Matchbeat

Rye House Rockets Edward Kennett is the new British Under 21 Speedway Champion after a dramatic night in Hoddesdon. Kennett won 4 of his 5 programmed rides before winning a controversial final in which team mate Daniel King was excluded. King who'd fought his way back from an earlier fall hit the fence as the two came out of the second bend with referee Ronnie Allen deciding that he should be excluded from the re-run. It was the second time a Rockets hopes had been ended by the exclusion light Tommy Allen meeting the same fate after a tumble in Heat 19. Of the other home riders Steve Boxall made a fine start but never really recovered from a nasty incident in heat 10 when he reared at the start and ended under the wheels of William Lawson's bike while Chris johnson had to withdraw after a fall on his first outing.

Result
1. Edward Kennett (Rye House)
2. Chris Schramm (Berwick)
3. Richard Hall (Sheffield)
4. Daniel King (Rye House)
6. Steve Boxall (Rye House)
8. Tommy Allen (Rye House)

Ryman League Division Two
Hertford 2 Witham 2
Kingsbury 1 Ware 1

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Harefield United 2 St Margaretsbury 0
London Colney 1 Hillingdon Borough 3
Welwyn Garden City 0 Hoddesdon 1

Herts Senior County League Premier Division
Hadley 0 Hatfield Town 1

Division One
Sarratt 2 Knebworth 2

Rugby League

National Division Three
St Albans Centurions 22 Bramley Buffaloes 42

Speedway
British Under 21 Championships @ Rye House

Somerset Rebels 44 Rye House Rockets 48

Rye House Rockets moved to within 3 points of qualification for the next stage of the Premier Trophy with another excellent away performance. Chris Neath and Daniel King both took up where they'd left off at Kings Lynn on Wednesday night to record double figure scores while Tommy Allen returned to form notching paid 9 from his 4 rides. The Rockets now lead the table by 9pts from Kings Lynn.

Rockets Scorers:
Stuart Robson 6
Edward Kennett 4+1
Chris Neath 11
Tommy Allen 7+2
Brent Werner 6
Matt Tresarrieu 4+1
Daniel King 10+3

Speedway Premier Trophy South

Somerset Rebels 44 Rye House Rockets 48

Stevenage Borough have been forced to make Monday's match with Hereford virtually all ticket. The semi final play off, which kicks off at 5pm has captured the towns imagination with demand forcing the club to stop taking credit card bookings over the phone.
Ticket Office opening hours have been extended from 10am to 7pm tommorow and 10am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday to cope with ticket and merchandise sales. Chairman Phil Wallace has urged fans to get their tickets in advance as the police are unlikely to agree to any sales on the day.

Premier Trophy South

Kings Lynn Stars 52 Rye House Rockets 41

Rye House Rockets went down to their second defeat in the Premier Trophy but did enough to take the all important bonus point. Chris Neath, Daniel King and guest Matt Tressarieu were the men in form on a rain affected night at Saddlebow Road. Neath won 3 of his 5 rides while Tressarieu who caught team manager John Sampford's eye while riding for Somerset at Hoddesdon earlier in the season ended with 9 points. The Rockets though were again indebted to reserve Daniel King who top scored with a paid 13. Rye House stay top of the Trophy South table and go in search of their fourth bonus point at Somerset on Friday night.

Rockets Scorers

Stuart Robson -1 -F -1' -2 -2 = 6+1.
Edward Kennett -0 -1 -1 = 2
Chris Neath -3 -3 -2 -3 -F = 11
Tommy Allen -0 -0 -0 = 0
Brent Werner -0 -1 -0 = 1
Matt Tressarieu (G) -3 -0 -3 -1 -2 = 9
Daniel King -2' -2 -6^-2 -0 -EF = 12+1

ESSEX HERTS LEOPARDS coach Jon Burnell has announced his first signing for the 2005/06 season, with American centre Troy Selvey returning to the club. The 6' 7" from Sacramento joined the Big Cats from fellow EBL Division One side Coventry Crusaders in mid-January, and was an immediate hit with Burnell's team. He either led, or jointly led, Leopards scoring in four of his first five games, and has proved to be one of the EBL's top big-men. He led the league in blocked shots, averaging two per game, and also finished seventh in rebounding with 9.14 per game. Burnell was pleased that Selvey had agreed to return to the Big Cats: "I think Troy's proved that he's one of the best big men in the league, and It's great that he's returning" he said."There are not many big men of Troy's caliber in the EBL, and him returning is a good starting point for next season."

Speedway Premier Trophy South

Reading Racers v Rye House Rockets Postponed Waterlogged Track

Speedway Conference League

Scunthorpe Scorpions 55 Rye House Raiders 38

Already missing skipper Steve Boxall and the injured Luke Bowen the Elmside Raiders lost Chris Johnson in the first heat when he clipped the fence on the finish line. A determined performance after that with reserve Daniel Halsey the star managed to keep the score down as The Raiders first ever visit to Scunthorpes new stadium ended in defeat.

Rye House Scorers
Rider Replacement Steve Boxall
Harland Cook 9+2
Karl White 4+1
Barry Burchatt 5
Chris Johnson 2
Daniel Halsey 12+1
gary Cottham 7
Scott Richardson 0

Rye House Rockets 59 Kings Lynn Stars 34

Rye House Rockets maintained their 100% home record with another powerful display against a depleted Kings Lynn. Three home maximums in the first six heats effectively sealed the outcome but there was plenty of drama for the crowd as Daniel Kings bike caught fire at the start of Heat 8. The fireworks continued into the next Heat as Chris Neath was excluded for a clash with Lynns Tom Madsen the two riders having to be pulled apart after the Dane went through the third bend fence. Stuart Robson and Edward Kennett remained unbeaten all evening to both pick up paid maximums as the Rockets started their busy week in fine style.

Rye House Scorers
Stuart Robson 13+2
Edward Kennett 13+2
Chris Neath 9
Tommy Allen 3+1
Brent Werner 7+2
Steve Boxall 6
Daniel King 8+1

Stevenage 2-0 Leigh RMI

Stevenage Borough claimed a place in the Conference play-offs with an easy victory over rock-bottom Leigh RMI.
Anthony Elding opened the scoring with a tremendous 30-yard shot having received the ball from Jon Brady to notch his 21st of the season.
Dino Maamria almost doubled the lead but saw his effort saved by Jon Worsnop and Elding also went close.
But the hosts finally scored again when striker Darryn Stamp tapped in from six yards in stoppage time, having earler hit the woodwork with a header.

Stevenage face Hereford in the two leg semi final the first leg at Broadhall Way on Bank Holiday Monday May 2nd

Team: Julian, Warner, Goodliffe, Henry, Gregory, Brady, Bulman, Maamria, Nurse (Laker 89), Elding, Stamp.Subs Not Used: Westhead, Quinn, Hocking, Flack.
Booked: Gregory.
Goals: Elding 6, Stamp 90.
Att: 3,516

Nationwide Conference
Stevenage Borough 2 Leigh RMI 0 - Stevenage qualify for play offs

Ryman League Division Two
Chalfont St Peter 2 Hertford 1
Ware 1 Wembley 0

Spartan South Midlands League Premier
Biggleswade Town 0 Broxbourne Borough 1
Haringey Borough 0 Welwyn Garden City 1
Langford 1 London Colney 3
Leverstock Green 3 Hoddesdon 0
St Margaretsbury 1 Royston 0

Herts Senior County League Premier
Bushey Rangers 2 Codicote 1
Wormley Rovers 6 Hatfield Town 0

Division One
Allenburys Sports 5 Sarratt 1
Cuffley 0 Hertford Heath 3

Rugby

National League Division Three South
Redruth 32 Hertford 13

Powergen London One
Thanet Wanderers 38 Old Albanians 41

London Three North West
Welwyn 17 Bank of England 25

Rugby League

National League Division Three
Sheffield 6 St Albans Centurians 42

Speedway

Premier Trophy South
Rye House Rockets 59 Kings Lynn Stars 34

Sunday

Speedway

Conference League
Scunthorpe 55 Rye House Raiders 38

Herts Phoenix Athletics

Mens National Junior League @ Woodford Green
1st Herts Phoenix AC 309 Points
2nd City of Norwicj AC 299 Points
3rd Woodford Green AC 233 Points
4th Basildon AC 183 Points
5th Dacorum and Tring AC 172 Points
6th London Heathside AC 134 Points
7th Colchester and Tendring 100 Points

Womens Southern Premier League @ Barking
1st Blackheath & Bromley AC 253 Points
2nd Havering Mayesbrook AC 231 Points
3rd Shaftesbury Barnet harriers 209 Points
Woodford Green/Essex Ladies 209 Points
5th Herts Phoenix AC 177 Points
6th City of Norwich AC 133 Points
7th Ashford AC 125 Points
8th Bournemouth AC 98 Points

Nationwide Conference
Champions: Barnet
Play Offs: Carlisle, Hereford and 2 from Aldershot, Morecambe, Stevenage, Exeter, and Woking
Relegated: Leigh RMI, Farnborough, Forest Green

Ryman League Division 2
Nothing can be settled this weekend but to stay in contention Hertford must win at Chalfont and hope Ilford lose at home to Flackwell and Brook House fail to beat Abingdon.

Spartan South Midlands Premier
Champions: Potters Bar
Runners Up: Hanwell Town
Relegated: Hoddesdon, Bedford United

Herts Senior County League Premier
Nothing can be decided but Hatfield Town must beat Wormley Rovers and hope other results go their way to stay in contention.
Relegated: Old Parmitarians, Bushey Rangers, Bovingdon

Division One
Champions: Buntingford
Promoted: Little Munden and either Standon & Puckeridge or Hertford Heath

Herts Senior County League
Hatfield Town 1 London Lions 0

Rye House Rockets are hopeful that Steve Boxall will have recovered from flu in time for Saturday's meeting with Kings Lynn in the Premier Trophy. Boxall who also captains the Conference League Elmside Raiders missed out on their meetings against Mildenhall and Buxton at the weekend. The meeting is The Rockets last at home in the group stage of the competition. Kings Lynn who are without the injured Ollie Allen have secured the services of Dane Tom P Madsen as a guest.

Crawley Town 1 Stevenage Borough 2

Goals from Anthony Elding and Jason Goodliffe secured a vital win for Stevenage and made sure Borough's play off hunt will go right to the wire. Elding's 20th goal of the season gave Borough a half time lead and when skipper Goodliffe doubled the advantage early in the second half it looked as if Graham Westley's team would win with a ease. A goal from Crawley's Steve Burton 14 minutes from time set up a nail biting finish as results elsewhere took Borough to 6th in the Conference table just a point out of the play offs.

Stevenage: A Julian, M Warner, R Henry, J Gregory, J Goodliffe, J Brady, D Bulman, D Stamp, A Elding, J Nurse (75 M Hocking) , D Maamria (75 R Quinn) Subs: R Quinn, M Hocking, M Rogers, J Flack, M Westhead

Ref: B Malone
Att: 1413

Nationwide Conference
Crawley Town 1 Stevenage Borough 2

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
London Colney 2 Bedford United 2

Herts Senior County League Premier Division
Codicote 3 Whitewebbs 0

After 9 months of football Stevenage Boroughs play off hopes could come down to just 90 minutes when they visit Crawley tonight. Defeat for Graham Westley's team combined with wins by any two of Woking, Morecambe and Aldershot would mean the end of the road. A win however with defeats for the other three would open the door to the play offs. With 7 clubs chasing two play off places Conference fans throughout the country will be anxiously checking the scores. The other fixtures involving clubs still in with a chance are:
Accrington v Aldershot
Exeter v Gravesend
Farnborough v Halifax
Morecambe v Forest Green
Woking v Hereford

Hertford 45 Letchworth 12

Hertford retained the Herts Presidents Cup with a powerful display against Letchworth. Despite missing the influential pairing of Mac Jordaan and Sam Manion Superblues confirmed their position as county champions to bring some silverware to Hoe Lane after a remarkable season. With 5th place in National Division Three already assured Hertford round off their season with a trip to Redruth on Saturday.

Speedway Conference League

Buxton Hitman 47 Rye House Raiders 44

Despite missing skipper Steve Boxall still suffering from flu and Chris Johnson away riding for reading the Elmside Raiders almost snatched a memorable victory with the meeting going down to the last heat.

Raiders Scorers

Daniel Halsey 5
Harland Cook 13
Luke Bowen 13
Barry Burchatt 10+2
Rider Replacement Chris Johnson
Robert Mear 0
Gary Cottham 3

Matchbeats Mark Smith Looks Back on His Marathon Sunday

You know you're in for a long day when you need a drink & a lay down through exhaustion at the start line of a marathon. Likewise you know you've had a hell of a day when you wake up the following morning in agony as much through sunburn as muscle strains.

That was the summary of my 2005 London Marathon. Ordinarily, I'd be extremely disappointed with 4hr 38 min for a marathon when all projections had me inside 4 hours. Given the circumstances above though, I was quite chuffed with it.

I spent much of the opening few miles reflecting on my decision to "Back The Bid" (for 2012) at the Wednesday Exhibition - not regretting it - merely wishing I added the stipulation to keep the Dockalnds Light Railway as far away from involvement as possible. Myself & thousands of other arrived at 08.00am in good time at London Bridge station awaiting the 9 minute journey to the start. An hour later only the third train came by and the first with room to take passengers.

At 09.30 we left Maze Hill Station and had a near 2 mile run, all uphill with a bag of clothes, just to arrive at Greenwich Park for the start, which I did 30 seconds before the gun went. Deciding upon a quick start over stretching & using the loo, the majority of runners - myself included set off with little if any preparation.

Having reached 15 miles three times in recent training and on each occasion feeling completely fresh, it was disappointing to resort to walking by this point in the biggest one of all, but after having walked a combined 4 or 5 of the last 11 miles it's satisfying to have knocked 25 minutes off last year.

At one point around 16 miles, I was already down to just 2 remaining muscles in working order and barely muttered to someone on the phone "this is it - I'm not coming back next year to put myself through this again." Strange - as when receiving my medal & bag 90 minutes later at the finish from a lady who said "see you back next year?" I replied "you bet you will - can't wait" If some of the initial 24 miles had failed to live up to expectation, the last two along the Embankment & the Mall were every bit as good as last year. You cannot buy that feeling, but it seems need to go through absolute hell to experience it.

If ever there was a marathon of every emotion it was this. I laughed, I cried, went through agony & ecstacy and am left feeling a little like Tony Mc Coy in the National or Jimmy White in the snooker. I do really well in the half marathon & the smaller events but can't get the big one right.

It may need a marathon without 'the masses' to achieve the 4 hour mark, but that'll need finding one in October or November. Because one day the weather, the trains & the start will all fall nicely in my favour, but that'll have to wait for another year. A year and 5 days infact until April 23rd 2006 and maybe I'll nail it then.

ESSEX & Herts Leopards have announced the re-appointment of coach Jon Burnell for the 2005/06 season.Having coached predecessors Ware Rebels for most of the 2003/04 season, Burnell took up the reigns at the new club last summer, and lead them to eighth place in the EBL Division One and a place in the play-offs.A poor start to the league season ended the Big Cats hopes of making a challenge for league honors, but the 36-year-old is looking forward to helping the club move up the table next season"I'm delighted to be coming back to coach, and I'm really looking forward to it" he said."We know what the benchmark is to be a top four team, and to be competitive every week. If we are around that area and compete in ever game, we'll give ourselves a chance to win stuff."

Speedway Conference League
Rye House Raiders 47 Mildenhall Europress Tigers 42

The Elmside Raiders made it 2 out of 2 at home this season with a narrow victory over last seasons champions Mildenhall. A damp track and a series of machinery problems saw The Raiders, who were without skipper Steve Boxall, struggle for the first part of the meeting. It wasn't until heat 9 that the home side got their noses in front thanks to a maximum from Barry Burchatt and Luke Bowen. Chris Johnson scored 13 points on his debut inflicting Jon Armstrong's only defeat of the night with an excellent in Heat 11. But it took a 5-1 from Burchatt and Gary Cottham in the penultimate heat to finally secure the league points.

Rye House Scorers

Rider Replacement Steve Boxall
Harland Cook 5+2
Luke Bowen 6+1
Barry Burchatt 10+2
Chris Johnson 13
Robert Mear 0
Gary Cottham 13+3

Considered report by: Chris White

16/4/05


It took Hertford the best part of an hour to get going, but once they did, the Blues picked up another 3 points at Hertingfordbury park.
Joel Maybury came in for Nicky Burt with Dave Greenwood pushed into midfield as a 3-5-2 formation was employed by Dave Pentecost.
The game started 3 minutes early and with Chertsey having 2 good chances in the first minute, you could argue that they nearly scored before kick off.
With several players out of their normal position, Hertford were struggling to put together any kind of possession and we were instead, treated to wave upon wave of Chertsey attacks. If their shooting boots had been on, this game could have been over after 15 mins.
We had to wait 33 mins for Hertford’s first attempt of any kind, a Wade header that flashed wide. Wade had a good chance minutes after, but put that one high over the bar. A pretty dreadful first half petered out with the score still at 0~0.
Remarkably, no tactical changes at half time and the second half started with the same pattern, Pomroy for Chertsey flashing a shot across the goal.
But the Blues finally put a good move together on 50 mins, Goss hitting the side netting with a volley. This energised Hertford and on 55, Goss crossed for Greenwood arriving late, unmarked, to head home. Kevin Kilroy was looking out of sorts and was replaced on the hour by Lee Roberts. Goss had an effort brilliantly saved as the game and Hertford’s performance picked up considerably. Lee Robinson then saved well before the referee controversially sent off Chertsey substitute Ricardo Alves for decking Maybury. Alves had only been on the pitch for 4 mins!!
Kevin Cooper was put clear on 78 mins, he’s usually so assured in this situation, but today, he first slipped and then tripped over his own feet and the chance disappeared.
Chertsey kept going forward and the crowd were able to perform their new repertoire of songs when TV personality Ralf Little appeared as a substitute with 10 mins to go. But immediately, Greenwood played in Cooper to beat the keeper at the second attempt. Then Phil Goss scored in stoppage time with a wickedly deflected shot as Chertsey finally ran out of steam.
Danny Wackett and Daniel Staples were solid at the back for the Blues, Leo Turner got stronger, the longer the game went on.
The sending off changed the game, but in the end, a comfortable win for the Blues.

Stevenage Borough 2 Gravesend 0

Goals from Daryl Stamp and Anthony Elding gave Borough a comfortable win at Broadhall Way keeping their play off ambitions alive. Both teams ended the game with ten men after Boroughs Albert Jarrett and Fleets Lee Protheroe were red carded half way through the second half. The win takes Stevenage to 7th in The Conference table just a point out of the play off positions.

Stevenage: Julian, Warner, Goodliffe, Hocking (Stamp 69), Henry, Brady, Weatherstone (Bulman 9), Quinn (Elding 56), Jarrett, Nurse, Maamria.Subs Not Used: Westhead, Flack.
Sent Off: Jarrett (66).
Booked: Maamria.
Goals: Stamp 74, Elding 89.

Nationwide Conference
Stevenage Borough 2 Gravesend & Northfleet 0

Ryman League Division Two
Edgware 1 Ware 2
Hertford 3 Chertsey 0

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Hoddesdon 1 Bedford United 1
St Margaretsbury 1 Langford 0
Welwyn Garden City 2 Broxbourne Borough 3

Herts Senior County League Premier Division
Bedmond Social 4 Codicote 2
Hatfield Town 4 Hinton 2

Division One
Buntingford 2 Lemsford 3
Loughton 0 Allenburys Sports 1

Rugby League

National League Division Three
St Albans Centurians 104 Gateshead Storm 6

Speedway

Conference League
Rye House Raiders 47 Mildenhall 42

Sunday

Rugby Union

Herts Presidents Cup Final

Hertford 45 Letchworth 12

Matchbeat's Mark Smith will be among the competitors in Sunday's 25th London Marathon.
Here Mark looks ahead to one of the worlds greatest sporting occasions

On Sunday 17th April I will be running in the 25th London Marathon, sponsored by Flora.
It is an especially significant year to be running as the great race will be celebrating its quarter of a century and by Sunday evening over 550,000 runners would’ve completed the race since it began in 1981.

In that year, two runners crossed the line hand in hand: Dick Beardsley of the USA & Inge Simonsen of Norway, in a time of under 2 hours & 12 minutes which would still win many major marathons today. The following four years all produced British winners: Hugh Jones, Mike Gratton & Charlie Spedding, all still involved with the sport today, and arguably the greatest of all British Marathon runners Steve Jones who won in 1985 in a remarkable time of 2.08.16 which competes with the times posted 20 years later.

The next 20 years of the London Marathon has produced only two more British winners in the men’s race: Alistair Hutton in 1990 and the most recent Eamonn Martin, way back in 1993. Other notable names have figured since however. Mexican Dionicio Ceron & Antonio Pinto of Portugal both won three times while track athletes Douglas Wakiihuri & Abel Anton have both also triumphed. The fastest of all men was Khalid Khannouchi’s astonishing 2002 time of 2.05.38. Anyone who is anyone in World Marathon running has attempted the London Marathon and even the greatest long distance runner ever, Haile Gabresalassie has yet to cross the line first.

The fastest women’s time by a considerable margin was Paula Ratcliffe’s phenomenal run in 2003 in under 2 hours 15 & ½ minutes. Derartu Tulu, Liz McColgan, Katrin Dorre, Ingrid Kristiansen & Grete Waitz are among an impressive list of past female winners.

But, while the star names add to the attraction of the race, it is what goes on miles & hours behind that truly establishes the London Marathon, as one of the great annual events on the British Sporting calendar.

I am often asked particularly at this time of year what the attraction of the marathon is and also why I want to put myself through the event. The first part of the question is already answered above. Arguably the greatest annual event in the national sporting calendar took place last week: The Grand National, watched by millions and a truly monumental event. But much as I’d have loved to I couldn’t have climbed aboard a horse & ridden around a couple of furlongs behind Ruby Walsh & Hedgehunter. I can’t turn up in the early rounds of Wimbledon & expect a knock about with Tim Henman.

On Sunday I will be lining up in the same race as Paula Ratcliffe. I’ll be at the start stood behind the Olympic Champion Stefano Baldini & last year’s winner Paul Tergat. In no other sporting event would that be possible.

The second part of the question is a most valid one. Why do I want to put myself through the event? Casting a few thoughts back to 2004, I recall both myself and fellow runners, blacking out, vomiting and temporarily going blind. You bleed from places you never even knew bled, you pull every muscle in your body, muscles you didn’t even know you had.

And even allowing for that, the London Marathon is the single greatest thing you will ever do in your life. You really can’t quit. The 500.000 strong crowd won’t let you. You consider it – seriously consider jacking it in – usually while asking yourself why you can’t just play badminton or go to church on a Sunday morning like ordinary people and that you’re not cut out for marathons.

But it can be a simple “come on” or maybe a pat on the back that spurs you on, a couple of jelly babies gives you that tiny bit of energy to open your eyes and see the next mile marker, sooner than you were anticipating and then, in scenes most resembling ‘Shaun Of The Dead’ with blood splattered zombie like creatures swaying from one side of the road to the other, you’re back on your feet and peculiarly loving every second of it.

It is said that 98% of those that arrive at the start line of the London Marathon make it to the finish. It is easy to see why. Even leaving aside the crowd, last year I wasn’t running for anybody but myself, and the thought of not making it to the end, didn’t enter my head. This year I’m running on behalf of the charity Children In Crisis. The generosity of the countless people that have contributed to my approximate £1,500 that I have raised will be all the inspiration I need when the miles begin to take longer in Docklands.

Whether it’s sitting in a bath of baked beans or attempting 2 mile walk, any sponsored event deserves praise, but when a target of £1,500 is set, I find myself receiving £5 from people earning little over the minimum wage – over an hour’s salary. I feel it only fair in return that I repay the generosity by undertaking an activity that pushes the human body to the absolute limit. And then some. When you’ve asked it for every ounce of energy it can find – you then ask it to find a little more. So, why not attempt the ultimate of all endurance events – a marathon. And if you are going to undertake a Marathon – why not the biggest of all? – London.

It can be difficult to talk of marathons without sounding slightly big headed, if you remark on how difficult or easy you find them. I completed the 56 mile London to Brighton bike ride last year, with little to no bike riding training & found it remarkably easy – less taxing than any 10k run. I cannot anticipate ever saying that about a marathon. 10k runs, 10 miles, even in half-marathons – it is possible to encounter the annoyingly, naturally fit, so and so who is able to turn up and lap you, having done no training. You don’t get that in marathons. It is a great leveller of ability. I know that all being well, when I head towards the Mall, hopefully around the four hour mark, that those athletes around me would have universally made all those same sacrifices as I have and while the rest of the country were in bed on Christmas & New Years Day they were pushing their body to the limit.

While you wish some of those around you at work & day to day life could be more aware of the enormity of a marathon, even down to knowing that you cannot just wake up on the morning, decide to turf up at Greenwich & join in, or that 2006 applications will be underway not too long after this years final competitor crosses the line, the knowledgeable crowd are more than aware of the task. It reinforces Andy Warhol’s anecdote of being famous. For 364 days of the year – nobody wants to be me. No-one in their right mind, outside of the London Marathon arena would look at me & think I want to be like that. But for four or so hours on a Sunday morning in April and especially a final 30 minutes along the Embankment, Bird Cage Walk & The Mall, crowds of 30 people deep are wishing they were you and longing to do exactly what you have had the courage to achieve.

That however, is an exact same feeling felt by every one of the runners. It’s a feeling you get at the start when you line up alongside fellow athletes of every size, shape, age and race imaginable. Competitors of an age or of a size so unsuited to the ‘typical’ marathon runner, that you doubt they will even last to the start line, until they pass you in Docklands! But more astonishingly, competitors of such courage that if they were you or I, wouldn’t even be alive: Illness, ailments, loss of limbs & countless disabilities ploughing on through gritted teeth, outpacing able bodied runners. It is this, more than anything that ensures people like me have their kept firmly on the ground and could never let completing a marathon or that worshipping of the crowd get to their head.

But, as a banner at the London Marathon Exhibition read “London will gain 40,000 more heroes this weekend.

Though I’d maybe question that, you cannot help but feel a small sense of pride & achievement in being talked of in that manner.

I would like to thank the many individuals that have sponsored me and the companies I will be running on behalf of: Banc Tec, The Independent Place Nursery, Drive Point and Hair Express, as well as Hertbeat FM who have given my cause great publicity and Stevenage Borough, who have donated a signed football which I have for available for auction on www.ebay.co.uk

If you want to support Mark by way of donation go towww.justgiving.com/mark36637


GOOD LUCK MARK FROM ALL ON MATCHBEAT

Nationwide Conference
Wins for Hereford at Halifax and Carlisle at Burton will assure both teams of play off places.

Ryman Division Two
Nothing can be settled this weekend.

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Potters Bar will take the title if they beat Haywood United at home. Hoddesdon are already relegated.

Herts Senior County League Premier Division
Nothing will be decided at the top. Old Parmiterians are relegated.

Division One
Buntingford and Little Munden are promoted. The third promotion place is between Hertford Heath and Standon and Puckeridge.

Herts Senior County League Premier Division

Codicote 2 Elliott Star 1

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

Broxbourne Borough 1 London Colney 0

Hoddesdon 1 St Margaretsbury 2

Stevenage Borough and Hertford Town fans will have mixed feelings about tonights results. Borough stay 8th in the Conference but wins for Carlisle (6-0 v York), Hereford (3-1 at Forest Green) and Morecambe (3-0 v Burton) mean they are now 3pts adrift of the play off zone. Stevenage entertain Gravesend and Northfleet at Broadhall Way on Saturday.
Hertford are down to 4th in Ryman Division Two after Brook House beat leaders Ilford 1-0 and Enfield changed places with The Blues after a 2-0 victory at Flackwell. Chertsey are the visitors to Hertingfordbury Park at the weekend.

Speedway Premier Trophy South

Exeter Falcons 55 Rye House Rockets 41

Rye House Rockets suffered their first defeat in the Premier Trophy at The County Ground but gained the all important bonus point thanks to another super show by reserve Daniel King. King notched 16+1 from his seven rides to keep The Rockets in contention throughout the night. There was also a succesful return to team action for Tommy Allen who scored 6+1 from four rides. The Rockets remain 6 points clear at the top of the table.

Rockets Scorers

S.Robson 5
E.Kennett 2
C.Neath 9
T.Allen 6+1
B.Werner 1
S.Boxall 2+1
D.King 16+1

Rye House Rockets second string Tommy Allen turned in an excellent performance to finsh second in the British Under 21 Qualifier at Scunthorpe. Allen who only had the plaster removed from the left ankle he broke pre season on Wednesday won two of his five races to finish on 12 points before coming in second behind winner Jamie Robertson in a run off. He now joins team mates Steve Boxall, Edward Kennett, Daniel King and Elmside Raider Chris Johnson in the line up for the final at Rye House on April 30th.

Qualifiers from Scunthorpe:

Jamie Robertson (Newcastle) 12pts
TOMMY ALLEN (RYE HOUSE) 12pts
William Lawson (Edinburgh) 12pts
Danny Norton (Scunthorpe) 12pts

Saturday 9/4/05 Considered report by Chris White


Maybe the promotion dream is over for another season as Hertford Town crashed to a 2~0 defeat at lowly Camberley.
Lee Roberts was unavailable and was replaced by Phil Goss. This was the only change to the starting eleven that beat Brook house last Saturday.
Hertford started the match kicking down the quite considerable slope. They had the first shot of the match; Leo Turner putting it high over the bar.
Dave Greenwood was getting involved in a niggly confrontation early on with Shannon from Camberley, Shannon booked after 20 mins for a late challenge.
A great move on 24 saw Cooper cross to Curtis Johnson, but his flicked header went just wide. Cooper then had a shot well saved before Lee Robinson came to the resue, saving bravely at an attackers feet. Another great move then saw Ryan Wade fire just wide. Camberley should have scored on 42. A forward attempted a diving header in front of an apparently open goal, but ended up heading fresh air, as he completely misjudged it and the ball went to safety. So 0~0 at half time.
Camberley made use of the slope 9 mins into the second half. The ball was worked down the left and the resulting cross was swept into the corner first time by While. Wade and Johnson were then booked for off the ball incidents as the Blues were in danger of losing their heads. Turner then headed a good chance over before Dave Pentecost made a double substitution. Abbott and Bowgett for Burt and Wade. But all Camberley did, was score again. A ball in from the right found While on the edge of the box. He took a touch and drilled home a great finish, his second of the game. Dave Greenwood was pushed into midfield as Hertford desperately tried to find a way back into this match. Despite throwing the kitchen sink at Camberley, Hertford could not find a way through. On 90 mins, the linesman with the highest pair of shorts I’ve ever seen, didn’t like something that substitute Jamie Abbott said to him and Abbott was shown a straight red card.
Hertford had no luck in the first half, but performed poorly in the second. Their touch and passing was off and they lost their heads rather as frustration crept in. This is taking nothing away from a plucky Camberley, who in the end, deserved their win.
Kevin Kilroy was solid for the Blues and Dave Greenwood tried his heart out.
But in the end, Heartbreak for Hertford at Krooner park.

Rye House Rockets maintained their unbeaten record in the Premier Trophy South with another powerful display. Exeter are many peoples bet for honours this season but the Falcons found the going too hot for their liking providing only one heat winner all night. Edward Kennett returned his first maximum in Rye House colours while skipper Brent Werner and Chris Neath provided plenty of back up. Werner winning the race of the night cutting under Mark Lemon on the final bend to take heat 13. The Rockets now travel to the West Country on Monday believing their 26 point advantage should at least secure them their second bonus point of the season. There was further good news after the meeting when Tommy Allen came sucessfully through a series of practice rides after having the plaster removed from his damaged ankle. Allen is now set to take his place in Sundays British Under 21 Qualifier at Scunthorpe.

Rye House Scorers:

S.Robson 6+2
E.Kennett 15
C.Neath 14
Rider Replacement Tommy Allen
B.Werner 13
S.Boxall 4+1
D.King 7+1

Stevenage face an uphill struggle to qualify for the Conference playoffs after losing 4-1 at Accrington. Borough conceded 3 goals in 20 first half minutes, and couldn’t find a way back after the interval. Barry Laker scored a late consolation as Stevenage slipped to 8th still level on points with 5th placed Halifax

Hertford had a similar experience in Ryman Two losing 2-0 at Camberley with Jamie Abbott red carded for dissent. Enfield’s defeat at Epsom keeps the teams neck and neck in the race for second place

Henry Haastrup scored his 4th goal in a week for Ware but on this occasion it failed to secure the win as Abingdon fought back to share the points

Bishops Stortford’s run in the FA Trophy ended at Hucknall who won 3-2 on the day and 5-3 on aggregate

In the South Midlands top flight St Margaretsbury thrashed Welwyn Garden City 5-1, London Colney also conceded 5 to Leverstock Green, Hoddesdon were beaten at Royston and Broxbourne drew with Ruislip

Hatfield had leading scorer Martin Standen sent off at London Lions but came back to secure a 1-1 draw in the Herts Senior Premier thanks to Neil Doctor’s penalty

Allenburys Sports lost narrowly at leaders Buntingford as Little Munden beat Sarratt

In rugby Hertford ended their Hoe Lane season with another win 18-8 against North Walsham but the day was marred by an injury to Mac Jordan

Old Albanians went down to Powergen London One leaders Worthing but Welwyn and Datchworth won

And on the 2nd weekend of the new rugby league season St Albans Centurions beat Warrington Wizards 18-16 with Richard Smith scoring 2 tries

Nationwide Conference
Accrington Stanley 4 Stevenage Borough 1

Ryman League Division Two
Camberley 2 Hertford 0
Ware 1 Abingdon 1

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Broxbourne Borough 1 Ruislip Manor 1
London Colney 0 Leverstock Green 5
Royston Town 2 Hoddesdon 1
St Margaretsbury 5 Welwyn Garden City 1

Herts Senior County League Premier Division
Codicote 2 Bovingdon 4
London Lions 1 Hatfield Town 1

Division One
Buntingford 4 Allenburys Sports 3
Little Munden 5 Sarratt 2

Rugby Union
National League Division Three South
Hertford 18 North Walsham 8

Powergen London One
Old Albanians 12 Worthing 25

London Three North West
Fullerians 6 Welwyn 10

London Four North West
Datchworth 36 Grasshoppers 26

Rugby League
National League Division Three
Warrington Wizards 16 St Albans Centurians 18

Speedway
Premier Trophy South
Rye House Rockets 59 Exeter Falcons 33

Rye House Rockets second string Tommy Allen is in a race to get fit for this weekends action after having the plaster removed from his damaged ankle on Wednesday. Allen is undergoing intensive physiotherapy in a bid to be included in the side to face Exeter in the Premier Trophy at Rye House on Saturday. The Rockets who head the Premier Trophy south table having won five out of five so far have used the rider replacement rule to cover Allens absence. If he fails to make it in time for Saturday's match its hoped he'll be fit enough to take his place in the final qualifier for the British Under 21 Championship at Scunthorpe on Sunday.

ESSEX HERTS LEOPARDS coach Jon Burnell admitted that his side had been beaten by a better team following their play-off exit at the hands of City of Sheffield Arrows."I think that the writing was on the wall that if we went there and played a reasonable game, but only in patches, we would compete but end up losing" he said following Saturday's 103-71 defeat in the EBL Play Off Quarter Final. Burnell had believed that his side could spring an upset, but acknowledged that the whole team would have had to play to their full ability to do so"The way we looked at it was that if we all played to potential, and were all on the same page for the whole 40 minutes we could have beaten them."It was a tough call, and it didn't work out" he added.

Woking 1 Stevenage Borough 2

Anthony Elding notched the winner 3 minutes into the second half as Borough kept themselves in the play off hunt with victory at Kingfield. Having been knocked out of both the FA Trophy and the GLS Cup at the hands of Woking, Borough boss Graham Westley will look on this result as a significant step towards the post season. Darryn Stamp headed home Eldings inswinging corner as early as the 4th minute to put Stevenage in front. Jason Goodliffe's second half own goal leading to some nervous moments as Borough held on to go sixth in the table.

Stevenage: Julian, Quinn, Goodliffe, Laker, Hocking, Elding (Weatherstone 90), Gregory, Stamp, Maamria (Brady 79), Bulman, Boyd (Henry 57). Subs Not Used: Westhead, Nurse.
Booked: Maamria, Julian, Bulman.

Goals: Stamp 4, Elding 48.
Att: 1,951
Ref: D Whitestone (Northamptonshire)

Nationwide Conference
Woking 1 Stevenage Borough 2

Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy Final
Hillingdon Borough 4 London Colney 1 @ Hanwell Town

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Haywood United 2 Welwyn Garden City 0

Herts Senior Centenary Trophy Final
Oxhey Jets 2 Hatfield Town 0

Rye House Rockets Steve Boxall joined team mates Edward Kennett, Daniel King and Chris Johnson in the line up for the Final of The British Under 21 Championships by finishing second in this afternoons qualifier at West Row Mildenhall.
Top 4 Qualifiers:
Ben Wilson (Sheffield) 15pts
STEVE BOXALL (RYE HOUSE) 14pts
James Brundle (Kings Lynn) 12pts
Jason King (Somerset) 11pts

The Final takes place at Rye House on Saturday April 30th.

Football

Nationwide Conference
Stevenage Borough 0 Hereford 1

Ryman League Division Two
Hertford 1 Brook House 0
Ware 3 Flackwell Heath 1

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Bedford United 3 Broxbourne Borough 4
Harpenden 1 London Colney 2
Hoddesdon v St Margaretsbury -postponed pitch drainage problems
Potters Bar 0 Welwyn Garden City 0

Herts Senior County League Premier Division
Codicote 1 Hatfield Town 3
Division One
Allenburys Sports 3 Lemsford 3
Cuffley 2 Hertford Heath 1
Knebworth 2 Standon & Puckeridge 3

Rugby Union
National League Division Three South
Reading 31 Hertford 55

Powergen London One
Cambridge 92 Old Albanians 0

Powergen London Three North West
Welwyn 17 Hampstead 15

Powergen London Four North West
Stevenage Town 17 Tring 9
West London 22 Datchworth 19

Rugby League
National League Division Three
St Albans Centurians 16 Bradford Dudley Hill 20

Basketball
EBL Division One Play Off Quarter Final
Sheffield Arrows 103 Essex Herts Leopards 71

Speedway
Premier Trophy
Rye House Rockets 55 Reading Racers 40

Stevenage lost ground in the play off race leapfrogged by conquerors Hereford. Failure to convert a hatful of chances proved Boroughs downfall when Adam Stansfield headed the Bulls 55th minute winner - see report below

Hertford kept up their promotion challenge by overcoming Brook House 1-0. Curtis Johnson scored on the hour to move the Blues level on points with Enfield who were beaten by the same score at Ilford. The top 3 are level on points though Hertford have played 2 games more - see report below

Henry Haastrup’s first hat-trick for Ware ensured a comfortable victory against Flackwell Heath. A goal in the first minute set the tone for a dominant first half and despite conceding after the break the former Cheshunt striker put the game beyond doubt midway through the second period

After a disappointing week an injury weakened Welwyn Garden City returned to form with a goalless draw at South Midlands leaders Potters Bar. London Colney won 2-1 at Harpenden and Broxbourne Borough shaded a 7 goal thriller at Bedford

3-1 wins for the top 3 in the Herts Senior Premier means its as you were. Hatfield beat local rivals Codicote with goals from Danny French David Reid and Martin Standen
Hertford Heath remain 3rd in Division One despite losing 2-1 at Cuffley. Allenburys Sports and Lemsford shared a 6 goal draw but Knebworth lost

In rugby Hertford achieved their first 50 point haul away from home as Reading were beaten 55-31. Neil Barella again scored heavily in Superblues try spree to maintain 5th place
Welwyn edged out Hampstead, Stevenage kept on course for promotion against Tring but Datchworth lost narrowly at West London.

On the first day of the rugby league season St Albans Centurions led early through Glen Little but went down 20-16 to Bradford Dudley Hill

In basketball Leopards bowed out of the EBL Division One Play Offs losing to EBL Division One leaders Sheffield Arrows

Rye House Rockets maintained their unbeaten record in the Premier Trophy with a comfortable victory over injury hit Reading. See report below

Hereford grabbed their third win in the space of a week as they withstood an early onslaught to snatch a victory against play-off rivals Stevenage.
The Bulls started slowly against a lively Boro side with striker Anthony Elding threatening to put them to the sword in the first half.
But the hosts were made to pay for some wasteful finishing as Adam Stansfield popped up to head a 55th-minute winner.
Hereford continued to threaten but in the end settled for a one-goal margin.
Stevenage: Julian, Hocking (Nurse 78), Goodliffe, Laker, Gregory, Brady, Bulman, Quinn (Henry 73), Elding, Stamp (Boyd 61), Maamria. Subs Not Used: Jarrett, Westhead.
Booked: Maamria, Gregory.

Leopards bow out of the EBL Division One Play Offs full match report at http://www.ehleopards.co.uk/seniors/sheffieldpo.htm

The Rockets maintained their unbeaten record in the Premier Trophy with a comfortable victory over injury hit Reading. Having lost number one Danny Bird last weekend The Racers also had to do without Chris Mills who suffered severe bruising after a spill at Somerset on Friday night. Arena Essex star Leigh Lanham provided a more than adequate replacement for the absent Matej Zager scoring 20 points but Rye House always had too much strength in depth. Edward Kennett and Chris Neath scored paid 13 for The Rockets. Neath producing the ride of the night in heat 3 coming from the back to partner Daniel King to victory. There was also a welcome return to form for skipper Brent Werner who scored paid 12 from his 5 rides.

Rye House Scorers
S.Robson 7+1 (4 rides)
E.Kennett 12+1 (5 rides)
C.Neath 11+2 (5 rides)
Rider Replacement Tommy Allen
B.Werner 10+2 (5rides)
S.Boxall 7+2 (5rides)
D.King 8+1 (6rides)

Hertford Town 1 Brook House 0

Saturday 2nd April Report by: Chris White


Not the time of the season for pretty football, Hertford Town fans left the ground happy with this scrappy 1~0 victory.
Dave Pentecost surprised the crowd by playing a 3-5-2 formation with defensive stalwart Dave Greenwood slotting in the centre of midfield. Leo Turner was preferred in midfield to Phil Goss and Ryan Wade was chosen to start up front alongside Kevin Cooper.
Hertford just weren’t at the races early on, Brook House winning the preliminary midfield battles and possession. Brook House had the early goal attempts, but all went sailing over the bar. Hertford didn’t have a shot until the 21st minute, a tame effort by Cooper. Ryan Wade found himself a great position on 26, but he attempted a first time volley when maybe he could have had a touch and the effort didn’t trouble the keeper. Wade did have the ball in the net on 35, bulleting a header home from a free kick, but an offside flag ruled it out. That was the last action of a generally poor and strangely subdued first half.
The bizarre nature of non-league football at this level was brought home at half time as Lee Roberts was substituted as he had to leave early to catch a flight to go on holiday, Phil Goss was his replacement.
Kevin Cooper had the opening effort of the second half, a 30 yard shot straight at the keeper. A glorious opportunity was spurned on 55. The keeper misjudged a cross but Cooper and Wade got in each others way and the chance was missed. Then Greenwood hit the bar with a header as the Blues got closer to breaking through. The goal came on the hour, Curtis Johnson turning in a cross following good work by Nicky Burt and Phil Goss. Brook House upped the pace in search of an equaliser, Kirkland going close with a header. Adrian Robinson came on to add a bit of steel and replace a tiring Leo Turner. The best move of the match on 86 saw Cooper hitting a pinpoint cross to Johnson, his header brilliantly saved by the Brook House keeper.
A few heart stopping moments in the extended injury time but Hertford held on to claim the 3 points.
After a shaky start, Dave Greenwood was magnificent in his unusual midfield role and Kevin Kilroy was the pick of the defenders. Ryan Wade looks a lively striker and his non stop work-rate took the pressure off Kevin Cooper.
Hard work this afternoon. But a vital win for the Blues.

Stevenage face another crucial match today in the Conference promotion race against play off rivals Hereford. Jon Brady is available after suspension, Mark Westhead returns to the squad but George Boyd is ruled out.

Equally important is Hertfords clash with Brook House. Danny Bowgett is expected to return alongside Kevin Cooper in attack. After Mondays defeat the Blues must win to remain in the promotion hunt.

Ware entertain Flackwell Heath in confident mood after their first away win of the season over Easter

In rugby union Hertford begin the final month of their first National League season aiming to retain 5th place at Reading while St Albans Centurions start their 3rd campaign in rugby league´s equivalent against Bradford Dudley Hill

You can hear coverage of the games at Stevenage, Hertford, Ware and Reading plus all the days local sport on 106.7 and 9 Hertbeat FM in Matchbeat from 2

The latest goalkeeper to join Stevenage on transfer deadline day is the familiar figure of Mark Westhead. The Hornchurch custodian joins Borough until the end of this season after making 53 appearances in the last 2 Conference campaigns.

St Albans Centurions kick off their 3rd season as a National rugby league club tomorrow and could face Bradford Dudley Hill without the injured Jack Malin and Brian Molyneux. New coach Colin Baker will test the fitness of full back Kristian Warner and Jo Willsher in final training tonight

In speedway Silver Ski Rockets face Reading without Danny Bird who suffered a broken leg at the weekend. Last years No 1 rider in the Premier League Matej Zagar is unavailable with Arena Essex rider Leigh Lanham taking his place.