at Santaniello’s 2-1. Bedford Albion have crept away from the bottom two places after their 3-2 win over Oakley Reserves.

In Division Five, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College obviously got a lot out of their extended holiday when they came back this week to gain only their second victory in the league with Alfa Oakley were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against Kempston who have now hauled themselves off bottom place.

Sir William Peel’s quest for a top finish was dented when they could only draw 1-1 against Oakley Wanderers.

In the Under 21 Division, Luton Central play host to Leighton Corinthian Seniors who won 3-2. Watling Youth lost 6-2 to Barton Rovers at Leagrave Park.

There are two league cup games on Sunday plus a host of league matches in all divisions week (see the fixtures page).

Clive Milton

l The Michael R Peters Bedford & District Sunday League is ready to accept applications from any new clubs wish wish to join them for the 2012/13 season.

For more details, please contact General Secretary Russ Maddox on 01234 404886 or email russmar@ntlworld.com

A group of bowlers from more than eight different bowls clubs in Bedfordshire recently went on tour to Bournemouth for five days of fun and Indoor Bowls.

On Monday, February 13, a warm welcome was received on arriving for the first match at Loddon Vale Bowls Club on the way to Bournemouth. After a bite to eat and drink the game got under way. 9 mixed rinks enjoyed a good afternoon of bowls, finishing with just one winning rink and one rink drawing.

The final score being a 128 – 177 defeat for the tourist’s.

Top rink of the afternoon being G Cousens, J Bigley, B Humberstone and D Nutting and the highest losing rink was M Harper, C Rowlands, I Bigley and A Gilbert.

On Tuesday February 14, 6 mixed rinks along with supporters headed into Weymouth to play Moonfleet 2000, on a pleasant sunny afternoon some headed to the beach while the rest headed indoors for the bowls. Again a pleasant afternoon of bowls and good company was enjoyed on the green with some very good bowling.

After the game the players sat down for a drink and chat with the opposition before both captains made their presentations. Valentines Day had brought the Tourist’s their first win with four winning rinks and two losing rinks the final score was 114 – 107.

Top rink of the afternoon was J Gatward, A Walsh, P Denton and C Buck and the highest losing rink was L Walsh, A Doggett, T Butt and B Merrill.

With it being Valentines Day the dress for the evening was red and black, and with many taking part some strange looks came from the other guest’s in the hotel. A bottle of pink champagne was presented by that evenings compare to Sarah and Wayne Humberstone for their fancy dress of the King and Queen of Hearts.

On Wednesday 15th the bowlers enjoyed another sunny morning for a stroll and then a coffee on the Hotel veranda before departing for the short drive to Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Club. Nine mixed rinks enjoyed another good afternoon of bowls with good company and although the tourist’s only had one winning rink several others were close.

The final score being a win for Bournemouth 198 – 132.

Top rink of the afternoon was J Gatward, B Keech, J Lusignani and A Gilbert and the highest losing rink was L Walsh, B Rowlands, B Humberstone and D Cousens.

Thursday 16th saw the tourists head off along the road to Dorchester Bowls Club.

Very good company at a lovely bowls club saw some very good bowling and laughter on the green. As everyone gathered in the Clubhouse afterwards for refreshments and conversations the announcement of another defeat was made this time by the slender margin of 103 – 109. The top rink of the afternoon was M Acland, J Bigley, R Oldfield and B Merrill and the highest losing rink M Buck, B Rowlands, A Walsh and A Gilbert.

The Bonus ball was also run for the Wednesday lottery and the lucky winner was B Merrill.

Each day a tote was run for the top rink on the day and again this proved very popular with many people picking up winnings each day.

Many thanks to all that supported us on tour again this year and we look forward to seeing you all again for the 2013 Tour.

Results

Bowlers on Tour 128 Loddon Vale Bowls Club 177

M Buck, A Doggett, P Gilbert, D Endersby 10 Loddon Vale 25

J Gatward, G Broomfield, A Nutting, B Merrill 14 Loddon Vale 19

L Broomfield, B Rowlands, B Keech, J Cheesbrough 11 Loddon Vale 22

T Butt, R Shaw, J Lusignani, C Buck 13 Loddon Vale 20

M Acland, W Cheesbrough, R Oldfield, W Humberstone 18 Loddon Vale 18

V Shaw, J Humberstone, D Sherriffs, D Cousens 18 Loddon Vale 25

G Cousens, J Bigley, B Humberstone, D Nutting 29 Loddon Vale 11

M Harper, C Rowlands, I Bigley, A Gilbert 15 Loddon Vale 37

Bowlers on Tour 114 Moonfleet 2000 Bowls Club 107

L Broomfield, B Keech, I Bigley, D Nutting 17 Moonfleet 16

V Shaw, G Broomfield, W Cheesbrough, P Gilbert 17 Moonfleet 15

M Buck, J Bigley, J Cheesbrough, A Nutting 15 Moonfleet 24

L Walsh, A Doggett, T Butt, B Merrill 15 Moonfleet 26

J Gatward, A Walsh, P Denton, C Buck 27 Moonfleet 11

M Denton, R Shaw, R Oldfield, A Gilbert 23 Moonfleet 15

Bowlers on Tour 132 Bournemouth Bowls Club 197

M Acland, G Broomfield, I Bigley, D Endersby 16 Bournemouth 18

V Shaw, A Doggett, J Cheesbrough, P Denton 17 Bournemouth 18

M Harper, J Bigley, D Sherriffs, W Humberstone 11 Bournemouth 20

L Walsh, B Rowlands, B Humberstone, D Cousens 8 Bournemouth 36

L Broomfield, R Shaw, A Nutting, P Gilbert 16 Bournemouth 17

M Buck, M Denton, W Cheesbrough, D Nutting 17 Bournemouth 20

J Gatward, B Keech, J Lusignani, A Gilbert 20 Bournemouth 19

G Cousens, C Rowlands, R Oldfield, C Buck 17 Bournemouth 20

J Sherriffs, J Humberstone, A Walsh, B Merrill 10 Bournemouth 29

Bowlers on Tour 103 Dorchester Bowls Club 109

T Butt, A Doggett, I Bigley, W Humberstone 23 Dorchester 9

M Acland, J Bigley, R Oldfield, B Merrill 31 Bournemouth 8

M Denton, B Keech, D Sherriffs, C Buck 13 Dorchester 22

M Buck, B Rowlands, A Walsh, A Gilbert 11 Dorchester 28

L Walsh, J Humberstone, J Lusignani, P Gilbert 10 Dorchester 25

J Sherriffs, C Rowlands, B Humberstone, P Denton 15 Dorchester 17

The British Cycling BMX 2012 National Series continued with round 2 last weekend at the new indoor track at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

This is the only permanent indoor national standard track in Europe and the event attracted almost 900 riders to make it the largest British Cycling National series event on record.

The 2012 National Series started early this year to allow riders to qualify for the World Championships which are being held in the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham in May.

The World Championships are normally held in July but this year the Olympics take precedence and BMX racing will account for 4 of the medals available in the cycling discipline.

National races cover all ages and the Royston Rockets had 8 riders registered over the weekend and Joshua Abbott in the 7 year class got the Rockets of to a flying start when he qualified for the B final where he finished in 8th whilst in the 11 year class James King and teammate Ted Dalleywater both make the A final for the second round running and achieved the same positions as the first round with James taking 5th just ahead of Ted on 7th in one of the larger classes of the weekend.

In the 12 year class, Daniel Blanche had a tough weekend which ended at the quarter final stage where he was blocked in and could only manage 5th place but in the 13 yr class the good results kept coming with Ethan Vernon taking 1st place in his A final even though he has moved up an age category.

Maintaining the Rockets’ run of good results the 14yr class saw Aaron Dalleywater making the A final but a slip at the start left him in 8th place over the line and in the ladies 17-29 Cruiser class 4th place went to Helen Biggs who also tried her hand in the Female Championship category where she just failed to qualify for the semi finals.

The next event on the BMX race calendar is the East Anglia Winter Series at Milton Keynes on March 11th although the round due to be run by the Norwich club on February 12 had to be cancelled due to the snow and is still to be rescheduled.

The national series continues with the last of the indoor events in Manchester on March 24/25 after which the series moves outdoors with visits to Birmingham, Braintree, Derby and Peterborough and the World Championships in Birmingham over the week of May 21 to 27.

Royston’s own club winter coaching sessions continues on a monthly basis with the gates opening at 10.00am. See more about the club activities and BMX racing in the region at www.roystonrockets.co.uk and the BMX East Regional site on www.bmxeast.com or ring 01763 260959 for more information on BMX racing.

CALDECOTE’S quest for County Cup honours ended in Saturday’s semi-final when they lost 5-2 in extra time to SSML Division One title chasers Ampthill Town.

It all started well enough for the hosts when first half goals from Tom Cookman and Dave Daniels took them into a 2-0 lead.

But strikes from Danny Nicholls and Tyrone Taylor saw the tie all square after 90 minutes before Town’s George Ericson, Lee Coulter and Daniel Hart added to the tally in extra time.

Jubilee Cup

ELSTOW Abbey earned themselves a home Jubilee Cup semi-final against Pavenham after a 2-0 home win against Marabese Ceramics with goals from Dave McCarthy after 59 minutes and Ed L’Erario five minutes.

Premier Division

WITH Caldecote in County Cup action, Shefford Town & Campton took advantage to go top of the Premier Division with a 5-3 win over Arlesey Town Reserves to record their seventh win on the bounce.

However it was not quite so straightforward although it started well enough when Michael Jones put them into a fifth minute lead. But two goals from David Drury and a strike from Wayne Smith saw the Blues 3-1 up until Chris Clark reduced the deficit to a single goal on the stroke of half time.

Then in the opening minute of the new half Clark levelled at 3-3 before a second strike from Jones on 57 minutes and another by Andrew Hayday five minutes later saw the Shefford & Campton take the win.

Third place Bedford Hatters also closed in on Caldecote with a 7-2 home win over Blunham. Simon Pixley and Sam Bedingfield netted twice alongside singles for Scott Alleyne, Mark Reed and Richard Cook against Blunham replies from Matt Hulett and Deep Banghard.

Renhold United took their unbeaten ways up to 10 games with a 5-1 home win over bottom of the table Woburn, despite the Safari Boys taking the lead with a strike from Stuart Skolsky. But goals from United’s Aran Hazelwood (two), Sheldon Washington, Ashley Banks and Alex Woolston saw them run out easy winners.

In a week in which second from bottom Dunton looked to have lost the services of Tom McGhee with a serious ankle injury, they came up with only their second home win of the season by beating Sharnbrook 2-1. Darren Wallinger gave the visitors a first half lead before two goals from Laurence Bosher (including a penalty) won the day for Dunton.

The final top flight game saw Flitwick Town beaten 3-2 at home by Wilshamstead, Paul Jones bagging a hat-trick against home replies from Chris Bull and James Honeyman.

Division One

WITH Lidlington United Sports sitting the afternoon out, Marston Shelton Rovers are now back on the top of Division One thanks to a 2-1 win at Henlow. Jim Burraway and John Wright netted the goals against a home reply from Johnny Rowe.

Up to third are Bedford Sports Athletic who won 5-1 at home againt bottom of the table Meltis Albion. Andrew Latimer bagged a hat-trick while Aaron Edwards and Paul Nigro were also on the scoresheet against an Albion reply from Lupher Prince.

And up into fourth are Ickwell & Old Warden who retained their season’s unbeaten home run with a 4-1 victory over Sandy. It was a defeat that saw the visitors drop from third to fifth. Steve Thomas, Zak Rowe, Anup Kalyan and an Andrew Vallom penalty did the damage against a lone reply from Daniel Stafford.

FC Meppershall are now unbeaten in their last three away trips after winning 3-1 at Westoning thanks to Padraic Walsh (two) and Craig Damon, the home reply from Matt Barnes.

Following six straight away defeats, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves returned to form on the road with a 4-2 win at Kings AFC. Kegan Roberts with a brace, plus goals from Joseph Ogunremi and Alex Russell were replied to by Josh Clements (two).

Meanwhile Lea Sports PSG took their unbeaten ways up to six games by sharing the spoils in a 2-2 home draw with Luton Boys. Dion Browne and Alex Awofisan were their marksmen against replies from Nashan Bennett and Steve O’Dell.

Division Two

BIGGEST winner of the day were Pavenham who ran out 13-0 victors over bottom of the table Great Barford. Tom Rodger and Michael Bates both netting four, David Netherway three, then an own goal while a strike from Tom Ellis completied the rout.

Also winning big were Co-op Sports with a 7-3 home victory over M & DH Oakley. Michael Cawdell netting four times alongside single strikes from Conor Sherry, Chris Vardy and Scott Davis against replies from Daniel Guerin (two) and Lee Osmond.

For Potton United Reserves it was their first away win in nine league outings with a 2-0 win at Clifton. Amit Aghera in the 55th minute and Luke Sharples in the 89th netted the goals.

Also winning on the road were Stopsley Park. For them it was a 5-3 victory at Sundon Park Rangers thanks to Simon Richards, Craig Pettit and Dean Abrahams plus two ‘own goals’, the home scorers being Edward Lewis, Sam Chapman and Nicky Buttigieg.

Division Three

IT’S all change at the top of the Division Three with Cranfield United Reserves the new league leaders after a 1-0 home victory over Riseley Sports who suffered their first away defeat of the season. United’s scorer was Simon Wade.

Losing out on the top spot were Renhold Village. Following six straight wins and an unbeaten run of eight games, they were beaten 4-0 by Eastcotts AFC for whom Kaylen Wilson (two), Sean McFarland and Jamie Risebrow netted the goals.

Also losing for the first time in nine home outings, third place Goldington were beaten 7-1 by Sundon Park Rangers Colts. Ashley Wadhams (four), Kevin Hilton (two) and Michael Brunton were on target with the reply from Craig Daniels.

Goldington are now only goal difference clear of fourth place Stevington who notched up a 4-0 victory over now bottom of the table Flitwick Town Reserves. Gavin White, Ben Walsh, Mark Wharton and Aaron Coker were all on the scoresheet.

Moving off the bottom were Dunton Reserves. Following 10 straight defeats they won 3-1 at Royal Oak Kempston who have now failed to win any of their last seven home outings. Dan Cutmore (two) and Scott Fisher were on the scoresheet against a lone reply from Lorenzo Jordan.

Elsewhere Wilshamstead Reserves recorded their sixth home win on the bounce with a 4-2 victory over Potton Town. Sam Steel, Kieron Colclough, Matt Johnson and Harry Baker saw their goals replied to by Chris Cooper and James Pyman.

Following six straight defeats, Westoning Reserves ended the rot by sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Kempston Hammers Sports. Sean O’Donnel and Joseph Rogers netted the goals against Hammers replies from Jimmy Grandidge and Adam Tysoe.

Division Four

IT’S as you were in Division Four following wins for the leading three sides. For leaders Bedford Park Rangers there was a 3-2 home success over Dinamo Flitwick. Shaun Finlay, Martin Danobrega and Josh Geary the Rangers’ goalscorers against replies from Dale Goldie and Chaz-Lee Martin.

Second place Marsh Leys were taking their winning ways up to eight games with a 4-2 victory at Stewartby Village. David Powell with a hat-trick plus an Alex Clipson penalty only being replied to by Villagers’ James Churchman and Lee Collis.

Third place Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves took their unbeaten ways up to six games by winning 4-2 at Sandy Reserves. Jacob Evans (two), Matthew Bruney and Marcus Ingham were on the scoresheet against home replies from Jonnie Stafford and Nathan Morris.

Now fourth and still in the promotion mix are Thurleigh despite being held to a 1-1 home draw by Shefford Town & Campton ‘A’. Mark Ansell-Carter gave Town the lead before Josh Pierre St Clair levelled.

Dunton ‘A’ remain rooted to bottom spot after goals from Chris Wuestner and Chris Ashcroft failed to save them being beaten 4-2 on home soil by second from bottom of the table Goldington Hammers.

Also enjoying life on the road were Clifton Reserves who ran out 3-2 winners at Wootton Village. The home side’s Bradley Head and Thomas Beattie saw them lead 2-0 until strikes from Tony Norman, Sam Nightingale and Mark Gearing won the day for the visitors.

And finally to Kempston Athletic and Caldecote ‘A’ who shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw. Nicholas Ememe, Troy Bossendorfer plus an own goal were on the Ath’s scoresheet against replies from Nicky Albone, Gary Allum and Elliott Brooker.

How they