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.

Mondelli clears his head to wave the Wimbledon Hercules flag at the British ...

Mondelli clears his head to wave the Wimbledon Hercules flag at the British Indoor Championships

8:54am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in Sport By Tom Pollak

Under the weather: Max Mondelli tries to combat his cold under a towel during the British Indoor Athletics Championships

Hercules Wimbledon AC's teenage sprinter Max Mondelli excelled at the British Athletic Indoor Championships at Sheffield on Saturday despite suffering from a heavy head cold.

Mondelli, 18, a pupil at King's College School, Wimbledon, was the second youngest of the 35 competitors in the senior men's 60m, but was not overawed by the strength of the opposition.

He came up against British number one James Dasaolu in his first round heat - and while Dasaolu cruised to a comfortable win, Mondelli reached the semi-final round as he posted a lifetime best time of 6.85 seconds in taking fourth spot.

He was 15th of the 24 qualifiers so his prospects of making it through to the final did not look great.

His previous best of 6.85 was set when finishing fifth in the South of England championships at Lee Valley athletics centre last month.

In between his heat and semi-final, Mondelli covered his head in a large towel and inhaled a steamy vapour in a bid to ease the effects of his head cold, as well as doing much needed school homework.

His aim was to try and improve his lifetime best and, putting the towel and his homework to one side, he again finished fourth but his time of 6.88 was slightly slower than his heat time and he missed out on a place in the final by 0.14secs.

His first round effort ranks him in the top 10 amongst Britain's teenagers this year in eighth place.

'Fantastic' SafeBet campaign praised in Parliament

'Fantastic' SafeBet campaign praised in Parliament

6:00am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in News By Mike Pyle, Chief Reporter

Andrew Iacovou with his wife Anita and two of his three sons

Our 'fantastic' SafeBet campaign to improve safety conditions for betting shop workers has been raised in Parliament.

Chris Evans MP, who represents a constituency in Wales and is a former betting shop worker, raised SafeBet during a Westminster Hall debate into the practice of allowing betting shops to operate with just one member of staff.

A judge called problem gambler Shafique Aarij a 'cool, calm and collected' killer

We launched the SafeBet campaign last year after the murder of Cheam father of three Andrew Iacovou as he worked at a bookmaker in Morden.

Mr Iacovou was alone in the shop when killer Shafique Aarij bludgeoned him over the head with a hammer in a bungled robbery in May last year. Aarij was jailed for life in November.

The SafeBet campaign was launched to make sure something positive can come from Mr Iacovou's death and we are calling on the betting industry to improve conditions for its workers.

SafeBet has been backed by Mr Iacovou's widow Anita as well as local MPs Paul Burstow and Tom Brake.

Mr Brake raised the issue with Islwyn Labour MP Mr Evans who raised it in front of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Helen Grant during a debate last week.

He said: 'I left the betting industry some 14 years ago and had assumed that the practice of single staffing had ended.

'I was therefore shocked to learn that it is still going on, which I why called for this debate.

'Over the past few weeks and months, I have read about an increasing number of cases where betting shop workers have been attacked, assaulted and tragically even murdered.

'There are also some fantastic campaigns that are working to draw attention to the problems caused by lone working.

'The Sutton Guardian recently launched its SafeBet campaign to fight for safer conditions for betting shop workers.

'Campaigns such as that are extremely important if we are to get the betting industry to respond positively to the problems.'

He said he wanted the betting industry to come up with a self-regulation programme to make sure workers are not placed at risk.

The call was backed by Mrs Grant who said: 'I expect all bookmakers to properly assess the appropriateness of single staffing as part of their business operations.'

The aim of a Westminster Hall debate is to raise awareness of an issue before it can be raised in the House of Commons.

Mr Brake is planning to call betting shop bosses to a meeting to discuss staff safety in the House of Commons.

Back the campaign by clicking here.

Date set for Fico Dougan murder trial

Date set for trial of teenager accused of killing Croydon teenager Fico Dougan

11:37am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in News By Chris Baynes, Reporter

Fico Dougan was knifed to death on September 25

A 16-year-old boy accused of murdering Thornton Heath teenager Fico Dougan is to stand trial in May.

The boy, of St Augustine's Avenue, South Croydon, appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with stabbing to death 17-year-old Fico in Ockley Road, Broad Green, on September 26 last year.

He entered no plea and is set to stand trial on May 12.

The 16-year-old, formerly of Mitcham, was remanded in custody until the trial.

A post-morterm examination in September found Fico, a John Ruskin College student, died of stab wounds to the heart.

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

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

New Raynes Park triathlon club launches

New Raynes Park triathlon club launches

4:00am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in News By Nick Hitchens, Assistant Editor

Travis Texeira, Jade Pienaar, Wesley de Leur and Graeme Noot

If you're looking for a fitness challenge that gets you out of the gym, you might be inspired to join a new triathlon club.

Organisers are finalising plans for a permanent training facility, but weekend bike rides and swimming training around Raynes Park will start this month.

Wesley de Leur, a South African electrical engineer who launched the club after falling in love with the sport, said: 'Our intention is to get both adults and children from the community involved in triathlons and promote healthy living.'

Founders are looking for residents who would like to help with club organisation and administration.

Weekend bike rides will start at Starbucks Raynes Park, on Saturdays from 8am, with beginner, intermediate and experienced groups.

Running training for beginner, intermediate and experienced levels start on Wednesdays 7pm. Swim training will commence as soon as a suitable facility has been confirmed.

For more information, visit transitionzonesports.com, or call 07725 642823.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

4:12pm Tuesday 11th February 2014 in Sport By Tony Mann

On the scoresheet: Neil Brown bagged a Wimbledon try against Brighton, but could not prevent a 22-18 defeat SP79017

Credit must go to both teams for attempting to play running rugby in such appalling conditions and, in the first half, succeeding.

In the second half though, when on large areas of the pitch players were more likely to drown than suffer injury, play became almost a continuous mud-bound maul, and Brighton played the conditions better, despite Wimbledon 's forwards keeping them in their own half for most of the forty minutes.

In the end, it was the visitors who claimed the spoils with Brighton returning to the south coast with a 22-18 win, and sending Wimbledon down to sixth in the London Division One South table at the same time.

The conditions gifted Brighton their first try, after just a minute's play, when the greasy ball slipped through the normally glue-like hands of Dons' centre Neil Hallett, Brighton's back row hack on, and splashed their way to touch down beneath the posts.

For their fullback Finch the conversion was a formality.

But Wimbledon hit straight back with a try by centre Neil Brown in the corner after some great pick and drive play by the forwards - with Rich Stewart, Karl Roche and Steve May to the fore - followed by slick passing from the backs.

Ten minutes later, from nowhere, Brighton's Finch, with the gale behind him left half the Wimbledon team rooted in the mud to jink through for a fine individual try, which he converted with ease to put his side 14-5 ahead.

Soon after, the gale blew a Hallett penalty kick just wide of Brighton's posts, their fullback failed to gather the ball and Dons' wing Tommy Moore pounced to score.

Hallett made no mistake with the conversion.

An exchange of successful penalty attempts by both kickers followed, then a quick tap penalty by number 10 Bryan Croke and a storming run from flanker Chris Lewis almost brought a second Wimbledon try.

From the ensuing penalty Hallett's conversion gave Dons an 18-17 half time lead.

The second half produced just the one score - the decider.

In a rare visit to Wimbledon's 22 Brighton won a 5m lineout on a dryish corner of the pitch and drove over for the winning try.

It was a tough one to lose after such a sterling effort from the whole team and the losing bonus point will be of little consolation.

Next week they hope to return to winning ways when they travel to Brighton's neighbours, Hove.

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

4:12pm Tuesday 11th February 2014 in Sport By Tony Mann

On the scoresheet: Neil Brown bagged a Wimbledon try against Brighton, but could not prevent a 22-18 defeat SP79017

Credit must go to both teams for attempting to play running rugby in such appalling conditions and, in the first half, succeeding.

In the second half though, when on large areas of the pitch players were more likely to drown than suffer injury, play became almost a continuous mud-bound maul, and Brighton played the conditions better, despite Wimbledon 's forwards keeping them in their own half for most of the forty minutes.

In the end, it was the visitors who claimed the spoils with Brighton returning to the south coast with a 22-18 win, and sending Wimbledon down to sixth in the London Division One South table at the same time.

The conditions gifted Brighton their first try, after just a minute's play, when the greasy ball slipped through the normally glue-like hands of Dons' centre Neil Hallett, Brighton's back row hack on, and splashed their way to touch down beneath the posts.

For their fullback Finch the conversion was a formality.

But Wimbledon hit straight back with a try by centre Neil Brown in the corner after some great pick and drive play by the forwards - with Rich Stewart, Karl Roche and Steve May to the fore - followed by slick passing from the backs.

Ten minutes later, from nowhere, Brighton's Finch, with the gale behind him left half the Wimbledon team rooted in the mud to jink through for a fine individual try, which he converted with ease to put his side 14-5 ahead.

Soon after, the gale blew a Hallett penalty kick just wide of Brighton's posts, their fullback failed to gather the ball and Dons' wing Tommy Moore pounced to score.

Hallett made no mistake with the conversion.

An exchange of successful penalty attempts by both kickers followed, then a quick tap penalty by number 10 Bryan Croke and a storming run from flanker Chris Lewis almost brought a second Wimbledon try.

From the ensuing penalty Hallett's conversion gave Dons an 18-17 half time lead.

The second half produced just the one score - the decider.

In a rare visit to Wimbledon's 22 Brighton won a 5m lineout on a dryish corner of the pitch and drove over for the winning try.

It was a tough one to lose after such a sterling effort from the whole team and the losing bonus point will be of little consolation.

Next week they hope to return to winning ways when they travel to Brighton's neighbours, Hove.

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

4:12pm Tuesday 11th February 2014 in Sport By Tony Mann

On the scoresheet: Neil Brown bagged a Wimbledon try against Brighton, but could not prevent a 22-18 defeat SP79017

Credit must go to both teams for attempting to play running rugby in such appalling conditions and, in the first half, succeeding.

In the second half though, when on large areas of the pitch players were more likely to drown than suffer injury, play became almost a continuous mud-bound maul, and Brighton played the conditions better, despite Wimbledon 's forwards keeping them in their own half for most of the forty minutes.

In the end, it was the visitors who claimed the spoils with Brighton returning to the south coast with a 22-18 win, and sending Wimbledon down to sixth in the London Division One South table at the same time.

The conditions gifted Brighton their first try, after just a minute's play, when the greasy ball slipped through the normally glue-like hands of Dons' centre Neil Hallett, Brighton's back row hack on, and splashed their way to touch down beneath the posts.

For their fullback Finch the conversion was a formality.

But Wimbledon hit straight back with a try by centre Neil Brown in the corner after some great pick and drive play by the forwards - with Rich Stewart, Karl Roche and Steve May to the fore - followed by slick passing from the backs.

Ten minutes later, from nowhere, Brighton's Finch, with the gale behind him left half the Wimbledon team rooted in the mud to jink through for a fine individual try, which he converted with ease to put his side 14-5 ahead.

Soon after, the gale blew a Hallett penalty kick just wide of Brighton's posts, their fullback failed to gather the ball and Dons' wing Tommy Moore pounced to score.

Hallett made no mistake with the conversion.

An exchange of successful penalty attempts by both kickers followed, then a quick tap penalty by number 10 Bryan Croke and a storming run from flanker Chris Lewis almost brought a second Wimbledon try.

From the ensuing penalty Hallett's conversion gave Dons an 18-17 half time lead.

The second half produced just the one score - the decider.

In a rare visit to Wimbledon's 22 Brighton won a 5m lineout on a dryish corner of the pitch and drove over for the winning try.

It was a tough one to lose after such a sterling effort from the whole team and the losing bonus point will be of little consolation.

Next week they hope to return to winning ways when they travel to Brighton's neighbours, Hove.

Juvenile hopeful All set for Wimbledon workout

There are some interesting trials at Wimbledon on Wednesday

PETER CRONIN has been a new name in the Irish raiding party for the William Hill English Derby in the past few years and his dogs have performed well in recent renewals.

This year we can expect a much bigger Cronin challenge numerically, and it will all get off to an early start tomorrow when the Irish trainer will be bringing a team of six dogs for sprint trials at Wimbledon.

But the Mooncoin-based handler also plans on having runners in the Ladbrokes Scottish Derby at Shawfield and the Arc at Swindon. Cronin ran into an early problem with his plans on Monday when he had to rename his dog Dodging Bullets as that name is already Registered in Britain.

The dog will now be known as El Domingo when he trials this morning along with kennelmates All About Ya, Borneo, El Salvador, Swithins Way and Cathys Clown. Cronin plans to trial Metro Jack and Holycross Gerry on his next trip.

Read the full story in Wednesday's Racing Post

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

Wimbledon miss out in the quagmire against Brighton

4:12pm Tuesday 11th February 2014 in Sport By Tony Mann

On the scoresheet: Neil Brown bagged a Wimbledon try against Brighton, but could not prevent a 22-18 defeat SP79017

Credit must go to both teams for attempting to play running rugby in such appalling conditions and, in the first half, succeeding.

In the second half though, when on large areas of the pitch players were more likely to drown than suffer injury, play became almost a continuous mud-bound maul, and Brighton played the conditions better, despite Wimbledon 's forwards keeping them in their own half for most of the forty minutes.

In the end, it was the visitors who claimed the spoils with Brighton returning to the south coast with a 22-18 win, and sending Wimbledon down to sixth in the London Division One South table at the same time.

The conditions gifted Brighton their first try, after just a minute's play, when the greasy ball slipped through the normally glue-like hands of Dons' centre Neil Hallett, Brighton's back row hack on, and splashed their way to touch down beneath the posts.

For their fullback Finch the conversion was a formality.

But Wimbledon hit straight back with a try by centre Neil Brown in the corner after some great pick and drive play by the forwards - with Rich Stewart, Karl Roche and Steve May to the fore - followed by slick passing from the backs.

Ten minutes later, from nowhere, Brighton's Finch, with the gale behind him left half the Wimbledon team rooted in the mud to jink through for a fine individual try, which he converted with ease to put his side 14-5 ahead.

Soon after, the gale blew a Hallett penalty kick just wide of Brighton's posts, their fullback failed to gather the ball and Dons' wing Tommy Moore pounced to score.

Hallett made no mistake with the conversion.

An exchange of successful penalty attempts by both kickers followed, then a quick tap penalty by number 10 Bryan Croke and a storming run from flanker Chris Lewis almost brought a second Wimbledon try.

From the ensuing penalty Hallett's conversion gave Dons an 18-17 half time lead.

The second half produced just the one score - the decider.

In a rare visit to Wimbledon's 22 Brighton won a 5m lineout on a dryish corner of the pitch and drove over for the winning try.

It was a tough one to lose after such a sterling effort from the whole team and the losing bonus point will be of little consolation.

Next week they hope to return to winning ways when they travel to Brighton's neighbours, Hove.

Juvenile hopeful All set for Wimbledon workout

There are some interesting trials at Wimbledon on Wednesday

PETER CRONIN has been a new name in the Irish raiding party for the William Hill English Derby in the past few years and his dogs have performed well in recent renewals.

This year we can expect a much bigger Cronin challenge numerically, and it will all get off to an early start tomorrow when the Irish trainer will be bringing a team of six dogs for sprint trials at Wimbledon.

But the Mooncoin-based handler also plans on having runners in the Ladbrokes Scottish Derby at Shawfield and the Arc at Swindon. Cronin ran into an early problem with his plans on Monday when he had to rename his dog Dodging Bullets as that name is already Registered in Britain.

The dog will now be known as El Domingo when he trials this morning along with kennelmates All About Ya, Borneo, El Salvador, Swithins Way and Cathys Clown. Cronin plans to trial Metro Jack and Holycross Gerry on his next trip.

Read the full story in Wednesday's Racing Post

Former Wimbledon champ dies

American four-time ladies singles Wimbledon title winner Louise Brough has died aged 90, The Times of London announced.

Brough, who also won the US Open singles title in 1947 and the Australian Open singles crown in 1950, won three successive Wimbledon titles from 1948-50 and even more remarkably in 1948 and 1950 she also won the women's doubles and the mixed doubles.

However, perhaps her greatest Wimbledon was when she won the singles in 1949, beating her doubles partner Margaret Osborne DuPont 10-8, 1-6, 10-8, then teamed up with the latter to take the doubles title on the same day.

Having retained those titles she had to go back out on court again on the same day to play the mixed doubles final with partner John Bromwich but lost in three sets 9-7, 9-11, 7-5 to leave her exhausted having played for five and a half hours encompassing 117 games.

Brough, who was to add a further Wimbledon singles title in 1955, was introduced to tennis at an early age by her ambitious and driven mother and won her first tournament aged 15.

At one point Brough even competed in two events in the same week, one in Philadelphia the other in New York and her aunt ensured she got to do so by driving her backwards and forwards to the respective events - as a result she never missed a game in either.

However, despite all the titles and glory accrued it being before the professional era Brough never made her fortune out of it as she ruefully observed later in life on watching her successors make millions.

'It's fun to watch what they spend it on, but I could slit my throat when I think about how much money I could have won playing today,' she said.

She was married just the once to a dentist, who died in 1999, and had no children.