Matchbeat

Football
Spartan South Midlands Premier
Hertford Town 0 Oxhey Jets 3
Colney Heath 0 Edgware Town 3
Leverstock Green 2 London Colney 2
Welwyn Garden City 1 Langford 2

Herts Senior County League Premier
Hertford Heath 3 Wormley Rovers 2
Standon & Puckeridge 1 Buntingford 5



Rugby Union
Pre Season Friendly
Hertford v Bishops Stortford

A rain affected weekend of cricket saw Welwyn Garden City re-establish their chances of taking the Home Counties League Two East title. Victory over North Mymms coupled with defeat for leaders Radlett has enabled City to close the gap to 10 points with 3 games left. They were indebted to two of their county reps for match winning performances, Nick Lamb scoring more than half the runs in an undefeated 123 and Ben Frazer carving his way through the opposition batting with a season best 8-71. With news coming through that Hertford were on the verge of an unlikely win at Radlett there was double delight for the Digswell team. Stuart Riddle scored 60 as Hertford struggled against Stuart Browne (5-64) and despite 204 looking an average score the home side lost wickets regularly against a controlled attack and fell short by 25. Hoddesdon hung on for a draw and important points in their fight for survival. Steve Coleman celebrated his call up for Hertfordshire by taking 5-74 in Potters Bar´s impressive 283. Hoddy´s challenge never materialised and the last 2 held on to remain 3 points clear of the drop zone. Stevenage and Knebworth had their games washed out.

In the Saracens Herts league St Margaretsbury climb to 3rd after beating Luton Town & Indians where England´s Monty Panesar learned his trade.

And Hertfordshire´s final Minor Counties league match at Cumberland had the first day washed out.

Mildenhall Fen Tigers 44 Rye House Rockets 48

An 18 point maximum from Edward Kennett was the highlight of the Rockets second win of the season at West Row. Kennett outpaced former team mate Danny King in a tense last heat decider to give the visitors three vital points in their bid for a play off spot. the afternoon started in controversial fashion as Mildenhall protested to the inclusion of Ben Powell who had ridden as a guest for the Fen Tigers in the Rockets line up. Eventually it was agreed that Powell wouldn't ride with youngster Shane Henry taking his place. New signing Lee Smethills got his Rockets career off to the perfect start backing up Kennett for an opening heat 5-1.

Rockets Scorers
Edward Kennett 18
Lee Smethills 4+2
Steve Boxall 6
Tommy Allen 6
Chris Neath 11+1
Shane Henry 0
Adam Roynon 3

Rye House Raiders 47 Scunthorpe Scorpions 46

The Rye House Raiders returned one of the most amazing victories in their history at Hoddesdon and put a severe dent in Scunthorpes hopes of an automatic place in the Conference Championship Final. Reduced to just three fit riders with five heats remaining the home side held on with Ben Powell proving the hero by grabbing a vital second place in the final heat. Earlier Danny Betson had been taken to hospital with a suspected broken femur after his back wheel was caught by Scunthorpe's Tai Woffinden. The Raiders then lost Barry Burchatt to concusion and Harland Cook to a leg injury sustained when he collided with Ritchie dennis's machine in the home straight. With reserves Rob Mear and Danny Halsey both forced to take seven rides it was left to top scorer Powell to steer the Raiders to victory and leave them just one meeting away from a place in the play offs.

Raiders Scorers:
Ben Powell 15
Rider Replacement Luke Bowen
Harland Cook 10
Danny Betson 2+1
Barry Burchatt 4+1
Daniel Halsey 10+1
Robert Mear 6+2

From Bad To Worse For Borough
Stevenage Borough's disastorous start to the new season continued at Broadhall Way as they were beaten by a Crawley Town side who came from behind twice to maintain their unbeaten run. Borough took the lead after 40 minutes when Adam Miller converted George Boyd's cross from the right hand side of the box. the visitors though struck back through a Michael Bostwick free kick 10 minutes into the second half. Within a minute Steve Morison put Stevenage back in front after a fine cross by Steve Guppy. The visitors though were always in the game and disaster struck for Borough after 63 minutes when keeper Danny potter was red carded for bringing down Lee Blackburn in the box. Ben Strevens converted the spot kick to make it 2-2 and then Michael Bostwick struck home his second of the game with 7 minutes remaining to increase the pressure on new Borough boss Mark Stimson.

Stevenage: Potter: Fuller: Nutter: Oliver: Goodliffe: Miller: Hicks: Guppy (Julian 63): Dobson (Sullivan 81): Boyd: Morison (Nurse62)
SNU: Gaia: Bulman

Saints Shot Down
After a promising start to their first conference season St Albans came down to earth with a bump at Clarence Park as a rampant secured a comfortable win. There seemed little sign of what was to come in a fairly even first half. The visitors taking the lead just before the break when Paul bastock fouled Ryan Williams in the box allowing Darren Barnard to stroke home the resultant penalty. Saints leveled things 4 minutes after the break through Ram Marwa. after that though The Shots took over with a Jon Grant double and goals from Ryan Williams and Marcus Gayle putting the result beyond doubt. St Albans grabbing two consolation strikes from Tom Davis and Dean Cracknell in the dying minutes.

St Albans: Bastock: Seeby: Flynn: Davis: Lewis: Theobald: Hann (Norris 78): Marwa (Cracknell 76): Hakim: Clarke (Sozzo 76): Wilde:
SNU: S.Martin: Harper

Ryman League Division One North
Blues Off To A Flyer
Ware's first game at this level for 24 years ended in a comprehensive victory against shot shy opponents. The Blues dominted proceedings from the moment Chris Ellerbeck volleyed them in front with just 12 minutes gone. Had they have made the most of their opportunities Tilbury would have been out of sight by the break. As it was though Ware had to survive a nervous opening period to the second half before substitute Steve Horsey cooly finished off Jimmy Martin's cross with 70 minutes gone. Further goals from Danny Wolf and a John Frendo penalty right on time were no more than Glen Alzapedi's side deserved. The only worry for the manager was the injury which saw Joe Stevens limp off 5 minutes before half time:

Ware: Ling: Chappell: Rose: Gritton: Wolf: Crawford: Berry (Harding): Ellerbeck: Frendo: Hanson (Horsey): Stevens (Martin)
SNU: Stamp: Cil

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Hertford Fall At First Hurdle
Hertford's interest in this seasons competition ended at the first attempt as Stotfold came away from the newly named Glensridge Stadium with a 2-1 win. Missing four key players an understrength blues lineup fell behind after 23 minutes when Sean turner gave the visitors the lead. Skipper for the day Ryan Wade equalised from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half but Stotfold booked their place in the next round thanks to wayne Blows glancing header.

Hertford: Virgo: McAloon (Teasdale 53): Neil: Wade: Watts: Nicholson: Neilson(Marsh 66): Turner (Scriven 83): Dodds: Redford: Roberts:

Nationwide Conference
St Albans City 3 Aldershot 5
Stevenage Borough 2 Crawley 3

Ryman League Division One North
Ware 4 Tilbury 0

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Broxbourne Borough 1 Colney Heath 0
Haverhill Rovers 2 Welwyn Garden City 0
Hertford 1 Stotfold 2
London Colney 0 Raunds Town 1
St Margaretsbury 1 Eton Manor 1

Herts Senior County League Premier
Buntingford 4 Met Police Bushey 1
Codicote 2 Wormley Rovers 1
Hadley 1 Sandridge Rovers 0
Hertford Heath 3 Whitewebbs 1
Knebworth 2 Elliott Star 2
London Lions 1 Hatfield Town 3
Standon & Puckeridge 1 Bedmond 1

Division One
Croxley Guild 1 Little Munden 1
Evergreen 2 Allenburys 0
Lemsford 2 Wodson Park 1

Rugby League

National Division Three
St Albans 22 Hemel Hempstead 6

Cricket

Home Counties Premier League Div 2 East
Welwyn Garden City 237-5 beat North Mymms 151 all out by 86 runs
Radlett 179 all out lost to Hertford 204 all out by 25 runs
Hoddesdon 162-9 drew with Potters Bar 283-9
Hemel Hempstead v Stevenage, postponed
Knebworth Park v Sawbridgeworth 149-7 abandoned rain

Saracens Herts League
St Margaretsbury 90-3 beat Luton Town 87 all out by 7 wickets
Letchworth 76-4 v St Albans abandoned rain

Speedway

Premier League Fours @ Workington
Postponed now Saturday October 7th

Conference League
Rye House Raiders 47 Scunthorpe Scorpions 46
Sunday

Speedway

Premier League
Mildenhall Fen Tigers 44 Rye House Rockets 48

After a disappointing season that has seen Hertfordshire cricketers fail to register a win in the Minor Counties Eastern Division several players from the Development XI will get a chance to show their credentials this weekend. The final league match at bottom club Cumberland sees the selectors opt for some players who are expected to make the step into next seasons first team. Gary Brown, the exciting young Stevenage batsman with 2 centuries already in the Home Counties league makes his debut and Hoddesdon left arm spinner Steve Coleman wins a recall. Skipper Andy Lewis recognised the importance of planning for the future. "Its time to take some of the Development XI with us to see what the future holds for Herts so we will go up there with a blend of youth and experience." The squad for the 3 day match at Keswick which starts on Sunday 20th August is
Stephen Cordingley (Hertford) Nick Lamb (Welwyn Garden City) Andy Lewis, captain (North Mymms) David Ward (Old Whitgiftians) Ben Frazer (Welwyn Garden City) Aaron Laraman (Welwyn Garden City) Gary Brown (Stevenage) Simon White (Welwyn Garden City) Tom Jenkins w/keeper (Knebworth Park) Len Cooper (Potters Bar) Steve Coleman (Hoddesdon)

Rye House Rockets have signed 24 year old former Berwick Bandit Lee Smethills until the end of the season after it was revealed that Ross Brady had been advised not to ride again this year. Brady sustained concussion in the recent Premier Trophy defeat by Sheffield and has struggled with headaches ever since. The Edinburgh based rider found it difficult to settle in Hoddesdon after joining the Rockets as a replacement for injured skipper Stuart Robson. Smethills who was surplus to requirements at Berwick is expected to make his league debut at Mildenhall on Sunday.

St Albans City central defender Sam Martin will be missing for up to a month after sustaining a torn cartilage in his left knee during Tuesday's draw with Cambridge United. Martin had just returned to first team action having been ruled out for the whole of last season due to a cruciate ligament problem with the same knee.

Kings Lynn 64 Rye House 28

Minus Steve Boxall and Ross Brady the trip to Saddlebow Road proved too much for the Rye House Rockets as they slipped to their second defeat in as many nights. The Stars provided all 15 heat winners as the Rockets with former Kings Lynn rider James Brundle guesting for the injured Ross Brady struggled. Edward Kennett top scored with 12 while new signing Adam Roynon produced another fighting display at reserve. The Rockets will hope that Boxall and Brady are back when they face a busy weekend with the Premier League Fours followed by a trip to Mildenhall.

Rockets Scorers:
Edward Kennett 12
James Brundle (G) 2
Rider Replacement Steve Boxall
Tommy Allen 3
Chris Neath 3
Ben Powell 1+1
Adam Roynon 7+1

Speedway

Premier League
Kings Lynn Stars 64 Rye House Rockets 28

Isle of Wight 64 Rye House Rockets 29

Already missing Steve Boxall who had a stomach bug the Rye House Rockets slumped to a heavy defeat on the island following the withdrawl from the meeting of Ross Brady who was suffering the after effects of the head injury he sustained a fortnight ago. Brady's absence left the Rockets with only 5 fit riders as the Isle of Wight led by Chris Holder who recorded a paid maximum ran riot. Edward Kennett, Tommy Allen and reserve Adam Roynon were the only Rockets to achieve a heat win as the league champions were left facing an uphill struggle if they are to achieve a bonus point when the two teams meet again in September.

Rockets Scorers
Edward Kennett 9
Ross Brady 0 Withdrawn
Rider Replacement Steve Boxall
Tommy Allen 8
Chris Neath 3
Danny Betson 2
Adam Roynon 8

Nationwide Conference

Elphick Off Again As Saints Held
Gary Elphick was dismissed for the second time in 4 days as St Albans started their home campaign with a goalless draw against Cambridge United at Clarence Park. Elphick who was allowed to play due to a succesful appeal against Saturday's sending off at Kidderminster got his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card for a clash with United's Daniel Carey Bertram with 48 minutes gone. Carey Bertram received a straight red from referee Hooper as tempers flared. On an evening when the visitors found Paul Bastock in outstanding form, Dave Theobald had Saints best chance when he headed against the bar with only 4 minutes gone.

St Albans: Bastock, Seeby, Flynn, Elphick, Theobald, Hann, Davis, Marwa, Wilde (B.Martin 56), Hakim (Sozzo 83), Clarke
SNU: Cracknell, S.Martin, Norris

Borough's Bad Start Continues
Stevenage Borough boss Mark Stimson was left looking for his first points as his side were beaten 2-1 by York City at Broadhall Way. The visitors got off to the perfect start when Clayton Donaldson shot them into a 6th minute lead. Borough were back on level terms within a quarter of an hour when Adam Miller dispatched a penalty after Craig Dobson was fouled in the box. York who looked confident throughout struck again after 64 minutes Steve Bowey's shot from the left side of the box beating Danny Potter.

Stevenage: Potter, Fuller, Nutter, Oliver,Gaia (Henry 61), Bulman, Miller, Boyd, Dobson, Thorpe ( Sullivan 83) Nurse
SNU: Julian, Hicks, Stamp

Nationwide Conference
St Albans City 0 Cambridge United 0
Stevenage Borough 1 York City 2

Friendlies
Hertford 2 Kentish Town 1

Speedway

Premier League
Isle of Wight 64 Rye House Rockets 29

St Albans are hopeful that the red card shown to Gary Elphick during Saturday's 3-1 win at Kidderminster will be reduced to a yellow by the FA allowing him to take his place in Tuesday's meeting with Cambridge United at Clarence Park. Elphick was adjudged to have denied a goal scoring opportunity by referee Stuart Attwell when he handled the ball. The FA have intimated that an appeal would be looked onfavourably with referee Attwell being asked to reconsider his decision.

Nationwide Conference

Saints Off To a Flyer But Borough Miss Out
Manager Colin Lippiatt couldn't have wished for a better start to St Albans first Conference campaign as the super Saints won 3-1 at Kidderminster. Paul Hakim stroked home Lee Clarke's pass to give St Albans a 9th minute lead. Ten minutes later David Theobald converted Matt Hann's inswinging corner to double the advantage. A Lee Clarke penalty after Hakim had been fouled four minutes before the break completed a memorable half for the visitors. With Kidderminster shell shocked St Albans comfortably held on in the second period with Jeff Kenna's last minute effort for the home side failing to spoil a magnificent afternoon for the travelling fans.

St Albans: Bastock, Seeby, Elphick, Theobald, Flynn, Hann (Norris 90), Davis, Marwa, Wilde (B.Martin 76), Clarke, Hakim (S.Martin 73)
SNU: Cracknell, Sozzo

Mark Stimson's first game in charge of Stevenage Borough ended in a disappointing defeat at Altrincham. Colin Little's left foot volley after only 14 minutes and a Stephen Aspinall penalty awarded when Luke Oliver was adjudged to have fouled Joe O'Neill sent Borough in 2-0 down at the break. George Boyd gave the visiting fans hope with a sweetly struck left foot volley five minutes into the second half. Jon Nurse, Chris Sullivan and Barry Fuller all had chances to level things up but in the end it was not to be Boroughs day.

Stevenage: Potter, Henry, Gaia, Oliver, Nutter, Dobson, Fuller, Miller, Boyd, Thorpe (Nurse 62), Stamp (Sullivan 76)
SNU: Julian, Bulman, Hicks

Saturday

Football, 3.00
Nationwide Conference
Altrincham 2 Stevenage 1
Kidderminster 1 St Albans 3

Herts Charity Cup
Hitchin Town 2 Ware 0
Hertford 0 Hemel Hempstead 1

Herts Charity Shield
Broxbourne Borough v Colney Heath
London Colney v Hoddesdon
Hatfield Town v Tring Athletic
St Margaretsbury 3 Welwyn Garden City 2

Friendlies
Kebworth 0 Biggleswade Town 5
Buntingford 2 Bishops Stortford Swifts 0

Rugby League
National League Three
St Albans Centurions 26 Dewsbury Celtic 26

Speedway
Premier Leauge
Rye House OFF Newcastle
(Postponed now on Friday 8th September at 7:30pm)

Cricket
Home Counties League Division Two East
Hertford 166-8 drew with Sawbridgeworth 179-7
Hoddesdon 154-4 drew with Knebworth Park 233-6
Stevenage 211-9 drew with Welwyn Garden City 189-8

Saracens Hertfordshire League Division One
St Albans 190 all out lost to St Margaretsbury 193-8 by 2 wickets

St Albans Centurions pair Nick Surtees and Dene Miller will step into the international rugby league arena on Sunday when they represent Scotland A against England in the Skanska Four Nations Championship in Glasgow. Welwyn Garden City born Miller, the record try scorer in National League Three for the past 3 years, made his Scotland debut in the narrow defeat to Ireland in June. He qualifies through his grandfather while Surtees raised in New Zealand has a Scottish father. The prop started his career with victory against England and has faced Ireland twice and Wales. The England team will include several players who the Cents duo have faced in league matches and good performances could see them selected for the World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Wales this autumn.

Cents have to make do without Miller and Surtees plus Kristian Warner and the injured Shane Rampling for the visit of Dewsbury on Saturday. Coach Alan Wheeler hopes that Roy Dube, Wayne Parillon and Matt Thomas will be fit to return as Cents seek the point that will ensure qualification for the playoffs.

Rye House Rockets will check on the fitness of Ross Brady before naming their line-up for Saturdays clash against Newcastle at Hoddesdon. Brady suffered concussion in the recent Premier Trophy defeat to Sheffield and struggled in last weekends victory over Somerset. With the race for the play offs hotting up the Rockets will be looking to pick up a vital bonus after going down by just five points at Brough Park earlier in the season.

St Albans City have signed promising 18 year olds Dane Harper and Robert Norris ahead of Saturdays Conference opener at Kidderminster. The pair who were with Boston United go straight into Colin Lippiatt's squad for the weekend. Also included in the squad will be Matt Hann who is back in training after missing the friendly against Sheffield United but central defender Ben Lewis will miss the trip after injuring his collar bone. The 29 year old is expected to be missing for up to three weeks.

Friendlies

Cottenham United 0 Buntingford 3
East Thurrock 2 Ware 1 (Berry)

# posted by Sports Team @ 10:07 PM 0 comments