The News Review:
- Ulster squad to get coach update
- The ace of Herts – now Hugh just wants Saracens fans back
- Gloucester give Lamb two-year extension
- THOSE WERE THE DAYS…Local sporting highlights from this week in…
Ulster squad to get coach update
BBC News – Dec 29, 2007
He had some success with NSW Waratahs before moving north of the equator to Dublin. With former Ireland international Willie Anderson as his deputy, Williams had quite a successful stint with Leinster. His at times uncompromising approach helped to shock an under-achieving team into becoming genuine Heineken Cup candidates. During his time in Dublin he guided Leinster to Celtic League honours and was assigned Ireland A coach in 2002. But after Leinster fluffed their lines in the 2004 semi-final against Perpignan, Williams’ tenure came under threat. However, his success at Leinster led him, and a short time later Anderson, to be head-hunted and leapfrogged into the international sphere when Scotland’s big hitters Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer were impressed with his forthright ideas. As the first foreign coach at Murrayfield, Williams was at times controversial in his approach, and ditching well-established coaches and players in the SRU system did not go down too well in some quarters.
The ace of Herts – now Hugh just wants Saracens fans back
Daily Mail – Dec 29, 2007
But he doesn’t expect to be a trendsetter himself. Alan Gaffney’s side welcome Newcastle to Vicarage Road tomorrowon the crest of a wave as they mount a sustained assault on threefronts this season. Already through to the semi-finals of the EDFEnergy Cup, they will be aiming to consolidate their GuinnessPremiership title challenge, before pushing for a place in the lasteight of the Heineken Cup next month. The omens are good. Saracens have not lost at home since Gloucester snuck out ofWatford with a 38-31 league win in September. All that is needed now is due recognition ? firstly from therugby public in Hertfordshire and surrounding area. Attendancestend to fluctuate between 5,000 and 8,000 and Vyvyan, who joinedthe club from Newcastle in 2004, is mystified by the dwindlingsupport.
Gloucester give Lamb two-year extension
Daily Mail – Dec 29, 2007
Ryan Lamb has signed a two year extension to his contract whichwill keep him at Kingsholm until 2010. The 21-year-old fly half has been a revelation this season atthe heart of a vibrant back-line, making enough of an impression tobe identified as a potential new face in the England squad for theSix Nations. A series of sensational performances has helped Dean Ryan’s teamclimb to the top of the Guinness Premiership table and win all fourof their Heineken Cup pool matches thus far. Lamb is a product of the club academy, having graduated from StPeter’s School in Gloucester. He follows Peter Buxton, Alex Brown, Marco Bortolami, AndyHazell and James Simpson-Daniel in signing a new deal. “There has been a lot said and a lot written about me but I havejust concentrated on my rugby,” said Lamb, who has played 45 timesfor Gloucester. “It was up to me to go out and earn a contract.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS…Local sporting highlights from this week in…
Peterborough Today – Dec 29, 2007
ICE HOCKEY: The Peterborough Islanders were saved from extinction after a bumper crowd of 100 – their break even figure – turned up to see them beat Bracknell Hornets 6-2. Captain Steven Johnson (2), Tim Heriot (2), Dean Campbell and Lee Muxlow scored the goals. FOOTBALL: Posh were drawn away to Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup, as long as they could beat Walsall in a third round tie that was postponed because of a waterlogged London Road pitch. 20 YEARS AGOFOOTBALL: For the third successive year Posh completed a miserable festive period by losing 3-1 at Tranmere. Mick Halsall scored the Posh consolation goal. FOOTBALL: Stamford beat Bourne 2-0 in the United Counties League with a goal from Jerry Lowery following a pass from Jamie Cole and an own goal from Paul Benning. ICE HOCKEY: Rock-bottom Peterborough Pirates went down 10-6 at Murrayfield Racers in a Heineken Premier League match… Mick Halsall scored the Posh consolation goal. FOOTBALL: Stamford beat Bourne 2-0 in the United Counties League with a goal from Jerry Lowery following a pass from Jamie Cole and an own goal from Paul Benning. ICE HOCKEY: Rock-bottom Peterborough Pirates went down 10-6 at Murrayfield Racers in a Heineken Premier League match. Todd Bidner hit a hat-trick with Gary Unger, Tim Peacock and Kevin King also on target for the city side. DARTS: Cambs quartet Ken Summers, Peter Evison, Keith Deller and Trevor Nurse were called up to the England squad to compete in the Home International Championships. ATHLETICS: Peterborough AC’s Andrew Lill finished the year 11th in the UK Youth rankings over 800m. FOOTBALL: Posh beat Cambridge United 3-1 at The Abbey Stadium.