Trio named leaders for current campaign
Eboni Usoro-brown, Kim Borger and Serena Guthrie have been named as Team Bath Netball’s leadership group for the 2021 Vitality Superleague season.
The inspirational trio, who have a vast amount of top-flight experience between them, have all previously captained the Blue & Gold and will share the responsibility during the campaign which has seen Team Bath win their opening three fixtures before their week off at the weekend.
Anna Stembridge, Team Bath Netball Superleague head coach, said: “We are in a very fortunate position to have such wonderful leaders within our squad. Eboni, Serena and Kim are all exceptional athletes and natural leaders who work well together, share our club values and provide leadership across the three areas of the court – defence, mid-court and attack.
“We hope that all three will be available for every match but in these unprecedented times and with such an intense run of fixtures ahead, we know there will be games where one or two might not start so having three captains to call on will also help provide continuity.
“We will have an on-court captain for each game to ensure clarity for the officials and umpires but this is a system that has worked well for the US women’s soccer team, who also have a three-player leadership group, and these players really epitomise leadership at its finest.
“I know they are going to get the best out of each other and the best out of the team.
“In previous years we have had a captain, vice-captain and wider leadership group, and it is important that we continue to develop the other leaders we have within the squad so we will invite other players into leadership sessions during the season.”
Usoro-brown and current England co-captain Guthrie have both won Commonwealth gold and World Cup medals with the Roses, while Australian shooter Borger has made a big impact on and off court during her three seasons with the Blue & Gold.
The team began the campaign with a double header which saw wins over both Celtic Dragons, 61-29, and Loughborough Lightning, 48-44, before then surviving a final quarter scare to see off Wasps 44-29 the following weekend. After their break, Team Bath will return to the court on March 12 to face Manchester Thunder before battling Severn Stars the next day.
All Netball Superleague matches are live on Sky Sports or Youtube.
Team Bath Netball is the Superleague franchise for the South West of England and has Academy Training Centres in every district – Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
The club is supported by its Principal Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts, who are also a pathway partner, and by Rengen Developments and Centurion Chartered Financial Planners. O’neills are Team Bath’s official kit supplier.
The Bristol & District Cricket League fixtures have finally been announced and Timsbury and Keynsham 2nd will be among the clubs looking to be crowned Senior Division Champions and gain promotion to the West of England Premier League.
Timsbury finished fifth in Pod B last year, with Keynsham sixth, following their relegation from WEPL Bristol & North in 2019 and will face competition from Bedminster 2nd, Bradley Stoke, Claverham, Clevedon 2nd, Coalpit Heath, Frenchay, Pak Bristolians and Shirehampton to retake their place in the league above. Timsbury’s campaign will begin at home to Frenchay, while Keynsham start away at Shirehampton.
Bath 3rd are in Division One after winning Division Two in 2019 alongside Brislington 2nd, Bristol Pakistanis, Chew Magna, Downend 2nd, Hanham, Knowle 2nd, Lodway, Whitchurch and Winterbourne 2nd.
They begin their new ground with a home tie against Winterbourne.
Pod C winners Bitton will be looking for promotion this year from Division Two alongside local rivals Hampset and Lansdown. Bitton begin their campaign at Bohemians, while Lansdown welcome Hampset to Combe Park.
They will also come across Almondsbury, Backwell Flax Bourton, Bishopston, Cleeve, Midsomer Norton 2nd and Portishead.
Pod H winners Bath 4th will also be looking to back that up with success in Division Five.
They will face Abbots Leigh, Barrow Gurney, Brislington 3rd, Bristol 3rd, Bristol Lions, Chilcompton Sports, Claverham 2nd, Hanham 2nd and Pak Bristolians 2nd, beginning with a trip to the latter.
Timsbury 2nd have been promoted to Division Six this year and will begin the campaign in new surroundings at Bristol Sri Lankans, before then facing the likes of Almondsbury 2nd, BAC, Bristol Pakistanis 2nd, Bristol Sri Lankans, Bristol United Banks, Knowle Woodpeckers, Patchway, Pucklechurch and Whitchurch 2nd.
Keynsham 3rd won Division Eight in 2019 and will ply their trade in Division Seven this season alongside Bishopston 3rd, Bristol Aces, Carsons & Mangotsfield, Coalpit Heath 2nd, Shirehampton 2nd, St George Valley, Stanton Drew, Taveners and Thornbury 3rd, beginning at St George Valley.
They have left behind Bitton 2nd, Hampset 2nd and Saltford Fairway in Division Eight after Hampset earned promotion with runners-up in 2019. Bitton will begin their campaign at home to Bishop Sutton, while Hampset host Dyrham & Hinton and Saltford Fairway travel to Chipping Sodbury 3rd.
The league also consists of Alveston, Bristol Asians, Churchways and Hambrook 2nd.
Frys return to action after opting not to participate in the Pods last year. Their first game back will be at home to Golden Hill 4th in Division 11 before then facing Backwell Flax Bourton 2nd, Chilcompton Sports 2nd, Easton Cuttlefish, Failand & Portbury 2nd, Frenchay 3rd, Golden Hill 4th, Mells, St Mary Redcliffe 2nd and Twyford House A.
Hampset 3rd and Timsbury 3rd have been placed in a bumper Division 14 alongside Alveston 2nd, Bradley Stoke 4th, Bristol United Banks 2nd, Bristol West Indian Phoenix 3rd, Golden Hill 5th, Carsons & Mangotsfield 3rd, Chipping Sodbury 4th, Clevedon 4th, Frampton Cotterell 3rd, Hallen 2nd, Hambrook 3rd, Frenchay 4th, St Mary Redcliffe 3rd and Golden Hill 6th.
Hampset will begin at home to Bristol Indian Phoenix with Timsbury hosting Sodbury.
Lansdown 3rd are in Division 30 and will face Bishopston 4th, Blagdon 2nd, Carsons & Mangotsfield 4th, Hanham 5th, Knowle 4th. Lodway 3rd, St George Valley 2nd, Stoke Bishop, Stoke Gifford, Twyford House 4th, Whitchurch 4th and Thornbury 5th, starting with Bishopston 4th at home on May 15.
FIXTURES, Bristol & District League, Senior Div - Timsbury: Frenchay H (May 1), Pak Bristolians A (May 8), Bradley Stoke H (May 15), Claverham A (May 22), Keynsham 2nd H (May 29), Coaplit Heath A (June 5), Shirehampton H (June 12), Clevedon 2nd A (June 19), Bedminster 2nd H (June 26), Frenchay A (July 3), Pak Bristolians H (July 10), Bradley Stoke A (July 17), Claverham H (July 24), Keynsham 2nd A (July 31), Coalpit Heath H (Aug 7), Shirehampton A (Aug 14), Clevedon 2nd H (Aug 21), Bedminster 2nd A (Aug 28).
Keynsham 2nd: Shirehampton A (May 1), Coalpit Heath H (May 8), Bedminster 2nd A (May 15), Clevedon 2nd H (May 22), Timsbury A (May 29), Bradley Stoke H (June 5), Pak Bristolians A (June 12), Claverham H (June 19), Frenchay A (June 26), Shirehampton H (July 3), Coalpit Heath A (July 10), Bedminster 2nd H (July 17), Clevedon 2nd A (July 24), Timsbury H (July 31), Bradley Stoke A (Aug 7), Pak Bristolians H (Aug 14), Claverham A (Aug 21), Frenchay H (Aug 28).
Div 1, Bath 3rd: Winterbourne 2nd H (May 1), Knowle 2nd A (May 8), Lodway H (May 15), Whitchurch A (May 22), Downend 2nd H (May 29), Brislington 2nd A (June 5), Bristol Pakistanis A (June 12), Hanham A (June 19), Chew Magna H (June 26), Winterbourne 2nd A (July 3), Knowle 2nd H (July 10), Lodway A (July 17), Whitchurch H (July 24), Downend 2nd A (July 31), Brislington 3rd H (Aug 7), Bristol Pakistanis H (Aug 14), Hanham H (Aug 21), Chew Magna A (Aug 28).
Div 2, Bitton: Bohemians A (May 1), Midsomer Norton 2nd H (May 8), Backwell Flax Bourton H (May 15), Almondsbury A (May 22), Hampset H (May 29), Cleeve, A (June 5), Lansdown 2nd H (June 12), Bishopston 2nd A (June 19), Portishead H (June 26), Bohemians H (July 3), Midsomer Norton 2nd A (July 10), Backwell Flax Bourton A (July 17), Almondsbury H (July 24), Hampset A (July 31), Cleeve H (Aug 7), Lansdown 2nd A (Aug 14), Bishopston 2nd H (Aug 21), Portishead A (Aug 28). Lansdown 2nd: Hampset H (May 1), Portishead A (May 8), Bishopston 2nd A (May 15), Cleeve H (May 22), Midsomer Norton 2nd A (May 29), Bohemians H (June 5), Bitton A (June 12), Almondsbury H (June 19), Backwell Flax Bourton A (June 26), Hampset A (July 3), Portishead H (July 10), Bishopston 2nd H July 17), Cleeve A (July 24), Midsomer Norton 2nd H (July 31), Bohemians A (Aug 7), Bitton H (Aug 14), Almondsbury A (Aug 21), Backwell Flax Bourton H (Aug 28).
Hampset: Lansdown 2nd A (May 1), Cleeve H (May 8), Midsomer Norton 2nd A (May 15), Bohemians A (May 22), Bitton A (May 29), Backwell Flax Bourton H (June 5), Almondsbury A (June 12), Portishead A (June 19), Bishopston 2nd H (June 26), Lansdown 2nd H (July 3), Cleeve A (July 10), Midsomer Norton 2nd H (July 17), Bohemians A (July 24), Bitton H (July 31), Backwell Flax Bourton A (Aug 7), Almondsbury H (Aug 14), Portishead H (Aug 21), Bishopston 2nd A (Aug 28).
Div 5, Bath 4th: Pak Bristolians 2nd A (May 1), Bristol Lions H (May 8), Abbots Leigh A (May 15), Claverham 2nd H (May 22), Chilcompton Sports A (May 29), Brislington 3rd H (June 5), Bristol 3rd A (June 12), Hanham 2nd H (June 19), Barrow Gurney A (June 26), Pak Bristolians 2nd H (July 3), Bristol Lions A (July 10), Abbots Leigh H (July 17), Claverham 2nd A (July 24), Chilcompton Sports H (July 31), Brislington 3rd A (Aug 7), Bristol 3rd H (Aug 14), Hanham 2nd A (Aug 21), Barrow Gurney H (Aug 28).
Div 6, Timsbury 2nd: Bristol Sri Lankans A (May 1), Knowle Woodpeckers H (May 8), Almondsbury 2nd A (May 15), Whitchurch 2nd H (May 22), Pucklechurch A (May 29), BAC H (June 5), Bristol Pakistanis 2nd A (June 12), Patchway H (June 19), Bristol United Banks A (June 26), Bristol Sri Lankans H (July 3), Knowle Woodpeckers A (July 10), Almondsbury 2nd H (July 17), Whitchurch 2nd A (July 24), Pucklechurch H (July 31), BAC A (Aug 7), Bristol Pakistanis 2nd H (Aug 14), Patchway A (Aug 21), Bristol United Banks H (Aug 28).
Div 7, Keynsham 3rd: St George Valley A (May 1), Thornbury 3rd H (May 8), Bishopston 3rd A (May 15), Bristol Aces H (May 22), Taveners A (May 29), Carsons & Mangotsfield A (June 5), Shirehampton 2nd A (June 12), Stanton Drew H (June 19),
Coalpit Heath 2nd A (June 26), St George Valley H (July 3), Thornbury 3rd A (July 10), Bishopston 3rd H (July 17), Bristol Aces A (July 24), Taveners H (July 31), Carsons & Mangotsfield A (Aug 7), Shirehampton 2nd H (Aug 14), Stanton Drew A (Aug 21), Coalpit Heath 2nd H (Aug 28).
Div 8, Bitton 2nd: Bishop Sutton H (May 1), Hambrook 2nd A (May 8), Alveston H (May 15), Bristol Asians H (May 22), Hampset 2nd A (May 29), Chipping Sodbury 3rd H (June 5), Saltford Fairway A (June 12), Churchways H (June 19), Dyrham & Hinton A (June 26), Bishop Sutton A (July 3), Hambrook 2nd H (July 10), Alveston H (July 17), Bristol Asians A (July 24), Hampset 2nd H (July 31), Chipping Sodbury 3rd A (Aug 7), Saltford Fairway H (Aug 14), Churchways A (Aug 21), Dyrham & Hinton H (Aug 28).
Hampset 2nd: Dyrham & Hinton H (May 1), Saltford Fairway A (May 8), Bishop Sutton H (May 15), Hambrook 2nd A (May 22), Bitton 2nd H (May 29), Alveston A (June 5), Bristol Asians H (June 12), Chipping Sodbury 3rd H (June 19), Churchways A (June 26), Dyrham & Hinton A (July 3), Saltford Fairway H (July 10), Bishop Sutton A (July 17), Hambrook 2nd H (July 24), Bitton 2nd A (July 31), Alveston H (Aug 7), Bristol Asians A (Aug 14), Chipping Sodbury A 3rd A (Aug 21), Churchways H (Aug 28).
Saltford Fairway: Chipping Sodbury 3rd A (May 1), Hampset 2nd H (May 8), Dyrham & Hinton H (May 15), Churchways A (May 22), Bishop Sutton H (May 29), Bristol Asians A (June 5), Bitton 2nd H (June 12), Alveston A (June 19), Hambrook 2nd H (June 26), Chipping Sodbury 3rd H (July 3), Hampset 2nd A (July 10), Dyrham & Hinton A (July 17), Churchways H (July 24), Bishop Sutton A (July 31), Bristol Asians H (Aug 7), Bitton 2nd A (Aug 14), Alveston H (Aug 21), Hambrook 2nd A (Aug 28).
Div 11, Frys: Golden Hill 4th H (May 1), Chilcompton Sports 2nd A (May 8), Backwell Flax Bourton 2nd A (May 15), St Mary Redcliffe 2nd H (May 22), Twyford House A A (May 29), Frenchay 3rd H (June 5), Failand & Portbury 2nd A (June 12), Easton Cuttlefish H (June 19), Mells A (June 26), Golden Hill 4th A (July 3), Chilcompton Sports 2nd H (July 10), Backwell Flax Bourton 2nd H (July 17), St Mary Redcliffe 2nd A (July 24), Twyford House A H (July 31), Frenchay 3rd A (Aug 7), Failand & Portbury 2nd H (Aug 14), Easton Cuttlefish H (Aug 21), Mells H (Aug 28).
Div 14, Hampset 3rd: Bristol West Indian Phoenix 3rd H (May 1), St Mary Redcliffe 3rd A (May 8), Alveston 2nd H (May 15), Carsons & Mangotsfield 3rd A (May 29), Hambrook 3rd A (June 5), Golden Hill 6th H (June 12), Golden Hill 5th H (June 19), Bristol United Banks 2nd A (June 26), Frampton Cotterell 3rd H (July 3), Hallen 2nd A (July 10), Hallen 2nd H (July 17), Timsbury 3rd H (July 31), Timsbury 3rd A (Aug 7), Frenchay 4th A (Aug 14), Clevedon 4th H (Aug 21), Chipping Sodbury 4th A (Aug 28).
Timsbury 3rd: Chipping Sodbury 4th H (May 1), Bristol United Banks 2nd A (May 8), Bristol West Indian Phoenix 3rd H (May 15), Golden Hill 5th H (May 22), St Mary Redcliffe 3rd H (June 5), Frampton Cotterell 3rd A (June 12), Hambrook 3rd H (June 19), Carsons & Mangotsfield 3rd A (June 26), Bradley Stoke 4th H (July 3), Clevedon 4th A (July 10), Frenchay 4th A (July 17), Alveston 2nd H (July 24), Hampset 3rd A (July 31), Hampset 3rd H (Aug 7), Hallen 2nd H (Aug 21), Golden Hill 6th H (Aug 28).
Div 30, Lansdown 3rd: Bishopston 4th H (May 15), Carsons & Mangotsfield 4th H (May 29), Stoke Gifford A (June 5), Lodway 3rd H (June 12), Twyford House 4th A (June 19), Whitchurch 4th H (June 26), St George Valley 2nd A (July 3), Blagdon 2nd H (July 10), Twyford House 4th A (July 17), Stoke Bishop H (July 24), Blagdon 2nd H (July 31), Knowle 4th A (Aug 7), Hanham 4th H (Aug 14).
Timsbury CC 200 Club
£10 Winners, week ending February 27: No209 Miss E Sage, No159 Mrs K Roper, No140 Mr D Brown.
The Toolstation Western League has announced that it won’t be providing a standalone cup competition during April and May in the wake of the 2020/21 season being curtailed.
With clubs having largely been out of action since November before the third national lockdown was announced, the government’s roadmap out of lockdown gave hope of teams being able to play competitively from March 29. Despite leagues and non-league steps 3-6 having their campaigns curtailed, some are looking at offering a one-off competition to give teams a chance to play again before the 2021/22 season begins in August.
However, the Western League believes that it is not viable to do that for their clubs, despite calls from the likes of Wincanton Town and Radstock Town to play, but is looking at completing the 2019/20 Les Phillips Cup with its semi-finals and final which were placed on hold after that campaign was null and voided last year.
In a statement on its website, the league said: “The Toolstation Western League hope to conclude the 2019/20 Les Phillips Cup competition, before the start of the 2021/22 season. Given the government’s announcement that outdoor sport can restart from March 29, it is hoped that sufficient time remains to complete the outstanding semifinals and final fixtures.
“The Board also welcomes the FA’S intention to complete this season’s FA Vase competition.
“The Board understands that formally organised outdoor sports, for adults and under-18s, should be compliant with guidance issued by national governing bodies. When the Football Association has clarified how our member club facilities can be brought back into use, including safe access to changing rooms, the return of spectators and opportunities for secondary spend, the league will consult with those clubs remaining in our League Cup competition to assess how the Les Phillips Cup can be completed.
“The Board have considered a number of detailed options for organising a regionalised tournament in what would have been the remaining weeks of the 2020/21 season. Central to our decisionmaking process was the pre-condition that clubs should only be asked to play if they are able to admit paying spectators and able to access secondary income streams such as bar income.
“Current government guidance concerning the hospitality industry has consistently guided supporter access to clubhouses. We understand that the table service only restriction will still apply, both outdoors from April 12 and indoors from May 17 and that managing this restriction represents a considerable challenge for some of our clubs.
“Given the current lack of Covid guidance concerning the return of spectators, as well as member clubs’ current involvement in both the Les Phillips Cup and FA Vase competitions, the Board do not believe it is feasible to organise an additional tournament at this time.
“As with pre-season preparation matches, clubs are welcome to arrange their own fixtures as they see fit. However, the Board strongly urge all Western League clubs that any footballing activity undertaken between now and the start on the 2021/22 season must be compliant with both government and Football Association guidance.”
This would give Bradford Town the chance to play again as they were due to meet Bridgwater Town in the semi-finals before the null and void of last season.
Since the launch of the Goldline Draw in December, over 300 Bath City supporters have helped raise over £2,200 of much needed revenue for the club.
Three supporters have already won £250 along with another ten winners each receiving £25 - a total of £1,000 paid out to lucky Romans supporters.
In the last few weeks, both Michael Clayton - former chairperson of the Bath City Supporters Society - and Terence Cook have been £250 winners.
At present, the 337 entries currently playing in the Goldline Draw will bring in over £12,000 a year for Bath City - 500 entries would take that up to £18,000 and 700 entries a week would bring it to over £25,000 a year.
Goldline costs £4.34 a month with 70p in every pound going straight to the club.
For more information visit bathcityfc.com/bath-city-goldline-lottery-launches. ■ DESPITE the null and void of the campaign at National League North and South level, the season may now not be over for some clubs.
It has been reported on social media that, following meetings with National League officials, a proposal for a National North and South competition will be tabled. This new combined league would be open to any club interested in continuing their season and would mean that promotion to the National League could still be achieved.
The proposal currently needs approval from National League clubs, the FA Council and the Alliance Committee who are due to meet on Monday. Without naming teams, supposedly around 15-20 clubs have registered interest in taking part and clubs would be given the opportunity to opt in or out before it began.
The clubs wanting to pursue this idea believe that it would allow them to continue to trade, ensure that the Lottery grant is not wasted and maintain promotion.