United Counties League

Premier Division

Sleaford Town 1

Irchester United 0

SLEAFORD Town are really enjoying 2012, having remained unbeaten since the turn of the year, encouraging form even allowing for the fact that there have been a couple of blank weekends without fixtures due to the weather.

For this latest victory Town had to wait until five minutes from time to secure the points despite having dominated the game from the start and for more than half the match having a man advantage.

That said the win, against fellow strugglers, was well merited and vitally important and saw Sleaford pull a little further away from the danger zone.

The key to Saturday’s success was the defence, which looked strong throughout the 90 minutes, with Jones and Braithwaite at the heart of the defence making two early headed clearances to set out their stall from the very start.

With most of the action towards the Irchester goal a Jason Sedlan cross was pushed away for a corner and shortly after a free kick from Liam Tunstall fizzed over the bar.

Town were well on top but missed that vital cutting edge.

Sam Husband brought out a fine save from the Irchester keeper, cutting in from the left before firing in a shot on target.

In the 38th minute Irchester were reduced to 10 men after a foul on Jones but it remained goal-less going in to the half time break.

Town were hoping to capitalise on their man advantage and a neat flick by Michael Musson set up strike partner Tunstall but his shot went wide of the mark.

Then Tim Beadles somehow managed to hit over from point blank range after the keeper had fumbled.

It was left to club talisman and Town’s all time highest scorer Jamie Shaw to apply that vital finishing touch.

Coming on as a second half substitute, Shaw did what he does best by being in the right place at the right time. When a shot from current leading marksman Tunstall thudded against the bar in the 85th minute, Shaw, showing his natural predatory instincts, was first to react and on hand to pop the ball in for what proved to be the match winner.

Sixteen-year-old Harry Ginniff turned in an encouraging cameo late in the game, coming on as a substitute, with Town boss Brian Rowland saying: “He is a good young player, definitely one for the future.”

Town: Lindberg, Tunnicliffe, Jones, Braithwaite, Fenton, Beadles, Sedlan, Popple, Husband, Musson, Tunstall. Subs: Shaw, Ginniff, Calvert, Ellis, Ward

n This Saturday, Sleaford Town face a tough away fixture at Holbeach. Kick off 3pm

n In a generally encouraging week for Town, there was some disappointment with the news that influential midfielder Simon Bolland has left the club to join Spalding.

ALMOST 400 athletes converged on RAF Cranwell for the annual Sleaford Half Marathon and Family Fun Run on Sunday.

The event, organised by Sleaford Striders Athletics Club, saw runners from as far afield as Bristol, Carlisle and London.

After weeks of cold weather runners were treated to ideal conditions along the redesigned 13.1 mile route, which provided some challenging terrain and a testing climb up to the finish line.

Last year’s runner up Andrew Fisher, representing the RAF, went one better this year, producing a fine performance to win the half marathon in a time of 1 hour 14 minutes 56 seconds.

He successfully fended off a strong challenge from Nene Valley Harriers’ Michael Moore, who completed the course in a time of 1.15.31 to claim second place.

The battle for third was just as intriguing, with only 25 seconds separating the next four runners.

Third place went to Richard Bateson (1.18.23) of Lincoln Wellington, chased by a posse of Sleaford Town Runners led by John Siddens (4th, 1.18.26), Iain Bailey (5th, 1.18.32) and Greg Southern (6th, 1.18.48).

Lucy Holmes, representing Ripley AC, was the first woman home, coming 32nd overall in 1.27.37.

Of the Sleaford Striders representatives, Mark Hebden was first home in a time of 1.39.02. First lady Strider home was Sasha Oliver, in a personal best 2.01.40.

The Family Fun Run saw 68 children and parents taking part along the 3km course.

Samuel James and Steffi Wilkinson, both of Sleaford Striders, were first male and female juniors to complete the course, with Joe Maunde from Bourne Town Harriers in second place and Samuel’s younger brother Patrick James, third.

n To view more photos from the Sleaford Half Marathon and Fun Run see this week’s Sleaford Standard.

ONE of the key road routes into Sleaford is set to be closed for up to a week for repairs during the next month and town councillors are not happy about the congestion it may cause.

Highways officials are warning that Grantham Road will be closed while patching repairs are being carried out to the carriageway between Rookery Avenue and Northfield Road. The work will take place in March for approximately one week at a date yet to be decided. This would also prevent traffic entering and exiting Clay Hill Road and Ancaster Drive on that stretch of road.

There would still be pedestrian access and a gateman at each end would allow residents needing vehicle access to their homes.

The diversion route will be via London Road, Silk Willoughby, the A15 and Quarrington roundabout, and visa versa.

During this period there may also be the need for overnight closures of the A15 at the roundabout junction with the A153, as and when required.

Commenting on the proposed closures at the latest town council applications committee, Coun Mark Allan felt the county highways department was closing too many roads for repairs ‘willy-nilly’. He said it seemed to be for the convenience of the companies doing the repairs and not for the road users.

Mr Allen said: “Other councils seem to do these minimally.”

The county highways department says certain patches that need working on along Grantham Road are on the centre line, which means they would not have the necessary width to accommodate two-way traffic lights, so the raod has to be closed.

Some patches off centre will be repaired under two-way temporary traffic signals.

l Meanwhile a temporary parking ban on West Banks and Alexandra Road will be put in place on March 5 and 6 to allow for essential maintenance works by Anglian Water.

The A15 Bourne Road will be closed for road repairs from immediately south of the junction with Spring Lane in Folkingham to a point immediately south of the junction with Station Street, Rippingale. The road will be closed on Saturday and will reopen at approximately 5pm on Sunday.

The A15 traffic will be diverted via the A52 and B1177.

BACK by popular demand, your Standard brings you a new and fabulous offer for family holidays in the hot-spots of Europe!

You can go on a great European break from as little as £5 per person per night. It’s an offer not to be missed.

This is a password collection promotion. You will need to collect six passwords in total, the first three are printed today - SEE PAGE 30 - and the rest will be printed in next week’s Sleaford Standard.

Once you have all six passwords you will be able to book your break.

The booking office opens on Wednesday, February 29. Go to www.breakfreeholidays.co.uk/euhols enter the 6 different passwords in order to gain access to the booking site.

You will receive an instant booking confirmation when you have completed the booking process. Payment can be made by debit or credit card.

Holiday prices start from just £5 per person per night, based on a minimum of 4 sharing and a minimum of 4 nights. The holiday price will change, depending on the start date you choose and whether you cross a date band.

Don’t forget - you can enjoy any length of stay on your break, from a minimum of 4 nights to a maximum of 21 nights. Plus, your holiday price includes an off-peak return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais.

We have teamed up with great ferry providers to offer you the chance to book a special rate ferry crossing to your European Holiday Park. These are to be booked at the time of booking your holiday accommodation.

Other ferry routes are available at a supplement. Check the website for details.

For full details of this fabulous holiday offer see page 28.

A NEW housing development on the outskirts of Heckington has been named in memory of a young local man who gave his life for his country nearly 100 years ago.

The development, owned by local housing provider Longhurst & Havelok Homes, has been named by Heckington Parish Council as Freeston Road, in memory of Edward George Freeston. Edward, who is named on the village war memorial, served in the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment during World War One.

L&H Homes developed the Freeston Road site, which features affordable housing, in partnership with developer Lindum Construction, architect Lincs Design Consultancy, North Kesteven District Council and Heckington Parish Council. It was built on land purchased from local property developer Melbourne Holdings.

The 25 properties include 18 rental units which will be allocated through local nominations by the district council. The remaining seven properties will be made available for Shared Ownership through L&H Homes.

Parish council chairman Richard Higgs said: “These homes are a welcome addition to the village and we are delighted to have been consulted in naming the street.

“It follows our decision to adopt a policy of naming new roads after those from the parish who are recognised on the war memorial for having made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.

“There are 42 names on the plaque from World War One and World War Two and although we may not be able to use them all, it is a fitting tribute to our fallen heroes.”

Cathy Aljohari, L&H Homes’ project manager, added: “Knowing that a development has been named after a local man is a lovely finishing touch from the parish council.

“L&H Homes is extremely proud of the name and we are looking forward to giving local people the opportunity to remain close to family and friends in high quality housing.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to all our partners in this project, with particular thanks to Lindum Construction for maintaining a high level of professionalism throughout this entire process.”

HAVE you ever wanted to know a lot more about your prescribed medication but can never find out the right information?

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has launched on-line help on mental health medicines and how the various drugs work - including any known possible side effects.

A medication help section has been added to the trust’s website www.lpft.nhs.uk. It is part of the Choice and Medication website and the Trust’s section contains questions and answers on over 100 commonly used medicines in mental health.

Trust chief pharmacist officer Shiraz Haider said: “Helping service users to access information about their condition and drugs can help them through their recovery journey, or learn how to live with their condition.”

Mellish 12

Sleaford RFC 1st XV 41

SLEAFORD first fifteen returned to action on Saturday after a two week break due to the recent ice and snow.

The team saw a number of changes, with Cox returning to full back, Dave Gunter moving into centre, Holmes stepping in at scrum half and Cockcroft starting in the second row.

Sleaford faced the wind in the first half and Mellish were quickly out of the blocks, pushing Sleaford off the ball at the break down and showing early dominance in the scrum.

The home side were awarded a scrum on Sleaford’s five metre line and the Red and Blacks were driven backward, resulting in a penalty try for Mellish when the scrum was brought down by the Sleaford front row.

On 20 minutes Fisher off loaded to Holmes and, with the resultant overlap, Smith scored in the right corner to put five points on the board for Sleaford.

Another overlap on the right was neatly finished by Smith, who scored his second try of the game to give Sleaford a 10–7 lead at half time.

In the second Sleaford’s fitness began to tell and Mellish struggled to keep up with the quick rugby the Red and Blacks were playing.

A penalty from Mackie added a further three points for Sleaford and the infringement resulted in a Mellish player 10 minutes off the park for consistent dissent.

Sleaford took full advantage of the extra man, scoring three converted tries before the player returned to the field.

Smith went over for his third try of the game and Spencer and Lowerth also scored.

From the base of a scrum the ball was moved quickly from Holmes to Mackie, stepped inside his opposite number to go over under the posts and set up an easy conversion.

In the game Mackie kicked four conversions and a penalty.

Sleaford 1st XV: Ashton, Harley. Andrews. Cockcroft, Downing, Lowerth, A. Gunter, Fisher, Hopkins, Mackie, Smith, D. Gunter, Spencer, Titmus, Cox.

Replacements: Hopkins, Chambers.

Sleaford scorers: Tries - Smith (3); Lowerth; Spencer, Mackie; Conversions – Mackie (4); Penalties – Mackie

n This Saturday, Sleaford 1st team travel to Stourbridge Lions for their rearranged semi final clash. Kick off 3pm.

A coach is travelling from Sleaford Rugby Club. Any spectators who wish to travel on the coach should get in touch with the club.

FOUR year old English Mastiff Gus is still looking to find a new home after spending months with a new animal charity.

Ruskington-based charity Hollies Animal Re-homing Trust (HART), run by Rob Louth, Tracy Healy and Alistair Ede, is trying to find a permanent home for Gus, their longest serving resident.

He came into the care of the charity in September last year after his previous owner realised he could no longer look after him and a prospective new owner disappeared without trace.

Although Gus has a friendly nature, he is very strong and weighs in at 65kg.

So far HART’s efforts to find him a loving new ‘forever home’ have failed. The team are now appealing to responsible readers who think they could take good care of their gentle giant to come forward.

Rob said: “Things that need to be considered when taking on a dog like Gus is primarily his size. Although he is well behaved, he is very strong, and a new owner must be able to provide enough space and correct nutrition.

“Gus costs the trust hundreds of pounds but, with our ‘no put to sleep’ policy, he will remain with us for as long as it takes to find the right home.”

Gus has been neutered and is up-to-date with all his vaccinations.

Prospective owners must be willing to submit to a home check before adopting him, as the charity is keen to ensure he goes to a home that is suitable for his needs.

Anyone who feels they could offer Gus a loving new home can contact the HART team on 01526 890098.

FORMER leading British tennis player and now a TV presenter, Andrew Castle, is to be guest of honour when Sleaford Tennis Club formally opens its new courts at Boston Road recreation ground.

After years of hard work by members, the club now has four new all-weather courts.

The courts are to be officially opened on March 24 at 2pm.

Watch out for more news on this event and Sleaford Tennis Club in forthcoming editions of your Standard.

l Sleaford Tennis Club will be holding its annual meeting at the Solo Club, Market Place, Sleaford on Wednesday, February 29.

Presentations will take place from 6.30pm followed by the annual meeting at 7.30pm.

County development officer for the LTA, Andy McFeeters, will be presenting trophies to winners of the club’s 2011 competitions.

THE future of one of the most popular sections at the annual Heckington Show could be at risk if a new organiser cannot be found.

The show committee is looking for someone to help with the dog classes following the retirement of Una and Peter Spratt, after a 29-year stint as organisers.

General secretary of the show, Sarah Grant, said: “Heckington has developed an enviable reputation as a great day out, as ‘England’s biggest village show’. Crowds flock to the event each year, drawn by the huge range of activities which have a popular appeal.

“For all its size, it is unique in being run by an enthusiastic and lively group of volunteers.

“We are now looking to find someone to help run the dog section.”

If you are interested in being part of the Heckington Show team, contact the chairman Charles Pinchbeck on 01529 461102 or at chairman@heckingtonshow.org

SWIMMERS of all ages and abilities will be diving into the pool at Sleaford Leisure Centre this weekend for charity.

The leisure centre is hosting the annual Rotary Club of Sleaford Swimathon, which is taking place on Friday evening from 7pm to 10pm and on Saturday, from 8am to 6pm.

Around 50 teams, incorporating 200 swimmers, are expected to take part.

This year there is the added attraction of an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the highest number of swimmers swimming 100 metres non stop between the hours of 12noon and 1pm on Saturday in the ‘Rotary Global Swimathon’.

At Sleaford 75 swimmers will be taking part in the record attempt, joining 98 Rotary clubs around the world in 22 countries, involving an estimated 10,000 swimmers in all.