WE HAVE MOVED!

Magnificent Noah runs marathon in a week for NHS

An 8-year-old from Staffordshire has completed a marathon in the space of just a week to fundraise for the Smash The Tash campaign which is raising money for the NHS amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Youngster Noah Barker rolled into Porthill Park Cricket Club today to complete his phenomenal effort, running the final two-and-a-half miles in what has been a memorable week for everyone involved.

And later today, the winning ticket will be drawn in a raffle for a Porthill cricket shirt signed by England captain Joe Root, which was donated by main club sponsors Environmental Essentials to help boost the fundraising effort.

As of Sunday afternoon (May 24), Noah’s incredible feat brought in £750 for the cause.

After finishing the race, Noah told Sport in Staffs that he felt “good” about raising such a large amount for the cause.

“He has made me and his mum exceptionally proud,” Dad Gavin told Sport in Staffs.

“He’s a terrific young man and his ethic towards this makes us full of pride.”

Noah was inspired to do something for the doctors and nurses in the NHS after seeing Longton CC player Luke Woodward complete back-to-back marathons last weekend for the Smash The Tash campaign.

Noah met inspiration Luke after finishing his fantastic fundraiser

“He followed Luke’s progress on Instagram and then we went down to see him on his Porthill leg and was inspired by his running,” Gavin explained.

“He said ‘I want to do a marathon over the course of a week’ and help the NHS so he’s got up at 6.30am everyday to run four miles before homeschooling.

“He hasn’t really ran more than two miles in one go before. He’s found it tough but he’s never moaned and just gets on with it really. He’s quite a level-headed young man, and he’s very proud of what he’s doing but I don’t think he quite understands what an exceptional thing he’s done.”

Gavin said that was extremely grateful to Environmental Essentials for donating the signed shirt.

“I can’t thank the guys enough,” he said.

“They’re an amazing main sponsor to the cricket club and to do this is really touching, so I’d personally like to thank the guys.”

Gavin’s brother and Noah’s Uncle Craig Barker, who along with David Fairbanks and David Edwards started the Smash The Tash campaign, described his nephew’s feat as “phenomenal.”

“It was really nice, he rang up to say he was inspired by Woody and would like to do something to raise money for doctors and nurses,” he told Sport in Staffs.

A Porthill shirt signed by England captain Joe Root will be raffled off later today in aid of the cause

“It was lovely, really heartwarming. For an 8-year-old to run all that – we’re all super proud.”

The Smash The Tash fundraising campaign passed another milestone this week, with the total amount of money raised now past £20,000.

“It’s incredible how the whole cricket community has got behind it, I can’t thank everyone enough,” said Craig.

“Never in a million years did I think we could get this much. When we first set it up, our goal was £500 and here we are today at over £20,000.

“It’s heartwarming to see the amount of people who wanted to get involved – only yesterday another young man said he was inspired by Noah and wanted to run a mile a day through May.

“From everyone who has donated, shared it on social media and raised money, I can’t thank them enough.”

All proceeds from the campaign will be donated to NHS Charities Together.

To donate to the cause, click here.

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Trio sign on for Stone Rugby Club ahead of new campaign

A further three players have committed their 2020/21 seasons to Stone Rugby Club, adding to an already impressive men’s and women’s roster.

Two more talented players from last season’s Roses team have signed on again as the women’s side continues to prepare for the upcoming campaign, whenever that may start.

Utility back Bethany Massey, who is also the team’s social secretary, has pledged allegiance to Stone going forward.

A spokesperson for Stone Rugby Club said: “Beth played for the Roses last year and did so to awesome effect.

“Absolutely fearless in her tackles she chops down anything in her path with perfect technique. She is a skilled runner and you would never know it was her first year of senior rugby.

“Beth was also pivotal off the pitch in her role as social secretary. Beth is widely loved by all club members and we are excited to have her back again this year.”

Next season is shaping up to be a promising one for the Roses

Joining her is fellow teammate Sharon Norcop also stays on with the Roses having first picked up the sport last year at the age of 48.

The prop won Coaches’ Player of the Year last season after “dominating the row” in the matches she featured in.

The spokesperson continued: “At 48 years of age Sharon decided to take up rugby, and what an impact she’s had on the Roses.

“Sharon has taken in all the information given to her all season long and she got better and better every week. A real superstar and top club member.”

Stone also confirmed that another player had confirmed he would be a part of the men’s team as it re-enters the RFU England Leagues once again next term, being placed in the Midlands 5 West (South) division.

Alex Evans had previously worked with the side’s coaching team and now the youngster is looking forward to pulling on a match day jersey during the 2020/21 campaign.

The club welcomed the “versatile” centre, describing him as a “great addition” to the team.

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Goalkeeper in at Hednesford as popular striker commits to another season

Hednesford Town has revealed its first signing since the end of the 2019/20 season while also announcing that an attacker has agreed to stay with the club.

The Pitmen welcome in goalkeeper Andy Wycherley on a permanent basis after two separate loan spells at the Northern Premier League outfit last season.

After starting his senior career at Welsh Premier League side The New Saints the 21-year-old made the switch to hometown club Telford United.

Wedged in between his two loan spells with Hednesford, he was sent out on loan to National League outfit Solihull Moors so brings in hardened experienced despite his youth.

Hednesford Town also announced that striker Danny Glover has signed on for another season to further extent his third spell with the Keys Park team.

This is Glover’s third stint with the Southern League outfit

The 30-year-old stepped into the role of caretaker manager last season following the exit of Gary Hayward to Buxton and will join new boss Andy Morrell‘s backroom staff going forward.

The former Port Vale and Worcester City frontman notched 19 goals last campaign before it was ended early due to the coronavirus.

Speaking about the news, Glover said: “I can’t wait to get going in my new role as well as still trying to score goals for Hednesford Town, the new owners are determined to bring a positive future to the club and I want to be part of that.

“I’m looking forward to learning from Andy who is an excellent manager and also as a forward played in to his 40’s so hopefully he can help me prolong my playing career as well!”

These announcements come after Hednesford revealed that four players had been let go by the club.

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

South Moorlands Junior Cricket League 2020 season cancelled

The South Moorlands Junior Cricket League (SMJCL) 2020 season has been cancelled amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Not one ball in either recreational or professional cricket has been bowled in Staffordshire this year with the start of the season on hold due to Covid-19.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended the professional game until at least July 1 with recreational cricket halted until further notice.

Last week, the ECB said that clubs could re-open their nets and pitches again if they felt safe enough to ensure that its social distancing guidelines could be adhered to.

The news will come as a bitter disappointment to many cricket youngsters in the area

However, SMJCL officials have decided to cancel all of its 32 leagues’ seasons and all cup competitions for this year.

A spokesperson for the SMJCL said: “The SMJCL committee have taken the difficult decision to cancel the SMJCL league and cup fixtures for 2020.

“SMJCL clubs do not have to pay 2020 season invoices. Those that have can contact the treasurer should you require a refund, or the league fees will be credited for 2021 season.

“(For) Any queries please contact the league officials.”

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

The group helping to keep Stafford Rangers afloat amid coronavirus

Sports clubs of all shapes and sizes have been dramatically affected by the outbreak of coronavirus, with financial worry a factor at almost all teams.

Stafford Rangers are no different but the Staffordshire outfit thought quickly on its feet to combat the challenges the pandemic would throw at it right from the outset and formed a working party to quell the impact of Covid-19 as much as possible.

The Business Continuity Group was formed at the beginning of the nationwide lockdown in March with a mission to try to safeguard and protect the club from the inevitable strains the UK shut down would produce.

Member David Montgomery told Sport in Staffs that the group’s aims were to: “Safeguard the club from extinction from the unprecedented challenges of Coronavirus; To launch an initiative to fans called ‘Stand Together’ and communicate with them clearly on a regular basis; To support the current Directors; To raise much needed funds to support the club with cash flow; And to develop a strategy to protect the club and ensure sustainability.”

The Stand Together campaign invited Boro members and supporters to donate the money they’d usually spend on a normal matchday to the Northern Premier League outfit.

Stafford Rangers supporters and members have managed to raise more than £50,000 for the club during lockdown

The initiative also raised funds from shares sales too and as a result has collectively managed to bring in over £50,000 – money that will be of vital significance to the club.

David sang the praises of Stafford Rangers’ supporters for their efforts in raising such a remarkable figure.

“It’s just fantastic,” he said. “It’s what involvement in non-league football is all about and demonstrates the passion loyalty and belief our fans have for the club. They are just the best!”

He went on to explain that the Business Continuity Group has more ideas that it hopes it can implement.

“Like every other business the virus has decimated every avenue of income stream from both the football and social club. The only certainty is now uncertainty and to survive we have to develop and action a model that is fit for purpose and achievable as we look to the future.

“We have many other initiatives in discussion phase including corporate strategies to attract new business to the football club as well as existing sponsors and to rebrand some existing products.

The non-league season was cancelled before it could end due to the coronavirus pandemic – meaning a huge loss in revenue

“We are developing a Business Development plan that everyone can buy into to set goals and objectives throughout the club making sure everyone understands our values, ethos and how we interact with the community.

“The virus and lockdown implications made us realise that we need to change and everyone at the club has recognised that and bought into it.

“We want to make sure everyone understands the vision the club has and how we are going to achieve it. Effective, transparent communication is key. We now want all fans to come together and all enjoy the journey Stafford Rangers is going to take.”

David – who chairs the several video conference meetings every week with group members Sally Ann Ashby, John Macmillan, Mark Alcock, Alan Gee and Paul Griffiths – said he was “blessed with being part of a small group of like-minded people with a common goal who have been able to make a difference and will continue to do so if we can.”

He concluded: “I’m happy to receive emails or contact by text or calls if anyone needs information they can’t find or if they have any great ideas.”

To keep up-to-date with the work the Business Continuity Group is doing, check the Stafford Rangers social media pages, its website and press releases.

In other news, earlier today Stafford Rangers unveiled Jody Banim its new team manager.

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Stafford Rangers announce new manager

Northern Premier League outfit Stafford Rangers has unveiled its new first team manager.

The Staffordshire outfit revealed that it has appointed Jody Banim as the club’s new boss with “Boro favourite” Matt Hill to step into the role of assistant first team manager.

The former Ashton United boss replaces joint-managers Alex Meechan, who exited the club in April, and Andy Fearn who moved up to the board of directors soon afterwards.

This came after the Premier Division side were rock bottom of the table after picking up 23 points from 33 league games, winning just four times, before the 2019/20 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Upon his arrival, Banim said: “Stafford Rangers are a massive football club and our objective is clear. We want and will bring back the glory days and we are proud to be part of the Boro.

Boro will want to forget last season as soon as possible

“We have seen, during lockdown, the passion and the enthusiasm that fans have shown in supporting so magnificently the ‘Stand Together’ campaign and we want to be part of it.

“No matter what budget you have I learned that the balance of the squad has to be right, but it’s a results business and you have to accept that.”

Fearn added: “Jody impressed us from the start with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game, at our level and above. We believe he is the right man at the right time.

“He has demonstrated in his management career an ability to rise to challenges and we welcome him on our journey.”

42-year-old Banim was part of the 1995/96 Manchester United under-18s squad during his playing days, going on to feature for the likes of Shrewsbury Town, Burton Albion and US team Real Maryland FC.

Matt Hill takes up the number two position ahead of the 2020/21 campaign

While in his role as Ashton boss, he led the Robins to the National league North in 2018.

It was during his tenure at the club that he first met Matt Hill when the defender was still in his playing days.

After three seasons with Ashton, Banim left the club by mutual consent in November 2019, by which time Hill had left for Stafford Rangers in the January of that year.

A spokesperson for Stafford Rangers said: “The two have already established a good working relationship and an appetite to play exciting winning football.

“Hill is well respected in the dressing room as well as outside it and holds substantial coaching experience. He knows the club well and has the respect of players and fans. He has played at every level of football and his transition from player into management looks a great fit alongside manager Jody Banim.”

Andy Fearn continued: “We are delighted with the appointments of both Jody and Matt. So many people have worked very hard to make sure we are still here and I ask fans to come together now, get behind the new management team and look forward to an exciting journey together.”

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

EFL: Relegation from Championship to go ahead should season end early

The EFL has stated that promotion and relegation from all three of its football divisions will go-ahead as usual should the 2019/20 season end early due to coronavirus.

It said it would aim to resume the season as with the “existing format” to keep its “sporting integrity.”

The sporting body said that is accepts there are circumstances where the season may have to be ‘curtailed’, like League Two has already been, because of the pandemic but promotion and relegation between all three Football Leagues would be instated.

Stoke City currently sit in 17th in the Championship, three points from the drop zone and 14 points from the play-offs, which would also be kept should the season end early.

Meanwhile in League One Burton Albion are 12th, 16 points from the relegation zone and 11 points from the play-off positions.

If the season was to be brought to an end early, the EFL says final placings would be determined on unweighted points per game.

If play-off games cannot be played the EFL stated that it will “determine the appropriate course of action.”

Port Vale’s season ended this month after all League Two clubs agreed to curtail the 2019/20 campaign

For a curtailment to the 2019/20 season to occur, the majority of clubs in any division must agree to it, which the League says must be at least 51%.

A spokesperson for the EFL said: “The principle of relegation across all three divisions is integral to the integrity of the pyramid, from the Premier League down to the National League, provided we have assurances that the National League will start Season 2020/21 (i.e. the relegated Club in League Two has somewhere to play).

“Any regulatory solution should be relevant and specific to the current challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak and reach a conclusion that is clear and effective with the impact and justifications easy for all stakeholders to understand.”

EFL chairman Rick Parry added: “In the event a divisional decision is made to curtail the 2019/20 season, the EFL Board is recommending that the League adopts the original framework with the amendments as identified, as there is a strong desire to remain as faithful as possible to the regulations and ensure there is consistency in the approach adopted across the EFL in all divisions.

“The Board has always acknowledged that a single solution to satisfy all clubs would always be hard to find, but we are at the point now where strong, definitive action is need for the good of the League and its members.”

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Staffs Uni cricketers to cover 874 miles in 7 days for mental health charity

Cricketers from Staffordshire University will be taking on the mammoth task of covering 874 miles – the equivalent of travelling from Lands End to John O’Groats – in a single week, all in aid of raising money for mental health charity CALM.

From June 1 to June 8, the team of nine will averagely need to run, walk or bike half a marathon every day – each.

The club is walking in the footsteps of Opening Up Cricket, an organisation that promotes self wellbeing and suicide prevention within the sport, by doing a charity challenge to which all money raised will go to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

One of the team’s members, Liam Ramsbottom, told Sport in Staffs how he was feeling ahead of the fundraiser.

“I’m pretty nervous but excited, I’ve never done a challenge like this before so it’s something completely new,” he stated.

“So far we have had some great support for this and that’s a great motivator.”

He explained how the idea first came about and why the group selected to fundraise for a mental health charity.

“As a club, we took part in the Smash The Tash campaign earlier in the year, and we raised £350,” the 23-year-old said.

This is the ‘virtual’ route the team will be covering

“This was through donations just from club members and we wanted to do something more but weren’t sure what to do. Then last year’s club president suggested we do a combined fundraising event – he suggested the Lands End to John O’Groats route.

“It was suggested that we do something for students mental health as this is something we as students can really relate to in these times. From this we came across Opening Up Cricket and CALM. We decided on all of this in a 10-minute group call and it all went from there.

“Mental health affects people all across the UK and we wanted to represent that with this route. Mental health in these times is crucial and with a lot of pressure on students with lack of resources and social interaction, this is something that everyone at the club relates to and it seemed like a very appropriate cause for us to do it for.”

Liam, who is studying Business Management Accelerated at Staffordshire University, said that the team has a target total in mind.

“Currently it’s £1,000 but we would like to raise as much as we can and would like to exceed this,” he said.

The fundraiser is gathering pace fast, with £390 already donated towards the cause – 11 days before the challenge gets underway.

To donate to this fantastic initiative too, click here.

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Uttoxeter CC install brand new electronic scoreboard

Uttoxeter Cricket Club has installed a new digital scoreboard at its ground ready for when the sport returns.

The Derbyshire Premier and County Cricket League side replaced the former wooden, manually-worked equipment with their new purchase this week in a move that members hope will ‘modernise’ the club.

James Burton of Uttoxeter Cricket Club told Sport in Staffs: “The scoreboard is enhancement on the previous wooden manual one that was in new of repair. Moving to an electronic scoreboard is a further step in modernising the club and enhancing our facilities.

“It was purchased in readiness for the 2020 season in March. We are obviously disappointed that we can’t use it yet and hope some cricket is played this season.”

The regular cricket season has been suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic and, like all sports teams, the outbreak has impacted Uttoxeter CC.

The scoreboard is all ready to go for when cricket resumes once again

However this hasn’t stopped the club pruning and prepping the field for if-and-when the 2020 campaign starts.

James continued: “The coronavirus has meant the club has been closed. We have kept our social media accounts busy to try and keep cricket in the forefront of people’s minds.

“Our team of volunteer grounds men have carried out some work on the ground and have abided by social distancing rules at all times.”

The club thanked members Dave Whitehead, Stan Maxwell and Tony Hayes for volunteering to install the scoreboard and for all the work they had done on the ground during lockdown.

Last week, the ECB stated that cricket clubs were allowed to re-open nets and pitches once again, provided social distancing rules were met and the rules and regulations it set out were adhered to.

On Monday, Uttoxeter said it was “in a position to offer training slots for members.”

James added: “Our training net is open again and bookings are available to our members. This is managed via our club WhatsApp groups.”

Photos courtesy of Uttoxeter Cricket Club

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Four players exit Hednesford Town

Southern League Central side Hednesford Town has revealed that four players have left the club as it prepares for the 2020/21 season.

The Pitmen have undergone a boardroom shake-up since the cancellation of the 2019/20 season due to the coronavirus outbreak, with new joint owners Graham Jones and Hayden Dando both officially acquiring the non-league Staffordshire outfit earlier this month.

The club has also already released next season’s kit designs (subject to minor changes) as Hednesford Town Football Club celebrate its 140^th anniversary year.

Now, the latest news coming out of the PRG Stadium sees four first team players exit.

Experienced journeyman Izak Reid leaves the Hednesford set-up after making 16 league appearances for The Pitmen last season.

The 32-year-old, who featured for the likes of Macclesfield Town, Morecambe and Stafford Rangers, joined from Chasetown in March 2019.

Also departing is Ben O’Hanlon, who played 15 times in the SL Central Premier last term, scoring once.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers under-21 initially arrived on loan from Darlington in February 2019 before joining on a permanent basis.

Defender Charlie Gatter will also not be playing for Hednesford next campaign as the 22-year-old has also been told he can “seek football elsewhere.”

He arrived at the club from Gainsborough Trinity on loan until the end of the 2018/19 season, playing 23 times and netting three goals, before making permanent move for the 2019/20 campaign.

Finally, Tom Fry, who is capped at Wales Under-19 level, leaves after making just five league starts since his move from Welsh Premier League side Barry Town last September.

A spokesperson for Hednesford Town Football Club said: “The club would like to place on record its appreciation to these players for their efforts and support during their time with us and to wish them the very best for the future.

“Further updates will follow with regards next season’s squad in the near future.”

Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram