SPALDING’s newest theatre company, BRM Theatre Productions is inviting everyone, to take part in its Writers’ Competition.

The competition (no experience necessary) offers the opportunity to get your ideas from script to stage, with the winning play to be performed at the South Holland Centre, Spalding in January 2013.

BRM director Brett Moore holds the vision behind the company and wants to “break down barriers of age, sex, religion and culture in the community to bring people together, the theatre projects are not just about teaching drama but also working to unify the community in South Holland”.

The company is also on the lookout for performers and writers and also people interested in publicity, marketing, social media and fundraising.

If you would like to get involved or to enter the competition contact Brett on 07734 081929.

SPALDING RFC U/13s 24 MARKET RASEN RFC U/13s 7: SPALDING delivered their best performance of the season so far as they stormed into the NLD semi-finals.

With a dominant pack of forwards that managed five strikes against the head and crisp handling by both the forwards and three-quarters, Town ensured that Rasen were never in the game in this top-of-the-table qualifying clash.

From the off Spalding pressurised their opponents and the ball was pounced on by JJ Faulkner, who set up a position for man-of-the-match Corey Lewis to drive on.

He was stopped short, but managed to offload the ball for Oliver Johnson to cross the line wide out on the left for the opening score.

Spalding were now firing on all cylinders and, when a clearing kick was gathered by Mark Hendy, he made good ground and cleverly drew his tackler before setting Lewis free to race down the touchline to score another unconverted try.

In the 22nd minute Will Fletcher was stopped just short of the line after a scrum, but Lewis was able to pick up and force his way over for a try which Johnson converted – handing Town a 17-0 lead at the break.

The second half began with Rasen making a determined effort to get back into the game, but Spalding stood firm.

After a fine period of play, Spalding then secured the ball from a lineout.

The ball was then passed out to Hendy, who cut back in and forced his way through a group of Rasen defenders to score beneath the posts. Johnson converted.

With the game won and a few minor knocks, Spalding began to ease their vice-like grip on the game and Rasen were able to score a consolation converted try just before the final whistle.

PINCHBECK East Primary School recently gave its students a taste of China.

For two days all year groups were involved in activities to help their multi-cultural understanding and learn all about China.

Deputy headteacher Teeny Vayro said: “The children learned the Chinese Dragon Dance and they really enjoyed it.

“It enriches their learning and was a really good experience for everyone.”

SPALDING Indoor Bowls Club duo Martin Spencer and Matt Whyers played their part as England under-25 won the British Isles Bowls Championships last weekend.

In their first match at Nottingham Indoor Bowls Club, England defeated Wales 97-59 with Spencer’s rink, skipped by Kent’s Perry Martin, winning 28-12.

The second match saw England pitched against Ireland. Although Spencer’s rink lost by five shots, the team won overall to set up a winner takes all battle against Scotland.

In the decider it was nip and tuck towards the end, until they picked up the pace to win by 76 shots to 72. Simpson was again victorious by 21 shots to 16.

Spalding team-mate Whyers was selected as travelling reserve and didn’t feature in the actual games.

• There was despair for Spalding ladies as they lost their clash with local rivals Lincoln in the Yetton national club knockout competition.

The match was extremely close throughout, but Spalding just missed out on the last end – despite winning on three rinks out of four.

• Ladies from Spalding played a prominent role as Lincolnshire won their national Inter-County Cup quarter-final match against Warwickshire.

Defending champions Lincolnshire took an early lead in Sunday’s clash at Sleaford and continued to dominate, running out 126-88 winners.

They now face Yorkshire in the last four.

• Spalding’s over 60s side lost a thrilling clash against rivals Long Sutton last Thursday.

Sutton prevailed 93-86, but Spalding’s best winning rink came from L Jackson, A Pitts, D Amess and K Woods.

• Spalding’s inter-county B team earned a 106-95 success over Louth.

The game was very close all the way through until the last couple of ends when Spalding managed to get ahead.

They won on four of the five rinks, the best being J Philpott, L Burns, A Gibbs and K Cherry.

• The Spalding friendly team were handed a heavy beating at Lincoln on Saturday.

Despite their valiant efforts of Spalding, they went down 192-102, but did contest two of the rinks closely.

The best Spalding rink honours went to the team of Chris Williamson, Ron Townsend, Ron Mander and skip James Newby. Captain of the day was Roger Perkins.

• Cumbria await Spalding’s Mason team in the quarter finals of the national over-60’s competition they beat Leicester in the last 16.

Gloria Haney’s rink helped Spalding prevail 28-10 on their home green, while Margaret Dark’s set travelled to Leicester to complete the job.

They went down by just nine shots to hand Spalding an overall 42-33 shot victory. They will play Cumbria on a neutral green in the last eight.

• Spalding thrashed Stamford in the ladies’ county league, winning on all rinks at the Castle complex.

They claimed a 16-0 overall points win and have now won all their matches in the league so far. Leading the way were Gloria Haney, Barbara Hurst, Val Bowker and Lucy Cooke, who won by 34-8 shots.

CHARLOTTE Taylor led the charge for a strong Nene Valley Harriers contingent as she took a fine victory at the Lincolnshire Cross Country Championships at Louth.

Spalding ace Taylor roared to first place in the under-20 ladies’ race to become Nene Valley’s sole county champion.

The club did pick up four team awards though, including a fine victory in the U/15 category, inspired by Billy Mugnier (2nd), James McRae (3rd) and Alex Hampson (4th).

In the same section, strong finishes from Michael Caywood (8th), Cameron Marshall (9th) and Reggie Reeves (12th) earned the Harriers second team bronze in the standings too.

Also performing well were Michael Craven and Lloyd Kempson, who managed fifth and second in the men’s U/17 and U/20 races respectively.

Bethany Denial placed fifth in the U/13 girls race as Nene Valley finished third as a team, while Grace Mullins took a super second in the U/17 ladies’ race and Steph Beavis was third behind Taylor in the U/20 ladies.

In the U/15 girls’ race, Amy Gibbons (4th), Phoebe Whatoff (7th) and Holly Wise (8th) came together to take second place in the team stakes.

Phillipa Taylor was another to finish strongly as she managed second place in the senior ladies’ event.

• Results: U/13 Boys: Bradley Allan 7th; Lucas Fidler 12th. U/15 Boys: Billy Mugnier 2nd; James McRae 3rd; Alex Hampson 4th; Team (Mugnier, McRae, Hampson) 1st; Michael Caywood 8th; Cameron Marshall 9th; Reggie Reeves 12th; Team (Caywood, Marshall, Reeves) 3rd; Bradley Spurdens 15th. U/17 men: Michael Craven 5th; Dan Patterson 9th. U/20 men: Lloyd Kempson 2nd. Senior men: Matt Green 8th; David De Sa 15th. U/13 girls: Bethany Denial 5th; Alice Calicut 13th; Eva Lavery 16th; Team (Denial, Calicut, Lavery) 3rd; Nikkita Robinson 18th; Alice Gibbons 19th; Eleanor Palmer 22nd. U/15 girls: Amy Gibbons 4th; Phoebe Whatoff 7th; Holly Wise 8th; Team 2nd. U/17 ladies: Grace Mullins 2nd; Natasha Segal 8th. U/20 ladies: Charlotte Taylor 1st; Steph Beavis 3rd. Senior ladies: Phillippa Taylor 2nd.

ANOTHER court hearing must be held to decide whether a woman was bitten or scratched by two “out of control” dogs in Holbeach.

Spalding magistrates heard how Beverley Tomblin was “absolutely terrified” of being mauled during the incident on July 28 – but differing accounts of the events meant the bench was unable to make a final decision on the case against the dogs’ owner Teresa Carter.

On Tuesday, Carter (33), of Battlefields Lane South, Holbeach, pleaded guilty to two charges of allowing her dogs to be dangerously out of control in a public place and cause injury to Mrs Tomblin.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said Mrs Tomblin had been walking her own dog past Carter’s home with two ten-year-old children when the two dogs – a Staffordshire bull terrier and a Patterdale terrier – came out of the gate and started running towards her.

Miss Stace told how Mrs Tomblin was “absolutely terrified” she would be mauled as both dogs jumped up at her. She claims the attack resulted in a number of injuries caused by bites and scratches from the dogs.

However, Beris Brickles, defending, says photographic evidence of the injuries appears to show only scratch marks. He said Carter was in her back garden at the time and did not know her front gate was insecure.

Evidence from both parties will now be heard in Spalding on April 26.

SPALDING Hockey Club’s junior popular coaching sessions resume this Saturday.

Held at the all-weather pitch at Glen Park, Surfleet (9.30am-11am), the sessions are for boys and girls aged between five and 15 years of age.

The club caters for complete beginners through to more accomplished players on the verge of playing senior league hockey.

Players are asked pay £3 per session, but may also choose to pay £25 for the entire 12-week spring programme, which runs up to Easter.

All involved are asked to wear suitable trainers and shinpads, with gumshields being optional. Sticks can be provided if required.

Spalding has teams in the Lincolnshire under-12 and under-14 mixed leagues and also plays in friendly fixtures with other local hockey clubs.

They are always keen to hear from new players.

For more information, visit the club’s website www.spaldinghockeyclub.co.uk or contact Fred Morris via email at fredricmorris@yahoo.co.uk or call him on 01775 724832.

TWO of South Holland biggest footballing figures have spoken out against proposed plans to scrap the United Counties League.

An FA review panel is rumoured to be planning a major review of the Step Five level of the National League System, with two leagues expected to be binned off.

UCL chiefs attended a meeting of all Step Five leagues at Burton Albion last Sunday, with both they and the Sussex County League being tipped for the axe.

The potential proposal would see the current figure of 14 leagues cut to 12, which would then feed into six leagues at Step Four standard.

That would mean that Spalding United and Holbeach United, as well as other local sides such as Deeping Rangers, King’s Lynn Town, Boston Town and Blackstones, would be relocated to new leagues – meaning the likelihood of less derby fixtures and more travel costs.

Spalding player/coach Danny Hussey, who has played for a host of UCL clubs, reckons such a move would kill football in this area.

He said: “As somebody that grew up in Holbeach and a player of Spalding, I’m dead against it.

“It’s not really financially viable for clubs, players or fans at this level and would lead to big problems.

“Clubs wouldn’t have as many derby games and players wouldn’t fancy the extra mileage. Gates would then drop, it’d essentially kill local football here.”

Holbeach boss John Chand echoed Hussey’s sentiments, but feels the league will survive if all the clubs pull together.

“I think a lot of it is hot air at the moment,” admitted the Tigers manager. “If all the clubs are against it, they’d find it hard to make such a change.

“I can see what the FA are thinking in terms of 12 leagues going into six, but teams at this level don’t always want to be promoted.

“If we were to be moved into the Ridgeons League, NCL or the SSML, it just would cripple some of the clubs in this financial climate.

“I don’t think it will happen, but I’m certainly 100 per cent against it as an idea.”

Local clubs are now expected to send representatives to a meeting in Leicester on January 29 where they will have the chance to explore the plans and air any concerns.

Should the plans be given the go-ahead, they will be put into place ahead of the 2013/14 season – meaning next year’s campaign could be the last-ever for the UCL.

The UCL’s registration secretary and press officer Jeremy Biggs said: “There are a lot of rumours circulating and they are not all without foundation, but it is too early to go into specific details at this stage.

“We hope to be in a position to provide our clubs with information as to what this review could mean for them in the near future.”

• What do you think about the potential demise of the UCL? Email andrew.clucas@jpress.co.uk and let us know.

A MAN accused of deliberately starting a fire at a home in Holbeach will appear before magistrates on Friday.

Richard Parsons (20), of Albert Walk, faces one count of arson and another of arson with intent to endanger life following a fire in the early hours of the morning last Wednesday.

Parsons, who has not been granted bail, will appear at Grantham Magistrates’ Court on Friday for a pre-trial hearing.

The blaze in Albert Walk was one of three unrelated incidents in South Holland in 24 hours.

A FAMILY has hit out at thieves who stole a motorbike from their front door in Holbeach.

Lorry driver Mark Woods (44) knows the bike disappeared between 12.40am and 2.10am last Thursday.

He was up at the time but didn’t hear a thing because of high winds.

The distinctive silver and black Honda FES S-wing 125 set Mark back £2,800 when he bought it three years ago and he rode it to work at Fowler Welch in Spalding every day while the family car was driven by his partner, Lizzy Coward, on school runs.

Mark said: “They even had to push the wing mirror back on my car to wheel the bike past.

“It’s inconvenienced me because I have had to take two nights off work to get a replacement.

“It’s wasted my holidays.”

Mark and Lizzy have two children Jessica (10) and Spencer (6).

Mark said: “Our little boy is motorbike mad and he’s quite upset his dad’s motorbike has been stolen.”

Lizzy said: “Spencer loved sitting on his dad’s bike and we have a picture of him on the bike with a huge smile on his face.

“He keeps asking ‘Daddy, when are those nasty people going to bring your bike back?’ Why don’t these people earn an honest living? It’s so unfair. We struggle the same as many families and try to make ends meet.

“We just don’t need this and it’s upset the children too.”

Mark’s bike carried the registration AM58 YMW and he believes it was the only model of its type in Holbeach.

Mark (44) and Lizzy (42) live in Netherfield and say it is normally a good area with no trouble.

Lizzy said Mark should have been working the night the bike was stolen but had the day off to go to a funeral.

She said: “This bike isn’t something he uses for joy and pleasure. It’s a lifeline for him to get to work and earn a decent living to provide for the family.”

l If anyone knows who was involved in the theft – or where the bike is now – contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

POLICE were tipped off and arrested a Spalding man who drove home early one morning after being found too drunk to work.

John Mitchell, prosecuting, said at about 5.55am on December 20 police received messages from members of the public reporting that a man driving a BMW may have been drinking.

An officer saw Aleksejs Borskis sitting in his car near to his Green Lane address.

Mr Mitchell said: “He showed signs of intoxication and struggled to get out of the car unassisted.”

A test later showed he had 128 microgrammes of alcohol in breath, more than three-and-a-half times the legal limit.

Magistrates on Thursday adjourned the hearing to January 19 for a report and imposed an interim driving ban.

Borskis pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in his breath.

His solicitor Rachel Stevens said Borskis took “a substantial swig” from a bottle of vodka that was on the passenger seat just before his arrest, but he accepted he must have been well over the limit at the time he drove.

Miss Stevens said: “He also points out that he wasn’t helped from the vehicle, he was physically dragged from the vehicle by the officer.” She said Borskis regretted the incident and had lost his job as a result.

THREE Holbeach women are to stand trial accused of kidnap and assault.

Kerriann Facer (29), of Fleet Street, Natasha Boynton, (34), of East Elloe Avenue, and Charlene Bishop (27), of Lawyers Close, denied kidnapping Anna Burnett when they appeared at Lincoln Crown Court.

All three also denied a second charge of assaulting Ms Burnett. Both offences are alleged to have occured on 25 May last year.

Judge Michael Heath adjourned the case for a provisional trial date in August. The trial is expected to last four days.

All three were granted bail until they next appear in court.

SPALDING United are close to appointing a new permanent manager after running the rule over a clutch of candidates.

Bob Don-Duncan and Danny Hussey have been in caretaker charge of the Tulips since Andy Stanhope’s surprise sacking in December.

The position wasn’t advertised, but the Spalding Guardian has discovered that a quintet of candidates have already been, or will be, interviewed this week.

Although the identities of all five are yet to be confirmed, former Deeping Rangers boss Pat Rayment is the long-standing favourite to fill the hot-seat.

In the meantime, Hussey and Don-Duncan are preparing for the first home game of their so-far temporary reign as they welcome Thrapston Town to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday (3pm).

With the Tulips losing the reverse 4-0 in October, Hussey admits his side have plenty to prove.

He said: “The lads had their best training session of the season on Tuesday and they’re buzzing for the weekend.

“We go into the game with an unbeaten run under our belts and want to set the record straight.

“A so-called better Spalding team were hammered there earlier in the season, so it’s a chance for the lads to prove themselves.”

Leading scorer Simon Mowbray is Spalding’s only injury doubt.

A TOWN centre eyesore could soon be reduced to rubble to make way for a striking new street scene.

The former sorting office in The Crescent, Spalding, has lain empty for several years and has become a blot on the landscape and a liability to its owner as it has fallen into disrepair.

Yet plans for 12 new homes have divided opinion, with developers saying their “strong presence” will be sympathetic to the surrounding buildings and revitalise The Crescent street scene, but some others – while welcoming the demolition of the sorting office – say the development is “overpowering” and “disappointing”.

The development by Spalding-based company Fen Properties was given the go-ahead by South Holland District Council in autumn last year, and includes four two-bedroom houses, three three-bedroom houses and five two-bedroom flats/maisonettes.

Four of the new properties will be affordable housing.

The new homes will benefit from car parking for 12 cars on site, as well as storage facilities for bikes.

John Charlesworth, of Spalding and District Civic Society, welcomed the planned demolition of the former sorting office and said the society was “happy in principle” with the site being used for housing.

But he said: “A development designed to look as if it could have come about ‘organically’ will by its nature have a variety of form, proportions, materials, roofscape that will give it a visual interest.

“One designed as a single large building, an entity, particularly on a corner site, will have a much more critical impact on the streetscape. In light of this it’s a bit disappointing to turn to the proposed development.”

But South Holland ward councillor Roger Perkins said it was a bonus that the site had parking and added: “It is a very clean and presentable development, long overdue to smarten up the area.

“It is slightly out of character with the surrounding area and a little overpowering but still a presentable development.”

It is not yet known when work will begin on the site, but is likely to be months before the first bricks are laid for the new homes as demolition of the existing building will be followed by an archaeological survey of the site before the builders move in.

ONE of South Holland’s fiercest rivalries is reignited this weekend as Pinchbeck United visit Moulton Harrox.

Saturday’s derby at Moulton’s Broad Lane (2pm) is the second between the two in Peterborough Premier League this season, with United winning the reverse 2-0.

Pinchbeck, who have applied for promotion to the United Counties League at the end of the season, come into the match 12 points better of than their perennial rivals and with two cup semi-finals on the horizon.

They are only two points behind leaders King’s Cliffe with four games in hand too. But while player/boss Ian Dunn admits his side are well placed, he admits Moulton will be a tough challenge.

“I think a few of the lads were a bit rattled by Moulton’s physical tactics last time,” said Dunn, who has a strong squad to choose from. “We’ll know what to expect this time, though.

“It’s a derby, but I suppose it’s just another game. The league table looks good on paper, but one bad run and all that changes.

“We want to get promoted and we want to do it in style, so winning games like this is very important to us.

“The last derby wasn’t the greatest spectacle, but it was a game I couldn’t see them scoring in. Hopefully that will continue.”

Pinchbeck are only missing Dan Cole through injury and have an otherwise full squad to chose from.

Moulton haven’t won in the league since a 4-3 victory over Parson Drove on November 12.

• Pinchbeck are providing a bus service for fans to visit their Lincs Cup semi-final on February 4, leaving at 11am. Call Bruce Patterson on 07931 963513 to register your interest.

THE heart of Cowbit will die this weekend when the garage, shop and Post Office shut for the last time, according to parish council chairman Trevor Tyrrell.

Thorpe’s Garage owners Derek Thorpe and his wife, Marnie, have tried and failed to find someone to take on the businesses at their premises in Barrier Bank, but feel now is the right time for them to step down and retire.

Mr Thorpe said: “We had somebody who was going to run the shop and the Post Office but they let me down at the last thing.

“We have no other options so we are closing this weekend.”

Thorpe’s Garage was founded in 1959 by Derek’s father, Albert, and Derek (67) has worked there for more than half a century since leaving school.

Mr Thorpe says his son Richard doesn’t want to continue trading on the site.

The couple, who currently employ three part-time staff, are going to advertise their premises for rent.

Mr Thorpe said: “We would like to thank our many loyal customers over the years.”

Of his retirement plans, Mr Thorpe said: “I am going to take it a bit easy for a start and then we will see.”

Coun Tyrrell said the Thorpe family had served the village for as long as many people could remember and it will be sad to see them – and their business – go.

He said: “I appreciate the Thorpe family want to retire, Marnie and Derek can’t go on forever.

“It will have a big effect on the village because we are going to lose the Post Office, the shop and the petrol pump.

“I think the heart of the village will die because that’s where people go for convenience and for a chat. It is a meeting place. It is very sad and it is a pity that somebody could not be found to take it over.”

Cowbit resident Jan Osborne shops at Thorpe’s for things like bread and milk and says its closure will inconvenience her and other villagers.

District councillor Anthony Casson said he hopes the Post Office will provide an “outreach” service in Cowbit to help villagers.

FOUR people were trapped in their cars following a crash on the A16 at Crowland.

The accident happened at about 7.15pm on Saturday and involved a red Ford Fiesta and a grey Nissan Almera.

Fire crews from Crowland and Spalding attended and used hydraulic cutting equipment to release one person from the Fiesta and three from the Almera.

All four were taken to Peterborough City Hospital.

The Fiesta driver, a 20-year-old man from Peterborough, suffered a broken leg.

The Almera driver, a 63-year-old man, and his passengers, a 51-year-old woman and a 83-year-old man, all from Peterborough, suffered minor injuries.

A FACTORY worker caught speeding along Spalding’s West Marsh Road has escaped a driving ban.

The incident on September 29 would have left Silvija Kalvelyte facing disqualification as a “totter” with more than 12 points on her licence, but magistrates in Spalding accepted her case for exceptional hardship on Tuesday.

The court heard how Kalvelyte would have been unable to get to work at Bakkavor Pizza in Holbeach St Marks if she lost her licence.

She was caught driving her Honda Civic at 43mph in the 30mph zone along West Marsh Road by police.

Kalvelyte (31), of West Street, Boston, was given four penalty points, fined £265 and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and £43 costs.

SPALDING ATHLETIC U/18s 7 RIPPINGALE U/18s 1: SEVEN-UP Spalding delivered an exciting performance as they blew Rippingale away.

It was a fine start to the new year at the Sir Halley Stewart Field, with opportunities coming at both ends of the pitch.

But it wasn’t until a minute before half time that the scoring was opened through Spalding’s James Allen, followed by a second from team-mate Jack Bettinson.

Shortly after half time the visitors made it 2-1, but that only served to fire Spalding up. Despite Rippingale’s valiant efforts, five more deserved goals sealed the match for Spalding.

Kyle McMahon, Aaron Cooper, Lee Haslam, Ben Peppercorn and Aaron Giardelli were the scorers.

YOUNG DONS UNDERS U/16s 4

NORTH LINDUM HAWKS U/16s 1

TABLE-TOPPING Dons continued their impressive run with another wonderful win.

In the first fixture of 2012, Hawks scored the opening goal – which seemed to wake up the Dons as Effield equalised after some excellent football, before being forced off injured.

Replacement Earth moved into a five-man midfield with Pickering going up front – and what an inspired move that proved to be.

Revelling in attack, Pickering helped himself to a fine hat-trick, which was aided by some excellent work from Harker and Francis.

Parker, back from a long injury delay, played well before turning an ankle, while Barnet slotted in well as his replacement.

SLEAFORD TOWN U/12s 0

HOLBEACH UNITED U/12s 3

UNBEATEN Holbeach returned from the Christmas break in ominous form as they cemented their place at the top of the table.

It was the Tigers’ first game in four weeks – and early on it showed, with the team struggling to play their best football.

After some scrappy play from both sides in the first half, it was Holbeach who took the lead. A whipped corner from Brandon England found Gregory Senior, who turned the ball home from six yards.

Holbeach played a bit better in the second half, but it was the defence who showed their class as Ivatt, McKeown and Senior stopping anything that got past the midfield.

The young Tigers took their time to get the second goal, but it eventually arrived when frontman Jamal Nyang got in behind the Sleaford back four to slot the ball home.

With eight minutes to go Holbeach finally wrapped up the points with their third goal, scored by makeshift central midfielder Rajan Sangha.

Manger Tommy Gostic said: “It was a good result. We didn’t play our best football but still got the result needed to stay top of the league.

“After a few more games the fitness levels will be back and Holbeach can only get stronger.”

HOLBEACH UNITED U/11s 7

MALBORNE FC U/11s 2

HOLBEACH returned to winning ways in fantastic fashion.

Despite a sluggish start by both teams, Holbeach took an early lead when Liam Sandall put Harry Collishaw through for a clinical finish. The Holbeach defence of Tom Coley, Fenn Storey and Tom Tyler had a few nervous moments soon after, but the vocal Matthew Wilshire kept things organised at the back.

Holbeach continued to press and a through ball from Jordan Olive allowed Sandall to double the lead. Sandall added another soon after, following good work from the midfield of Louis Preston and Harry Machin, who made it 4-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Malborne started the second half brightly and reduced the arrears, but the young Tigers hit back when Callum Matthews broke clear to score.

Further pressure from Malborne forced a string of fine saves from man-of-the-match Wilshire, before Sandall raced through to complete his hat-trick.

A close-range effort from Lewis Turner made it seven, but there was still time for a late Malborne consolation.

SPALDING ATHLETIC U/10s 4

RIPPINGALE & FOLKINGHAM U/10s 0

FOUR-SOME Athletic started 2012 with a fine victory.

Spalding struggled early on in the first half against the wind and had to defend well to keep Rippingale at bay.

Jack Sawyer and Samuel Burden had great games at the back for the Whites and thoroughly deserved their second clean sheet of the season.

Five minutes before the break Spalding got their opening goal when captain Jack Holland pressurised the Rippingale defence, won the ball and fired home his first of the season from outside of the box.

In the second half Athletic created much more chances – and it wasn’t long before Cameron Duncan-Johal broke through and fired home to make it two.

Harry Loveridge poked home soon after to make it three, before Sam Bayly completed the scoring when he tapped in a cross by man-of-the-match Duncan-Johal, who enjoyed his best game for the club.

BOSTON UNITED DEV SS U/10s 0

HOLBEACH UNITED U/10s 3

AN entertaining start to the year saw Holbeach secure a richly-deserved victory.

The young Tigers put Boston under pressure early on with a barrage of attempts. A number of them hit the woodwork, while the keeper was pressed into action on many occasions.

Holbeach eventually made the breakthrough just before half time when Ewan McCracken fired home the opener.

After the break the Tigers went in search of more goals. Ten minutes into the second half right back William Taylor made his way through Boston’s midfield to find Cameron Oko, who buried his first of the day.

The third and final goal started with a corner kick taken by Mikey Bailey, who passed to Taylor to chip the ball into the box for Oko to head home.

CHERRY COLTS U/9s 1

YOUNG DONS U/9s 5

FIVE-STAR Dons showed no sign of rustiness as they got straight back into their stride.

Both sides started tentatively as they acclimatised to the heavy pitch. Dons gradually asserted themselves on the game and took the lead when Tyler McKendrick cross-cum shot was deflected into the net.

Minutes later Luke Hood turned well and lashed the ball in from just inside the Colts area to double the lead.

Just before the break Jacob Drew – who is growing in stature and confidence with every game – forced his way into the Colts area and steered the ball into the corner of the net to make it 3-0.

It was much the same after the break, as a searching cross from McKendrick was flicked over the keeper by the head of Hood.

The Cherry Colts pulled one back, but Thomas Langford and Hood combined to find Mason Shores, who buried number five.

AWESOME archers from the Silver Spoon Bowmen made a winning start to the New Year as they shone at the Boston Indoor Winter competition at Boston on Sunday.

Once again the name Mountney figured prominently, with Ryan Mountney – in his last year as a junior – pulverising his adult competitors in the senior gent compound, winning by 11 clear points.

Even his afternoon score beat the second-placed competitor by four points.

Also on song was Stephanie Mountney, who shot close to her own personal best to win the senior ladies’ compound event.

John Shinkin, in his first year of shooting longbow, shot a a personal best for both the single and double Portsmouth and finished second in his event.

In doing so he broke both existing club records he had set in December.

John and Lynn Fisher also retained the husband and wife trophy, ensuring that 2012 began with a golden tint for the Spalding club.