Surbiton and Wimbledon play out a thrilling draw

Surbiton and Wimbledon play out a thrilling draw

9:59am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in Sport By Sports reporter

Battle: Wimbledon's Richard Alexander and Surbiton's Geoff McCabe tussle for possession SP82178

Wimbledon and Surbiton delivered another MHL Premier Division thriller to rival the 2-2 draw earlier this season, with a 4-4 final score.

An enthusiastic crowd watched more than 30 international players deliver a feast of skill and excitement.

Once again Wimbledon established a two goal cushion, only for Surbiton to come back at the death.

It was, however, Surbiton who put on the early pressure and although one short corner was saved, another was conceded on 16 minutes.

This was put away into the bottom right hand corner by former Olympian Matt Daly.

The goal proved a trigger for Wimbledon to produce a 10-minute spell of text book hockey as the ball was moved smoothly from defence to attack.

On 20 minutes, a sweeping move down the right flank delivered a perfect cross for Phil Ball to take his time and crash the ball into the Surbiton net.

On 23 minutes, another mesmeric passing movement gave former Olympian Richard Alexander the chance to take the ball into the D and score a second.

However, never underestimate Surbiton because two minutes later, Wimbledon conceded another soft short corner and Daly duly made it 2-2.

In the second half, it was Wimbledon who was resurgent.

A short corner on 42 minutes gave England international Phil Roper the opportunity to show his short corner expertise as he whizzed the ball inside the right hand post to make it 3-2.

Then came a game changing incident when a tangle between two players saw Ball given a yellow card.

Olympic star: Wimbledon's Ben Hawes

However, undeterred, 10-man Wimbledon broke away up field for Ali Brogdon to pass the ball to an unmarked Jonny Kinder who, though he had his back to goal, duly swivelled and converted with a stunning shot from 15 yards to make it 4-2.

The 10 men of Wimbledon still looked in control but Chris Gregg appeared to clash with one of the opposition and was also yellow carded to join Ball on the bench.

Eleven versus nine was no longer a fair fight and the impetus tipped back to Surbiton with Daly converting another short corner on 65 minutes.

As the clock ran down, though Ball was now back on the pitch, Wimbledon were still at 10 men and Surbiton were going flat out for an equaliser which came in the final minute.

Wimbledon: Tom Millington (GK), Ben Dando (Capt), Ben Marsden, Michael Hoare, Ben Hawes, Mathew Bunyan, John Harris, Richard Alexander, Henry Weir, Rob Pryce, Phil Roper, James Osborne, Johnny Kinder, Phil Roper, James Osborn, Phil Ball.

Swift: Michael Hoare in action

Goal: Richard Alexander bags a Wimbledon goal

Happy days: The Dons celebrate

St Raphael's future is 'absolutely fabulous' says new chief exec

St Raphael's Hospice future is 'absolutely fabulous' says new chief exec

3:00pm Wednesday 12th February 2014 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Senior Reporter

The new CEO of St Raphael's Mike Roycroft

St Raphael's Hospice's first CEO has said its future is safe despite widespread fears about its funding.

Serious concerns were raised and a campaign was launched by the Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow when the news was announced a year ago that St Raphael's Hospice could be left with a £1m funding gap when the nuns who own it sell its sister hospital St Anthony's.

Absolutely Fabulous star June Whitfield, who lives in Wimbledon, called on the nuns to answer questions about the hospice.

Mr Burstow asked the Government to intervene and the chairman Dr Ron McKeran admitted there was 'considerable uncertainty' and wrote a letter, along with six senior consultants, to the Vatican and senior archbishops in the UK asking them to withdraw their permission to sell St Anthony's to a commercial organisation.

Actress June Whitfield outside the hospice

However, with separation imminent the first CEO of St Raphael's Hospice Mike Roycroft said the future of the hospice has never really been in jeopardy and now there was an exciting time of opportunity.

Campaigners against the sale said a £1m invisible subsidy from St Anthony's paid for a range of services and functions including infection control, IT, catering and use of hospital medical facilities such as blood transfusions and X-rays.

But Mr Roycroft said this week the hospice would be 'absolutely fine'.

He said: 'The hospital will be sold off fairly shortly - they are going through the last few legal steps. I realise there's been a long period of uncertainty but in reality the future of the hospice never has been in jeopardy.

'We are hoping that by the end of March we will be ready to be separated whether or not the hospital is sold or not. When the sale takes place, whenever that might be, it will happen seamlessly.

'There are, of course, many challenges ahead but I have been so impressed by the quality and dedication of the staff and volunteers that I have met and what is being achieved.'

He said although they were ready to go ahead with the separation there were a few things such as forms still bearing St Anthony's name which need to change but these were easily manageable.

The hospice will remain under the ownership and management of its parent charity, the Daughters of the Cross, and chairman of the trustees, Sister Veronica Hagen said: 'It was with excitement and joy that I was able to introduce Mike Roycroft the first full-time chief executive officer, to the staff of St Raphael's.

Mr Burstow said: 'I welcome the reassurance of St Raphael's new chief executive. However, the relationship with St Anthony's Hospital has been a special one and I look forward to hearing how the hospice plans to create a positive future on its own.'

Previously Mr Roycroft, was chief executive for nearly ten years of The Whitey Homes Trust and Warden of Whiteley Village, near Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, which provide support and care to needy elderly people.

Prior to that he was the director of the Army's Primary Health Care Service in UK.

Bully's Wimbledon cannot overcome both Brighton or the weather

Bully's Wimbledon cannot overcome both Brighton or the weather

4:05pm Wednesday 12th February 2014 in Sport By Theo Lee Ray

Weather man: Bully could not blame his troops for the defeat at Brighton

Wimbledon coach James Ogilvy-Bull believes Brighton played the conditions better than his side on Saturday as the Dons slipped to an 18-22 defeat in bad weather.

Tries from Neil Brown and Tommy Moore alongside eight kicked points from Neil Hallett gave Wimbledon an 18-17 half-time lead.

But conditions worsened in the second-half and Brighton battled back to get the deciding try, take the points and leave Wimbledon stranded in mid-table.

Ogilvy-Bull said: 'The weather played a big factor in the game and Brighton just played the conditions better than we did in the second-half.

'It was so muddy out there we had to change our shirts at half-time because it looked like both teams were playing in brown kit.'

And, despite the loss, Ogilvy-Bull was still pleased with the way his team performed against third-placed Brighton.

He added: 'We played quite well but the conditions were absolutely atrocious which was unfortunate for two teams that were looking to play fast an attractive rugby.

'They are obviously a very good team - you don't get to be third in the league with being a good team.'

Weather permitting, Wimbledon head to Hove this weekend looking to do the double of the south coast side after beating them 20-12 earlier in the season.

Last year the Dons were the only team to prevent Hove from getting a point at home all season, winning 24-0, and Ogilvy-Bull is hoping to continue their good run there.

He said: 'We beat them quite convincingly earlier this season and we are hoping for the same again.

'We are unsure whether the game will be played because of the weather but we hope it does and we hope to play as well as we did last year if it does go ahead.'

Bully's Wimbledon cannot overcome both Brighton or the weather

Bully's Wimbledon cannot overcome both Brighton or the weather

4:05pm Wednesday 12th February 2014 in Sport By Theo Lee Ray

Weather man: Bully could not blame his troops for the defeat at Brighton

Wimbledon coach James Ogilvy-Bull believes Brighton played the conditions better than his side on Saturday as the Dons slipped to an 18-22 defeat in bad weather.

Tries from Neil Brown and Tommy Moore alongside eight kicked points from Neil Hallett gave Wimbledon an 18-17 half-time lead.

But conditions worsened in the second-half and Brighton battled back to get the deciding try, take the points and leave Wimbledon stranded in mid-table.

Ogilvy-Bull said: 'The weather played a big factor in the game and Brighton just played the conditions better than we did in the second-half.

'It was so muddy out there we had to change our shirts at half-time because it looked like both teams were playing in brown kit.'

And, despite the loss, Ogilvy-Bull was still pleased with the way his team performed against third-placed Brighton.

He added: 'We played quite well but the conditions were absolutely atrocious which was unfortunate for two teams that were looking to play fast an attractive rugby.

'They are obviously a very good team - you don't get to be third in the league with being a good team.'

Weather permitting, Wimbledon head to Hove this weekend looking to do the double of the south coast side after beating them 20-12 earlier in the season.

Last year the Dons were the only team to prevent Hove from getting a point at home all season, winning 24-0, and Ogilvy-Bull is hoping to continue their good run there.

He said: 'We beat them quite convincingly earlier this season and we are hoping for the same again.

'We are unsure whether the game will be played because of the weather but we hope it does and we hope to play as well as we did last year if it does go ahead.'

St Raphael's Hospice future is 'absolutely fabulous' says new chief exec

St Raphael's Hospice future is 'absolutely fabulous' says new chief exec

3:00pm Wednesday 12th February 2014 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Senior Reporter

The new CEO of St Raphael's Mike Roycroft

St Raphael's Hospice's first CEO has said its future is safe despite widespread fears about its funding.

Serious concerns were raised and a campaign was launched by the Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow when the news was announced a year ago that St Raphael's Hospice could be left with a £1m funding gap when the nuns who own it sell its sister hospital St Anthony's.

Absolutely Fabulous star June Whitfield, who lives in Wimbledon, called on the nuns to answer questions about the hospice.

Mr Burstow asked the Government to intervene and the chairman Dr Ron McKeran admitted there was 'considerable uncertainty' and wrote a letter, along with six senior consultants, to the Vatican and senior archbishops in the UK asking them to withdraw their permission to sell St Anthony's to a commercial organisation.

Actress June Whitfield outside the hospice

However, with separation imminent the first CEO of St Raphael's Hospice Mike Roycroft said the future of the hospice has never really been in jeopardy and now there was an exciting time of opportunity.

Campaigners against the sale said a £1m invisible subsidy from St Anthony's paid for a range of services and functions including infection control, IT, catering and use of hospital medical facilities such as blood transfusions and X-rays.

But Mr Roycroft said this week the hospice would be 'absolutely fine'.

He said: 'The hospital will be sold off fairly shortly - they are going through the last few legal steps. I realise there's been a long period of uncertainty but in reality the future of the hospice never has been in jeopardy.

'We are hoping that by the end of March we will be ready to be separated whether or not the hospital is sold or not. When the sale takes place, whenever that might be, it will happen seamlessly.

'There are, of course, many challenges ahead but I have been so impressed by the quality and dedication of the staff and volunteers that I have met and what is being achieved.'

He said although they were ready to go ahead with the separation there were a few things such as forms still bearing St Anthony's name which need to change but these were easily manageable.

The hospice will remain under the ownership and management of its parent charity, the Daughters of the Cross, and chairman of the trustees, Sister Veronica Hagen said: 'It was with excitement and joy that I was able to introduce Mike Roycroft the first full-time chief executive officer, to the staff of St Raphael's.

Mr Burstow said: 'I welcome the reassurance of St Raphael's new chief executive. However, the relationship with St Anthony's Hospital has been a special one and I look forward to hearing how the hospice plans to create a positive future on its own.'

Previously Mr Roycroft, was chief executive for nearly ten years of The Whitey Homes Trust and Warden of Whiteley Village, near Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, which provide support and care to needy elderly people.

Prior to that he was the director of the Army's Primary Health Care Service in UK.

Surbiton and Wimbledon play out a thrilling draw

Surbiton and Wimbledon play out a thrilling draw

9:59am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in Sport By Sports reporter

Battle: Wimbledon's Richard Alexander and Surbiton's Geoff McCabe tussle for possession SP82178

Wimbledon and Surbiton delivered another MHL Premier Division thriller to rival the 2-2 draw earlier this season, with a 4-4 final score.

An enthusiastic crowd watched more than 30 international players deliver a feast of skill and excitement.

Once again Wimbledon established a two goal cushion, only for Surbiton to come back at the death.

It was, however, Surbiton who put on the early pressure and although one short corner was saved, another was conceded on 16 minutes.

This was put away into the bottom right hand corner by former Olympian Matt Daly.

The goal proved a trigger for Wimbledon to produce a 10-minute spell of text book hockey as the ball was moved smoothly from defence to attack.

On 20 minutes, a sweeping move down the right flank delivered a perfect cross for Phil Ball to take his time and crash the ball into the Surbiton net.

On 23 minutes, another mesmeric passing movement gave former Olympian Richard Alexander the chance to take the ball into the D and score a second.

However, never underestimate Surbiton because two minutes later, Wimbledon conceded another soft short corner and Daly duly made it 2-2.

In the second half, it was Wimbledon who was resurgent.

A short corner on 42 minutes gave England international Phil Roper the opportunity to show his short corner expertise as he whizzed the ball inside the right hand post to make it 3-2.

Then came a game changing incident when a tangle between two players saw Ball given a yellow card.

Olympic star: Wimbledon's Ben Hawes

However, undeterred, 10-man Wimbledon broke away up field for Ali Brogdon to pass the ball to an unmarked Jonny Kinder who, though he had his back to goal, duly swivelled and converted with a stunning shot from 15 yards to make it 4-2.

The 10 men of Wimbledon still looked in control but Chris Gregg appeared to clash with one of the opposition and was also yellow carded to join Ball on the bench.

Eleven versus nine was no longer a fair fight and the impetus tipped back to Surbiton with Daly converting another short corner on 65 minutes.

As the clock ran down, though Ball was now back on the pitch, Wimbledon were still at 10 men and Surbiton were going flat out for an equaliser which came in the final minute.

Wimbledon: Tom Millington (GK), Ben Dando (Capt), Ben Marsden, Michael Hoare, Ben Hawes, Mathew Bunyan, John Harris, Richard Alexander, Henry Weir, Rob Pryce, Phil Roper, James Osborne, Johnny Kinder, Phil Roper, James Osborn, Phil Ball.

Swift: Michael Hoare in action

Goal: Richard Alexander bags a Wimbledon goal

Happy days: The Dons celebrate

Teens charged for murder in community centre

Teens charged for murder Stockwell Park Estate Community Centre

9:30am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in News By Robert Fisk

Police have charged three more people over the death of Donald McNicol

Detectives investigating the death of a 54-year-old man, who was attacked in a community centre in December, have charged three more people.

Dalton Williams, aged 18, of Norwich Road, Thornton Heath, will appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court today charged with murdering Donald McNicol.

Also appearing at the court on the same charge are 19-year-old Gino Sawyers, of Briggs Close, Mitcham, and a 16-year-old boy.

A 17-year-old boy who was originally charged with grievous bodily harm was charged with the murder of Donald McNicol on January 28.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on March 11.

Also appearing at this court on March 11 are Daniel Okello, of Ambleside Avenue, near Tooting Common in Streatham, and 18-year-old Monsur Rahman.

Mr Rahman, of Stockwell Road, Stockwell, and 19-year-old Mr Okello have both been charged with murder and violent disorder.

Mr McNicol died after being assaulted at the Stockwell Park Estate Community Centre, Stockwell, on December 2 last year.