Bell Baxter has a proud record of producing pupils who have gone on to make their name in sport, including: Dale Reid OBE, a highly successful golfer on the Ladies’ European Tour, Dave Rollo, the ex-Howe of Fife player who had 40 caps for Scotland, long jump champion David Whyte, who also played rugby for Scotland, former paralympic star Caroline Innes MBE, prominent lady amateur golfer Joan Lawrence MBE, former Boy Champion golfers John Ferguson and George Will, who also played Ryder Cup golf for Great Britain, archer David Cowieson, champion rifle shots Angus Hood and Jim Mitchinson, Scottish Commonwealth Games team official Pat Rollo, former Scottish boxing champion Jack Allan, former champion pole vaulter Andrew Arbuckle and his sister Gina Logan MBE, former President of the Scottish Swimming Association and erstwhile Scottish Sportswoman of the Year Liz Toulalan - to name just a few!
Captain Katie picks up even more silverware for Howe
By SCOTT INGLIS
published in Fife Today at 12.16 on Friday 9 June 2017
There’s been further success for the Howe Harlequins to round off what has been a terrific season for the local rugby side. The Duffus Park based club have barely been in existence a few years, but have been making massive strides in the women’s game. Last month the side clinched the BT National Division 2 Championship after a winner takes all tie against Annan Warriors. Both Howe and Annan went into the game knowing a win would seal the title, but it was the local side who came out on top with a 27-10 win. The league win kicked off title celebrations and the achievement was marked even further this week when skipper Katie Williams was announced the National Women’s Division 2 Player of the Year.
Katie has been with the team since it started in 2014. She played rugby at school with Bell Baxter and always wanted to play for the Howe Of Fife, in fact it has been her goal to captain a side for the Howe and win the league.
The centre, no 12, has captained the side for a year. After being presented with the award at Murrayfield, Katie said: ‘I’m still in shock to be honest and did not expect this. “ It is just simply the icing on the cake after winning promotion this season.”
Howe Harlequin head coach Craig Manson paid tribute to the club skipper, saying the award was more than justified. He said: “Katie is everything a Howe Harlequin should be. “She has been in the team from the start, and I am so proud of Katie and everything she has achieved along with the rest of the squad.”
The Harlequins originally got together as a way for women to keep fit through rugby. But with a competitive spirit growing, added to a developing skillset, the side started to play matches against other teams. Since then the Harlequins haven’t looked back.
President Murdo Fraser paid tribute to the side after their title win. “Our women’s team have shown that anything is possible and we are all very proud of the team and what they have achieved,” he said at the time.
Read more at: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/captain-katie-picks-up-even-more-silverware-for-howe-1-4468493
published in Fife Today at 12.16 on Friday 9 June 2017
There’s been further success for the Howe Harlequins to round off what has been a terrific season for the local rugby side. The Duffus Park based club have barely been in existence a few years, but have been making massive strides in the women’s game. Last month the side clinched the BT National Division 2 Championship after a winner takes all tie against Annan Warriors. Both Howe and Annan went into the game knowing a win would seal the title, but it was the local side who came out on top with a 27-10 win. The league win kicked off title celebrations and the achievement was marked even further this week when skipper Katie Williams was announced the National Women’s Division 2 Player of the Year.
Katie has been with the team since it started in 2014. She played rugby at school with Bell Baxter and always wanted to play for the Howe Of Fife, in fact it has been her goal to captain a side for the Howe and win the league.
The centre, no 12, has captained the side for a year. After being presented with the award at Murrayfield, Katie said: ‘I’m still in shock to be honest and did not expect this. “ It is just simply the icing on the cake after winning promotion this season.”
Howe Harlequin head coach Craig Manson paid tribute to the club skipper, saying the award was more than justified. He said: “Katie is everything a Howe Harlequin should be. “She has been in the team from the start, and I am so proud of Katie and everything she has achieved along with the rest of the squad.”
The Harlequins originally got together as a way for women to keep fit through rugby. But with a competitive spirit growing, added to a developing skillset, the side started to play matches against other teams. Since then the Harlequins haven’t looked back.
President Murdo Fraser paid tribute to the side after their title win. “Our women’s team have shown that anything is possible and we are all very proud of the team and what they have achieved,” he said at the time.
Read more at: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/captain-katie-picks-up-even-more-silverware-for-howe-1-4468493
Germans call on former Howe man Ian to develop the game
Picture by Celticonphotography, Munich
It isn’t every day a former pupil of Bell Baxter High School is appointed as manager and coach of a nation’s U20 sport team.
But that responsibility has been given to Ian Dawson by Deutscher Rugby-Verband, the German Rugby Federation. Ian (27) started his rugby as a P3 mini at Howe of Fife, where he was coached by John Lathangie and Gary Horne through to under 18. He started working in Munich in 2011, where he joined StuSta rugby club and encouraged them to start youth development like Howe of Fife’s. The youngsters’ successes at StuSta led to Ian joining the regional coaching team for Rugby-Verband Bayern, with the U16 and U18, boys and girls. Ian acknowledges the influence of John and Gary, saying “their results speak for themselves, they were the best”. Howe President Murdo Fraser said: “This is fantastic news. “Ian was a member of the famous Howe Colts/Bell Baxter squad that won the Bell Lawrie Trophy, National Cup and Royal Navy 7s. “The experience Ian gained from this and his youth coaches Garry Horne and John Lathangie will serve him well”.
His father Douglas said the step up in coaching level shouldn’t be underestimated, adding his son would ideally have liked to have stayed at a lower level for longer. “But you have to accept opportunities like this when they come,” he added. Although rugby is a minority sport in Germany there is ambition to raise standards, especially now rugby 7s is an Olympic sport. The team’s next challenge will come in Bucharest at the WRA European U20 Championships this month.
Read more at: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/germans-call-on-former-howe-man-ian-to-develop-the-game-1-4378966
New job role for top athlete Stefan
Auchtermuchty para-triathlete Stefan Hoggan has landed a job working for Triathlon Scotland as an engagement officer.
Stefan’s remit is to try and encourage involvement of all communities in the sport regardless of age, gender or ability.
Few high performance sports participants are offered the opportunity to work for a Scottish Governing Body in which they are involved.
The local athlete has been long associated with the Disability Sport Fife organisation.
Richard Brickley, DSF president, said: “Stefan is delighted to be offered the opportunity to contribute to the development of the sport and those of us who know him well are confident he will be a success.
“Stefan is being funded by British Triathlon as a performance paratriathlete until November of this year.
“It is just over a year since he transferred from performance swimming to paratriathlon and he has achieved so much in that time.
“Training in three disciplines as opposed to one is a daunting challenge for any athlete but he demonstrated good progress at Strathclyde Park in his most recent international paratriathlon.
Louis feels comfortable mixing it with European football elite
by Scott Inglis
[email protected]
16:40 Thursday 09 June 2016
Remember the name Louis Appere because the chances are you’ll be hearing a lot of it over the next few years.
The 17-year-old Dunshalt school pupil is turning heads with his performances on the football field with one European giant taking more than a keen interest in securing his signature.
Appere, who has risen through the ranks at Cupar’s AMsoccer Club, recently returned from a three day trial at AS Roma.
Domestically there are offers on the table, too, with a modern apprenticeship at Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers being mulled over by the teen.
But it’s the trial at the Serie A club which has attracted the headlines across Scotland this week.
Louis said: “Austin MacPhee (AMsoccer Club founder) has been in quite close contact with AS Roma for a while, looking at possible links.
“I’ve been looking at getting into a football scholarship so put a video together which Austin asked them if they’d be interested in seeing.
“They were, and I was asked to go across to train with them.
“The players were all at a really high standard as you can imagine at a club that size.
“But I thought I did well and certainly didn’t feel out of place.”
The trial gave the local teenager a real taste of what it’s like to live and train as a young footballer at a top class club.
Eating, training and doing the right things off the park are all high on the club’s agenda.
“The facilities were really good,” said Louis, who last season played for AMsoccer’s mens side as well as appearing for Raith Rovers development team.
“We met for breakfast and then trained later on from around 3.30p.m. until 5.00p.m.
“The drills were all very technical, focusing on passing and skill on the ball.
“The atmosphere was quite relaxed.”
Bell Baxter pupil Louis is back in Scotland now where he is nervously awaiting his exam results before planning his next move.
He made his breakthrough last year, starting the season at youth level before ending it at the Serie A club.
“I started playing at my age group with AMsoccer’s 99s,” he said.
“Then I played with Raith Rovers under 20s before eventually with the AMsoccer adult side.”
Read more: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/louis-feels-comfortable-mixing-it-with-european-football-elite-1-4150118#ixzz4BSXEpZCQ
[email protected]
16:40 Thursday 09 June 2016
Remember the name Louis Appere because the chances are you’ll be hearing a lot of it over the next few years.
The 17-year-old Dunshalt school pupil is turning heads with his performances on the football field with one European giant taking more than a keen interest in securing his signature.
Appere, who has risen through the ranks at Cupar’s AMsoccer Club, recently returned from a three day trial at AS Roma.
Domestically there are offers on the table, too, with a modern apprenticeship at Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers being mulled over by the teen.
But it’s the trial at the Serie A club which has attracted the headlines across Scotland this week.
Louis said: “Austin MacPhee (AMsoccer Club founder) has been in quite close contact with AS Roma for a while, looking at possible links.
“I’ve been looking at getting into a football scholarship so put a video together which Austin asked them if they’d be interested in seeing.
“They were, and I was asked to go across to train with them.
“The players were all at a really high standard as you can imagine at a club that size.
“But I thought I did well and certainly didn’t feel out of place.”
The trial gave the local teenager a real taste of what it’s like to live and train as a young footballer at a top class club.
Eating, training and doing the right things off the park are all high on the club’s agenda.
“The facilities were really good,” said Louis, who last season played for AMsoccer’s mens side as well as appearing for Raith Rovers development team.
“We met for breakfast and then trained later on from around 3.30p.m. until 5.00p.m.
“The drills were all very technical, focusing on passing and skill on the ball.
“The atmosphere was quite relaxed.”
Bell Baxter pupil Louis is back in Scotland now where he is nervously awaiting his exam results before planning his next move.
He made his breakthrough last year, starting the season at youth level before ending it at the Serie A club.
“I started playing at my age group with AMsoccer’s 99s,” he said.
“Then I played with Raith Rovers under 20s before eventually with the AMsoccer adult side.”
Read more: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/louis-feels-comfortable-mixing-it-with-european-football-elite-1-4150118#ixzz4BSXEpZCQ
15:19 Monday 06 June 2016
A new charity inspired by a Cupar schoolboy suffering from cancer has been boosted by more than £1600, thanks to this year’s charity ‘Old Firm’ match.
Toby Etheridge (10) was guest of honour at the match, which was held at Duffus Park on Sunday.
Amongst the players was River City star Jordan Young - Alex McAllister in the popular BBC soap - who’s a former Bell Baxter High School pupil and an old friend of organiser Wayne Melrose.
Toby, a pupil of St Columba’s Primary School in Cupar, suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and has to undergo gruelling treatment.
He and his family have raised more than £20,000 for CLIC Sargent, but have now set up Toby’s Magical Journey, which will support children in Fife who’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
A significant part of the money was donated by three Cupar businesses, Robert Mason Contracts, the Blind Company and Town and Country Taxis, with the rest being collected on the day.
And Toby was in for a treat courtesy of AM Soccer boss Austin McPhee, who presented the lucky youngster with a pair of boots not only signed by Arsenal and England striker Theo Walcott, but personally owned by him too.
“It was a brilliant day all round,” said Wayne.
Read more: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/old-firm-tussle-helps-toby-towards-his-goal-1-4147258#ixzz4BNzr4oym
A new charity inspired by a Cupar schoolboy suffering from cancer has been boosted by more than £1600, thanks to this year’s charity ‘Old Firm’ match.
Toby Etheridge (10) was guest of honour at the match, which was held at Duffus Park on Sunday.
Amongst the players was River City star Jordan Young - Alex McAllister in the popular BBC soap - who’s a former Bell Baxter High School pupil and an old friend of organiser Wayne Melrose.
Toby, a pupil of St Columba’s Primary School in Cupar, suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and has to undergo gruelling treatment.
He and his family have raised more than £20,000 for CLIC Sargent, but have now set up Toby’s Magical Journey, which will support children in Fife who’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
A significant part of the money was donated by three Cupar businesses, Robert Mason Contracts, the Blind Company and Town and Country Taxis, with the rest being collected on the day.
And Toby was in for a treat courtesy of AM Soccer boss Austin McPhee, who presented the lucky youngster with a pair of boots not only signed by Arsenal and England striker Theo Walcott, but personally owned by him too.
“It was a brilliant day all round,” said Wayne.
Read more: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/old-firm-tussle-helps-toby-towards-his-goal-1-4147258#ixzz4BNzr4oym
12:46 Friday 10 June 2016
As one of the very few Scots with any competitive interest in Euro 2016, (Bell Baxter FP) Austin MacPhee is determined to make an impression.
Based in Cupar, Fife, MacPhee is also part of the Northern Ireland coaching set up and a key member of Michael O’Neill’s backroom staff.
Totally unfancied to achieve much in the tournament by many, MacPhee says Northern Ireland, unbeaten in 12 games going into the championships, are capable of springing a few surprises.
Apart from a team of match officials, led by Willie Collum, the rest of Scotland will watch the tournament with our noses pressed against the glass.
Much is made about how the Scots have no star players to help push us to major events.
But that didn’t stop the Northern Irish romping to the Euros.
MacPhee has played a pivotal part in that.
His hard work and opponent preparation helped guide Northern Ireland to a deserved place in France.
MacPhee said: “Things have been meticulously planned and, in terms of our preparation, we are definitely ahead of schedule.
“We spent one week in Manchester training at Manchester City’s training ground which was a conditioning camp.
“We then moved onto Dublin where the whole squad began the tactical work for one week before heading out to Austria where we increased the training load after our 3-0 victory over Belarus in Belfast.
“We travelled to Trvana to play Slovakia at the end of the Austria training camp where we drew 0-0 taking our unbeaten run to 12 games, the longest of any team at the European Championships.”
The side is based just outside Lyon and since arriving across the Channel has been totally focused on its three group opponents.
You could hardly have handpicked a tougher group, with Poland, Ukraine and Germany plucked out the hat along with Northern Ireland.
Typically, regardless of the standard of opponent, the preprartion remains meticulous.
“Since arriving in France, training in terms of physical intensity has been decreasing as we lead up to the first game and increasing in terms of the tactical plan we hope to execute against Poland. How the team is in terms of it’s shape has always been a vital part of our success and getting the players absolute clarity is the aim of the coaching staff – taking away any grey areas is vital.
“The base is fantastic in the small town Saint Georges de Reneins where we are staying in a Chateau and using the training ground of the local Club.”
Here’s how Austin, who set up his own football organisation in Fife called AMsoccer, rates his group opponents.
Poland – “Very dependent on their star striker Lewandowski, although their playmaker Krychowiak is also a vital cog in the wheel and played in the Europa League Final for Seville.”
Ukraine – “Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka are exciting wide players but they don’t possess the central threat of Muller or Lewandowski, it will be a case of horses for courses in terms of system and strategy.”
Germany – “Will be a massive game for us and hopefully we will be going into it with confidence from the previous two games and looking forward to the round of 16.”
Northern Ireland play Poland on Sunday.
Read more: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/football/scot-says-northern-ireland-can-make-their-mark-in-france-1-4151050#ixzz4BNvXZaET
As one of the very few Scots with any competitive interest in Euro 2016, (Bell Baxter FP) Austin MacPhee is determined to make an impression.
Based in Cupar, Fife, MacPhee is also part of the Northern Ireland coaching set up and a key member of Michael O’Neill’s backroom staff.
Totally unfancied to achieve much in the tournament by many, MacPhee says Northern Ireland, unbeaten in 12 games going into the championships, are capable of springing a few surprises.
Apart from a team of match officials, led by Willie Collum, the rest of Scotland will watch the tournament with our noses pressed against the glass.
Much is made about how the Scots have no star players to help push us to major events.
But that didn’t stop the Northern Irish romping to the Euros.
MacPhee has played a pivotal part in that.
His hard work and opponent preparation helped guide Northern Ireland to a deserved place in France.
MacPhee said: “Things have been meticulously planned and, in terms of our preparation, we are definitely ahead of schedule.
“We spent one week in Manchester training at Manchester City’s training ground which was a conditioning camp.
“We then moved onto Dublin where the whole squad began the tactical work for one week before heading out to Austria where we increased the training load after our 3-0 victory over Belarus in Belfast.
“We travelled to Trvana to play Slovakia at the end of the Austria training camp where we drew 0-0 taking our unbeaten run to 12 games, the longest of any team at the European Championships.”
The side is based just outside Lyon and since arriving across the Channel has been totally focused on its three group opponents.
You could hardly have handpicked a tougher group, with Poland, Ukraine and Germany plucked out the hat along with Northern Ireland.
Typically, regardless of the standard of opponent, the preprartion remains meticulous.
“Since arriving in France, training in terms of physical intensity has been decreasing as we lead up to the first game and increasing in terms of the tactical plan we hope to execute against Poland. How the team is in terms of it’s shape has always been a vital part of our success and getting the players absolute clarity is the aim of the coaching staff – taking away any grey areas is vital.
“The base is fantastic in the small town Saint Georges de Reneins where we are staying in a Chateau and using the training ground of the local Club.”
Here’s how Austin, who set up his own football organisation in Fife called AMsoccer, rates his group opponents.
Poland – “Very dependent on their star striker Lewandowski, although their playmaker Krychowiak is also a vital cog in the wheel and played in the Europa League Final for Seville.”
Ukraine – “Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka are exciting wide players but they don’t possess the central threat of Muller or Lewandowski, it will be a case of horses for courses in terms of system and strategy.”
Germany – “Will be a massive game for us and hopefully we will be going into it with confidence from the previous two games and looking forward to the round of 16.”
Northern Ireland play Poland on Sunday.
Read more: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/football/scot-says-northern-ireland-can-make-their-mark-in-france-1-4151050#ixzz4BNvXZaET
We are the Champions!
U18s Fife Schools League Champions
Congratulations go to our U18s senior boys football team who won the Fife League Championship earlier this month in a highly competitive 2-1 win over Beath High School. Callum Houston and Matthew Porteus were the goal scorers, meaning the boys ended the season undefeated in the league competition.
This is a fantastic achievement for the team and they should be proud of what they have achieved during the season.
The team managed to complete the double last night - 27 April - by defeating Beath High School in the final of the Fife Cup.
This is the first time since 1999 that the Cup has been in Bell Baxter.
Well done boys!
Congratulations go to our U18s senior boys football team who won the Fife League Championship earlier this month in a highly competitive 2-1 win over Beath High School. Callum Houston and Matthew Porteus were the goal scorers, meaning the boys ended the season undefeated in the league competition.
This is a fantastic achievement for the team and they should be proud of what they have achieved during the season.
The team managed to complete the double last night - 27 April - by defeating Beath High School in the final of the Fife Cup.
This is the first time since 1999 that the Cup has been in Bell Baxter.
Well done boys!
PB for Ollie at swim championships
The Scottish Junior Championships for sensory impaired and physically disabled swimmers, organised by Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), were held at Grangemouth Sports Complex on Wednesday, November 4.
Ollie Carter from Bell Baxter HS and Carnegie SC and Cara Smyth from Inverkeithing HS and INCAS were in excellent form with a full set of PBs in the boys and girls open class events.
Each swimmer recorded wins in all five of their races and Cara rounded off her second SDS Junior Nationals by being voted top girl of the Championships.
Both swimmers swim in the S10 class in national galas and will join forces in Team Scotland for the forthcoming British Junior Championships in Manchester.
Cameron Hemphill from Bell Baxter HS and Cupar and District SC contributed to an excellent championships for Disability Sport Fife swimmers with PBs, one national title and two silver medals.
Ollie Carter from Bell Baxter HS and Carnegie SC and Cara Smyth from Inverkeithing HS and INCAS were in excellent form with a full set of PBs in the boys and girls open class events.
Each swimmer recorded wins in all five of their races and Cara rounded off her second SDS Junior Nationals by being voted top girl of the Championships.
Both swimmers swim in the S10 class in national galas and will join forces in Team Scotland for the forthcoming British Junior Championships in Manchester.
Cameron Hemphill from Bell Baxter HS and Cupar and District SC contributed to an excellent championships for Disability Sport Fife swimmers with PBs, one national title and two silver medals.
Brooklyn signs up
A 15-year-old Auchtermuchty lad has signed a contract with Stirling Albion under-17s after eight seasons with Falkirk and two with Rangers. Brooklyn Mair, who is in fifth year at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, also played a game for St Johnstone under-17s, impressing the club. He has not missed training or games since he started playing football at the age of five.
Peter scores a try!
Bell Baxter FP Peter Horne scored a wonderful try at Twickenham this afternoon. However, despite his valiant effort and grit and determination from his fellow Scots, Australia emerged the victors in a tense and closely-fought quarter final.
Peter dreams
by Scott Inglis
Twitter: @scottinglisefm [email protected]
As a youngster playing on the rugby fields around north east Fife, only in his imagination did Peter Horne reckon he’d go on to play at the grandest stage of them all.
But it’s a dream the former Bell Baxter pupil and Howe of Fife player is living as part of the current Scottish World Cup squad.
Horne and his team mates have made an impressive start to their campaign, racking up two wins and a defeat ahead of the forthcoming pivotal match with Samoa.
And it’s been quite a journey for the local lad who has played his part in the previous ties against Japan, USA and South Africa.
“I have been dreaming of this since I was younger,” admitted the centre.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and used to watch every World Cup game as a massive fan with my dad and little brother.
“To be at the World Cup now and taking part is absolutely brilliant, but it will only feel special ifwe go out and get a good result against Samoa and then get into the quarter finals.
“It’s brilliant to be a part of but we’ve got to make sure we get the job done.”
Horne made his international debut off the bench against Samoa in the opening match of the quadrangular tournament in South Africa in June 2013.
Scotland will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat the Pacific Islanders on Saturday or if Japan fail to beat USA the following day, provided that it is not a bonus-point draw.
Twitter: @scottinglisefm [email protected]
As a youngster playing on the rugby fields around north east Fife, only in his imagination did Peter Horne reckon he’d go on to play at the grandest stage of them all.
But it’s a dream the former Bell Baxter pupil and Howe of Fife player is living as part of the current Scottish World Cup squad.
Horne and his team mates have made an impressive start to their campaign, racking up two wins and a defeat ahead of the forthcoming pivotal match with Samoa.
And it’s been quite a journey for the local lad who has played his part in the previous ties against Japan, USA and South Africa.
“I have been dreaming of this since I was younger,” admitted the centre.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and used to watch every World Cup game as a massive fan with my dad and little brother.
“To be at the World Cup now and taking part is absolutely brilliant, but it will only feel special ifwe go out and get a good result against Samoa and then get into the quarter finals.
“It’s brilliant to be a part of but we’ve got to make sure we get the job done.”
Horne made his international debut off the bench against Samoa in the opening match of the quadrangular tournament in South Africa in June 2013.
Scotland will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat the Pacific Islanders on Saturday or if Japan fail to beat USA the following day, provided that it is not a bonus-point draw.
Newburgh girls to represent Scotland
Two young girls from Newburgh have been selected to represent Scotland at the World Shotokan Karate Championships (WSKA) in Poland.
Kyra Bell and Mia Fraser, who are both 14 years old, are third year pupils at Bell Baxter High School
The girls have been involved in karate from a young age and they are currently second dan black belts.
They train at KUGB Dunfermline and hold numerous Scottish Championship titles as well as placings in many regional and National competitions.
Kyra and Mia are the youngest ever selected to represent KUGB Scotland at this event.
The girls would like to thank Branston Ltd Abernethy, Breedon Aggregates Newburgh and the Bingo Ladies at the Bear Tavern Newburgh for their generous sponsorship.
Cameron drives his way to victory at schools event
Cameron Akers, an S2 pupil at Bell Baxter High School, won the junior boys category at the recent Alfred Dunhill Schools Golf Challenge, played over the Kittocks Course at The Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews.
His net score of 68 was enough to lift the title at the event which once again saw a strong field of young golfers from across Fife, Dundee and Angus competing for honour.
The winners will be invited to receive their Alfred Dunhill Schools Golf Challenge prizes at The Old Course, St Andrews on the final day of this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday, October 4.
All the participants will also be invited, together with their parents and a school representative, to attend an exclusive golf clinic on the Championship practice ground given by the internationally renowned golf coach Robert Baker.
Baker said: 'The Alfred Dunhill Schools Golf Challenge is a fantastic tournament.'
World Cup call-up for Peter
There will be local representation when the Scottish rugby side kicks off its World Cup campaign this month.
It wasn’t altogether a surprise given his recent inclusions in the national squad, but Peter Horne, formerly of Bell Baxter High School and Howe of Fife, has been included in Vern Cotter’s final 31-man squad for the major event.
In the Rugby World Cup Scotland are drawn against Japan, USA, South Africa and Samoa in Pool B.
Scotland will open their Rugby World Cup account against Japan at Kingsholm Stadium on Wednesday, September 23 (kick-off 2.30pm).
It wasn’t altogether a surprise given his recent inclusions in the national squad, but Peter Horne, formerly of Bell Baxter High School and Howe of Fife, has been included in Vern Cotter’s final 31-man squad for the major event.
In the Rugby World Cup Scotland are drawn against Japan, USA, South Africa and Samoa in Pool B.
Scotland will open their Rugby World Cup account against Japan at Kingsholm Stadium on Wednesday, September 23 (kick-off 2.30pm).
Schools join forces for youth rugby victory
After a couple of pre-season training sessions, Howe and Bell Baxter S1s faced Dollar Academy at Wetlands in their first ever junior rugby match. Dollar kicked off up the hill and were soon pressurising the Howe/BB line.
Good defence kept Dollar at bay allowing the boys to calm any pre-season nerves and to get into the match.
Playing with good structure and no little commitment, Howe/BB scored a couple of quick tries, worth three points this season, through Conan and Calum who both powered over the line.
Further tries by Finlay and Ruan and three conversions, worth one point each, from Rory secured a 15-0 lead for Howe/BB at the end of the first third.
Howe then kicked off upHowe then kicked off uphill. With good turnover ball being won by the pack, with Ryan to the fore as captain, Howe scored a further three tries through Tom, Ben and Henry with all three converted by Rory to give a 27-0 lead at the end of the second third.
Kicking off for the final third. Dollar had the bit between their teeth and with determined attacking and the Howe defence too narrow and falling off tackles scored two good tries, neither of which were converted. Howe replied with a try following a characteristic zippy run from Alex which was converted by Ryan.
With a final score of 31-6 there were many positives to be taken from this first run out in junior rugby with all players making positive contributions.
Good defence kept Dollar at bay allowing the boys to calm any pre-season nerves and to get into the match.
Playing with good structure and no little commitment, Howe/BB scored a couple of quick tries, worth three points this season, through Conan and Calum who both powered over the line.
Further tries by Finlay and Ruan and three conversions, worth one point each, from Rory secured a 15-0 lead for Howe/BB at the end of the first third.
Howe then kicked off upHowe then kicked off uphill. With good turnover ball being won by the pack, with Ryan to the fore as captain, Howe scored a further three tries through Tom, Ben and Henry with all three converted by Rory to give a 27-0 lead at the end of the second third.
Kicking off for the final third. Dollar had the bit between their teeth and with determined attacking and the Howe defence too narrow and falling off tackles scored two good tries, neither of which were converted. Howe replied with a try following a characteristic zippy run from Alex which was converted by Ryan.
With a final score of 31-6 there were many positives to be taken from this first run out in junior rugby with all players making positive contributions.
Sam is hoping for national call-up
Sam Fernando from Gateside
and Fife AC continues to make steady progress as a T20 performance athlete.
The youngster is hoping that his continued efforts will one day lead to a call up for Scotland and Great Britain.
The Fife teenager has recently left Bell Baxter HS to further his education as a college student.
During his time at Bell Baxter Sam represented the department for pupils with additional support needs at local and national level with great distinction in athletics, cross country and football in particular.
Disability Sport Fife supported Sam through classification on his 16th birthday and he has not looked back since.
In June 2013, at the Fife Schools Athletics Championships, prior to completing the international classification process, Sam ran 5:21.7 for 1500 metres and finished fifth.
In June of this year at the UK Youth Development U17/U20 League Division North Premier 1 in Preston, Sam recorded 4:31.8 over the same distance to confirm how much he has progressed with support from coach Ron Morrison at Fife AC.
Sam is currently ranked eighth for T20 1500 and 800 metres across all age groups and ranked number one for 5000 metres following a personal best time at the 2015 Scottish Schools Championships of 17:04.74.
His GB ranking for T20 under 17 athletes over two miles is two which yet again confirms the enormous potential of this young Fife teenager.
Like all Fife AC athletes Sam has a busy summer ahead of local races and of course the Tour of Fife in July/August over five days in five different settings.
Like all successful young athletes Sam has superb family support and will head off for the first time to Bedford for the UK Age Group Championships on August 29 and 30 where he is entered for the T20 1500 metres.
Another exciting opportunity ahead for the Fife teenager will be to run in Central Park New York on a forthcoming family holiday while following the training programme set down by his club coach.
Earlier this year he was invited to a Scottish Athletics junior training camp.
The youngster is hoping that his continued efforts will one day lead to a call up for Scotland and Great Britain.
The Fife teenager has recently left Bell Baxter HS to further his education as a college student.
During his time at Bell Baxter Sam represented the department for pupils with additional support needs at local and national level with great distinction in athletics, cross country and football in particular.
Disability Sport Fife supported Sam through classification on his 16th birthday and he has not looked back since.
In June 2013, at the Fife Schools Athletics Championships, prior to completing the international classification process, Sam ran 5:21.7 for 1500 metres and finished fifth.
In June of this year at the UK Youth Development U17/U20 League Division North Premier 1 in Preston, Sam recorded 4:31.8 over the same distance to confirm how much he has progressed with support from coach Ron Morrison at Fife AC.
Sam is currently ranked eighth for T20 1500 and 800 metres across all age groups and ranked number one for 5000 metres following a personal best time at the 2015 Scottish Schools Championships of 17:04.74.
His GB ranking for T20 under 17 athletes over two miles is two which yet again confirms the enormous potential of this young Fife teenager.
Like all Fife AC athletes Sam has a busy summer ahead of local races and of course the Tour of Fife in July/August over five days in five different settings.
Like all successful young athletes Sam has superb family support and will head off for the first time to Bedford for the UK Age Group Championships on August 29 and 30 where he is entered for the T20 1500 metres.
Another exciting opportunity ahead for the Fife teenager will be to run in Central Park New York on a forthcoming family holiday while following the training programme set down by his club coach.
Earlier this year he was invited to a Scottish Athletics junior training camp.
Athletes join an
elite support group
Four Fifers have been selected to be part of the Scottish Disability
Sport (SDS) Athlete Academy.
The academy provides a support structure for talented athletes who have the potential to progress on to World Class Performance Programmes (WCPP).
It offers financial support at a critical stage in an athlete’s development and operates in tandem with the staff of the sportscotland Institute of Sport (SIS).
As well as financial support, the SDS works in partnership with the SIS to create a programme of athlete workshops and training opportunities to help them to progress to UK Sport funding.
Four Disability Sport Fife members are included, two from athletics and single representatives from archery and paratriathlon.
Derek Rae (Anster Haddies), who competed this year for GB in the IPC World Marathon Championships in London, and Scotland’s leading middle distance athlete with a learning disability, Owen Miller (Dunfermline Track and Field), are the athletes selected.
Brad Stewart from La-dybank continues made his mark in archery and is the archer selected, while Stefan Hoggan (East Fife Tri Club) has earned his selection by being included in the GB triathlon fast track programme for Rio.
Athletes are selected on strict criteria relating to performance, attitude and commitment to their sport.
Each athlete must be eligible to compete for Scotland and have aspirations of winning medals for GB at international level.
Over the years, the SDS Athlete Academy has grown and this year 25 athletes from 10 sports are included in the Academy programme.
Haddie Rae has gone from strength to strength over the past season and has become one of the country’s most prolific long distance athletes.
Under the watchful eye of St Andrews-based coach Ron Morrison, from Fife AC, Derek continues to produce quality runs.
Hoggan, from Auchtermuchty, is another who is continuing to excel. Having only recently switched to the triathlon disciplines after making his name as a swimmer, he has already grabbed the attention with a series of fine times.
The academy provides a support structure for talented athletes who have the potential to progress on to World Class Performance Programmes (WCPP).
It offers financial support at a critical stage in an athlete’s development and operates in tandem with the staff of the sportscotland Institute of Sport (SIS).
As well as financial support, the SDS works in partnership with the SIS to create a programme of athlete workshops and training opportunities to help them to progress to UK Sport funding.
Four Disability Sport Fife members are included, two from athletics and single representatives from archery and paratriathlon.
Derek Rae (Anster Haddies), who competed this year for GB in the IPC World Marathon Championships in London, and Scotland’s leading middle distance athlete with a learning disability, Owen Miller (Dunfermline Track and Field), are the athletes selected.
Brad Stewart from La-dybank continues made his mark in archery and is the archer selected, while Stefan Hoggan (East Fife Tri Club) has earned his selection by being included in the GB triathlon fast track programme for Rio.
Athletes are selected on strict criteria relating to performance, attitude and commitment to their sport.
Each athlete must be eligible to compete for Scotland and have aspirations of winning medals for GB at international level.
Over the years, the SDS Athlete Academy has grown and this year 25 athletes from 10 sports are included in the Academy programme.
Haddie Rae has gone from strength to strength over the past season and has become one of the country’s most prolific long distance athletes.
Under the watchful eye of St Andrews-based coach Ron Morrison, from Fife AC, Derek continues to produce quality runs.
Hoggan, from Auchtermuchty, is another who is continuing to excel. Having only recently switched to the triathlon disciplines after making his name as a swimmer, he has already grabbed the attention with a series of fine times.
Rugby World Cup to go on show in town
Former Scotland stars, SRU
officials and mascot to attend
By David Scott
[email protected] Twitter: ©fifeherald
Rugby’s biggest prize - the Webb Ellis Cup - is coming to Cupar next Saturday (June 13) as part of the Rugby Cup 2015 tour.
The impressive trophy will be on display from 9 am to 10.30 am at Howe of Fife’s Rugby Club’s ground at Duffus Park.
The Rugby World Cup Trophy Team will be there too, along with former Scotland captain Chris Paterson, representatives from the Scottish Rugby Union and guests, including 1960s’ Scotland international and Howe member (and BB FP) Dave Rollo.
Also making an appearance will be Lochie, the Scotland team mascot, who will no doubt be eeping a keen eye on the schools’ tournament.
A big turnout of enthusiasts and locals is expected for the event, which will be one of only five official stops on a three-day tour of Scotland.
Extra parking is to be provided at Bell Baxter High School and at the field on the Perth road next to Kilmaron School.
The Howe is organising a buffet lunch in its Provost Wynd clubhouse to tie in with the visit of the cup. Anyone wanting to book should visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/ howeoffife.
Club president Bill Robertson said: “It’s a great honour to welcome the Webb Ellis Cup to Duffus Park, and I’m sure the sporting community of the town will be thrilled to take part in such a prestigious event.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share in the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2015.”
Dave Rollo, who was capped for Scotland 40 times, said he was really looking forward to seeing the trophy and watching the under-16s sevens competition.
“I’m proud that the Howe has been chosen as one of the hosts and believe it is a measure of the esteem in which the club is held.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to get youngsters from across Fife involved in the game.”
The club hopes to start work on its new pavilion at Duffus Park following the visit of the cup. It is expected construction will take about 10 months to complete.
Designed to be a community sports facility, the pavilion will have changing rooms, a cafe, fitness suites and social facilities.
To date, the club has secured well over £1 million for the project, including some £100,000 through its own fundraising efforts.
Last month, the club, which has 250 children on its books, received £60,000 towards the project from the Scottish Rugby Union.
In recent weeks, the Howe has collected the last monthly club award of the season.
In addition, Chris Mason won the BT National League Division 2 Player of the Season Scottish rugby club award.
By David Scott
[email protected] Twitter: ©fifeherald
Rugby’s biggest prize - the Webb Ellis Cup - is coming to Cupar next Saturday (June 13) as part of the Rugby Cup 2015 tour.
The impressive trophy will be on display from 9 am to 10.30 am at Howe of Fife’s Rugby Club’s ground at Duffus Park.
The Rugby World Cup Trophy Team will be there too, along with former Scotland captain Chris Paterson, representatives from the Scottish Rugby Union and guests, including 1960s’ Scotland international and Howe member (and BB FP) Dave Rollo.
Also making an appearance will be Lochie, the Scotland team mascot, who will no doubt be eeping a keen eye on the schools’ tournament.
A big turnout of enthusiasts and locals is expected for the event, which will be one of only five official stops on a three-day tour of Scotland.
Extra parking is to be provided at Bell Baxter High School and at the field on the Perth road next to Kilmaron School.
The Howe is organising a buffet lunch in its Provost Wynd clubhouse to tie in with the visit of the cup. Anyone wanting to book should visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/ howeoffife.
Club president Bill Robertson said: “It’s a great honour to welcome the Webb Ellis Cup to Duffus Park, and I’m sure the sporting community of the town will be thrilled to take part in such a prestigious event.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share in the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2015.”
Dave Rollo, who was capped for Scotland 40 times, said he was really looking forward to seeing the trophy and watching the under-16s sevens competition.
“I’m proud that the Howe has been chosen as one of the hosts and believe it is a measure of the esteem in which the club is held.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to get youngsters from across Fife involved in the game.”
The club hopes to start work on its new pavilion at Duffus Park following the visit of the cup. It is expected construction will take about 10 months to complete.
Designed to be a community sports facility, the pavilion will have changing rooms, a cafe, fitness suites and social facilities.
To date, the club has secured well over £1 million for the project, including some £100,000 through its own fundraising efforts.
Last month, the club, which has 250 children on its books, received £60,000 towards the project from the Scottish Rugby Union.
In recent weeks, the Howe has collected the last monthly club award of the season.
In addition, Chris Mason won the BT National League Division 2 Player of the Season Scottish rugby club award.
Stefan gets ready for British Championships
In preparation for the British Championships in Wales in
mid May, Auchtermuchty’s Stefan Hoggan has recently completed his first
Para-triathlon in the PT4 class in Leicester.
The swim was indoors and unfortunately Stefan swam an extra two lengths to record 6.29 for 450 metres.
He hopes to swim around 5.30 for the actual 400 metres distance.
Stefan then covered the 20K cycle in 36.13 and his 5K run in 19.13 with 40 metre transitions under one minute for an overall time of 1.03.46.
The local athlete looks to be on track to do well at the championships, finishing the event in Leicester fourth overall in his age group and 16th position overall of 200 competitors.
Stefan is coached by Alistair Donaldson of British Triathlon and now that Para-triathlon is on the Paralympic timetable for Rio he has set his heart on doing all that he can to challenge for a place in Team GB.
The swim was indoors and unfortunately Stefan swam an extra two lengths to record 6.29 for 450 metres.
He hopes to swim around 5.30 for the actual 400 metres distance.
Stefan then covered the 20K cycle in 36.13 and his 5K run in 19.13 with 40 metre transitions under one minute for an overall time of 1.03.46.
The local athlete looks to be on track to do well at the championships, finishing the event in Leicester fourth overall in his age group and 16th position overall of 200 competitors.
Stefan is coached by Alistair Donaldson of British Triathlon and now that Para-triathlon is on the Paralympic timetable for Rio he has set his heart on doing all that he can to challenge for a place in Team GB.
Howe Harlequins
Howe Harlequins is the name of the women's team in the Howe of Fife. The fixtures have not been published yet but it will be in the new rugby season. The group started out following the success of the fundraising 24hr Rugby Tournament held in 2013. A group of parents started a keep fit class and from this some of the women felt that they wanted to play rugby. The keep fit became the Howe Harlequins and they have gone from about 4 women to about 25. They were invited to play in the NDL (National Development League) set up to help women play rugby. Groups of women would join up to train on NDL days and then they would have a bit of a tournament playing with a full team made up by those attending. They are enthusiastic, committed and an amazing bunch of girls and women aged from 12 to 46! Their coach Craig Manson was nominated for The East Fife Sports Council Award Coach of the Year and came runner-up at a ceremony in early May 2015. The club has just been awarded £60,000 to its redevelopment appeal by the SRU, and on 13th June 2015 the Webb Ellis Rugby Cup Trophy is coming to Duffus Park on its journey round the world prior to the start of the World Cup competition later this year.
Senior
swimmers take medal haul
Two
of Cupar & District Swimming Club’s senior swimmers travelled to Stirling
last weekend to take part in the Stirling Open and brought back a clutch of
medals for their efforts.
Lewis Baillie and Oliver Carter, both third year pupils at Bell Baxter High School, have been training extra hours with North East Fife Performance and have made great improvements to take their abilities to the next level.
At Stirling, Lewis won two gold medals, in the 400IM and 200 IM, both with personal best swims and both new club records. He also won two bronze medals in the 400m freestyle and loom IM.
Oliver Carter won silver in his favourite event, the 1500m freestyle, also with a personal best swim and a new club record.
Both are now looking forward to the North District Long Course Open in May.
Lewis Baillie and Oliver Carter, both third year pupils at Bell Baxter High School, have been training extra hours with North East Fife Performance and have made great improvements to take their abilities to the next level.
At Stirling, Lewis won two gold medals, in the 400IM and 200 IM, both with personal best swims and both new club records. He also won two bronze medals in the 400m freestyle and loom IM.
Oliver Carter won silver in his favourite event, the 1500m freestyle, also with a personal best swim and a new club record.
Both are now looking forward to the North District Long Course Open in May.
Dave Rollo gifts international jerseys to club
Scotland rugby star
Dave Rollo is pictured handing over a number
of his international jerseys to his Howe of Fife club in 1970. Dave, who was
club captain at the time and Scottish record holder
for international caps, decided to gift the strips, collected from around the
world – including a British Lions jersey – to the club, who put them on display
in cabinets at their Provost Wynd premises in Cupar.
Dave (left) is pictured beside his wife, Jean, mother Nan and Howe president Ian Stewart.
Dave (left) is pictured beside his wife, Jean, mother Nan and Howe president Ian Stewart.
Sam’s the
man at Scottish Cross Country event
Bell Baxter pupil may have to drop
distance in search of real competition
by Sports Team Twitter: @fifeherald ©standrewscit
Fife athletes won three titles, four silver medals and five bronze medals at the 2015 Scottish Cross country Championships.
The event was organised by Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport at Bellahouston Sports Centre.
Not all the athletes who had taken part in the four races of the East Series were able to travel to Glasgow but those who did produced top-quality performances.
Owen Miller from Dunfermline Track and Field is Scotland’s leading middle distance athlete with a learning disability but he is also an accomplished cross country runner.
In Glasgow, Owen produced the best performance of the day in the men’s open with a time of 10.51 for 3K.
Sam Fernando from Bell Baxter HS and Fife AC is following the same pathway as Owen when he was a pupil at Woodmill HS.
Sam is an excellent cross country runner but, like Owen, he may have to consider running shorter track distances to access top-quality competitions.
Sam has recently secured an international classification of T20 and plans to follow in the footsteps of Owen, who has competed for Great Britain in INAS Championships over 800 and 1500 metres.
Sam won the junior boys’ open in Glasgow over 3K in a time of 12.11.
Dean Bruce from Bell Baxter HS won the boys S3-S4 lK in a time of 4.16 and Lewis Moyes rounded off an excellent day for Bell Baxter by winning bronze in S1-S2 lK.
Four Balwearie HS pupils won silver medals at the national championships.
Dionne Mackie S5-S6 lK, Brandon Eason S3-S4 lK, Alex Evans S1-S2 2Kand Ryan Dun- woodie S5-S6 2K. Lochgelly HS pupils Marie Wilson S5- S6 lK and Leah Fleming S3-S4 lK won bronze medals along with Kerry Katlowski S1-S2 lK of Bell Baxter HS and Isaac Fraser S5-S6 lK from Balwearie HS.
Another set of successes for Fife athletes at the national cross country championships.
Attention now turns to the track and field season with the Fife Championships scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
by Sports Team Twitter: @fifeherald ©standrewscit
Fife athletes won three titles, four silver medals and five bronze medals at the 2015 Scottish Cross country Championships.
The event was organised by Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport at Bellahouston Sports Centre.
Not all the athletes who had taken part in the four races of the East Series were able to travel to Glasgow but those who did produced top-quality performances.
Owen Miller from Dunfermline Track and Field is Scotland’s leading middle distance athlete with a learning disability but he is also an accomplished cross country runner.
In Glasgow, Owen produced the best performance of the day in the men’s open with a time of 10.51 for 3K.
Sam Fernando from Bell Baxter HS and Fife AC is following the same pathway as Owen when he was a pupil at Woodmill HS.
Sam is an excellent cross country runner but, like Owen, he may have to consider running shorter track distances to access top-quality competitions.
Sam has recently secured an international classification of T20 and plans to follow in the footsteps of Owen, who has competed for Great Britain in INAS Championships over 800 and 1500 metres.
Sam won the junior boys’ open in Glasgow over 3K in a time of 12.11.
Dean Bruce from Bell Baxter HS won the boys S3-S4 lK in a time of 4.16 and Lewis Moyes rounded off an excellent day for Bell Baxter by winning bronze in S1-S2 lK.
Four Balwearie HS pupils won silver medals at the national championships.
Dionne Mackie S5-S6 lK, Brandon Eason S3-S4 lK, Alex Evans S1-S2 2Kand Ryan Dun- woodie S5-S6 2K. Lochgelly HS pupils Marie Wilson S5- S6 lK and Leah Fleming S3-S4 lK won bronze medals along with Kerry Katlowski S1-S2 lK of Bell Baxter HS and Isaac Fraser S5-S6 lK from Balwearie HS.
Another set of successes for Fife athletes at the national cross country championships.
Attention now turns to the track and field season with the Fife Championships scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
National duty for Horne brothers
Former
Bell Baxter School pupils, and one time Howe of Fife Rugby Club players,
brothers Peter and George Horne, are continuing to make their mark at international
level.
The siblings represented Scotland recently, Peter as the Scots went down in their opening Six Nations match with France while George was playing for the nation’s under 20 side against Wales.
Peter now plays with Glasgow Warriors with George plying his trade at Glasgow Hawks.
Despite impressing across their opening two games in the Six Nations, Scotland have yet to record a win.
In the opener in France, the Scots went down 15-8, with Peter appearing as a substitute.
At the weekend the Scots lost 23-26 to Wales.
The siblings represented Scotland recently, Peter as the Scots went down in their opening Six Nations match with France while George was playing for the nation’s under 20 side against Wales.
Peter now plays with Glasgow Warriors with George plying his trade at Glasgow Hawks.
Despite impressing across their opening two games in the Six Nations, Scotland have yet to record a win.
In the opener in France, the Scots went down 15-8, with Peter appearing as a substitute.
At the weekend the Scots lost 23-26 to Wales.
France v. Scotland & Scotland v. Wales
Scotland will be looking for an improved performance in Saturday's game after drawing a blank in their RBS 6 Nations opener in France.
Maxton's side went down 42-0 and while satisfied with her side's effort the coach hopes home advantage will help them get some points on the board against Wales.
She added: "I think home advantage is very important, there was a massive French crowd and they definitely have an effect on the players during the game.
"One of the things we talked about last year was reducing our deficit - which we definitely have done - but we're disappointed that we didn't manage to get points on the board.
"We'll look closely at what went wrong and how we can fix that next week."
Maxton's side went down 42-0 and while satisfied with her side's effort the coach hopes home advantage will help them get some points on the board against Wales.
She added: "I think home advantage is very important, there was a massive French crowd and they definitely have an effect on the players during the game.
"One of the things we talked about last year was reducing our deficit - which we definitely have done - but we're disappointed that we didn't manage to get points on the board.
"We'll look closely at what went wrong and how we can fix that next week."
Former Bell Baxter High pupil Claire Bain on bench for Six Nations clash
Published in the Dundee Courier, 4 February 2015 11.40am
Former Bell Baxter High pupil Claire Bain is on the bench for Scotland Women as they launch their Six Nations campaign in the Loire Valley on Saturday (7 February).
The 24-year-old RHC Cougars fly-half made her Scotland debut off the bench against Italy in a November test and has retained her place in the match day squad for Jules Maxton’s first Six Nations game as head coach.
Maxton has named four new caps in the starting XV for the match at La Roche Sur Yon, as the Scots try to reverse their fortunes after being whitewashed in the championship last year.
All the new caps are in the backs, with wings Jenny Maxwell and Abi Evans, and centres Chloe Rollie and Nuala Deans.
All Scotland’s home games in the 6 Nations will be at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld this year with Wales (Feb 14), Italy (March 1) and Ireland (March 22) the visitors.
Scotland women team v France women on Saturday, kick-off 2pm (local, 1pm GMT), Stade Henri Desgrange, Nantes: --
Gillian Inglis (Melrose); Jenny Maxwell (Lichfield), Chloe Rollie (Melrose), Nuala Deans (Wasps), Abi Evans (Northumbria University); Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers), Sarah Law (Murrayfield Wanderers); Heather Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill), Lana Skeldon (Melrose), Tracy Balmer (Worcester, capt); Deborah McCormack (Richmond), Emma Wassell (Murrayfield Wanderers); Karen Dunbar (RHC Cougars), Lyndsay O’Donnell (Worcester), Jade Konkel (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Replacements: Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lindsey Smith (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lisa Robertson (Murrayfield Wanderers), Christianne Fahey (Murrayfield Wanderers), Rachael Cook (Murrayfield Wanderers), Mhairi Grieve (RHC Cougars), Claire Bain (RHC Cougars), Eilidh Sinclair (Murrayfield Wanderers).
Former Bell Baxter High pupil Claire Bain is on the bench for Scotland Women as they launch their Six Nations campaign in the Loire Valley on Saturday (7 February).
The 24-year-old RHC Cougars fly-half made her Scotland debut off the bench against Italy in a November test and has retained her place in the match day squad for Jules Maxton’s first Six Nations game as head coach.
Maxton has named four new caps in the starting XV for the match at La Roche Sur Yon, as the Scots try to reverse their fortunes after being whitewashed in the championship last year.
All the new caps are in the backs, with wings Jenny Maxwell and Abi Evans, and centres Chloe Rollie and Nuala Deans.
All Scotland’s home games in the 6 Nations will be at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld this year with Wales (Feb 14), Italy (March 1) and Ireland (March 22) the visitors.
Scotland women team v France women on Saturday, kick-off 2pm (local, 1pm GMT), Stade Henri Desgrange, Nantes: --
Gillian Inglis (Melrose); Jenny Maxwell (Lichfield), Chloe Rollie (Melrose), Nuala Deans (Wasps), Abi Evans (Northumbria University); Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers), Sarah Law (Murrayfield Wanderers); Heather Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill), Lana Skeldon (Melrose), Tracy Balmer (Worcester, capt); Deborah McCormack (Richmond), Emma Wassell (Murrayfield Wanderers); Karen Dunbar (RHC Cougars), Lyndsay O’Donnell (Worcester), Jade Konkel (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Replacements: Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lindsey Smith (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lisa Robertson (Murrayfield Wanderers), Christianne Fahey (Murrayfield Wanderers), Rachael Cook (Murrayfield Wanderers), Mhairi Grieve (RHC Cougars), Claire Bain (RHC Cougars), Eilidh Sinclair (Murrayfield Wanderers).
Howe of Fife star Mason proves his worth in BT Cup thrashing
From the Dundee Courier:
By Steve Scott, 5 January 2015 10.08am
It would be stretching it a bit far to suggest that Howe of Fife’s Chris Mason is the best player in Scottish club rugby outside the BT Premiership.
There are hundreds of clubs and thousands of players to choose from, with quality performers tapping in and out of the club game on their way up and back down the ranks.
Andy Henderson, the 50-times capped Scotland centre playing for GHA against the Howe on Saturday at Duffus Park, is just one such example.
There’s just no way to make a definitive judgment. But if there’s a discussion, Mason has to be in it, and his astonishing four-try performance in lifting the Howe to a 31-7 “upset” BT Cup victory over the Glaswegian side underlines that.
Yes, it’s a team game and no team personifies that ethos more than the Howe — there are no stars here, just as head coach Garry Horne puts it “a bunch of mates who play decent rugby together”.
But Mason is the central figure in this team. He does everything; tackles like crazy, sprints up and down the field, calls and takes the lineouts, and of course, scores plenty of tries.
There are fewer better examples of a ball magnet at any level of the game — Mason always appears to be half a yard from where the ball is if he’s not actually got it in his hands.
The question with Mason always is could or should he have played at a higher level. He was captain of the famous Howe/Bell Baxter team that swept the Scottish Schools and Youth trophies in 2006, the team that produced Scotland caps Peter Horne and Chris Fusaro, and he was thought to be as good as they were.
But being undersized for a back row in the pro game and his own attitude about his rugby — loyalty to his club and his friends — has meant he had never entertained a move away from Duffus.
“That’s Chris, week in and week out, season in and season out,” said coach Horne.
“He plays to that level and intensity all the time. I suppose we’ll never know what he could have been if he was a bit bigger or bulked up, but we’re just grateful for his loyalty to this club.”
Mason may not be the best amateur player in the country, but Howe would not have anyone else. Even when they had the physical power and pace of Rory Drummond off the back row before he left for Watsonians, Mason was always No 8.
The hinge of Mason, scrum-half Stewart Lathangie and fly-half Dom Martin has been a fixture for four seasons now — Lathangie and Mason have been a partnership since their early teens — and it seems at times they could find each other in the pitch black.
The way they work together was perfectly illustrated by the third try, which finally broke GHA’s resistance after the visitors had brought the score back to 17-7.
Howe won a scrum in the opposition 22, but although they were being shoved back decisively by the bigger GHA pack, the speed of hooker Graeme Steedman’s heel and Mason’s pick-up turned that into a virtue.
Before the men in green could detach from the scrummage, the ball had shifted from Mason to Lathangie to Martin with the No 8 looping around to take an off-load from his 10 and slice through a gap to complete his hat-trick.
The first try came off a similarly well-drilled move except from lineout ball, and the other two tries were examples of the way Howe play, off loading at pace and hitting the gaps decisively.
Tom Turpie and Steedman both made clean breaks and there was no question who would be on their shoulders for the run-in when they passed out of the last defender’s tackle.
This was an “upset” because GHA are pushing for promotion to the Premiership and Howe are leading the division below, but few were surprised at the result.
Howe’s home record is truly impressive, not losing a league game at Duffus for several seasons, and as their coach said when asked for his quarter-final draw preference “anyone here would be fine”.
But the club are also ambitious beyond the quarter-finals. The fund-raising of £1.6 million to turn Duffus into a community sports facility continues, and they’re in charge of their own fate leading National League Two just after the halfway point.
It seems Mason will get what he deserves, to play at a higher level and with the club he’s spent all his career with.
By Steve Scott, 5 January 2015 10.08am
It would be stretching it a bit far to suggest that Howe of Fife’s Chris Mason is the best player in Scottish club rugby outside the BT Premiership.
There are hundreds of clubs and thousands of players to choose from, with quality performers tapping in and out of the club game on their way up and back down the ranks.
Andy Henderson, the 50-times capped Scotland centre playing for GHA against the Howe on Saturday at Duffus Park, is just one such example.
There’s just no way to make a definitive judgment. But if there’s a discussion, Mason has to be in it, and his astonishing four-try performance in lifting the Howe to a 31-7 “upset” BT Cup victory over the Glaswegian side underlines that.
Yes, it’s a team game and no team personifies that ethos more than the Howe — there are no stars here, just as head coach Garry Horne puts it “a bunch of mates who play decent rugby together”.
But Mason is the central figure in this team. He does everything; tackles like crazy, sprints up and down the field, calls and takes the lineouts, and of course, scores plenty of tries.
There are fewer better examples of a ball magnet at any level of the game — Mason always appears to be half a yard from where the ball is if he’s not actually got it in his hands.
The question with Mason always is could or should he have played at a higher level. He was captain of the famous Howe/Bell Baxter team that swept the Scottish Schools and Youth trophies in 2006, the team that produced Scotland caps Peter Horne and Chris Fusaro, and he was thought to be as good as they were.
But being undersized for a back row in the pro game and his own attitude about his rugby — loyalty to his club and his friends — has meant he had never entertained a move away from Duffus.
“That’s Chris, week in and week out, season in and season out,” said coach Horne.
“He plays to that level and intensity all the time. I suppose we’ll never know what he could have been if he was a bit bigger or bulked up, but we’re just grateful for his loyalty to this club.”
Mason may not be the best amateur player in the country, but Howe would not have anyone else. Even when they had the physical power and pace of Rory Drummond off the back row before he left for Watsonians, Mason was always No 8.
The hinge of Mason, scrum-half Stewart Lathangie and fly-half Dom Martin has been a fixture for four seasons now — Lathangie and Mason have been a partnership since their early teens — and it seems at times they could find each other in the pitch black.
The way they work together was perfectly illustrated by the third try, which finally broke GHA’s resistance after the visitors had brought the score back to 17-7.
Howe won a scrum in the opposition 22, but although they were being shoved back decisively by the bigger GHA pack, the speed of hooker Graeme Steedman’s heel and Mason’s pick-up turned that into a virtue.
Before the men in green could detach from the scrummage, the ball had shifted from Mason to Lathangie to Martin with the No 8 looping around to take an off-load from his 10 and slice through a gap to complete his hat-trick.
The first try came off a similarly well-drilled move except from lineout ball, and the other two tries were examples of the way Howe play, off loading at pace and hitting the gaps decisively.
Tom Turpie and Steedman both made clean breaks and there was no question who would be on their shoulders for the run-in when they passed out of the last defender’s tackle.
This was an “upset” because GHA are pushing for promotion to the Premiership and Howe are leading the division below, but few were surprised at the result.
Howe’s home record is truly impressive, not losing a league game at Duffus for several seasons, and as their coach said when asked for his quarter-final draw preference “anyone here would be fine”.
But the club are also ambitious beyond the quarter-finals. The fund-raising of £1.6 million to turn Duffus into a community sports facility continues, and they’re in charge of their own fate leading National League Two just after the halfway point.
It seems Mason will get what he deserves, to play at a higher level and with the club he’s spent all his career with.
Stefan lifts the cup after last swim
Local
swimmers were among those making a splash for Scotland at the recent British
Gas Short Course Disability Swimming Championships at Manchester Aquatic
Centre.
This year, for the first time, the championships were a combined junior and senior event.
There were six Disability Sport Fife high performance swimmers in the strong Scottish team.
Commonwealth Games Para sport swimmer Craig Rodgie from Dalgety Bay, and the Edinburgh University swim team, was again in record breaking form when he regained the Scottish record for S14 100m Freestyle in a time of 56.74.
Lucy Walkup, now based at Stirling University, won gold in her favoured 100m breaststroke.
During the championships, she was named in the GB team for the World Deaf championships in San Antonio, Texas, in 2015.
Yet another wonderful representative honour for the Fife swimmer.
Stefan Hoggan from Auchtermuchty was appearing for the final time at the championships, following 10 years of significant contributions to the Scottish team.
Stefan signed off by winning gold in S9 100m butterfly and a further two silver medals.
Oliver Carter from Cupar and District SC was voted leading junior at the recent junior Scottish Championships and, in Manchester, in his age group, he won two silver and one bronze medal.
Craig Smith from FINS won an age group bronze medal in 400m freestyle, and on his debut for Team Scotland.
Steven McCormick from FINS won two bronze medals and swam major personal best times.
The six young Fife swimmers helped the Scottish team to an excellent championships winning performance in the team event.
Scotland won the team trophy for the first time in a decade and Stefan Hoggan was selected by his team mates to collect it on behalf of them.
A spokesman for DSF said following the event: “It was a fitting tribute for his years of service to Team Scotland.
“Stefan is currently reviewing his sport options for the future.”
This year, for the first time, the championships were a combined junior and senior event.
There were six Disability Sport Fife high performance swimmers in the strong Scottish team.
Commonwealth Games Para sport swimmer Craig Rodgie from Dalgety Bay, and the Edinburgh University swim team, was again in record breaking form when he regained the Scottish record for S14 100m Freestyle in a time of 56.74.
Lucy Walkup, now based at Stirling University, won gold in her favoured 100m breaststroke.
During the championships, she was named in the GB team for the World Deaf championships in San Antonio, Texas, in 2015.
Yet another wonderful representative honour for the Fife swimmer.
Stefan Hoggan from Auchtermuchty was appearing for the final time at the championships, following 10 years of significant contributions to the Scottish team.
Stefan signed off by winning gold in S9 100m butterfly and a further two silver medals.
Oliver Carter from Cupar and District SC was voted leading junior at the recent junior Scottish Championships and, in Manchester, in his age group, he won two silver and one bronze medal.
Craig Smith from FINS won an age group bronze medal in 400m freestyle, and on his debut for Team Scotland.
Steven McCormick from FINS won two bronze medals and swam major personal best times.
The six young Fife swimmers helped the Scottish team to an excellent championships winning performance in the team event.
Scotland won the team trophy for the first time in a decade and Stefan Hoggan was selected by his team mates to collect it on behalf of them.
A spokesman for DSF said following the event: “It was a fitting tribute for his years of service to Team Scotland.
“Stefan is currently reviewing his sport options for the future.”
Sam's the man as pupils impress
Over 50 runners participated in Series 2 of the East Cross
Country championships organised by Scottish Disability Sport and Scottish
Athletics at Heriot Watt, Riccarton Campus.
Athletes from schools in Lothian and Fife took part in one of the most popular events in the autumn/winter calendar which is available to Disability Sport Fife (DSF) members.
Pupils with additional support needs from Lochgelly HS, Balwearie HS, Woodmill HS and Bell Baxter HS represented Fife in the second of four series of races.
The winner of the S2 girls 1 Km race was Kerry Kotlewski (Bell Baxter HS).
There was a Fife clean sweep in the S3 1 Km event when Reece Dickson (Balwearie HS) finished first, Shane White (Bell Baxter HS) finished second and Dean Bruce (Bell Baxter HS) finished third.
Attention then turned to races over 2k and 3k and the excellent form of the Fife athletes continued.
A third place finish for Dylan Fotheringham (Balwearie HS) in the S4-S6 event set the scene for the longest race of the Series over 3Km and yet again Fife athletes did not disappoint.
Ryan Dunwoodie (Balwearie HS) covered the course in 12:46 to take second place and continue his excellent record over the past five years as a cross country runner.
The outstanding athlete once again was S4 Bell Baxter HS pupil Sam Fernando.
Sam is a member of Fife AC and has been the outstanding DSF junior distance athlete for the last few years.
He covered the 3 Km course in 11:19 for a second successive win of the year in the east series and another 10 points towards his overall Series total.
DSF president, Richard Brickley, said: “This was another excellent day for Team Fife in the east series of cross country races.
“Most schools in Fife for pupils with additional support needs promote cross country over the autumn and winter terms.
“The 2014 results in the east series so far confirm that Fife has a significant number of athletes challenging for overall series titles.”
Athletes from schools in Lothian and Fife took part in one of the most popular events in the autumn/winter calendar which is available to Disability Sport Fife (DSF) members.
Pupils with additional support needs from Lochgelly HS, Balwearie HS, Woodmill HS and Bell Baxter HS represented Fife in the second of four series of races.
The winner of the S2 girls 1 Km race was Kerry Kotlewski (Bell Baxter HS).
There was a Fife clean sweep in the S3 1 Km event when Reece Dickson (Balwearie HS) finished first, Shane White (Bell Baxter HS) finished second and Dean Bruce (Bell Baxter HS) finished third.
Attention then turned to races over 2k and 3k and the excellent form of the Fife athletes continued.
A third place finish for Dylan Fotheringham (Balwearie HS) in the S4-S6 event set the scene for the longest race of the Series over 3Km and yet again Fife athletes did not disappoint.
Ryan Dunwoodie (Balwearie HS) covered the course in 12:46 to take second place and continue his excellent record over the past five years as a cross country runner.
The outstanding athlete once again was S4 Bell Baxter HS pupil Sam Fernando.
Sam is a member of Fife AC and has been the outstanding DSF junior distance athlete for the last few years.
He covered the 3 Km course in 11:19 for a second successive win of the year in the east series and another 10 points towards his overall Series total.
DSF president, Richard Brickley, said: “This was another excellent day for Team Fife in the east series of cross country races.
“Most schools in Fife for pupils with additional support needs promote cross country over the autumn and winter terms.
“The 2014 results in the east series so far confirm that Fife has a significant number of athletes challenging for overall series titles.”
Shooter Alan aims for Games glory
A former pupil of Bell Baxter High School in Cupar has overcome the odds to win a place in Scotland’s Commwealth Games team.
Alan Goodall is to compete in the 50-metre free pistol discipline of the target shooting competition despite an enforced nine-month break following an horrific accident. Alan was the innocent victim of a motorbike accident in April last year, sustaining internal injuries as well as injuries to his shooting arm.
Now living in Surrey, Alan was brought up on the family farm at Pathcondie, near Letham.
He’s a graduate of Kingston University and worked for F1 McLaren in Woking before deciding to concentrate on his sport.
A member of the Great Britain shooting team, he is competing in the World Cup in Germany and Slovakia this month. Alan’s parents, Archie and Marion, still live in Auchtermuchty and also have strong connections with Bell Baxter. Archie was a pupil at the school and Marion was a maths teacher.
Alan Goodall is to compete in the 50-metre free pistol discipline of the target shooting competition despite an enforced nine-month break following an horrific accident. Alan was the innocent victim of a motorbike accident in April last year, sustaining internal injuries as well as injuries to his shooting arm.
Now living in Surrey, Alan was brought up on the family farm at Pathcondie, near Letham.
He’s a graduate of Kingston University and worked for F1 McLaren in Woking before deciding to concentrate on his sport.
A member of the Great Britain shooting team, he is competing in the World Cup in Germany and Slovakia this month. Alan’s parents, Archie and Marion, still live in Auchtermuchty and also have strong connections with Bell Baxter. Archie was a pupil at the school and Marion was a maths teacher.
Bell Baxter trio chosen to fly the flag for Cupar in the baton relay
A proud day for two teachers and a pupil
byLizRougvie
[email protected] Twitter: @lizcommunity
Bell Baxter High School in Cupar is well represented in the Queen’s Baton Relay, with two teachers and a pupil taking part on June 26.
Sporting heroine Pat Rollo, fund-raising champion Eric Thomson and 14-year-old swimmer Ollie Carter have the honour of carrying the baton through Cupar town centre following its arrival from Freuchie at around 3.30pm.
Pat, who is PE teacher at Bell Baxter, is the daughter of rugby legend Dave Rollo and made her mark in the sporting world as Scotland’s finest female sprint hurdler.
Indeed, the 13.35 seconds she took to complete the 100m hurdles one summer’s day in 1983 remains a national record.
She’s now a senior official in Scottish athletics and has represented the country in numerous internationals.
Meanwhile Ollie - known to his friends as ‘the tank’ because of his determination - has overcome disability to become a force to be reckoned with in the pool.
He took up swimming after major lower leg surgery in 2010 and realised it was a sport he could do well.
Now he holds several records both at a Scottish and Fife level, and devotes his time to training with two able-bodied squads in addition to his disability squad training.
Ollie says that ‘giving up’ is not in his vocabulary and his ultimate goal is to represent his country at the Paralympics.
Eric, Bell Baxter’s principal teacher of biology, was nominated to carry the baton by his two daughters, Katie and Julia, in recognition of his charity work with the Scottish
Stroke Association and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland after suffering a stroke himself in 2006.
He has to date raised over £8000 by running the Edinburgh Half Marathon and Marathon as well as the Paris Marathon last year. He’s also completed numerous local 10k events and is currently training for the Loch Ness Marathon in September.
He said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to have been chosen to help carry the baton through the streets of Cupar and is urging local people to come out in force to support the trio on their big day.
byLizRougvie
[email protected] Twitter: @lizcommunity
Bell Baxter High School in Cupar is well represented in the Queen’s Baton Relay, with two teachers and a pupil taking part on June 26.
Sporting heroine Pat Rollo, fund-raising champion Eric Thomson and 14-year-old swimmer Ollie Carter have the honour of carrying the baton through Cupar town centre following its arrival from Freuchie at around 3.30pm.
Pat, who is PE teacher at Bell Baxter, is the daughter of rugby legend Dave Rollo and made her mark in the sporting world as Scotland’s finest female sprint hurdler.
Indeed, the 13.35 seconds she took to complete the 100m hurdles one summer’s day in 1983 remains a national record.
She’s now a senior official in Scottish athletics and has represented the country in numerous internationals.
Meanwhile Ollie - known to his friends as ‘the tank’ because of his determination - has overcome disability to become a force to be reckoned with in the pool.
He took up swimming after major lower leg surgery in 2010 and realised it was a sport he could do well.
Now he holds several records both at a Scottish and Fife level, and devotes his time to training with two able-bodied squads in addition to his disability squad training.
Ollie says that ‘giving up’ is not in his vocabulary and his ultimate goal is to represent his country at the Paralympics.
Eric, Bell Baxter’s principal teacher of biology, was nominated to carry the baton by his two daughters, Katie and Julia, in recognition of his charity work with the Scottish
Stroke Association and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland after suffering a stroke himself in 2006.
He has to date raised over £8000 by running the Edinburgh Half Marathon and Marathon as well as the Paris Marathon last year. He’s also completed numerous local 10k events and is currently training for the Loch Ness Marathon in September.
He said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to have been chosen to help carry the baton through the streets of Cupar and is urging local people to come out in force to support the trio on their big day.
Cupar Games included a first for Scotland
Photograph above: Prizewinners of the 800m for competitors with a leaning disability. From left - Sam Fernando, Carl Fuhrmann, Phillip Callander and Alexander Fisher.
[email protected]
Twitter:@fifeherald
Cupar Highland Games beat the elements on Saturday, attracting a good-sized crowd - including a number of overseas visitors - to Duffus Park.
Heavy rain on Friday gave the organisers a bigger challenge, but all the competitions went ahead as scheduled.
The games got under way officially following a parade of officials, including this year’s chieftain, Euan Barbour, and past chieftains.
A feature this year - and a first in Scotland - was an exclusive race for athletes with a learning disability.
The 800m handicap, introduced by the games committee, working in partnership with Disability Sport Fife, was judged an outstanding success.
Carl Fuhrmann, from Aberdeen, led from the start and, despite a determined effort by backmarker, Gateside’s Sam Fernando, became the first winner of this unique event.
Richard Brickley, president of Disability Sport Fife, described it as a “great race,” adding, “All credit to the
games committee for staging this event.”
Sam, a member of Fife AC, was recently voted the leading junior athlete at the 2014 Disability Sport Fife Track and Field Championships.
The Bell Baxter third year pupil, who recorded the fastest junior time for 1500 metres and 100 metres at the championships, was presented with the Gilbert Trophy at the games by past chieftain and Paralympian Caroline Baird and John Hendry, one of the founder members of Fife AC.
Wrestling made a welcome return to the games, with a field of some 30 competitors, who entertained throughout the afternoon, as did the many highland dancers.
A small but leading group of “heavy” competitors had a large following, particularly for the caber tossing.
A large field of cyclists provided close racing, with an encouraging number of youngsters taking part.
Away from the main area, the talents of solo pipers were judged, although there were no pipe band competitions owing to a clash with the European championships.
There was some excellent piping, however, by members of St Andrews Pipe Band, who performed on several occasions.
Queen’s Baton Relay: Hopes for record-breaking celebration in Fife
Fifers are being encouraged to turn out in large numbers on Thursday to mark the Queen’s Baton Relay through Fife.
The appeal has been made by Emma Broadhurst, Fife Council’s Physical Activity and Legacy Manager, who is looking forward to welcoming the baton to Fife and showcasing lots of sports and activities that are available in the area.
She said: “We’ve got a great day planned to celebrate the baton coming to Fife and there has already been a really great reaction to it arriving in Scotland.
“Some areas have seen big crowds come out to welcome the baton. But some other parts of the country have seen sparser numbers on some parts of the route. It would be great if Fife’s streets could be busy all the way.”
In a presentation to Fife Council’s North East Area Committee, Ms Broadhurst said the baton will take in Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline Abbey and travel by RNLI lifeboat between Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy. Later in the day it will visit Falkland Palace and the East Neuk before finishing in St Andrews for a carnival-themed parade.
The baton will visit Dunfermline, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Leven, Falkland, Freuchie, Cupar, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke and St Andrews.
She said that pupils at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar would probably be getting out of class early to see the baton as it arrived in town. She said particularly large crowds were expected in the Anstruther area.
Fife Council’s Active Fife team is also calling on Fifers to get involved in a free evening celebration event in St Andrews. From 5.15pm to 7.30pm a carnival-themed parade will lead the way where there will be live music, a samba band, choirs and of course the baton itself.
At the party an attempt will be made to break the world record for the World’s Biggest Ceilidh. Anyone can come along to the celebration, just turn up on the night. All people need to do to take part in the ceilidh is collect a wrist band in advance from St Andrews library, tourist information centre or local office.
Whilst the Olympic Torch relay had tight security in 2012, she said the Commonwealth baton relay would be more relaxed with more photographic opportunities.
Tay Bridgehead Fife councillor Maggie Taylor said she was “really excited” by the baton. But she expressed disappointment that more wasn’t being done in Tayport when it heads over to Dundee at 7.30am on Friday. She said: “It’s disappointing that St Andrews is seen as the end of Fife. Ok, so the provost is going to wave it off by boat to Broughty Ferry, but kids are not even being allowed to run with the car in Tayport.”
Taybridgehead councillor Bill Connor said a juggler, piper and brass band had been organised for Tayport on Friday morning.
Provost of Fife Jim Leishman said: “We are set for a great day of celebration in Fife and I urge people to come along and take part in this wonderful opportunity.”
The appeal has been made by Emma Broadhurst, Fife Council’s Physical Activity and Legacy Manager, who is looking forward to welcoming the baton to Fife and showcasing lots of sports and activities that are available in the area.
She said: “We’ve got a great day planned to celebrate the baton coming to Fife and there has already been a really great reaction to it arriving in Scotland.
“Some areas have seen big crowds come out to welcome the baton. But some other parts of the country have seen sparser numbers on some parts of the route. It would be great if Fife’s streets could be busy all the way.”
In a presentation to Fife Council’s North East Area Committee, Ms Broadhurst said the baton will take in Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline Abbey and travel by RNLI lifeboat between Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy. Later in the day it will visit Falkland Palace and the East Neuk before finishing in St Andrews for a carnival-themed parade.
The baton will visit Dunfermline, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Leven, Falkland, Freuchie, Cupar, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke and St Andrews.
She said that pupils at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar would probably be getting out of class early to see the baton as it arrived in town. She said particularly large crowds were expected in the Anstruther area.
Fife Council’s Active Fife team is also calling on Fifers to get involved in a free evening celebration event in St Andrews. From 5.15pm to 7.30pm a carnival-themed parade will lead the way where there will be live music, a samba band, choirs and of course the baton itself.
At the party an attempt will be made to break the world record for the World’s Biggest Ceilidh. Anyone can come along to the celebration, just turn up on the night. All people need to do to take part in the ceilidh is collect a wrist band in advance from St Andrews library, tourist information centre or local office.
Whilst the Olympic Torch relay had tight security in 2012, she said the Commonwealth baton relay would be more relaxed with more photographic opportunities.
Tay Bridgehead Fife councillor Maggie Taylor said she was “really excited” by the baton. But she expressed disappointment that more wasn’t being done in Tayport when it heads over to Dundee at 7.30am on Friday. She said: “It’s disappointing that St Andrews is seen as the end of Fife. Ok, so the provost is going to wave it off by boat to Broughty Ferry, but kids are not even being allowed to run with the car in Tayport.”
Taybridgehead councillor Bill Connor said a juggler, piper and brass band had been organised for Tayport on Friday morning.
Provost of Fife Jim Leishman said: “We are set for a great day of celebration in Fife and I urge people to come along and take part in this wonderful opportunity.”
‘Super six’ join Scotland’s 310-strong Commonwealth Games squad
Celebrations were in order for Dundee’s ‘Super Six’ hockey exponents when they were named in Scotland’s 2014 Commonwealth Games squad at Stirling Castle.
Scotland’s player of the year Linda Clement will again be sporting the captain’s armband when she leads her team on to the pitch at Glasgow Green.
The Grove Menzieshill midfielder is making a remarkable fourth games appearance and will be looking to improve on the seventh place achieved in New Delhi in 2010.
Head coach Gordon Shepherd will also be relying on the dynamic skills of Dundee Wanderers’ Vikki Bunce to tear defences apart as the Scots go head-to-head with Australia, England, Malaysia and Wales in the primary stage of their campaign.
GB squad member Ali Bell links up with Grove team-mate Ailsa Wyllie in the front line, with defender Leigh Fawcett partnering Wanderers’ Becky Ward in the key roles of thwarting opposition attacks.
Strathallan FP Nicky Cochrane is one of four named reserves, as is Becky Merchant.
Both formerly played for Grove before switching their allegiance as students at Edinburgh University.
Shepherd said: “Before the team selection, all of the players demonstrated desire and commitment to producing high quality output during the full-time programme, making it extremely competitive for places in all positions when it came down to selecting the final 16.
“I have now selected a group of players that I believe gives Team Scotland the best chance.
“I fully believe this squad can build on its recent successes to deliver good performances in front of thousands of Scotland supporters in Glasgow.”
Final preparations include a test series against Ireland and Spain in Glasgow this month before heading south to complete their build up against the Auld Enemy in the Investec Cup early next month.
Meanwhile, Fifer Alan Goodall has been named in the Scottish team, competing in the 50m free pistol category.
Alan, now staying in Surrey, is a former pupil of Bell Baxter HS, Cupar, and was brought up at the family farm at Pathcondie, Letham.
He is a graduate of Kingston University and worked for F1, McLaren at Woking, before concentrating on his sport.
Alan’s success is remarkable considering that in April 2013 he was the innocent victim of a motorbike accident, sustaining “shooting” arm and internal injuries, which side-lined him for around nine months.
As a member of Team GB, Alan is competing in the World Cup in Germany, followed by a further round in Slovakia, both this month.
Another heading to Glasgow after yesterday’s announcement is Perthshire swimmer Duncan Scott, a pupil at Strathallan School.
The announcement was made following the phase 2 aelection meet at the North District Grand Prix at the Aberdeen Aquatic Centre last weekend, where Duncan, 17, won gold in the 100m free, beating Robbie Renwick, and silver in the 200 individual medley to secure his selection.
This great achievement follows on from a number of record-breaking swims over the past few years.
This year alone Duncan has not only beaten Robbie Renwick at the North District Grand Prix but he re-broke his GB age group 100 free record at the GB championships in addition to the GB 200 free record.
At the Scottish Commonwealth team trials and Scottish open, he broke the 100 free GB record and in March at the Bangor Dual Nations Event he broke the Scottish Age Group 400 individual medley record.
Duncan is coached at Strathallan by Elaine Johnston, who swam at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.
Before heading to Glasgow, Duncan will swim for British swimming team at the European Junior Championships in Dordrecht, Netherlands, from July 9 to 14.
The Scotland team for Glasgow 2014 comprises 310 athletes — 168 men and 142 women.
Courier Country is well represented with more than 20 team members either born or staying in Tayside and Fife.
They include athletes Eilish McColgan, Eilidh Child, Laura Muir and Andrew Lemoncello.
Montrose pole vaulter Gregor MacLean is there, along with Dunfermline’s Gemma Nicoll, who will compete in the 4x400m relay.
The swimming squad includes Kirkcaldy-born Kathleen Dawson, who now lives in the USA, Perth resident Stephen Milne, Craig Rodgie from Dalgety Bay, Dunfermline-born Erraid Davies and Duncan Scott, a pupil at Strathallan School in Perthshire.
Track endurance cyclist Mark Stewart, of Dundee, is on his way to Glasgow and he’ll be joined by Dunfermline’s Charlie Joiner, Forfar-born Gemma Neill and Eileen Roe, of Dunfermline, who take part in the track endurance road race.
Kirkcaldy-born Patrick MacHugh competes in the badminton mens doubles, while Arbroath bowler Darren Burnett will skip the Scotland triples and play in the singles.
Richie Vernon, of Dundee, and Perth-born Sean Lamont are in the Scotland rugby 7s side, while table tennis stars Gavin Rumgay, of Perth, and Blairgowrie-born Gillian Edwards are joined by Perth resident Corinna Whitake.
Dundee man Drew Christie joins Alan Goodall in the shooting team and there are places too for Dunfermline-born gymnast Emma White and netball star Lesley MacDonald, of Kirkcaldy.
Scotland’s player of the year Linda Clement will again be sporting the captain’s armband when she leads her team on to the pitch at Glasgow Green.
The Grove Menzieshill midfielder is making a remarkable fourth games appearance and will be looking to improve on the seventh place achieved in New Delhi in 2010.
Head coach Gordon Shepherd will also be relying on the dynamic skills of Dundee Wanderers’ Vikki Bunce to tear defences apart as the Scots go head-to-head with Australia, England, Malaysia and Wales in the primary stage of their campaign.
GB squad member Ali Bell links up with Grove team-mate Ailsa Wyllie in the front line, with defender Leigh Fawcett partnering Wanderers’ Becky Ward in the key roles of thwarting opposition attacks.
Strathallan FP Nicky Cochrane is one of four named reserves, as is Becky Merchant.
Both formerly played for Grove before switching their allegiance as students at Edinburgh University.
Shepherd said: “Before the team selection, all of the players demonstrated desire and commitment to producing high quality output during the full-time programme, making it extremely competitive for places in all positions when it came down to selecting the final 16.
“I have now selected a group of players that I believe gives Team Scotland the best chance.
“I fully believe this squad can build on its recent successes to deliver good performances in front of thousands of Scotland supporters in Glasgow.”
Final preparations include a test series against Ireland and Spain in Glasgow this month before heading south to complete their build up against the Auld Enemy in the Investec Cup early next month.
Meanwhile, Fifer Alan Goodall has been named in the Scottish team, competing in the 50m free pistol category.
Alan, now staying in Surrey, is a former pupil of Bell Baxter HS, Cupar, and was brought up at the family farm at Pathcondie, Letham.
He is a graduate of Kingston University and worked for F1, McLaren at Woking, before concentrating on his sport.
Alan’s success is remarkable considering that in April 2013 he was the innocent victim of a motorbike accident, sustaining “shooting” arm and internal injuries, which side-lined him for around nine months.
As a member of Team GB, Alan is competing in the World Cup in Germany, followed by a further round in Slovakia, both this month.
Another heading to Glasgow after yesterday’s announcement is Perthshire swimmer Duncan Scott, a pupil at Strathallan School.
The announcement was made following the phase 2 aelection meet at the North District Grand Prix at the Aberdeen Aquatic Centre last weekend, where Duncan, 17, won gold in the 100m free, beating Robbie Renwick, and silver in the 200 individual medley to secure his selection.
This great achievement follows on from a number of record-breaking swims over the past few years.
This year alone Duncan has not only beaten Robbie Renwick at the North District Grand Prix but he re-broke his GB age group 100 free record at the GB championships in addition to the GB 200 free record.
At the Scottish Commonwealth team trials and Scottish open, he broke the 100 free GB record and in March at the Bangor Dual Nations Event he broke the Scottish Age Group 400 individual medley record.
Duncan is coached at Strathallan by Elaine Johnston, who swam at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.
Before heading to Glasgow, Duncan will swim for British swimming team at the European Junior Championships in Dordrecht, Netherlands, from July 9 to 14.
The Scotland team for Glasgow 2014 comprises 310 athletes — 168 men and 142 women.
Courier Country is well represented with more than 20 team members either born or staying in Tayside and Fife.
They include athletes Eilish McColgan, Eilidh Child, Laura Muir and Andrew Lemoncello.
Montrose pole vaulter Gregor MacLean is there, along with Dunfermline’s Gemma Nicoll, who will compete in the 4x400m relay.
The swimming squad includes Kirkcaldy-born Kathleen Dawson, who now lives in the USA, Perth resident Stephen Milne, Craig Rodgie from Dalgety Bay, Dunfermline-born Erraid Davies and Duncan Scott, a pupil at Strathallan School in Perthshire.
Track endurance cyclist Mark Stewart, of Dundee, is on his way to Glasgow and he’ll be joined by Dunfermline’s Charlie Joiner, Forfar-born Gemma Neill and Eileen Roe, of Dunfermline, who take part in the track endurance road race.
Kirkcaldy-born Patrick MacHugh competes in the badminton mens doubles, while Arbroath bowler Darren Burnett will skip the Scotland triples and play in the singles.
Richie Vernon, of Dundee, and Perth-born Sean Lamont are in the Scotland rugby 7s side, while table tennis stars Gavin Rumgay, of Perth, and Blairgowrie-born Gillian Edwards are joined by Perth resident Corinna Whitake.
Dundee man Drew Christie joins Alan Goodall in the shooting team and there are places too for Dunfermline-born gymnast Emma White and netball star Lesley MacDonald, of Kirkcaldy.
Relative British Showjumping newcomer Isabel Lindsay continued to make an impact on the junior sport in Scotland with another win at Strathallan Castle.
The show outside Auchterarder, run by the Central Scotland branch of BS, provides many competitors with a first opportunity of the year to find their feet on grass.
It attracted riders from across the country – offering eight Royal Highland Show qualifiers for junior and senior riders – with tracks designed by Diane Beaumont and George Blackie respetively.
Riding her nimble dun pony Bailey XII, the Fife Hunt Pony Club member from Balcarres, outside Colinsburgh, continued an enviable run of form, having taken to the top of the rostrum on the lions share of her recent BS outings.
“Bailey is quite a forward going pony that doesn’t need much leg,” Isabel (12) reflected on her round at Strathallan.
Drawn fourth of the six-strong jump off for the class, she took all the shortcuts on offer, making light work of the up to height track to clock the fastest time.
“He has a big stride and really covers the ground but we also did all the turns that were there to save time,” she added.
Twice qualified for Hickstead now this year, Isabel has set her heart on achieving similar qualification for the Horse of the Year Show.
Enjoying a hugely successful year amidst the ranks of national showjumping – both at BS and as representatives of the Fife Hunt PC – they recently became one of only 10 partnerships across the UK to achieve selection to join the Rider Development Pathway, in Cheshire, next month.
They were also crowned champions of the Pony Club Dengie showjumping winter league following a tough run national battle at the championship final at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell.
Affiliated to showjump for a little over a year now, the reigning Scottish 138cms champions will now head to the Highland Show to stake their claim for another title.
Last year, their Highland performance was highlighted by taking second place in the hotly contested Liz Fox JC Championship in front of a packed crowd of spectators.
Fellow Fife rider Fraser Reed also enjoyed an exceptional run with his pony Mr JK, taking pole position from the small pony open class and standing second on the podium to Isabel in the 138cms RHS qualifier.
The Bell Baxter school pupil has owned the 15-year-old pony for the last season and a half and since also notching up a Hickstead qualifier at the beginning of this year, Fraser’s recent results have put him top of the pile in the Scottish Pony Performace League for 138s. Having contested eight out of the 10 Royal Highland qualifiers on offer for this height bracket to date, Fraser and Mr JK have maintained an impressive double clear record throughout. This solid performance has rewarded them with four first placings – including at The Cabin last month – three seconds and a third.
With the luxury of indoor and outdoor all weather surfacing across Scotland’s show centres – Strathallan provided Fraser with his first opportunity of the year to compete on grass.
Using the small open as a warm up, he said: “Mr JK just cantered round happily to win it. He wasn’t bothered about the change of footing at all.”
Drawn fifth out of the six clears through to the jump off – and immediately after Isabel and Bailey – Fraser said he just couldn’t catch her unassailable lead.
Fraser, who stables at Edenside, Guardbridge and who trains with Alistair and Gaymond Gatherum, now heads to the Highland with two cracks at the whip, having recently forged a strong partnership with Gordon Bowden’s 148cms mare Bay Friend.
Travelling north to Tillyoch recently, they achieved qualification for the JC final and also topped the 1m15 class, which in turn qualified them for the Scope Festival in August.
Since starting his riding career at the age of seven, Fraser has represented the bronze medal Scottish Team at under 10 in Ireland and progressed last season to jump in the 138cm team in Wales.
He returns to the Royal Highland with some unfinished business, having last year filled second and sixth placings in the 138cms final.
Across the senior contest Royal Highland qualifiers were lead by Lanarkshire’s Declan Irvine and Ayrshire riders Trevor Nicholson and Stephanie Babes, whilst the feature class – The Strathallan Grand Prix, which itself also provided passage to the Highland – was topped by James Smith.
James, from his base in Dumfries and Galloway, took to the top of the podium onboard Leona Smith’s flying grey 13-year-old mare Cumina – a horse which he partnered in the Young Riders Championship of Great Britain at the Horse of the Year Show, back in 2010, and at the U23 British Championship Final at London Olympia last year.
They returned recently from the Sunshine Tour in Vilamoura and following a recent win in the Under 23 Championship qualifier at Gleneagles, will return to Olympia for attack for the same title this year.
With the Royal Highland creeping ever closer, and many riders now already qualified, James also bagged a second ticket to the Young Masters final on-board John Mcgeoch’s horse Hope Springs, which had finished in fourth spot.
[email protected]
Riding her nimble dun pony Bailey XII, the Fife Hunt Pony Club member from Balcarres, outside Colinsburgh, continued an enviable run of form, having taken to the top of the rostrum on the lions share of her recent BS outings.
“Bailey is quite a forward going pony that doesn’t need much leg,” Isabel (12) reflected on her round at Strathallan.
Drawn fourth of the six-strong jump off for the class, she took all the shortcuts on offer, making light work of the up to height track to clock the fastest time.
“He has a big stride and really covers the ground but we also did all the turns that were there to save time,” she added.
Twice qualified for Hickstead now this year, Isabel has set her heart on achieving similar qualification for the Horse of the Year Show.
Enjoying a hugely successful year amidst the ranks of national showjumping – both at BS and as representatives of the Fife Hunt PC – they recently became one of only 10 partnerships across the UK to achieve selection to join the Rider Development Pathway, in Cheshire, next month.
They were also crowned champions of the Pony Club Dengie showjumping winter league following a tough run national battle at the championship final at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell.
Affiliated to showjump for a little over a year now, the reigning Scottish 138cms champions will now head to the Highland Show to stake their claim for another title.
Last year, their Highland performance was highlighted by taking second place in the hotly contested Liz Fox JC Championship in front of a packed crowd of spectators.
Fellow Fife rider Fraser Reed also enjoyed an exceptional run with his pony Mr JK, taking pole position from the small pony open class and standing second on the podium to Isabel in the 138cms RHS qualifier.
The Bell Baxter school pupil has owned the 15-year-old pony for the last season and a half and since also notching up a Hickstead qualifier at the beginning of this year, Fraser’s recent results have put him top of the pile in the Scottish Pony Performace League for 138s. Having contested eight out of the 10 Royal Highland qualifiers on offer for this height bracket to date, Fraser and Mr JK have maintained an impressive double clear record throughout. This solid performance has rewarded them with four first placings – including at The Cabin last month – three seconds and a third.
With the luxury of indoor and outdoor all weather surfacing across Scotland’s show centres – Strathallan provided Fraser with his first opportunity of the year to compete on grass.
Using the small open as a warm up, he said: “Mr JK just cantered round happily to win it. He wasn’t bothered about the change of footing at all.”
Drawn fifth out of the six clears through to the jump off – and immediately after Isabel and Bailey – Fraser said he just couldn’t catch her unassailable lead.
Fraser, who stables at Edenside, Guardbridge and who trains with Alistair and Gaymond Gatherum, now heads to the Highland with two cracks at the whip, having recently forged a strong partnership with Gordon Bowden’s 148cms mare Bay Friend.
Travelling north to Tillyoch recently, they achieved qualification for the JC final and also topped the 1m15 class, which in turn qualified them for the Scope Festival in August.
Since starting his riding career at the age of seven, Fraser has represented the bronze medal Scottish Team at under 10 in Ireland and progressed last season to jump in the 138cm team in Wales.
He returns to the Royal Highland with some unfinished business, having last year filled second and sixth placings in the 138cms final.
Across the senior contest Royal Highland qualifiers were lead by Lanarkshire’s Declan Irvine and Ayrshire riders Trevor Nicholson and Stephanie Babes, whilst the feature class – The Strathallan Grand Prix, which itself also provided passage to the Highland – was topped by James Smith.
James, from his base in Dumfries and Galloway, took to the top of the podium onboard Leona Smith’s flying grey 13-year-old mare Cumina – a horse which he partnered in the Young Riders Championship of Great Britain at the Horse of the Year Show, back in 2010, and at the U23 British Championship Final at London Olympia last year.
They returned recently from the Sunshine Tour in Vilamoura and following a recent win in the Under 23 Championship qualifier at Gleneagles, will return to Olympia for attack for the same title this year.
With the Royal Highland creeping ever closer, and many riders now already qualified, James also bagged a second ticket to the Young Masters final on-board John Mcgeoch’s horse Hope Springs, which had finished in fourth spot.
[email protected]
Scotland Women 7s
After three training and selection weekends last month a squad playing as Scotland Select won the Plate in their warm-up tournament, Rugby Rocks, in London on 31 May. The squad to compete in Bergen on 7/8 June in the FIRA-AER Division A Women's European Championships is pictured above. Bell Baxter FP Claire Bain is on the left of the middle row. Scotland are pooled with Moldova, Croatia and Finland in one of three groups. They have to finish the tournament in first or second place to return to the Grand Prix division.
Scottish Cup final: Stevie May says shirt number omen ‘counts for nothing’
From the Courier.co.uk
By Neil Robertson, 17 May 2014 9.51am
Call it kismet or fate but the fact St Johnstone will face Dundee United — May 17 — has convinced thousands of Saints fans that it is a date with destiny.
The reason, as everyone connected with the Perth club knows, is that talismanic striker Stevie May wears the No 17 jersey, a sure sign that St Johnstone’s name will be engraved on the famous old trophy as winners of the 2014 William Hill Scottish Cup final.
May himself though insists that omens count for nothing and that it is all about what the players do on the pitch that will ensure the club’s long wait for a piece of major silverware is finally brought to an end.
However, while adopting a pragmatic approach to the whole “May 17” indicator, the player did jokingly admit that he would not have minded having a piece of the action when it came to cashing in on the merchandising.
He said: “No one even noticed it until after the semi. I think it was the first question I was asked after it. It’s a nice little coincidence but I’m not superstitious at all.
“I would probably say superstitions are a mentally weak thing to think about. It’s down to us at the end of the day. Nothing is going to win us the game apart from ourselves.
“I wouldn’t read too much into things like that. It’s nice and I think anyone would say that. But it will count for nothing if we actually manage to lift the trophy.
“If we do win, I don’t know if I’ll hand the jersey over. I’d need to see how I felt. I wish I was getting a cut of the merchandise! I’ve missed out massively.
“I should have made my own T-shirts and sold them.”
May, of course, has already had an incredible season, in what is his first full campaign in the top tier of the Scottish game, netting 27 goals.
However, he admits he would swap everything he has achieved so far for a Scottish Cup winner’s medal.
May added: “To be honest, when I’m thinking about the game, it’s nothing but excitement about the possibility of getting our hands on the trophy.
“It’s not nerves at all. It’s a massive occasion but it’s one we’re looking forward to. The only thing I get nervous about is speeches. That’s about it.
“If someone had said to me at the start of the season that come the end of it I would be in a Scottish Cup final having scored 27 goals, I don’t think I’d have been able to take them seriously.
“It’s been a season of my dreams. But I’d exchange all that for winning the Scottish Cup — that’s the main point of this season now.
“It’s a massive occasion, not just for the boys playing in it and the fans, but for Perth as a city. Aside from my parents, I would most like to win it for myself.
“I’ve wanted to do well for years and years and to get my hands on that trophy would make it all worthwhile.
“Obviously I’d be really happy for my parents but I’d like to win it on a personal note. I’d always be able to look back on the day we won the Scottish Cup.
May continued: “So many people have approached me in Perth — older and younger — saying they’ve never seen this and the buzz around the city. It’s something special. That’s now. I can only imagine how that’s going to blow up if we manage to win it. But we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for so many. There are guys in our team who are coming towards the end of their careers who haven’t played in a Scottish Cup final.
“We know how much it means to everyone and how little chance you get for these opportunities. We’re going into it with good spirits and are going to relish it.
“There are a lot of people including a lot of young kids who will be at a game for the first time.
“Hopefully we can play well enough that they think they could get used to watching this and it could attract some more season ticket holders next season and who knows from then.
“If you have got a passion for football and you want to play, you are going to do it. It’s irrelevant to how your team is performing. You never know.”
May’s meteoric rise is perhaps even more remarkable considering that he didn’t play football at his secondary school, Bell Baxter in Cupar.
He added: “I was a St Johnstone fan as a boy. I was born in Perth but my mum and dad live in Newburgh which is 10 miles outwith the city so I wasn’t really in and around the city at a young age.
“I was more brought up in the country. I’d a park along the road from me where I used to play. I joined St Johnstone when I was about 11 or 12 and started coming along to all the games.
“There wasn’t too many at school who were St Johnstone fans — mostly Celtic and Rangers.
“The school I went to was a rugby one — I was the only person signed up out of 1,800 to a football club. It was renowned for everyone playing rugby.
“I never really played rugby. I played a few times and I was all right because I was fast but that was as far as it went.
“The school had a football team but I never played for it until I was in fourth year just because I had enough training with St Johnstone and it was hard with the games being on Saturdays
By Neil Robertson, 17 May 2014 9.51am
Call it kismet or fate but the fact St Johnstone will face Dundee United — May 17 — has convinced thousands of Saints fans that it is a date with destiny.
The reason, as everyone connected with the Perth club knows, is that talismanic striker Stevie May wears the No 17 jersey, a sure sign that St Johnstone’s name will be engraved on the famous old trophy as winners of the 2014 William Hill Scottish Cup final.
May himself though insists that omens count for nothing and that it is all about what the players do on the pitch that will ensure the club’s long wait for a piece of major silverware is finally brought to an end.
However, while adopting a pragmatic approach to the whole “May 17” indicator, the player did jokingly admit that he would not have minded having a piece of the action when it came to cashing in on the merchandising.
He said: “No one even noticed it until after the semi. I think it was the first question I was asked after it. It’s a nice little coincidence but I’m not superstitious at all.
“I would probably say superstitions are a mentally weak thing to think about. It’s down to us at the end of the day. Nothing is going to win us the game apart from ourselves.
“I wouldn’t read too much into things like that. It’s nice and I think anyone would say that. But it will count for nothing if we actually manage to lift the trophy.
“If we do win, I don’t know if I’ll hand the jersey over. I’d need to see how I felt. I wish I was getting a cut of the merchandise! I’ve missed out massively.
“I should have made my own T-shirts and sold them.”
May, of course, has already had an incredible season, in what is his first full campaign in the top tier of the Scottish game, netting 27 goals.
However, he admits he would swap everything he has achieved so far for a Scottish Cup winner’s medal.
May added: “To be honest, when I’m thinking about the game, it’s nothing but excitement about the possibility of getting our hands on the trophy.
“It’s not nerves at all. It’s a massive occasion but it’s one we’re looking forward to. The only thing I get nervous about is speeches. That’s about it.
“If someone had said to me at the start of the season that come the end of it I would be in a Scottish Cup final having scored 27 goals, I don’t think I’d have been able to take them seriously.
“It’s been a season of my dreams. But I’d exchange all that for winning the Scottish Cup — that’s the main point of this season now.
“It’s a massive occasion, not just for the boys playing in it and the fans, but for Perth as a city. Aside from my parents, I would most like to win it for myself.
“I’ve wanted to do well for years and years and to get my hands on that trophy would make it all worthwhile.
“Obviously I’d be really happy for my parents but I’d like to win it on a personal note. I’d always be able to look back on the day we won the Scottish Cup.
May continued: “So many people have approached me in Perth — older and younger — saying they’ve never seen this and the buzz around the city. It’s something special. That’s now. I can only imagine how that’s going to blow up if we manage to win it. But we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for so many. There are guys in our team who are coming towards the end of their careers who haven’t played in a Scottish Cup final.
“We know how much it means to everyone and how little chance you get for these opportunities. We’re going into it with good spirits and are going to relish it.
“There are a lot of people including a lot of young kids who will be at a game for the first time.
“Hopefully we can play well enough that they think they could get used to watching this and it could attract some more season ticket holders next season and who knows from then.
“If you have got a passion for football and you want to play, you are going to do it. It’s irrelevant to how your team is performing. You never know.”
May’s meteoric rise is perhaps even more remarkable considering that he didn’t play football at his secondary school, Bell Baxter in Cupar.
He added: “I was a St Johnstone fan as a boy. I was born in Perth but my mum and dad live in Newburgh which is 10 miles outwith the city so I wasn’t really in and around the city at a young age.
“I was more brought up in the country. I’d a park along the road from me where I used to play. I joined St Johnstone when I was about 11 or 12 and started coming along to all the games.
“There wasn’t too many at school who were St Johnstone fans — mostly Celtic and Rangers.
“The school I went to was a rugby one — I was the only person signed up out of 1,800 to a football club. It was renowned for everyone playing rugby.
“I never really played rugby. I played a few times and I was all right because I was fast but that was as far as it went.
“The school had a football team but I never played for it until I was in fourth year just because I had enough training with St Johnstone and it was hard with the games being on Saturdays
Bell Baxter Cricket Club
Bell-Baxter School (Cupar) put forth the strongest Cricket Eleven last season (1924!) that has ever represented them. They only lost one match, and they claimed victory over many a side of more inches than their own. The members are :—Back Row—G. Wilson, Robertson, J. Dryburgh, E. Rollo, and G. Craik. Middle Row—F. Martin, M. Dewar, A. Porter, and J. Anderson. Third Row—W. Howie and T. Rollo.
Photo - Cupar Studios Ltd
from the Dundee CourierBy Philippa Stephen, 7 April 2014
Bell Baxter High School pupil Fraser Reed occupied second and third places at the recent 138cm Royal Highland Qualoifier at SNEC and now heads to the Highland with Light And Lively and Mr JK respectively.
The ponies, which are both Hickstead qualified, are stabled at Edenside, Guardbridge, where Fraser trains with Raymond and Alistair Gatherum.
Defying his 23 years, Lively has been with the Reed family for the last 10 months, notching up numerous placings and winners in the interim time period.
Bell Baxter High School pupil Fraser Reed occupied second and third places at the recent 138cm Royal Highland Qualoifier at SNEC and now heads to the Highland with Light And Lively and Mr JK respectively.
The ponies, which are both Hickstead qualified, are stabled at Edenside, Guardbridge, where Fraser trains with Raymond and Alistair Gatherum.
Defying his 23 years, Lively has been with the Reed family for the last 10 months, notching up numerous placings and winners in the interim time period.
Bell Baxter girls reach national finals (Rugby)
Girls from Bell Baxter High School will team up with others from further down the coast in the finals of a national (rugby) competition.
The pupils, all under 18, have reached the final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish schools competition along with their team mates from Levenmouth’s Buckhaven High School.
The finals will be held this Sunday, March 30 at Stirling County’s ground.
Similarly to the local school’s team make-up, the opposition on the day will also be a combined school side.
Facing Buckhaven and Bell Baxter will be a similar mixed Crieff and Perth high schools side.
The pupils, all under 18, have reached the final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish schools competition along with their team mates from Levenmouth’s Buckhaven High School.
The finals will be held this Sunday, March 30 at Stirling County’s ground.
Similarly to the local school’s team make-up, the opposition on the day will also be a combined school side.
Facing Buckhaven and Bell Baxter will be a similar mixed Crieff and Perth high schools side.
Breast stroke brothers mix with the nation's best
BY SPORTS TEAM
Twitter: ©fifeherald
@standrewscit
Brothers Lewis and Findlay Baillie competed last week in the finals of the Brodie’s Scottish Schools Finals in East Kilbride.
Lewis, a second-year pupil at Bell Baxter High School, qualified for the event last year at the Fife schools competition.
He was the second fastest in his age group for 200m breaststroke.
His younger brother Findlay, who attends Ceres Primary School, qualified at the same competition as the fastest Fifer in the 50m breaststroke.
Lewis, a membdr of ther Fife performance swim squad, trains 10 hours a week.
Findlay trains wir the Fife Development Squad and has recently enjoyed an upturn in his performances.
Swimming in the 50m pool at Dollan Baths, Findlay was first into the pool, racing a time of 44.48 seconds to place ninth in Scotland.
Lewis followed later in the day, swimming three seconds faster than his qualifying time to place tenth overall.
Head coach of Cupar and District Swimming Club, Mark Laing said: “Both Lewis and Findlay are naturally gifted breaststroke swimmers.
“They have a real drive to improve all of their strokes and I am confident that both of them have bright futures as swimmers, not just locally, but in national events, too. I am sure both of their schools are very proud of their performances."
Fife pupils lead the
way for the very first time
by Sports Team
Twitter: ©fifeherald @standrewscit
Youngsters from Bell Baxter were amongst the Fife contingent which returned victorious from the Sportshall Championships in Stirling.
For almost a decade Disability Sport Fife has been trying to identify a team of young athletes with a physical, sensory or learning disability to challenge for the team title.
In previous years, Fife teams have been placed as high as second but for the first time the Fife team topped the table against junior teams from Highland, Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway, West of Scotland and Tayside.
Sam Fernando and Dean Bruce from Bell Baxter played their part for the Kingdom side which was also helped by school teacher Fiona Stewart.
Teams compete throughout various running/pushing, throwing and jumping activities and all team members score team points.
Every team comprises five athletes with a learning disability and five athletes with a physical or sensory impairment.
There was strong competition for places in the Fife team, and Disability Sport Fife set a target this year of entering a full team for the first time in many years.
Most athletes attend one of the weekly Disability Sport Fife run/push, jump and throw sessions held at Pitreavie, Michael Woods Centre or Madras College.
Team captain Alex Fisher was thrilled with the performances of every athlete.
Twitter: ©fifeherald @standrewscit
Youngsters from Bell Baxter were amongst the Fife contingent which returned victorious from the Sportshall Championships in Stirling.
For almost a decade Disability Sport Fife has been trying to identify a team of young athletes with a physical, sensory or learning disability to challenge for the team title.
In previous years, Fife teams have been placed as high as second but for the first time the Fife team topped the table against junior teams from Highland, Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway, West of Scotland and Tayside.
Sam Fernando and Dean Bruce from Bell Baxter played their part for the Kingdom side which was also helped by school teacher Fiona Stewart.
Teams compete throughout various running/pushing, throwing and jumping activities and all team members score team points.
Every team comprises five athletes with a learning disability and five athletes with a physical or sensory impairment.
There was strong competition for places in the Fife team, and Disability Sport Fife set a target this year of entering a full team for the first time in many years.
Most athletes attend one of the weekly Disability Sport Fife run/push, jump and throw sessions held at Pitreavie, Michael Woods Centre or Madras College.
Team captain Alex Fisher was thrilled with the performances of every athlete.
Bell Baxter girls selected for Fife Olympiad karate squad
Two girls from Bell Baxter high school, Maxine Graham and Sarah Gatherer, recently attended selections to the 2014 Team Fife Karate Squad to represent the Kingdom at this year's Olympiad in Bergama, Turkey in June.
They will be travelling along with various team mates from other sports selected from the Fife high schools, aged between 14 and 17 years, to compete in the three year rotational against member twin towns from Turkey, Holland, France, Austria and Italy.
Stuart Maxwell, chief instructor for Shukokai Karate Academy Scotland said: "At the beginning of 2013,1 personally approached Fife education and Bell Baxter High School towards getting extra development time with my female karate students towards selections in 2014 for the Olympiad team.
"Along with Fife Active Schools, a new development class was set up at Bell Baxter on Friday afternoons from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m."This new venture has proved a great success with four girls from Shukokai Karate Team Fife being selected for the Olympiad karate squad.
"Two from Bell Baxter, one from Kirkcaldy High School and one from Auchmuty.
"Without this extra training time the girls might not have been successful at the selection process which was conducted by senior staff of the Scottish Karate Governing Body."
Along with Fife Council Active Schools, the development class is being opened to any prospective karate student from the age of 10 years for the Bell Baxter Primary School clusters.
Any parent looking for more information is invited to gym three at Bell Baxter on a Friday afternoon between 3.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.
They will be travelling along with various team mates from other sports selected from the Fife high schools, aged between 14 and 17 years, to compete in the three year rotational against member twin towns from Turkey, Holland, France, Austria and Italy.
Stuart Maxwell, chief instructor for Shukokai Karate Academy Scotland said: "At the beginning of 2013,1 personally approached Fife education and Bell Baxter High School towards getting extra development time with my female karate students towards selections in 2014 for the Olympiad team.
"Along with Fife Active Schools, a new development class was set up at Bell Baxter on Friday afternoons from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m."This new venture has proved a great success with four girls from Shukokai Karate Team Fife being selected for the Olympiad karate squad.
"Two from Bell Baxter, one from Kirkcaldy High School and one from Auchmuty.
"Without this extra training time the girls might not have been successful at the selection process which was conducted by senior staff of the Scottish Karate Governing Body."
Along with Fife Council Active Schools, the development class is being opened to any prospective karate student from the age of 10 years for the Bell Baxter Primary School clusters.
Any parent looking for more information is invited to gym three at Bell Baxter on a Friday afternoon between 3.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.
Praise for rugby ace despite debut defeat
by Dave Scott
[email protected]
Twitter: @fifeherald
Praise has come from various commentators and local lovers of the sport following Chris Fusaro’s first Six Nations game for his country.
The former Bell Baxter High School pupil from Cupar Muir 2 the No.7 jersey at I for the Calcutta Cup fixture against England.
While the scoreline was a huge disappointment for Scots, Chris’s performance certainly wasn’t as the Glasgow Warrior lived up to his team s name.
It is seven years since Chris (24) really came to the fore when he was a member of both the Bell Baxter and the Howe of Fife Rugby Club teams who collected national titles.
Bell Baxter won the prestigious Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools’ Cup, while the Howe squad collected the Scottish Youth League Cup.
School Rector Phil Black this week described Chris as “a real talent.” A former player himself, Phil said the Bell Baxter team won the Scottish schools’ title shortly before he took up his position at Cupar, but he still managed to bask in their glory.
“I am very thrilled and delighted that Chris received his first cap and believe he is an exceptional talent.”
He hoped that the final result did not detract from a very successful debut by Chris.
Members of the Howe packed into their Provost Wynd clubhouse in Cupar to watch the match on TV, with president, Bill Robertson, reporting that the premises were “buzzing.”
“Everyone within the place was really thrilled that Chris got his first cap - and hopes that he will get many more,” he added.
“He played really well and it’s a fantastic thing for the club to have two internationalists in the Scotland squad (the other being the injured Pete Home).” Chris signed for Glasgow
Warriors in 2010, establishing himself to great effect in 2011/12, when he became a key component of the pack, with his aggression and ball-winning ability at openside.
Named Warriors Player of the Season, and Players’ Player of the Season, he was rewarded with a long-term contract extension.
Before joining the Warriors, he represented Scotland A at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania. He also played for Scotland under 20 and under 18 as well as Caledonia under 16, under 17, and under 18.
He was also in the Bell Baxter team who won the Scottish Schools’ under 17 4 x 100m relay championship.
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Twitter: @fifeherald
Praise has come from various commentators and local lovers of the sport following Chris Fusaro’s first Six Nations game for his country.
The former Bell Baxter High School pupil from Cupar Muir 2 the No.7 jersey at I for the Calcutta Cup fixture against England.
While the scoreline was a huge disappointment for Scots, Chris’s performance certainly wasn’t as the Glasgow Warrior lived up to his team s name.
It is seven years since Chris (24) really came to the fore when he was a member of both the Bell Baxter and the Howe of Fife Rugby Club teams who collected national titles.
Bell Baxter won the prestigious Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools’ Cup, while the Howe squad collected the Scottish Youth League Cup.
School Rector Phil Black this week described Chris as “a real talent.” A former player himself, Phil said the Bell Baxter team won the Scottish schools’ title shortly before he took up his position at Cupar, but he still managed to bask in their glory.
“I am very thrilled and delighted that Chris received his first cap and believe he is an exceptional talent.”
He hoped that the final result did not detract from a very successful debut by Chris.
Members of the Howe packed into their Provost Wynd clubhouse in Cupar to watch the match on TV, with president, Bill Robertson, reporting that the premises were “buzzing.”
“Everyone within the place was really thrilled that Chris got his first cap - and hopes that he will get many more,” he added.
“He played really well and it’s a fantastic thing for the club to have two internationalists in the Scotland squad (the other being the injured Pete Home).” Chris signed for Glasgow
Warriors in 2010, establishing himself to great effect in 2011/12, when he became a key component of the pack, with his aggression and ball-winning ability at openside.
Named Warriors Player of the Season, and Players’ Player of the Season, he was rewarded with a long-term contract extension.
Before joining the Warriors, he represented Scotland A at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania. He also played for Scotland under 20 and under 18 as well as Caledonia under 16, under 17, and under 18.
He was also in the Bell Baxter team who won the Scottish Schools’ under 17 4 x 100m relay championship.
Bell Baxter boy wins international cap
by Dave Scott
[email protected]
Twitter: @fifeherald
Chris Fusaro, the former Howe of Fife and'Belt Baxter High School rugby star, made an impressive debut for Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
It was only announced last Thursday that the Cupar Muir-raised professional was to play his first game for his country in the RBS Six Nations Championship match against England.
The 24-year-old openside flanker said before the match: “I’m absolutely delighted. Being the Calcutta Cup, there’s no better game to get your first cap. I’m still pinching myself a bit.”
He replaced Kelly Brown and became Scotland’s 1052nd cap.
Although Scotland lost 0-20, commentators praised Chris’s solid performance on his international debut, with The Scotsman remarking that he “ran himself into the ground in a losing cause.”
Chris’s family made the trip to Murrayfield - and while they were disappointed at Scotland’s defeat - were immensely proud of him. Dad, Luigi, said: “We had a family meal after the game and a wee glass of bubbly to celebrate Chris’s first cap, which was a very special occasion. We are all very proud of him and happy that he managed to play so well.”
The family were also allowed into the Murrayfield changing rooms before the match.
Chris is still a regular visitor to Cupar and tries, whenever possible, to see his old Howe team in action at Duffus Park.
His uncle, Vince Fusaro, who runs the Luvians Bottle Shop in Cupar, said he was “extremely proud” of his nephew.
Chris was in the Scotland squad last year, but injury ruled out any possible chance of receiving a cap.
Scotland head coach, Scott Johnson, when announcing Chris’s place in the team, said his skills as a ball-winner on the deck had been key in the selectors’ deliberations.
“Fusaro is picked to do a certain role and we believe there’s an opportunity for him to do it,” he explained.
After the game, Chris said nobody liked to lose and defeat was hard to take.
“The whole occasion, warming up in front of 67,000 people was unreal and I will cherish those memories,” he said.
“It was a step up from club rugby in terms of the pace of the game and the physicality and I expected it will take a wee bit of time to adjust but, hopefully, I will get the chance to use it.
“There is always going to be pressure in international rugby and it being my first cap. What I tried to do was focus on my own job. The coaches brought me for that role, so that is what I tried to do. I tried my best. I tried to pick my moments and not to leave anything out there.”
[email protected]
Twitter: @fifeherald
Chris Fusaro, the former Howe of Fife and'Belt Baxter High School rugby star, made an impressive debut for Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
It was only announced last Thursday that the Cupar Muir-raised professional was to play his first game for his country in the RBS Six Nations Championship match against England.
The 24-year-old openside flanker said before the match: “I’m absolutely delighted. Being the Calcutta Cup, there’s no better game to get your first cap. I’m still pinching myself a bit.”
He replaced Kelly Brown and became Scotland’s 1052nd cap.
Although Scotland lost 0-20, commentators praised Chris’s solid performance on his international debut, with The Scotsman remarking that he “ran himself into the ground in a losing cause.”
Chris’s family made the trip to Murrayfield - and while they were disappointed at Scotland’s defeat - were immensely proud of him. Dad, Luigi, said: “We had a family meal after the game and a wee glass of bubbly to celebrate Chris’s first cap, which was a very special occasion. We are all very proud of him and happy that he managed to play so well.”
The family were also allowed into the Murrayfield changing rooms before the match.
Chris is still a regular visitor to Cupar and tries, whenever possible, to see his old Howe team in action at Duffus Park.
His uncle, Vince Fusaro, who runs the Luvians Bottle Shop in Cupar, said he was “extremely proud” of his nephew.
Chris was in the Scotland squad last year, but injury ruled out any possible chance of receiving a cap.
Scotland head coach, Scott Johnson, when announcing Chris’s place in the team, said his skills as a ball-winner on the deck had been key in the selectors’ deliberations.
“Fusaro is picked to do a certain role and we believe there’s an opportunity for him to do it,” he explained.
After the game, Chris said nobody liked to lose and defeat was hard to take.
“The whole occasion, warming up in front of 67,000 people was unreal and I will cherish those memories,” he said.
“It was a step up from club rugby in terms of the pace of the game and the physicality and I expected it will take a wee bit of time to adjust but, hopefully, I will get the chance to use it.
“There is always going to be pressure in international rugby and it being my first cap. What I tried to do was focus on my own job. The coaches brought me for that role, so that is what I tried to do. I tried my best. I tried to pick my moments and not to leave anything out there.”
Johnson's baffling choices backfire again
Scotland coach’s selections left his team doomed to fail all over the pitch. By Alan Campbell, Sunday Times 9 February 2014
IF CAPTAIN Kelly Brown was the scapegoat for Scotland’s opening Six Nations defeat against Ireland, the compelling evidence yesterday was that coach Scott Johnson fingered the wrong man. In one of the most embarrassingly one-sided Calcutta Cup matches ever played, Johnson’s team were rudderless, feckless and utterly outplayed by a much more powerful England side.
Binning Brown after just one,match of this campaign was always going to be contentious, but rarely can a decision have rebounded so badly. Another talismatic figure, Richie Gray, didn’t make Johnson’s bench either and yesterday’s lightweight side was swatted aside by England with ease.
Brown, of course, was played out of position by Johnson in Dublin. The coach replaced him with Chris Fusaro, an openside specialist who, just a few months ago, was told by Johnson that he couldn’t be considered for the Autumn Tests because he needed to improve aspects of his game. Meanwhile, the man widely regarded as the best openside in Scotland this season, Edinburgh’s Roddie Grant, isn’t even in Johnson’s plans.
Given the shambles all around him, it was impossible not to feel sorry for Fusaro, who never had a chance of making his mark. He could have had William Wallace and Robert the Bruce alongside him in the back row instead of David Denton and Ryan Wilson — and he would still have been unable to hurt England.
Denton, to be fair, was one of the few Scotland players to come out of the match with credit, carrying the ball more than any forward on either team in the first half. Yet, and seemingly not carrying an injury, he was replaced by Johnnie Beattie early in the second period.
The contrast between the two No 7s summed up the perceived differences between the teams going into the match — and the much worse reality.
England captain Chris Robshaw is all pedigree and experience, while Fusaro, although only three years younger, is raw in terms of international rugby.
The contrast was best typified by their schooling. Robshaw went to Millfield, an elite educational establishment with a strong emphasis on sport which has bred many future Olympians, as well as the great Welsh players Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams.
Bell Baxter High School in Cupar can’t compete with that, although, with Fusaro in the side, it did win the 2007 Scottish Schools Cup. Former pupils include former Solheim Cup captain Dale Reid and David Rollo, the prop forward who won 40 caps for Scotland.
The first of those, the 1959 Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham, exemplified the characteristics required of Fusaro yesterday. Rollo broke his nose early in the match, but returned to play his part in a 3-3 draw.
Continuing where they had left off in the second half at the Aviva stadium, Johnson’s side contributed to their own downfall with unforced errors, poor decision-making and, predictably led by Jim Hamilton, ill discipline.
It was the first time Scotland had failed to register a point against England since 1978. To repeat an old witticism, Johnson’s side were lucky to get nil.
IF CAPTAIN Kelly Brown was the scapegoat for Scotland’s opening Six Nations defeat against Ireland, the compelling evidence yesterday was that coach Scott Johnson fingered the wrong man. In one of the most embarrassingly one-sided Calcutta Cup matches ever played, Johnson’s team were rudderless, feckless and utterly outplayed by a much more powerful England side.
Binning Brown after just one,match of this campaign was always going to be contentious, but rarely can a decision have rebounded so badly. Another talismatic figure, Richie Gray, didn’t make Johnson’s bench either and yesterday’s lightweight side was swatted aside by England with ease.
Brown, of course, was played out of position by Johnson in Dublin. The coach replaced him with Chris Fusaro, an openside specialist who, just a few months ago, was told by Johnson that he couldn’t be considered for the Autumn Tests because he needed to improve aspects of his game. Meanwhile, the man widely regarded as the best openside in Scotland this season, Edinburgh’s Roddie Grant, isn’t even in Johnson’s plans.
Given the shambles all around him, it was impossible not to feel sorry for Fusaro, who never had a chance of making his mark. He could have had William Wallace and Robert the Bruce alongside him in the back row instead of David Denton and Ryan Wilson — and he would still have been unable to hurt England.
Denton, to be fair, was one of the few Scotland players to come out of the match with credit, carrying the ball more than any forward on either team in the first half. Yet, and seemingly not carrying an injury, he was replaced by Johnnie Beattie early in the second period.
The contrast between the two No 7s summed up the perceived differences between the teams going into the match — and the much worse reality.
England captain Chris Robshaw is all pedigree and experience, while Fusaro, although only three years younger, is raw in terms of international rugby.
The contrast was best typified by their schooling. Robshaw went to Millfield, an elite educational establishment with a strong emphasis on sport which has bred many future Olympians, as well as the great Welsh players Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams.
Bell Baxter High School in Cupar can’t compete with that, although, with Fusaro in the side, it did win the 2007 Scottish Schools Cup. Former pupils include former Solheim Cup captain Dale Reid and David Rollo, the prop forward who won 40 caps for Scotland.
The first of those, the 1959 Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham, exemplified the characteristics required of Fusaro yesterday. Rollo broke his nose early in the match, but returned to play his part in a 3-3 draw.
Continuing where they had left off in the second half at the Aviva stadium, Johnson’s side contributed to their own downfall with unforced errors, poor decision-making and, predictably led by Jim Hamilton, ill discipline.
It was the first time Scotland had failed to register a point against England since 1978. To repeat an old witticism, Johnson’s side were lucky to get nil.
Six Nations: Brown axed, Fusaro in for Scotland debut
By STEVE SCOTT, Dundee Courier 6 February 2014 1.02pm
Scotland captain Kelly Brown has been axed from the matchday squad for the Calcutta Cup match against England on Saturday as former Howe of Fife flanker Chris Fusaro will make his international debut.
Brown, skipper since the start of last year’s RBS 6 Nations, drops out of the squad along with British Lion Richie Gray, as Scott Johnson makes three changes to the side that lost 28-6 against Ireland, but Fusaro’s inclusion is the only change to the pack that so underperformed in Dublin.
Matt Scott returns in the centre for his first start in any rugby since the first Autumn Test against Japan in the first week of November, while Tommy Seymour, who played in all three autumn tests, replaces the injured Sean Maitland on the wing. Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw is captain.
Stefan swims to first place in Sheffield
BBHS FP Stefan Hoggan from Auchtermuchty and Carnegie Swimming Club put in an excellent performance at the British Senior Short Course Championships.
Stefan was one of five Fife swimmers at the event held at Ponds Forge in Sheffield, where he recorded one win and two third placed finishes.
The Fife swimmers made a significant contribution to an outstanding Scottish performance that included wins in three from four relays and a second place finish in the team competition.
The Scottish disability swim team is organised by Scottish Swimming and Disability Sport Fife is working hard with the clubs to increase the quality and quantity of high performance swimmers.
Stefan’s own successes came in the l00m butterfly where he took first place in a time of 1:06.69.
He also finished third in both the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle in 1:00.83 and 4:47-93 respectively. 2014 is a hugely important swimming year for Stefan as he attempts to gain a place in the Scottish Commonwealth Games team for the Para-Sport swimming events in Glasgow.
The youngest Fife swimmer in the Scottish team and swimming in the S10 class was Oliver Carter from Cupar and District Swimming Club.
Oliver recorded a series of sixth and seventh place finishes and his time of 5:12.03 for 400m freestyle was particularly impressive.
Stefan was one of five Fife swimmers at the event held at Ponds Forge in Sheffield, where he recorded one win and two third placed finishes.
The Fife swimmers made a significant contribution to an outstanding Scottish performance that included wins in three from four relays and a second place finish in the team competition.
The Scottish disability swim team is organised by Scottish Swimming and Disability Sport Fife is working hard with the clubs to increase the quality and quantity of high performance swimmers.
Stefan’s own successes came in the l00m butterfly where he took first place in a time of 1:06.69.
He also finished third in both the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle in 1:00.83 and 4:47-93 respectively. 2014 is a hugely important swimming year for Stefan as he attempts to gain a place in the Scottish Commonwealth Games team for the Para-Sport swimming events in Glasgow.
The youngest Fife swimmer in the Scottish team and swimming in the S10 class was Oliver Carter from Cupar and District Swimming Club.
Oliver recorded a series of sixth and seventh place finishes and his time of 5:12.03 for 400m freestyle was particularly impressive.
Swim wins for Fifers
Senior disability swimmers recorded impressive performances at the British Senior Short Course Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.
(BBHS FP) Stefan Hoggan and Oliver Carter made a big contribution to the outstanding overall performance from the Scottish team, which is organised by Scottish Swimming in conjunction with Scottish Disability Sport. The team notched up wins in three out of four relays and a second place finish in the team competition.
Stefan from Auchtermuchty and Carnegie Swimming Club had a successful championship with a win in 100m butterfly in 1:06.69 and third places in 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle in 1:00.83 and 4:47.93 respectively. And 2014 will be a hugely important swimming year for Stefan as he attempts to gain a place in the Scottish Commonwealth Games team for the Para-Sport swimming events in Glasgow.
Oliver, who swims with Cupar and District Swimming Club, was the youngest Fife swimmer in the Scottish team, competing in the S10 class. Despite being a novice in the Scottish Senior Team, he recorded a series of sixth and seventh place finishes and his time of 5:12.03 for 400m freestyle was particularly impressive.
The outstanding swimmer in the Fife contingent was once again Lucy Walkup from Glenrothes and the Carnegie Swimming Club.
Lucy had six swims and set a new short course world 100m breaststroke record in 1:16.45.
(BBHS FP) Stefan Hoggan and Oliver Carter made a big contribution to the outstanding overall performance from the Scottish team, which is organised by Scottish Swimming in conjunction with Scottish Disability Sport. The team notched up wins in three out of four relays and a second place finish in the team competition.
Stefan from Auchtermuchty and Carnegie Swimming Club had a successful championship with a win in 100m butterfly in 1:06.69 and third places in 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle in 1:00.83 and 4:47.93 respectively. And 2014 will be a hugely important swimming year for Stefan as he attempts to gain a place in the Scottish Commonwealth Games team for the Para-Sport swimming events in Glasgow.
Oliver, who swims with Cupar and District Swimming Club, was the youngest Fife swimmer in the Scottish team, competing in the S10 class. Despite being a novice in the Scottish Senior Team, he recorded a series of sixth and seventh place finishes and his time of 5:12.03 for 400m freestyle was particularly impressive.
The outstanding swimmer in the Fife contingent was once again Lucy Walkup from Glenrothes and the Carnegie Swimming Club.
Lucy had six swims and set a new short course world 100m breaststroke record in 1:16.45.
Olympiad team plans Turkey 2014 visit
by Matthew Elder
[email protected]
@mattelder_ffp
The Commonwealth Games may be coming to Scotland next year, but a group of Fife youngsters are heading overseas to take part in their own international sporting event. The Fife Olympiad group was started back in 1978 as a result of conversations between the German town of Boeblingen and its six twin towns - one of which is Glenrothes.
It was decided to create a sports competition for secondary school pupils, held every three years at the various twin towns, involving the core sports of football, athletics, badminton, basketball, judo, karate, table tennis, swimming and volleyball.
Fife sent around 180 youngsters and coaches to the last Olympiad event held in Alba, Italy, in 2011, bringing home many medals and memories from the various sports.
And the Fife Olympiad committee, made up of dedicated volunteers with support from Fife Council, is now planning the next trip to Bergama, Turkey, which hosts the 14th Olympiad in June 2014.
John Vaughan, Fife Olympiad spokesman, explained: “It’s one of the most unique events of its kind and I don’t think it’s replicated in many other places.
“It gives the children the feeling of competing in an Olympic Games with the lighting of the flame, the opening ceremony, followed by the various competitions, and then a closing ceremony.
“The ethos is to use sport as a vehicle for youngsters to get to meet their opposite numbers in other countries, and to see these countries in a different light in terms of the social and cultural aspects.
“It is solely aimed at school children in Fife between 13 and 17 and we know that just about every single secondary school across Fife has been represented at previous Olympiads.
“Since it started, around 2200 young people from Fife have taken part. We think this is a really great experience for young people.”
Fife is planning to take 130 children and 18 coaches to Turkey - an expensive trip that will run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Funding has always provided a challenge for the Olympiad committee and without sufficient sponsorship or grants the whole trip could be in jeopardy.
Anyone wishing to support and sponsor the Fife Olympiad can email John for further detailsat[email protected].
[email protected]
@mattelder_ffp
The Commonwealth Games may be coming to Scotland next year, but a group of Fife youngsters are heading overseas to take part in their own international sporting event. The Fife Olympiad group was started back in 1978 as a result of conversations between the German town of Boeblingen and its six twin towns - one of which is Glenrothes.
It was decided to create a sports competition for secondary school pupils, held every three years at the various twin towns, involving the core sports of football, athletics, badminton, basketball, judo, karate, table tennis, swimming and volleyball.
Fife sent around 180 youngsters and coaches to the last Olympiad event held in Alba, Italy, in 2011, bringing home many medals and memories from the various sports.
And the Fife Olympiad committee, made up of dedicated volunteers with support from Fife Council, is now planning the next trip to Bergama, Turkey, which hosts the 14th Olympiad in June 2014.
John Vaughan, Fife Olympiad spokesman, explained: “It’s one of the most unique events of its kind and I don’t think it’s replicated in many other places.
“It gives the children the feeling of competing in an Olympic Games with the lighting of the flame, the opening ceremony, followed by the various competitions, and then a closing ceremony.
“The ethos is to use sport as a vehicle for youngsters to get to meet their opposite numbers in other countries, and to see these countries in a different light in terms of the social and cultural aspects.
“It is solely aimed at school children in Fife between 13 and 17 and we know that just about every single secondary school across Fife has been represented at previous Olympiads.
“Since it started, around 2200 young people from Fife have taken part. We think this is a really great experience for young people.”
Fife is planning to take 130 children and 18 coaches to Turkey - an expensive trip that will run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Funding has always provided a challenge for the Olympiad committee and without sufficient sponsorship or grants the whole trip could be in jeopardy.
Anyone wishing to support and sponsor the Fife Olympiad can email John for further detailsat[email protected].
Bell Baxter unable to make a semi-final spot theirs
Local school's rugby competition ends at the quarter final stage
by Logan Robertson
@fifeherald
@standrewscit
North Berwick............... 50
Bell Baxter..................... .15
Bell Baxter and North Berwick faced off with each other in the quarter final of the Brewin Dolphin Schools Shield Competition.
From the start both sides looked very physical and the first five minutes was a battle of the forwards.
A shock break by the North Berwick centre led to a good one man try to make the score 5-0 with an unsuccessful conversion.
The first try gave North Berwick the confidence to run in two more tries with one successful conversion.
Bell Baxter took too long to get into the game but the crowd got behind the team and this gave winger Keir Anderson the confidence to make an outstanding run with a massive hand off.
A skilful off-load to Ross McFarlane allowed him to run in the try from the 22m line.
North Berwick hit back with an impressive line break from their powerful outside centre which resulted in another try for the away team before the half time whistle.
North Berwick added further converted scores.
Ross McFarlane of Bell Baxter made a grubber kick which resulted in Alasdair Chalmers chasing and diving on the ball over the try line.
Towards the end of the game Bell Baxter put pressure on North Berwick in their 22m which resulted in referee Russell Ferguson awarding a penalty to the attacking team.
Bell Baxter took a quick tap and pass to the powerful Dahir Gallo who offloaded to Joe Forrester to dive in for a try.
Bell Baxter coach Brodie Runciman said: “It is a disappointing result but we were just outplayed by a very big and strong running team. It gives us some areas we need to work on for our next game.”
The Bell Baxter.man of the match was awarded to Stuart Dawson.
Report submitted by Brewin Dolphin Young Sport Writers Challenge contestant fourth year pupil Logan Robertson.
@fifeherald
@standrewscit
North Berwick............... 50
Bell Baxter..................... .15
Bell Baxter and North Berwick faced off with each other in the quarter final of the Brewin Dolphin Schools Shield Competition.
From the start both sides looked very physical and the first five minutes was a battle of the forwards.
A shock break by the North Berwick centre led to a good one man try to make the score 5-0 with an unsuccessful conversion.
The first try gave North Berwick the confidence to run in two more tries with one successful conversion.
Bell Baxter took too long to get into the game but the crowd got behind the team and this gave winger Keir Anderson the confidence to make an outstanding run with a massive hand off.
A skilful off-load to Ross McFarlane allowed him to run in the try from the 22m line.
North Berwick hit back with an impressive line break from their powerful outside centre which resulted in another try for the away team before the half time whistle.
North Berwick added further converted scores.
Ross McFarlane of Bell Baxter made a grubber kick which resulted in Alasdair Chalmers chasing and diving on the ball over the try line.
Towards the end of the game Bell Baxter put pressure on North Berwick in their 22m which resulted in referee Russell Ferguson awarding a penalty to the attacking team.
Bell Baxter took a quick tap and pass to the powerful Dahir Gallo who offloaded to Joe Forrester to dive in for a try.
Bell Baxter coach Brodie Runciman said: “It is a disappointing result but we were just outplayed by a very big and strong running team. It gives us some areas we need to work on for our next game.”
The Bell Baxter.man of the match was awarded to Stuart Dawson.
Report submitted by Brewin Dolphin Young Sport Writers Challenge contestant fourth year pupil Logan Robertson.
Facebook message from Stefan Hoggan
Stefan wrote: "It is crazy to think that Sarah Kelly, Andrew Hood and myself could all make the Commonwealth Games next year in Glasgow and we were all in the same class at school. Bell Baxter did us well!"
Good Luck to all three of them! We look forward to watching them perform and will report their success here.
Good Luck to all three of them! We look forward to watching them perform and will report their success here.
Ollie makes a splash
CUPAR and District Swimming Club member Ollie Carter has been rewarded for the hard work he's put in in the pool over the past few months.
The 13-year-old from Dairsie has been invited to join the Fife Performance Swim Squad on a part time basis, swimming with the squad on a Wednesday evening, Friday evening and Saturday morning.
A first year pupil at Bell Baxter High School, Ollie has been swimming as part of the FPSS for the last few months and has impressed the lead coach, John Dougall.
He is also currently being assessed for paralympic classification and hopes to be certificated in the next few weeks.
Ollie favours distance events in swimming.
This latest invitation now brings Cupar's participation in the Fife Performance Swim Squad up to four part-time and one full-time member.
Cupar lead coach, Mark Laing, said: "Ollie's drive and determination are an inspiration to all his fellow swimmers at Cupar and his place at FPSS is well-deserved and well-earned.
"He is a powerful and committed swimmer."
Nina does herself proud in Ypres
VAULTING AMBITION: From left -Tara Foster, Sophie Curran, Fiona Cameron (coach) and Nina Revell.
Back from Belgium with a bulging haul of medals
BY SCOTT INGLIS
[email protected]
A FOURTH-year Bell Baxter High School pupil travelled to Ypres in Belgium to compete in the Lucien Mus Cup - an international gymnastics spectacular.
The competition attracted teams from Belgium, France, Holland, Germany, Scotland and England.
Local teen Nina Revell was part of a 12- strong team representing Auchterarder Gymnastics Club.
The senior team, made up of Nina, Maryth Hunter, Sophie Gurran and Tara Forster, returned victorious with the winning trophy.
They also won an impressive haul of individual medals. Nina won three bronze medals for beam, floor and vault.
Proud mum Kirsten, who is also on the board at the gymnastics club, said the youngster "thoroughly enjoyed" the competition.
She said: "They trained at the gym on Friday and spent time visiting the war memorials before hitting the local chocolate shops in Ypres."Although the purpose of the trip was to compete, the girls also enjoyed spending time in Ypres.
"Having competed in the same competition two years ago when her team finished second, it was great to come first this time.
"Nina's routines went well and she was happy with her performances.
"She had been working hard in the gym perfecting her skills prior to the competition and was very pleased to perform well.
"There was a great team spirit and all the girls supported one and other.
"All the coaches at the gym have worked hard to get the team ready for the competition and head coach Fiona Cameron was very proud of all the girls."
The senior team finished in first place, the Junior B team finished fourth and the Junior A team in ninth place overall.
Head coach Fiona Cameron said the competition had been a success in terms of results and that a fun weekend and good experience was had by all.
BY SCOTT INGLIS
[email protected]
A FOURTH-year Bell Baxter High School pupil travelled to Ypres in Belgium to compete in the Lucien Mus Cup - an international gymnastics spectacular.
The competition attracted teams from Belgium, France, Holland, Germany, Scotland and England.
Local teen Nina Revell was part of a 12- strong team representing Auchterarder Gymnastics Club.
The senior team, made up of Nina, Maryth Hunter, Sophie Gurran and Tara Forster, returned victorious with the winning trophy.
They also won an impressive haul of individual medals. Nina won three bronze medals for beam, floor and vault.
Proud mum Kirsten, who is also on the board at the gymnastics club, said the youngster "thoroughly enjoyed" the competition.
She said: "They trained at the gym on Friday and spent time visiting the war memorials before hitting the local chocolate shops in Ypres."Although the purpose of the trip was to compete, the girls also enjoyed spending time in Ypres.
"Having competed in the same competition two years ago when her team finished second, it was great to come first this time.
"Nina's routines went well and she was happy with her performances.
"She had been working hard in the gym perfecting her skills prior to the competition and was very pleased to perform well.
"There was a great team spirit and all the girls supported one and other.
"All the coaches at the gym have worked hard to get the team ready for the competition and head coach Fiona Cameron was very proud of all the girls."
The senior team finished in first place, the Junior B team finished fourth and the Junior A team in ninth place overall.
Head coach Fiona Cameron said the competition had been a success in terms of results and that a fun weekend and good experience was had by all.
Medal haul for swimmer Kirsty at national championships
CUPAR swimmer Kirsty Simpson stepped up a gear last week when she notched up six new personal best times and set a new Scottish record for her age group.
The 17-year-old, who started her competitive career with Cupar Swimming Club and now swims with Dundee City Aquatics, was competing at the five-day Scottish Gas National Age Group Championships at the Commonwealth Pool.
She picked up a gold medal in the 100m freestyle with a time of 57.83s and three silvers, in the 200m backstroke (2.20.01), 100m backstroke (1.04.09) - just being pipped at the touch by less than half a second by Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley - and 100 fly (1.02.96).
She also won bronze in the 200m IM (2.21.04), which saw her finish just behind another Olympian, this time Kerri-Anne Payne, and 200m freestyle (2.05.21).
All except the 200m backstroke were PBs, as was her time of 26.88 in the 50m freestyle.
Her time for the 100m backstroke was a new Scottish age group record.
Marathon of a 50th birthday for Eric
By Liz Rougvie
[email protected]
Cupar stroke survivor storms the Bastille
A CUPAR stroke survivor has marked his 50th birthday by taking part in the Paris Marathon to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.
Eric Thomson, who is principal teacher of biology at Bell Baxter High School, finished the gruelling run in an impressive time of four hours and six minutes.
‘The course was very .challenging - more so than my previous marathon in Edinburgh,’ he said.
‘The statistics show this with thousands of runners failing to finish.’
With some 50,000 entrants, the Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest, ranking alongside New York and London, and this year over 100 nations were represented.
‘The start of the race was really quite hectic,’ said Eric.
He said it seemed as if the entire world had decided to be in Paris for the day of the event and, running across the square where the notorious prison of the Bastille once stood, through fireworks and firecrackers, created an electric atmosphere never to be forgotten.
Eric continued: ‘Paris is a very beautiful city and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially running along the Seine past the Eiffel Tower.
‘My wife Lesley and my two daughters, Julia and Katie, were cheering me on at La Bastille on two occasions which really helped.
‘The French people love their sport and were very vocal and supportive all along the course.
‘The Paris Marathon always ends in a state of euphoria, with the satisfaction of a difficult goal achieved.
‘I vaguely remember the last few miles of the course - and that is without the wine at 35km - and felt so relieved to see the finish line on the incredibly beautiful Avenue Foch, ending a fantastic journey around a truly remarkable city.’
Eric, who ran in aid of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, suffered a stroke in 2006, which affected his speech and movement down his left side.
He has now fully recovered and along the way has raised over £7000 for the Scottish Stroke Association as well as CHSS.
[email protected]
Cupar stroke survivor storms the Bastille
A CUPAR stroke survivor has marked his 50th birthday by taking part in the Paris Marathon to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.
Eric Thomson, who is principal teacher of biology at Bell Baxter High School, finished the gruelling run in an impressive time of four hours and six minutes.
‘The course was very .challenging - more so than my previous marathon in Edinburgh,’ he said.
‘The statistics show this with thousands of runners failing to finish.’
With some 50,000 entrants, the Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest, ranking alongside New York and London, and this year over 100 nations were represented.
‘The start of the race was really quite hectic,’ said Eric.
He said it seemed as if the entire world had decided to be in Paris for the day of the event and, running across the square where the notorious prison of the Bastille once stood, through fireworks and firecrackers, created an electric atmosphere never to be forgotten.
Eric continued: ‘Paris is a very beautiful city and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially running along the Seine past the Eiffel Tower.
‘My wife Lesley and my two daughters, Julia and Katie, were cheering me on at La Bastille on two occasions which really helped.
‘The French people love their sport and were very vocal and supportive all along the course.
‘The Paris Marathon always ends in a state of euphoria, with the satisfaction of a difficult goal achieved.
‘I vaguely remember the last few miles of the course - and that is without the wine at 35km - and felt so relieved to see the finish line on the incredibly beautiful Avenue Foch, ending a fantastic journey around a truly remarkable city.’
Eric, who ran in aid of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, suffered a stroke in 2006, which affected his speech and movement down his left side.
He has now fully recovered and along the way has raised over £7000 for the Scottish Stroke Association as well as CHSS.
Last minute drama in Murrayfield Final
SHARED GLORY: Team captalns Oliver Ryan (Jedburgh) and Murdo Sinclair (Bell Baxter) wtth the shared plate.
Jedburgh Grammar School.........15
Bell Baxter High School..............15
A LAST gasp penalty from Bell Baxter ensured they shared the Brewin Dolphin under 16 plate with Jedburgh GS.
The flxture was played at Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby, and Callum Harris's effort with the last kick of the game was a fitting end to a pulsating clash and capped a fine comeback by the local school.
Harris's strike for offside from around 35 metres tied the scores at 15-all with the Fifers having recovered from a 5-15 deficit with around ten minutes of play remaining.
Their finale was engineered by livewire diminutive full-back Kieran Bremner who wove his way through the Jed defence for a stunning individual try, which Harris had converted.
Bremner had hinted from the early stages that, given space, he would seek to attack the Jed defence. Jed had a try by Robbie Yourston ruled out for a forward pass in the opening exchanges.
From Bremner's first flourish, Bell Baxter surged over for the first points of the night - a try by tight-head prop Marc Duncan.
Kieran Slingsby in the Jed back-row had to make a try-saving tackle on his own line as Bell Baxter continued to make the better Impression.
When Jed had stand-off Elüot Stewart yellow-carded for obstruction, it looked as if the Fifers could benefit.
Instead, with number eight Grant Paxton leading the forward effort, Jed started to gain the ascendancy.
Yourston notched a penalty and then scrum-half Gary Munro showed all the qualities expected of the number nine royal blue Jersey to snipe in for the Borderers' first try. Yourston converted to give Jed a 10-5 lead at the interval.
Into the second-half and Jed flanker John Feeney extended their lead with a try and when loose-head prop Gary Clarkson was held up over the line from another rumbustious break from man of the match Munro.
It was hard to see a way back for Bell Baxter until Bremner conjured the opening somehow and the thrilling finish ensued. Bell Baxter HS - Kieran Bremner; Callum Fox, Euan Muir, Callum Harris, Kieran Brouqh; Liam San Roman, Euan Harris; Ross Stockton, Murdo Sinclair captain, Marc Duncan, Stuart Dawson, Ryan Batehup, Cameron Eggelstone, Gavin Murray and Callum Stuart. Subs: Greg Armit, Steven Dalrymple, Jack Tuft, Ewan Jenks, Cameron Lonie, Jack Richardson and Matthew McDougall.
Bell Baxter High School..............15
A LAST gasp penalty from Bell Baxter ensured they shared the Brewin Dolphin under 16 plate with Jedburgh GS.
The flxture was played at Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby, and Callum Harris's effort with the last kick of the game was a fitting end to a pulsating clash and capped a fine comeback by the local school.
Harris's strike for offside from around 35 metres tied the scores at 15-all with the Fifers having recovered from a 5-15 deficit with around ten minutes of play remaining.
Their finale was engineered by livewire diminutive full-back Kieran Bremner who wove his way through the Jed defence for a stunning individual try, which Harris had converted.
Bremner had hinted from the early stages that, given space, he would seek to attack the Jed defence. Jed had a try by Robbie Yourston ruled out for a forward pass in the opening exchanges.
From Bremner's first flourish, Bell Baxter surged over for the first points of the night - a try by tight-head prop Marc Duncan.
Kieran Slingsby in the Jed back-row had to make a try-saving tackle on his own line as Bell Baxter continued to make the better Impression.
When Jed had stand-off Elüot Stewart yellow-carded for obstruction, it looked as if the Fifers could benefit.
Instead, with number eight Grant Paxton leading the forward effort, Jed started to gain the ascendancy.
Yourston notched a penalty and then scrum-half Gary Munro showed all the qualities expected of the number nine royal blue Jersey to snipe in for the Borderers' first try. Yourston converted to give Jed a 10-5 lead at the interval.
Into the second-half and Jed flanker John Feeney extended their lead with a try and when loose-head prop Gary Clarkson was held up over the line from another rumbustious break from man of the match Munro.
It was hard to see a way back for Bell Baxter until Bremner conjured the opening somehow and the thrilling finish ensued. Bell Baxter HS - Kieran Bremner; Callum Fox, Euan Muir, Callum Harris, Kieran Brouqh; Liam San Roman, Euan Harris; Ross Stockton, Murdo Sinclair captain, Marc Duncan, Stuart Dawson, Ryan Batehup, Cameron Eggelstone, Gavin Murray and Callum Stuart. Subs: Greg Armit, Steven Dalrymple, Jack Tuft, Ewan Jenks, Cameron Lonie, Jack Richardson and Matthew McDougall.
Bell Baxter pupil packs his boots for Wellington
A BELL BAXTER High School pupil has been called up for national Service as part of the U16 Scotland rugby team.
Calum Harris, an S4 pupil and member of Howe Rugby Club, has secured his position in the team who are travelling to Wellington, Berkshire, to play matches against England, Wales and France during the first week of the Easter holidays.
They played their first match against Newcastle Falcons last Sunday (24 March) at Murrayfield Stadium.
Calum, along with other Howe boys, took part in the Fif e and Tayside rugby programme last summer and from this was selected with another S4 pupil, Keiran Bremner, to be part of the U16 Scotland Development programme for coaches to have a closer look at and assess.
Calum, Keiran and Ollie Davidson (Howe/Glenalmond School) were then selected to play for the Caledonia team before the regional matches between Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Borders then took place at Murrayfield.
It was from these matches that Calum was invited to the Scotland trials where he, like 26 other boys in Scotland, was selected for the final U16 squad.
Howe have had further representation at a higher level of performance, with Callum Stuart, Lome Christie and Dennis Potter, all boys in S5 at Bell Baxter, recently playing for the U17 Caledonia team.
The boys played regional matches against Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Borders at Murrayfield.
From these matches, Dennis has landed a trial for the U17 Scotland squad, which will be visiting Spain for a two-week training Session in the summer.
All these boys are another success story for the Howe of Fif e rugby club youth rugby programme.
Calum Harris, an S4 pupil and member of Howe Rugby Club, has secured his position in the team who are travelling to Wellington, Berkshire, to play matches against England, Wales and France during the first week of the Easter holidays.
They played their first match against Newcastle Falcons last Sunday (24 March) at Murrayfield Stadium.
Calum, along with other Howe boys, took part in the Fif e and Tayside rugby programme last summer and from this was selected with another S4 pupil, Keiran Bremner, to be part of the U16 Scotland Development programme for coaches to have a closer look at and assess.
Calum, Keiran and Ollie Davidson (Howe/Glenalmond School) were then selected to play for the Caledonia team before the regional matches between Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Borders then took place at Murrayfield.
It was from these matches that Calum was invited to the Scotland trials where he, like 26 other boys in Scotland, was selected for the final U16 squad.
Howe have had further representation at a higher level of performance, with Callum Stuart, Lome Christie and Dennis Potter, all boys in S5 at Bell Baxter, recently playing for the U17 Caledonia team.
The boys played regional matches against Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Borders at Murrayfield.
From these matches, Dennis has landed a trial for the U17 Scotland squad, which will be visiting Spain for a two-week training Session in the summer.
All these boys are another success story for the Howe of Fif e rugby club youth rugby programme.
President Gina
Gina Logan was installed as President of the Scottish Swimming Association at its AGM last month. This is a well-deserved honour for someone who has given so much of herself as competitor, trainer and organiser over so many years. Bell Baxter FP Association sends its warmest congratulations and wishes Gina every success in her new appointment.
Here is how the Fife Herald reported the news:
A CUPAR swimming teacher has gone a long way since, as a child, her three elder brothers atempted to cast her adrift in the River Tay!
Well known for teaching at Cupar pool and Fife Institute, Gina has already received national recognition for her talents, being appointed depute general team manager for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (2006), Dehli (2010) and next year in Glasgow.
And, just last month (February 2013) she was named President of the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association!
Gina's involvement in the administration side of swimming began äs a result of her five children becoming accomplished swimmers at their local dub, Cupar & District, where even today they still hold club records.
At the same time Gina continued in her profession äs a teacher of Physical Education at Fife Institute - part of which was teaching all age groups to swim and working with Disability swimming and Gala Convenor for Fife Schools swimming for 10 years.
As always in sport administration there is a natural progression from Club to Region to District and Gina soon became Fife Swimming convenor and latterly convenor of Fife Region, and also secretary of East District.
She has also been instrumental in the.establishment of the Fife Performance squad - a long ambition to see Fife Performance swimmers have the opportunity to train in Fife.
Through her position as East District secretary she became a member of Council of Scottish Swimming, later vice-president and so to her position now as president of Scottish Swimming and member of the Board of Directors of Scottish Swimming.
Gina told the Herald there was only one drawback to being installed as president of Scottish Swimming on a Saturday; she had to get someone eise to take her classes at Cupar pool!
She teaches there most days and in spite of all her other tasks and duties in swimming she loves teaching all ages to be confident in the water and enjoy the benefits of being able to swim.
Former Howe stars join Scottish squad
Chris Fusaro (left) and Peter Horne in action at the Junior World Cup
Fusaro and Horne in new-look national pool
From the Fife Herald 18 January 2013
by DAVE SCOTT
[email protected]
T WO former Howe of Fife players, Chris Fusaro and Pete Horne, have been Included in the 35-strong first Scotland squad.
Back row forward Chris and back Pete are among the 10 uncapped players named this week by interim head coach Scott Johnston.
The 25-Strong squad will convene in Glasgow on Sunday for a three-day training camp ahead of the RBS 6 Nations Championship.
The 23-year-olds, who both play for Glasgow Warriors, attended Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, playing for both the school and Howe.
They were part of the group of local youngsters who achieved a rare double, playing in the Bell Baxter team who won the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools' Cup and then in the Howe of Fife squad who lifted the Scottish Youth League Cup.
They went on to play for Scotiand under-19s and under-20s as well äs Scotiand 7s.
In 2011, Chris signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors that will keep him with the club until at least the end of May 2014.
He initially joined Warriors on a two-year deal in March 2010. He established himself as a key member of the Glasgow team in 2011/12, noted for his aggression and ball-winning ability.
He was voted Warriors' 2011/12-Player of the Year by the club's fans, having already been named Players' Player of the Season and the club's Player of the Season.
Pete made his debut for Glasgow Warriors as a replacement in the Magners League match against Ulster in March 2009.
He was awarded a full-time Scotland 7s contract last season in the lead up to the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series after captaining Glasgow Warriors to victory in the Glasgow City Sevens.
Injury restricted his involvement in the abbreviated game but he has made seven tournament appearances for Scotland and has topped a Century of points through 17 tries and nine conversions.
He moved from Howe of Fife to West of Scotland for 2008/09 and has also played club rugby for Dundee HSFP and Melrose.
From the Fife Herald 18 January 2013
by DAVE SCOTT
[email protected]
T WO former Howe of Fife players, Chris Fusaro and Pete Horne, have been Included in the 35-strong first Scotland squad.
Back row forward Chris and back Pete are among the 10 uncapped players named this week by interim head coach Scott Johnston.
The 25-Strong squad will convene in Glasgow on Sunday for a three-day training camp ahead of the RBS 6 Nations Championship.
The 23-year-olds, who both play for Glasgow Warriors, attended Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, playing for both the school and Howe.
They were part of the group of local youngsters who achieved a rare double, playing in the Bell Baxter team who won the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools' Cup and then in the Howe of Fife squad who lifted the Scottish Youth League Cup.
They went on to play for Scotiand under-19s and under-20s as well äs Scotiand 7s.
In 2011, Chris signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors that will keep him with the club until at least the end of May 2014.
He initially joined Warriors on a two-year deal in March 2010. He established himself as a key member of the Glasgow team in 2011/12, noted for his aggression and ball-winning ability.
He was voted Warriors' 2011/12-Player of the Year by the club's fans, having already been named Players' Player of the Season and the club's Player of the Season.
Pete made his debut for Glasgow Warriors as a replacement in the Magners League match against Ulster in March 2009.
He was awarded a full-time Scotland 7s contract last season in the lead up to the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series after captaining Glasgow Warriors to victory in the Glasgow City Sevens.
Injury restricted his involvement in the abbreviated game but he has made seven tournament appearances for Scotland and has topped a Century of points through 17 tries and nine conversions.
He moved from Howe of Fife to West of Scotland for 2008/09 and has also played club rugby for Dundee HSFP and Melrose.
Former pupil returns to seek out future Scottish & Fife Olympiad Champions
Stuart Maxwell, Chief instructor of the Shukokai Karate Academy Scotland - and a former pupil of the then Bell Baxter Junior high School and Bell Baxter Senior High year 1966 to 1970, has along with Fife Council Sport Development returned to Bell Baxter to teach Karate and Self Defence classes to senior pupils on Friday afternoons 3-30pm to 5pm with a brand new after school class. This class is open to P6 & P7 primary school students and all 12 years to 18 years senior students. These classes may well be beneficial to teaching staff as well! We already have 7 senior girls from Bell Baxter attending. Some are members of SKAS and are already on the Karate International Circuit. The idea behind these classes is to give an opportunity to all pupils in the north east Fife area eventually to 'Attend Selection' to become part of the Fife Olympiad Team Fife for Turkey 2014 & Germany 2017 and to give all an equal opportunity to to compete at Scottish and British Karate Events in the calendar year. Remembering that our Academy is already very successful in a higher capacity with students able and disabled competing regularly at European and World Sanctioned events. Any present student of Karate is welcome to attend but must be a part of the Scottish Karate Governing Body. We are especially looking for young females to compete in 'Three In A Team' and Individual categories and, unlike other sports, there is no seclusion in our Academy.as every student is recognised on his/her merit's! The aforementioned is only a synopsis of what is Available in our Martial Arts Academy. Please go to http://www.shukokaikarateclassesinfife.co.uk/ or follow us on Facebook Shukokai Karate Academy Scotland
Stuart Maxwell KOI.WKF.EKF.BKF.SKGB
Take a look at our Karate sub-page for a series of slides showing just how enjoyable this sport can be.
Stuart Maxwell KOI.WKF.EKF.BKF.SKGB
Take a look at our Karate sub-page for a series of slides showing just how enjoyable this sport can be.
School runners on form
BELL Baxter High School pupils were amongst those taking part in the recent Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) East Cross Country Series at Peffermill Playing Fields, Edinburgh.
Local youngsters were in outstaitding form in the S1 Section in particular, with one athlete taking top spot
Dean Bruce from Bell Baxter led the field to race home in a time of 5:41, second place went to Stuart Taylor from Balwearie High School in 5:45 and third place went to Reece Dickson, also from Balwearie High School, who finished in 6:03.
The next scheduled event in the cross country programme will be the National Championships which are staged in March.
Local youngsters were in outstaitding form in the S1 Section in particular, with one athlete taking top spot
Dean Bruce from Bell Baxter led the field to race home in a time of 5:41, second place went to Stuart Taylor from Balwearie High School in 5:45 and third place went to Reece Dickson, also from Balwearie High School, who finished in 6:03.
The next scheduled event in the cross country programme will be the National Championships which are staged in March.
Alex the karate kid
A 14 year-old Strathmiglo lad is to take part in the JKS karate World Championships in Tokyo in July.
Alex McIntyre has been selected for the Scotland squad in the individual and team events.
A third year pupil at Bell Baxter High School, Alex has had a successful year, winning a third in the team kata at the JKS National Competition, third in paired kata at the British Karate Federation Championships and first in individual and team karate at the Blackburn Invitational Competition.
He has been chosen to represent Scotland at both kumite and kata at the JKS Ireland Open Competition in May.
Alex trains at the main JKS dojo in Dunfermline and at the JKS Perth dojo.
A fundraiser held in Strath Tavern for his Japan trip raised an impressive £520.
Bell Baxter U16s secure place in Murrayfield final
Bell Baxter U-16........................52
Wellington School U16............19
BELL Baxter Under-16s put on a display of high-tempo running rugby that was as exciting as it was effective to defeat the visitors.
The Cupar team opened the scoring when Kieran Brough barged over from short range. Calum 'Buc' Harris secured the extras. Wellington crossed over to reduce the leeway, but couldn't convert.
Liam San Roman touched down to restore Bell Baxter's advantage and the conversion extended it.
Euan Muir was next on the score sheet with a converted try and Harris rounded off the first half with a superb individual effort.
Harris slotted the conversion that followed San Roman's second period opener, then added seven points himself.
The final minutes of the game produced two more scores apiece in testament to the attacking mindset of both teams, Euan Muir and Keiran Bremner picking up the Bell Baxter points to make it 52-19.
This performance, like this game, was a long time coming but was well worth the wait.
If some of the handling skills looked a little awry at times, and match fitness looked a little suspect towards the end, this could be forgiven when one considers the paucity of preparation time afforded them by the weather.
Bell Baxter more than compensated for any ring-rustiness in the passion, commitment and sheer determination they brought to the fight.
Wellington were aggressive and positive throughout and contributed massively to the spectacle, but in the end the men from Ayr were soundly beaten.
Bell Baxter now face the prospect of challenging Jedburgh, the current holders of the Brewin Dolphin Plate, in the final at Murrayfield in what will be the biggest match the school has been involved in for some time.
It is to be hoped that äs many supporters äs possible from the töwn and the school make the trip to cheer the team on.
Wellington School U16............19
BELL Baxter Under-16s put on a display of high-tempo running rugby that was as exciting as it was effective to defeat the visitors.
The Cupar team opened the scoring when Kieran Brough barged over from short range. Calum 'Buc' Harris secured the extras. Wellington crossed over to reduce the leeway, but couldn't convert.
Liam San Roman touched down to restore Bell Baxter's advantage and the conversion extended it.
Euan Muir was next on the score sheet with a converted try and Harris rounded off the first half with a superb individual effort.
Harris slotted the conversion that followed San Roman's second period opener, then added seven points himself.
The final minutes of the game produced two more scores apiece in testament to the attacking mindset of both teams, Euan Muir and Keiran Bremner picking up the Bell Baxter points to make it 52-19.
This performance, like this game, was a long time coming but was well worth the wait.
If some of the handling skills looked a little awry at times, and match fitness looked a little suspect towards the end, this could be forgiven when one considers the paucity of preparation time afforded them by the weather.
Bell Baxter more than compensated for any ring-rustiness in the passion, commitment and sheer determination they brought to the fight.
Wellington were aggressive and positive throughout and contributed massively to the spectacle, but in the end the men from Ayr were soundly beaten.
Bell Baxter now face the prospect of challenging Jedburgh, the current holders of the Brewin Dolphin Plate, in the final at Murrayfield in what will be the biggest match the school has been involved in for some time.
It is to be hoped that äs many supporters äs possible from the töwn and the school make the trip to cheer the team on.
Swimming to medals at school championships
TOO POOL FOR SCHOOL The Fife Performance Squad swimmers who represented their schools at the national championshlps
TWO swimmers affiliated to North East Fife schools competed in the finals of the Scottish Schools Championships held in Dollan Baths, East Kilbride, on Saturday 26 January 2013.Beth Constance (13), of Madras and 15 year-old Thomas Farrell, of Bell Baxter, both swam the 100m and 200m backstroke in their finals, going on to take several seconds off their previous lifetime best swim times.
They were among a team of ten Fife swimmers who compete with the Fife Performance Swimming Squad (FPSS), who took part in the finals.
Sixteen year-old Jordan Lamb from Cardenden won gold medals in both the 100m and 200m backstroke finals, whilst competing in 17-19 years age group.
Thirteen-year-old Jack Harrison, Inverkeithing High School, also excelled in the backstroke event, becoming the Scottish Schools double champion.
The hat-trick was completed by 13 year-old Lauren Pirouet, from Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline. Lauren is considered one of the most outstanding freestyle swimmers in her age group nationally.
She proved this by clinching gold in both the 100m and 200m freestyle finals, to also become double Scottish Schools champion.
Success for the Fife swimmers was not to end there.
Greg Watson (17), Kirkcaldy, won the silver medal in the final of the 100m freestyle event. whilst Katie Jonstone, 16, Dunfermline, clinched bronze in the 200m backstroke final.
Other FPSS swimmers representing their respective schools were Andrew Campbell of Kirkcaldy High School, Greg Turner, Balwearie High School and Kyle Pate, Lochgelly High School.
John Dougall, head Coach of the FFPS, said: "I am sure that our swimmers' respective schools will be extremely proud of what their pupils have managed to achieve at this major championship event.
"It is the swimmers dedication to training week in week out that has led to them placing themselves on the podium time and time again."
They were among a team of ten Fife swimmers who compete with the Fife Performance Swimming Squad (FPSS), who took part in the finals.
Sixteen year-old Jordan Lamb from Cardenden won gold medals in both the 100m and 200m backstroke finals, whilst competing in 17-19 years age group.
Thirteen-year-old Jack Harrison, Inverkeithing High School, also excelled in the backstroke event, becoming the Scottish Schools double champion.
The hat-trick was completed by 13 year-old Lauren Pirouet, from Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline. Lauren is considered one of the most outstanding freestyle swimmers in her age group nationally.
She proved this by clinching gold in both the 100m and 200m freestyle finals, to also become double Scottish Schools champion.
Success for the Fife swimmers was not to end there.
Greg Watson (17), Kirkcaldy, won the silver medal in the final of the 100m freestyle event. whilst Katie Jonstone, 16, Dunfermline, clinched bronze in the 200m backstroke final.
Other FPSS swimmers representing their respective schools were Andrew Campbell of Kirkcaldy High School, Greg Turner, Balwearie High School and Kyle Pate, Lochgelly High School.
John Dougall, head Coach of the FFPS, said: "I am sure that our swimmers' respective schools will be extremely proud of what their pupils have managed to achieve at this major championship event.
"It is the swimmers dedication to training week in week out that has led to them placing themselves on the podium time and time again."
Kirsty continues to make a splash
RISING swimming star Kirsty Simpson was on winning form again just before Christmas when she competed in the end-of-year Scottish National Short Course meet at Edinburgh's Royal Commonwealth Pool.
A member of Dundee City Aquatics, Bell Baxter pupil Kirsty (16), who is a prospect for the Glasgow 2014 Commonweatlh Games, was in great form, picking up three medals in her favoured backstroke events. The best performance was her 200m backstroke, where she was. stroke for stroke with eventual winner Charlotte McKenzie and only losing out on the touch, both touching in 2:10. This swim put Kirsty up into the top 100 swims in the world last year in short course.
In the 50m backstroke, Kirsty's time broke the Scottish age group record and put her at second fastest Scottish female of all time, seventh fastest in the UK last year and 75th in the world.
Her 100m time ranks her 4th in the UK for her age and her 200m finish pushed her to second in the UK for her age, and 55th fastest in the world last year.
Meanwhile, the Cupar teenager's 100m free performance saw her take the top position in Scotland for her age.
The Simpson family were also celebrating younger sister Fiona's success. Also a member of Dundee City Aquatics, Fiona (14), was competing in her first nationals championships and while she did not finish among the medal winners, she improved on her personal best times.
Kirsty, who is currently on a three-week intensive training camp in Australia, is always looking for sponsorship from local companies and organisations to help with her training costs, which are around £10,000 a year in order to achieve her goal of Commonwealth and Olympic glory.
A member of Dundee City Aquatics, Bell Baxter pupil Kirsty (16), who is a prospect for the Glasgow 2014 Commonweatlh Games, was in great form, picking up three medals in her favoured backstroke events. The best performance was her 200m backstroke, where she was. stroke for stroke with eventual winner Charlotte McKenzie and only losing out on the touch, both touching in 2:10. This swim put Kirsty up into the top 100 swims in the world last year in short course.
In the 50m backstroke, Kirsty's time broke the Scottish age group record and put her at second fastest Scottish female of all time, seventh fastest in the UK last year and 75th in the world.
Her 100m time ranks her 4th in the UK for her age and her 200m finish pushed her to second in the UK for her age, and 55th fastest in the world last year.
Meanwhile, the Cupar teenager's 100m free performance saw her take the top position in Scotland for her age.
The Simpson family were also celebrating younger sister Fiona's success. Also a member of Dundee City Aquatics, Fiona (14), was competing in her first nationals championships and while she did not finish among the medal winners, she improved on her personal best times.
Kirsty, who is currently on a three-week intensive training camp in Australia, is always looking for sponsorship from local companies and organisations to help with her training costs, which are around £10,000 a year in order to achieve her goal of Commonwealth and Olympic glory.
Cupar trio making a splash with Fife swimming squad
THE hard work put in over the last year has certainly paid dividends for three young Cupar swimmers.
All three have been invited to join the Fife Performance Swim Squad on a part-time basis, swimming with the squad on a Wednesday evening, Friday evening and Saturday morning.
The three swimmers - Lewis Baillie, Alexandrea Smith Mackay and Abby Hay, pictured - have been training with the lead coach of Cupar, Russ Green, in an intense technique group for the last 12 months and have been part of the FPSS on a Wednesday night for the last few months.
Twelve year old Lewis, a first year pupil at Bell Baxter High School, won all his races at the Cupar Swimming Club Championships and is looking forward to the challenge of the extra work. Alexandrea is a second year pupil at BeH Baxter High School and is also a talented musician. She finds time to study violin to Grade 4 and piano to Grade 2 standard. Abby Hay is a year eight pupil at St Leonards, St Andrews, and represents her school at hockey, athletics and riding as well as swimming. Outwith school, her main interest is tetrathlon - cross country riding, shooting, running and swimming.
Both girls shared the spoils at the Club Championships in the summer and are looking forward to the club's winter distance championships in the next couple of weeks.
Bell Baxter edge out Waid
Bell Baxter U16 XV...................43
Wald Academy U16 XV............31
PLAYED under floodlights at Duffus this Regional Final of The Brewin Dolphin Plate served up excitement and drama by the bucket load as these two teams fought tooth and nail for the bragging rights that come with the champion's title.
Early exchanges went Howe's way but stoic defending on the Waid line saw their initial attacks repulsed and, in a precursor to the ebb and flow which was to be a feature of this tie, Waid swept down-field and established themselves in the Bell Baxter 22. Bell Baxter now faced a series of testing defensive set-pieces where the disparity in size between the two packs gave Waid clear dominance at scrum-time and signalled a hard day at the office for Mssrs Matthew MacDougall, Murdo Sinclair and Ryan Bateup. The Waid forwards were to beat Bell Baxter to the hit and drive throughout the match sending the home pack backwards at almost every encounter, but the Cupar Captain's appeals for clarification on what constituted early engagement were to be waved away.
Somehow the Bell Baxter line was held and when Waid were a little tardy in supporting their ball carrier at a ruck, the possession was pinched and fed to Fantastic Mr Fox on his own 5. He duly hit the afterburners and somehow, in a jaw-dropping piece of individual running that remains hard to explain, scorched a pitch length to score and send the noisy home support wild.
Waid seemed a little stunned by this turnaround, and the hosts found that there was room to be exploited in the wide open spaces. Possession, fought for at such high cost by the-embattled Bell Baxter pack, was now shipped quickly out and Waid found themselves scrambling desperately to cope with the ebullient running of the home backs who cut a swathe through their opposite numbers and kept the Scoreboard ticking over.
Firstly Keiran Bremner, lightning fast and elusive, and then the speedy, abrasive Euan Muir (for two!) cut their way in-goal. Two conversions from Calum "Buc" Harris, against a short distance tap-and-go run in from Waid, saw half time arrive with the hosts 24-5 in front. Waid, realising where their strength lay, determined to keep things tight in the second half and got a very effective pick-and-go game going. They made great progress and duly bullied their way into the scoring zone, the conversion meaning 24-12.
A fascinating tactical battle now ensued as, reading their opponents intentions, Bell Baxter risked committing only a few brave souls to the rucks, there merely to encourage Waid's full attendance in the hope of creating extra space and support for their own counterattacks once possession came their way. This was high stake rugby, requiring patience and self-belief, and made for difficult viewing at times.
The second half was a real ding-dong affair as the two teams slugged it out in a classic contest akin to that between the strength of a fighter and the guile of a counter-punching boxer. Bell Baxter's bold plan to roll with the punches and hit back hard proved successful, as Kieran Brough, Keiran Bremner and "Buc" Harris (playing out of position on a welcome return from injury) made it seven tries on the night to secure the victory and the title by 43 points to 31.
What a match Waid made of it! They were worthy finalists, their forwards in particular playing with real gusto, and it's great to see the Anstruther men back on the rugby map in Fife.
Bell Baxter now move forward into the national competition where, it is to be hoped, the same selfless determination on display here will see them progress and win further plaudits for rugby in The Kingdom.
Wald Academy U16 XV............31
PLAYED under floodlights at Duffus this Regional Final of The Brewin Dolphin Plate served up excitement and drama by the bucket load as these two teams fought tooth and nail for the bragging rights that come with the champion's title.
Early exchanges went Howe's way but stoic defending on the Waid line saw their initial attacks repulsed and, in a precursor to the ebb and flow which was to be a feature of this tie, Waid swept down-field and established themselves in the Bell Baxter 22. Bell Baxter now faced a series of testing defensive set-pieces where the disparity in size between the two packs gave Waid clear dominance at scrum-time and signalled a hard day at the office for Mssrs Matthew MacDougall, Murdo Sinclair and Ryan Bateup. The Waid forwards were to beat Bell Baxter to the hit and drive throughout the match sending the home pack backwards at almost every encounter, but the Cupar Captain's appeals for clarification on what constituted early engagement were to be waved away.
Somehow the Bell Baxter line was held and when Waid were a little tardy in supporting their ball carrier at a ruck, the possession was pinched and fed to Fantastic Mr Fox on his own 5. He duly hit the afterburners and somehow, in a jaw-dropping piece of individual running that remains hard to explain, scorched a pitch length to score and send the noisy home support wild.
Waid seemed a little stunned by this turnaround, and the hosts found that there was room to be exploited in the wide open spaces. Possession, fought for at such high cost by the-embattled Bell Baxter pack, was now shipped quickly out and Waid found themselves scrambling desperately to cope with the ebullient running of the home backs who cut a swathe through their opposite numbers and kept the Scoreboard ticking over.
Firstly Keiran Bremner, lightning fast and elusive, and then the speedy, abrasive Euan Muir (for two!) cut their way in-goal. Two conversions from Calum "Buc" Harris, against a short distance tap-and-go run in from Waid, saw half time arrive with the hosts 24-5 in front. Waid, realising where their strength lay, determined to keep things tight in the second half and got a very effective pick-and-go game going. They made great progress and duly bullied their way into the scoring zone, the conversion meaning 24-12.
A fascinating tactical battle now ensued as, reading their opponents intentions, Bell Baxter risked committing only a few brave souls to the rucks, there merely to encourage Waid's full attendance in the hope of creating extra space and support for their own counterattacks once possession came their way. This was high stake rugby, requiring patience and self-belief, and made for difficult viewing at times.
The second half was a real ding-dong affair as the two teams slugged it out in a classic contest akin to that between the strength of a fighter and the guile of a counter-punching boxer. Bell Baxter's bold plan to roll with the punches and hit back hard proved successful, as Kieran Brough, Keiran Bremner and "Buc" Harris (playing out of position on a welcome return from injury) made it seven tries on the night to secure the victory and the title by 43 points to 31.
What a match Waid made of it! They were worthy finalists, their forwards in particular playing with real gusto, and it's great to see the Anstruther men back on the rugby map in Fife.
Bell Baxter now move forward into the national competition where, it is to be hoped, the same selfless determination on display here will see them progress and win further plaudits for rugby in The Kingdom.
Stefan sets his sights on Commonwealth Games
SWIMMER Stefan Hoggan from Auchtermuchty just failed by the skin of his teeth to gain selection for the GB Team for the Paralympic Games in London.
Team selection times were extremely tough and the young Carnegie Swimming Club member did everything he could to catch the eye, but on this occasion it was not to be.
During the trials in London and Sheffield, Stefan recorded the best swims of his life, including a personal best in his number one event, 100m butterfly, of 1:04.65.
The experience of competing in the new Olympic pool and in each of the trial events alongside Britain's leading mainstream and disabled swimmers was the highlight of his swimming career to date.
Stefan is coached by John Szaranek at the Carnegie Club and since his move from Glenrothes Swimming Club, 100 metres butterfly has become his number one event and 100 metres freestyle now takes second place.
In Para-sport swimming at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 there will be 100m freestyle for Stefan's class on the programme and this has added an extra focus for Stefan.
The qualifying time of 1:00.89 has already been achieved by the young Fife swimmer who has a personal best of 1:00.59. but breaking the minute barrier is clearly in his plans.
Stefan is already Scotland's leading swimmer over this distance in this class.
The Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 and Glasgow 2014 are clearly achievable targets for the Disability Sport Fife Futures Squad member.
Stefan has been selected for Scottish Swimming's Senior Silver Squad and he recently received news that British Swimming has invited him to a sprint camp at Bath University in January 2013.
This is his first involvement in a British Swimming selection and is just reward for years of commitment to his sport.
Stefan is an arm amputee whose introduction to swimming at the Fife Sports Institute was at an early age.
Throughout his career in disability swimming he has been hugely successful as a junior and senior disability swimmer for Scottish Disability Sport and Scottish Swimming.
Great Britain selection has so far eluded the young Fife swimmer, but his support team are confident it is only a matter of time.
Performance competitive swimming is very demanding and costly and Stefan has worked hard at trying to access funding to ensure his future in high performance sport.
Recently he organised two successful fund-raising events on behalf of Disability Sport Fife and raised £500.
Stefan has been supported in the past by Scottish Disability Sport, the Bill Pullar Trust, the Fife Disabled Sports Trust and of course his family.
Stefan is currently working with Disability Sport Fife on a number of fund-raising initiatives to ensure stability to his programme during 2013 which will include a swim training camp in Fuerteventura with the Carnegie Club.
Fife has a history of producing high performance swimmers who achieve in Paralympic sport and surely it is only a matter of time before Stefan is added to the list.
Team selection times were extremely tough and the young Carnegie Swimming Club member did everything he could to catch the eye, but on this occasion it was not to be.
During the trials in London and Sheffield, Stefan recorded the best swims of his life, including a personal best in his number one event, 100m butterfly, of 1:04.65.
The experience of competing in the new Olympic pool and in each of the trial events alongside Britain's leading mainstream and disabled swimmers was the highlight of his swimming career to date.
Stefan is coached by John Szaranek at the Carnegie Club and since his move from Glenrothes Swimming Club, 100 metres butterfly has become his number one event and 100 metres freestyle now takes second place.
In Para-sport swimming at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 there will be 100m freestyle for Stefan's class on the programme and this has added an extra focus for Stefan.
The qualifying time of 1:00.89 has already been achieved by the young Fife swimmer who has a personal best of 1:00.59. but breaking the minute barrier is clearly in his plans.
Stefan is already Scotland's leading swimmer over this distance in this class.
The Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 and Glasgow 2014 are clearly achievable targets for the Disability Sport Fife Futures Squad member.
Stefan has been selected for Scottish Swimming's Senior Silver Squad and he recently received news that British Swimming has invited him to a sprint camp at Bath University in January 2013.
This is his first involvement in a British Swimming selection and is just reward for years of commitment to his sport.
Stefan is an arm amputee whose introduction to swimming at the Fife Sports Institute was at an early age.
Throughout his career in disability swimming he has been hugely successful as a junior and senior disability swimmer for Scottish Disability Sport and Scottish Swimming.
Great Britain selection has so far eluded the young Fife swimmer, but his support team are confident it is only a matter of time.
Performance competitive swimming is very demanding and costly and Stefan has worked hard at trying to access funding to ensure his future in high performance sport.
Recently he organised two successful fund-raising events on behalf of Disability Sport Fife and raised £500.
Stefan has been supported in the past by Scottish Disability Sport, the Bill Pullar Trust, the Fife Disabled Sports Trust and of course his family.
Stefan is currently working with Disability Sport Fife on a number of fund-raising initiatives to ensure stability to his programme during 2013 which will include a swim training camp in Fuerteventura with the Carnegie Club.
Fife has a history of producing high performance swimmers who achieve in Paralympic sport and surely it is only a matter of time before Stefan is added to the list.
Local paralympians join anniversary Hall of Fame
Some of those who made it into the Hall of Fame.
Roll of honour marks 50 years of Scottish Disability Sport....
By LIZ ROUGVIE
[email protected]
A NUMBER of Paralympians from north east Fife have been included In a new hall of fame established to mark the 50th anniversary of Scottish Disability Sport.
The roll of honour comprises 20 inaugural members, including four local sportsmen and women.
The names were announced at a special ceremony held to celebrate the anniversary and ifs hoped that the new hall of fame will inspire new generations of Scottish disabled sports men and women by creating an easily accessible record of the achievements of past champions.
The initial 20 inductees were selected by a panel of four SDS experts in disability sport, led by president Richard Brickley MBE.
They include:- Jim Muirhead, formerly of Newport, who is Scotland's most successful visually-impaired Paralympian, winning five gold, five silver and three bronze medals between 1976 and 1984. Having lost his sight at the age of 17, Jim spent some time at the Royal Blind School in Ceres before training to become a physiotherapist.
Sprinter Caroline Baird MBE, formerly of Cupar, who was three times Paralympian between 1992 and 2000, winning five medals, including four gold in the T36 class. She also won World Championship gold in 1994 and 1998. Caroline, a former pupil of Bell Baxter High School, still serves as a member of the Disability Sport.
St Andrews-born swimmer Jim Anderson OBE, who was six-time Paralympian between 1992 and 2012. He has won a staggering 57 medals at Paralympic, World and European level and is the only disabled sports person to be voted Scottish Sports Personality of the year following his success in Athens.
The late Frank Duffy, of Falkland, who was wheelchair curling skip at the Torino Winter Paralympic Games, leading the GB rink to the silver medal. He also led Scotland to successive World Championship titles in 2004 and 2005.
The full list of athletes and their achievements can be found on the SDS website, www.scottishdisabilitysport.com.
By LIZ ROUGVIE
[email protected]
A NUMBER of Paralympians from north east Fife have been included In a new hall of fame established to mark the 50th anniversary of Scottish Disability Sport.
The roll of honour comprises 20 inaugural members, including four local sportsmen and women.
The names were announced at a special ceremony held to celebrate the anniversary and ifs hoped that the new hall of fame will inspire new generations of Scottish disabled sports men and women by creating an easily accessible record of the achievements of past champions.
The initial 20 inductees were selected by a panel of four SDS experts in disability sport, led by president Richard Brickley MBE.
They include:- Jim Muirhead, formerly of Newport, who is Scotland's most successful visually-impaired Paralympian, winning five gold, five silver and three bronze medals between 1976 and 1984. Having lost his sight at the age of 17, Jim spent some time at the Royal Blind School in Ceres before training to become a physiotherapist.
Sprinter Caroline Baird MBE, formerly of Cupar, who was three times Paralympian between 1992 and 2000, winning five medals, including four gold in the T36 class. She also won World Championship gold in 1994 and 1998. Caroline, a former pupil of Bell Baxter High School, still serves as a member of the Disability Sport.
St Andrews-born swimmer Jim Anderson OBE, who was six-time Paralympian between 1992 and 2012. He has won a staggering 57 medals at Paralympic, World and European level and is the only disabled sports person to be voted Scottish Sports Personality of the year following his success in Athens.
The late Frank Duffy, of Falkland, who was wheelchair curling skip at the Torino Winter Paralympic Games, leading the GB rink to the silver medal. He also led Scotland to successive World Championship titles in 2004 and 2005.
The full list of athletes and their achievements can be found on the SDS website, www.scottishdisabilitysport.com.
Bairn Brooklyn
UP-AND-COMING footballer Brooklyn Mair Is celebrating his fourth year with the Falklrk youth academy. Brooklyn (12), from Auchter-muchty, started back with the Bairns a few weeks ago after the summer break.
The Bell Baxter High School pupil has since played in friendlies against Rangers, Alloa, and a team from America.
Olympic experience for Cupar's Gina
SPECTACULAR LOCATION: Glna watched Olympic beach volleyball at Horse Guard's Parade.
AS an avid spectator of sports - yes all sports! - I was determined to see as much of the 2012 Olympic Games as possible - either on TV or at the actual events.
I was fortunate to receive two hockey tickets in my first application for tickets and then was one of the lucky winners in a Scottish Swimming ballot for swimming tickets.
And then in June I thought I would try the official website and yes, there they were gymnastics, volleyball, beach-volleyball and weightlifting tickets all still available!
After the excitement of the Olympic torch coming through Cupar, I was ready for action.
Arriving in London's Marylebone station on day one I was somewhat apprehensive but it was a straightforward journey to the Olympic park by underground. The permanently happy volunteers encouraged everyone on their way, wherever they happened to be going.
And so to Olympic park - it was fantastic - a word I would use more often as the week progressed. The flow of people was faultless - easier in fact than walking along Princes Street. Security checks were speedily carried out at all venues by friendly, chatty squaddies, easily putting all airport security checks to shame.
In my excitement I arrived at the Aquatics Centre too early and had to wait in a queue - but again nobody was grumbling. I quickly recognised t-shirts supporting Hannah Miley, and discovered the wearers were her grandparents - friendly conversation followed and before we knew what was happening we were being ushered into our seats. I was very fortunate on day one at the swimming to see all six Scottish swimmers in their heats progress to semi finals and finals. This was of particular interest to me as I have known all these swimmers since they were in various Scottish national squads of which I was team manager. The atmosphere was electric and although I have been to hundreds of swimming events, this was special. The arena was designed to resemble a wave and this made it spectacular for viewing both the swimming and diving events. How could this exciting expedition of mine get better? Next I went by underground to the O2 arena, where I could not believe the spectacle in front of me as the gymnastics arena came into view. Never having seen gymnastics at this level, I was astounded by the brilliance and discipline of these athletes. After a two hour session, I was thrilled to see the GB men qualify for the team final.
Day two was a rest day - but still time to view the games on TV and see Lizzie Armistead win GB's first medal - silver in the women's road race and Becky Adlington win bronze in the pool. It was disappointing to read the press headlines that "Bradley Wiggins and Hannah Miley had lost gold medals" - no one loses a medal, someone else just happens to be better on the day.
Day three and back to work, with my son, - at Earl's Court arena - again a pain free journey in and through London. Women's volleyball was first on the programme and this is a sport that knows how to get the crowd going - before we knew it we were supporting the Chinese girls, the court sweepers and indeed anybody the announcer asked us to cheer for.
Day four was another visit to the pool, to see the great Michael Phelps in the 400m and the men's 4 x 200m relay - I have seen Michael Phelps swim before but I have never seen him as relaxed as he was in London - perhaps due to the fact that this was his final games. In winning his 19th medal he became the most decorated Olympian in history.Day five - Horse Guard's Parade and beach volleyball - is it an Olympic sport? I don't know, but it was fun, noisy and it was exhausting.
Day six and it was back to the pool - no medals for GB but some outstanding swims from Phelps and Lochtie.
The excitement was everywhere, who was winning what? What was happening next? Where would GB's next medal come from?
Afternoon and it was another sport on the Smurf Turf - the blue and pink hockey pitch - to see the eventual winners, Netherlands.
And so our Olympic adventure was over - but not quite, we were able to sit on the river bank and watch the big screen, and see Sir Chris Hoy winning his fifth gold medal in the team sprint, and by the time we returned to our base in Banbury, GB were fifth in the medal table.
We decided it was time to head home to spend the next week glued to the TV - remembering "we were there".
I was fortunate to receive two hockey tickets in my first application for tickets and then was one of the lucky winners in a Scottish Swimming ballot for swimming tickets.
And then in June I thought I would try the official website and yes, there they were gymnastics, volleyball, beach-volleyball and weightlifting tickets all still available!
After the excitement of the Olympic torch coming through Cupar, I was ready for action.
Arriving in London's Marylebone station on day one I was somewhat apprehensive but it was a straightforward journey to the Olympic park by underground. The permanently happy volunteers encouraged everyone on their way, wherever they happened to be going.
And so to Olympic park - it was fantastic - a word I would use more often as the week progressed. The flow of people was faultless - easier in fact than walking along Princes Street. Security checks were speedily carried out at all venues by friendly, chatty squaddies, easily putting all airport security checks to shame.
In my excitement I arrived at the Aquatics Centre too early and had to wait in a queue - but again nobody was grumbling. I quickly recognised t-shirts supporting Hannah Miley, and discovered the wearers were her grandparents - friendly conversation followed and before we knew what was happening we were being ushered into our seats. I was very fortunate on day one at the swimming to see all six Scottish swimmers in their heats progress to semi finals and finals. This was of particular interest to me as I have known all these swimmers since they were in various Scottish national squads of which I was team manager. The atmosphere was electric and although I have been to hundreds of swimming events, this was special. The arena was designed to resemble a wave and this made it spectacular for viewing both the swimming and diving events. How could this exciting expedition of mine get better? Next I went by underground to the O2 arena, where I could not believe the spectacle in front of me as the gymnastics arena came into view. Never having seen gymnastics at this level, I was astounded by the brilliance and discipline of these athletes. After a two hour session, I was thrilled to see the GB men qualify for the team final.
Day two was a rest day - but still time to view the games on TV and see Lizzie Armistead win GB's first medal - silver in the women's road race and Becky Adlington win bronze in the pool. It was disappointing to read the press headlines that "Bradley Wiggins and Hannah Miley had lost gold medals" - no one loses a medal, someone else just happens to be better on the day.
Day three and back to work, with my son, - at Earl's Court arena - again a pain free journey in and through London. Women's volleyball was first on the programme and this is a sport that knows how to get the crowd going - before we knew it we were supporting the Chinese girls, the court sweepers and indeed anybody the announcer asked us to cheer for.
Day four was another visit to the pool, to see the great Michael Phelps in the 400m and the men's 4 x 200m relay - I have seen Michael Phelps swim before but I have never seen him as relaxed as he was in London - perhaps due to the fact that this was his final games. In winning his 19th medal he became the most decorated Olympian in history.Day five - Horse Guard's Parade and beach volleyball - is it an Olympic sport? I don't know, but it was fun, noisy and it was exhausting.
Day six and it was back to the pool - no medals for GB but some outstanding swims from Phelps and Lochtie.
The excitement was everywhere, who was winning what? What was happening next? Where would GB's next medal come from?
Afternoon and it was another sport on the Smurf Turf - the blue and pink hockey pitch - to see the eventual winners, Netherlands.
And so our Olympic adventure was over - but not quite, we were able to sit on the river bank and watch the big screen, and see Sir Chris Hoy winning his fifth gold medal in the team sprint, and by the time we returned to our base in Banbury, GB were fifth in the medal table.
We decided it was time to head home to spend the next week glued to the TV - remembering "we were there".
Kirsty sets swim record
CUPAR swimmer Kirsty Simpson has been in action recently, clocking some impressive times at championships up and down the country.
Kirsty (16) competed in the Scottish Gas National Open Championships at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, where she set a new Scottish age group record for the 50m backstroke.
Her time of 30.15s earned her a silver medal in the event, to add to the silver she picked up in the 100m backstroke.
HIGHLIGHT
Bell Baxter High School pupil Kirsty also achieved high placings in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle.
She finished as top junior over 50m.
In the British Gas ASA National Youth Championships in Sheffield, Kirsty competed in a number of events, the highlight being a seventh-place finish in the 100m backstroke.
Kirsty would like to thank local business Kettle Produce, which has awarded her £125 towards training costs.
Kirsty (16) competed in the Scottish Gas National Open Championships at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, where she set a new Scottish age group record for the 50m backstroke.
Her time of 30.15s earned her a silver medal in the event, to add to the silver she picked up in the 100m backstroke.
HIGHLIGHT
Bell Baxter High School pupil Kirsty also achieved high placings in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle.
She finished as top junior over 50m.
In the British Gas ASA National Youth Championships in Sheffield, Kirsty competed in a number of events, the highlight being a seventh-place finish in the 100m backstroke.
Kirsty would like to thank local business Kettle Produce, which has awarded her £125 towards training costs.
Jonjay joins Raith academy
A BUDDING young footballer has taken the next step on the road to becoming a professional.
Jonjay Reid (12), of Lady-bank, has been snapped up by the Raith Rovers Youth Academy at under-13 level.
The midfielder, who will be attending Bell Baxter High School after the summer holidays, has previously played for Ladybank Panthers, the Celtic Training Academy in Bathgate, and Fairmuir Boys Club in Dundee.
He joined Raith Rovers after a trial and has already started training with the Kirkcaldy club.
Mike on his mettle for ironman event
by LIZ ROUGVIE
[email protected]
AN INTREPID former Cupar man who has already run five major world marathons is to take on his toughest challenge yet in aid of a charity to which he owes a debt of gratitude.
Mike Houston (33) is to compete in what is widely regarded as the country's most gruelling one-day endurance test - the Ironman.
Despite being a relative novice in swimming and cycling, he's taking on the 140.6 mile triathlon event in Bolton on July 22 and will have to swim 2.4 miles in a lake and cycle for 112 miles over hilly terrain before running a marathon.
To add to the pressure, he has to do it all in 17 hours!
COLLAPSED
Mike, a former pupil of Bell Baxter High School, is raising money by way of saying a big 'thank you' to St John Ambulance, who came to his rescue during his first marathon attempt in London in 2009, when he collapsed with heat exhaustion after 17 miles in unusually high temperatures.
He was unconscious for 15 minutes and had to be given oxygen before being taken to hospital. ;
However, the experience didn't put him off marathon running and he went on to complete the Berlin, Chicago, New York and Boston events, raising money for CHAS in Kinross.
Mike, an accomplished golfer, told the Fife Herald "I was the under-eight Cupar and District swimming club champion - but that was in 1987, when I was seven! I gave it up after that and took up golf!
"Last October, I could not swim a 100m front crawl without gasping for air, and the swim in the Ironman event is the equivalent of 152 lengths in a 25m pool. Nothing like a challenge!"
RESCUE
Mike has been putting in up to 17 hours' training every week, sometimes getting up at 4am to train before work so that he can be home in time for his four-month-old baby daughter Lucy's bathtime.
If s a demanding schedule that he says wouldn't be possible without the support of his wife Samantha.
Mike added: "I have decided to raise funds for St John Ambulance as they came to my rescue three years ago and I think my thank you to them is long overdue."
Anyone who would like to support Mike can do so at www.justgiving/mike-houstonismad. All donations will go straight to the charity as he will be paying all his own expenses.
[email protected]
AN INTREPID former Cupar man who has already run five major world marathons is to take on his toughest challenge yet in aid of a charity to which he owes a debt of gratitude.
Mike Houston (33) is to compete in what is widely regarded as the country's most gruelling one-day endurance test - the Ironman.
Despite being a relative novice in swimming and cycling, he's taking on the 140.6 mile triathlon event in Bolton on July 22 and will have to swim 2.4 miles in a lake and cycle for 112 miles over hilly terrain before running a marathon.
To add to the pressure, he has to do it all in 17 hours!
COLLAPSED
Mike, a former pupil of Bell Baxter High School, is raising money by way of saying a big 'thank you' to St John Ambulance, who came to his rescue during his first marathon attempt in London in 2009, when he collapsed with heat exhaustion after 17 miles in unusually high temperatures.
He was unconscious for 15 minutes and had to be given oxygen before being taken to hospital. ;
However, the experience didn't put him off marathon running and he went on to complete the Berlin, Chicago, New York and Boston events, raising money for CHAS in Kinross.
Mike, an accomplished golfer, told the Fife Herald "I was the under-eight Cupar and District swimming club champion - but that was in 1987, when I was seven! I gave it up after that and took up golf!
"Last October, I could not swim a 100m front crawl without gasping for air, and the swim in the Ironman event is the equivalent of 152 lengths in a 25m pool. Nothing like a challenge!"
RESCUE
Mike has been putting in up to 17 hours' training every week, sometimes getting up at 4am to train before work so that he can be home in time for his four-month-old baby daughter Lucy's bathtime.
If s a demanding schedule that he says wouldn't be possible without the support of his wife Samantha.
Mike added: "I have decided to raise funds for St John Ambulance as they came to my rescue three years ago and I think my thank you to them is long overdue."
Anyone who would like to support Mike can do so at www.justgiving/mike-houstonismad. All donations will go straight to the charity as he will be paying all his own expenses.
Cricket Club sponsors
FALKLAND Cricket Club's shirt sponsors for the 2012 season are BSW Building Systems Ltd. of Kirkcaldy.
BSW's director, David Watson, said: 'Falkland is a progressive club with whom we are delighted to have our name and brand associated.
. "Given that it is a small village club, to get four teams out every weekend is a great achievement.
"Their work and commitment towards their juniors is to be applauded and for that reason we are delighted to support them this year and hopefully for years to come."
Pictured are some of the playing members in their new BSW sponsored kit alongside David Watson and David Stark (BSW).
SUPPORT
Falkland 1st XI will wear the kit whilst competing in the Cricket Scotland East League Division One.
Also pictured is John Pearson (BBHS FP) of Blue Crags who have continued their support of Falkland CC by sponsoring the club's coloured kit which the 1st XI will wear during Scottish Cup fixtures.
The club wishes to thank BSW and Blue Crags for their continued support.
Falkland's senior net practices are on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening at 6pm and junior practice is on a Friday evening at 6pm.
New players of all abilities always welcome.
BSW's director, David Watson, said: 'Falkland is a progressive club with whom we are delighted to have our name and brand associated.
. "Given that it is a small village club, to get four teams out every weekend is a great achievement.
"Their work and commitment towards their juniors is to be applauded and for that reason we are delighted to support them this year and hopefully for years to come."
Pictured are some of the playing members in their new BSW sponsored kit alongside David Watson and David Stark (BSW).
SUPPORT
Falkland 1st XI will wear the kit whilst competing in the Cricket Scotland East League Division One.
Also pictured is John Pearson (BBHS FP) of Blue Crags who have continued their support of Falkland CC by sponsoring the club's coloured kit which the 1st XI will wear during Scottish Cup fixtures.
The club wishes to thank BSW and Blue Crags for their continued support.
Falkland's senior net practices are on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening at 6pm and junior practice is on a Friday evening at 6pm.
New players of all abilities always welcome.
Stefan set to smash swimming record
by LIZ ROUGVIE
[email protected]
AUCHTERMUCHTY swimmer Stefan Hoggan Is aiming to banish the disappointment of not making the cut for London 2012 by smashing the British 100m butterfly record.
Hoggan's hopes of performing the butterfly leg of the team medley at the Paralympics were dashed three weeks ago when selectors informed him he was surplus to requirements.
But the 19-year-old, who has shaved almost three seconds off his PB for the discipline since the start of the season, is targeting the National Youth Championships in July as the stage to show the British team what they're missing.
His personal best of 1min 4.65secs is just two tenths of a second off the record and the Carnegie Swimming Club ace believes he can knock of the necessary splits in Sheffield.
"This season has gone really well," said Hoggan, who was born with his lower right arm missing.
"I went down to the Paralympic trials in London and swam amazingly. I did massive PBs in the heats and then smashed them again in the finals.
"I came top in my S9 physical disability class and in the top three overall, but I don't know where I finished exactly as the scoring is very complicated.
"But unfortunately I found out just a couple of weeks ago that I was not successful in making the medley team.
"However if I get the British record, which is 1 min 4.46secs, I will be over the moon but it still won't cover up missing out on the Paralympics."
Before arriving at Carnegie, Hoggan, who benefits from being on the Bank of Scotland Local Heroes programme, was based at the Glenrothes Swimming Club.
But the switch has brought a far more rigorous training routine and Hoggan is revelling in the extra hours under the tutelage of John Szeranek.
"Since 1 moved to Carnegie I've upped my training by nine hours a week," he added.
"I was doing eight hours a week but I decided I needed to make some serious changes.
"One of the things I've done with Carnegie is fly to Feurteventura for an intensive training camp and I think that set me up for the season."
• Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week took place from June 11-15 and is Scotland's biggest school sport event, with nearly 2000 schools and half a million pupils taking part, staging their own Games. Find out more at www.school-sp6rtweekscotland.org
[email protected]
AUCHTERMUCHTY swimmer Stefan Hoggan Is aiming to banish the disappointment of not making the cut for London 2012 by smashing the British 100m butterfly record.
Hoggan's hopes of performing the butterfly leg of the team medley at the Paralympics were dashed three weeks ago when selectors informed him he was surplus to requirements.
But the 19-year-old, who has shaved almost three seconds off his PB for the discipline since the start of the season, is targeting the National Youth Championships in July as the stage to show the British team what they're missing.
His personal best of 1min 4.65secs is just two tenths of a second off the record and the Carnegie Swimming Club ace believes he can knock of the necessary splits in Sheffield.
"This season has gone really well," said Hoggan, who was born with his lower right arm missing.
"I went down to the Paralympic trials in London and swam amazingly. I did massive PBs in the heats and then smashed them again in the finals.
"I came top in my S9 physical disability class and in the top three overall, but I don't know where I finished exactly as the scoring is very complicated.
"But unfortunately I found out just a couple of weeks ago that I was not successful in making the medley team.
"However if I get the British record, which is 1 min 4.46secs, I will be over the moon but it still won't cover up missing out on the Paralympics."
Before arriving at Carnegie, Hoggan, who benefits from being on the Bank of Scotland Local Heroes programme, was based at the Glenrothes Swimming Club.
But the switch has brought a far more rigorous training routine and Hoggan is revelling in the extra hours under the tutelage of John Szeranek.
"Since 1 moved to Carnegie I've upped my training by nine hours a week," he added.
"I was doing eight hours a week but I decided I needed to make some serious changes.
"One of the things I've done with Carnegie is fly to Feurteventura for an intensive training camp and I think that set me up for the season."
• Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week took place from June 11-15 and is Scotland's biggest school sport event, with nearly 2000 schools and half a million pupils taking part, staging their own Games. Find out more at www.school-sp6rtweekscotland.org
Black belts in Taekwondo
CUPAR Taekwon-do Club has two new blackbelts.
Castlehlll Primary School pupil Scott McCandless (11) became the group's youngest blackbelt, while Bell Baxter pupil Adam Cook (14) also made the grade with flying colours.
Pictured left are Scott and Adam with teachers Allan, Shirley and Laura Cunningham.
CUPAR Taekwon-do Club has two new blackbelts.
Castlehlll Primary School pupil Scott McCandless (11) became the group's youngest blackbelt, while Bell Baxter pupil Adam Cook (14) also made the grade with flying colours.
Pictured left are Scott and Adam with teachers Allan, Shirley and Laura Cunningham.
Howe of Fife are Club of Season
Club secretary Alistalr Paton (left) and vice-president Bill robertson with the RBS Club of the season award
by STUART GILLESPIE
[email protected]
HOWE of File have capped ofl one of the best seasons In thetr history by being named RBS Club of the Season at the prestigious Scottish Rugby Club Awards.
The gong was a reward for Howe's successes on and off the pitch over Ihe past year, including Ihe club's links with Bell Baxter High School, commitment to youth rugby and high number of coaches at all levels.
Club president David Harley said winning the top award In Scottish clup rugby was a 'tremendous achievement" for the Premier 3 champions.
TREMENDOUS
He told the Fife Herald 'We're all proud as punch and delighted to have won the award.
'It's a tremendous achievement and tribute to al the efiort put in at the club, from the minis right the way up to the first XV.
'Everyone involved with the club deserves huge credit for what will be a very hard season to lop.'
The awards ceremony and dinner was held in (he President''s Suite at Murrayfletd on Friday. May 25. and was hosted bv former Scotland captains Andy NicoI and Ian McLauchIan.
COVETED
Howe were shortlisted for Club of the Season after picking up the monthly version of the award in April.
The Cupar-based side beat off competition from seven other clubs — Dunbar, Gala. Helensburgh. Hllllfoots, Melrose. Preston Lodge and Stirling County — to win the coveted trophy.
With Mr Harley away with the playing squad on a tour to Flanders, the award was accepted by vtce-president Bill Robertson and secretary Alistair Paton.
Mr Robertson said: 'Winning the top club award while in the third division is a phenomenal achievement and should be celebrated by all those involved tn the club at every level.
Next season Howe will line up in the new Championship East following the restructure of Scottish rugby that denied the Duffus Park side a promotion.
Mr Harley said: 'Obviously the main goal under the new system is to try to win the Championship East and effectively join the top 20 teams in the country — but that will be no mean task.'
[email protected]
HOWE of File have capped ofl one of the best seasons In thetr history by being named RBS Club of the Season at the prestigious Scottish Rugby Club Awards.
The gong was a reward for Howe's successes on and off the pitch over Ihe past year, including Ihe club's links with Bell Baxter High School, commitment to youth rugby and high number of coaches at all levels.
Club president David Harley said winning the top award In Scottish clup rugby was a 'tremendous achievement" for the Premier 3 champions.
TREMENDOUS
He told the Fife Herald 'We're all proud as punch and delighted to have won the award.
'It's a tremendous achievement and tribute to al the efiort put in at the club, from the minis right the way up to the first XV.
'Everyone involved with the club deserves huge credit for what will be a very hard season to lop.'
The awards ceremony and dinner was held in (he President''s Suite at Murrayfletd on Friday. May 25. and was hosted bv former Scotland captains Andy NicoI and Ian McLauchIan.
COVETED
Howe were shortlisted for Club of the Season after picking up the monthly version of the award in April.
The Cupar-based side beat off competition from seven other clubs — Dunbar, Gala. Helensburgh. Hllllfoots, Melrose. Preston Lodge and Stirling County — to win the coveted trophy.
With Mr Harley away with the playing squad on a tour to Flanders, the award was accepted by vtce-president Bill Robertson and secretary Alistair Paton.
Mr Robertson said: 'Winning the top club award while in the third division is a phenomenal achievement and should be celebrated by all those involved tn the club at every level.
Next season Howe will line up in the new Championship East following the restructure of Scottish rugby that denied the Duffus Park side a promotion.
Mr Harley said: 'Obviously the main goal under the new system is to try to win the Championship East and effectively join the top 20 teams in the country — but that will be no mean task.'
Eric's running total hits £6000
Eric crosses the finishing Iine
by LIZ ROUGVIE
[email protected]
STROKE survivor Eric Thomson has raised another four-figure sum by taking part in his second Edinburgh Marathon - and has beaten his personal best time into the bargain.
Eric (49), who is principal teacher of biology at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, braved the sweltering heat at the weekend (27 May 12) to finish the 26.2 mile route in just three hours and 47 minutes, slicing 13 minutes off last year's time.
He raised over £1000 for the Scottish Stroke Association bringing his total to more than £6000 over the past three years.
Eric said: 'By midday the temperatures had soared to 26 degrees - however the people of Edinburgh helped by spraying runners with water from their garden hoses as they passed.
ENCOURAGE
'Even the children played their part by soaking everyone with their water pistols.
"The spectators were outstanding - they really did encourage you to keep going.'
It was in 2005 that Eric suffered a life-changing stroke which affected his speech and the movement on his right-hand side. But thanks to intensive physiotherapy, a supportive family and sheer determination, he took part in his first Edinburgh half-marathon three years later. Since then, he has competed in a number of endurance races to raise funds for the charity so close to his heart.
INCREDIBLE
He commented: 'I would like to thank everyone at the Scottish Stroke Association who have helped me over the years, especially Scottish Stroke fund manager Karen Hodgins and her hardworking team.
'Also a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored me over the last three incredible years.
'Next year I will be celebrating my 50th birthday and I have already successfully secured a place in the Virgin London Marathon ballot so hopefully I will hear if I have a place by October.
'However, I am hoping to run a marathon somewhere more exotic than London or Edinburgh in 2013.
Watch this space!'
[email protected]
STROKE survivor Eric Thomson has raised another four-figure sum by taking part in his second Edinburgh Marathon - and has beaten his personal best time into the bargain.
Eric (49), who is principal teacher of biology at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, braved the sweltering heat at the weekend (27 May 12) to finish the 26.2 mile route in just three hours and 47 minutes, slicing 13 minutes off last year's time.
He raised over £1000 for the Scottish Stroke Association bringing his total to more than £6000 over the past three years.
Eric said: 'By midday the temperatures had soared to 26 degrees - however the people of Edinburgh helped by spraying runners with water from their garden hoses as they passed.
ENCOURAGE
'Even the children played their part by soaking everyone with their water pistols.
"The spectators were outstanding - they really did encourage you to keep going.'
It was in 2005 that Eric suffered a life-changing stroke which affected his speech and the movement on his right-hand side. But thanks to intensive physiotherapy, a supportive family and sheer determination, he took part in his first Edinburgh half-marathon three years later. Since then, he has competed in a number of endurance races to raise funds for the charity so close to his heart.
INCREDIBLE
He commented: 'I would like to thank everyone at the Scottish Stroke Association who have helped me over the years, especially Scottish Stroke fund manager Karen Hodgins and her hardworking team.
'Also a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored me over the last three incredible years.
'Next year I will be celebrating my 50th birthday and I have already successfully secured a place in the Virgin London Marathon ballot so hopefully I will hear if I have a place by October.
'However, I am hoping to run a marathon somewhere more exotic than London or Edinburgh in 2013.
Watch this space!'
Bronze for Thomas
Thomas Cameron, a first year pupil at Bell Baxter High School, came third in the British Elite Gymnastics Championships held in Leicester on Saturday 5 May 2012.
Thomas, the current all round Scottish under-14 Champion, is currently training hard for the British Championships at the end of June.
Nicola is new club captain
At their recent club championships, Cupar & District Swimming Club appointed a new captain, Nicola Howit, and vice-captain, Megan Cleary. Nicola (15) has been a member of the club for seven years and is now in the deveiopment squad.
As well as training every week and competing regularly in galas] Nicoia helps wiih younger squads in the club.
A third vear pupil at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, she also enjoys hockey, rugby, horseriding, athletics and running and has represented the school in several sports, including swimming.
Vice-captain Megan Cleary has also been a member oi the ciub for more than seven years, but it was only three years ago that she was promoted to the development squad.
Everv week she helps the land training coach, Eric Young, with developing the fitness of the younger swimmers. This will count towards her volunteer work for her Duke of Edinburgh Award.
lf she has any free time when swimming sessions are on, Megan, also helps coach on poolside having taken the poolside helpers course about two years ago organised by Gina Logan.
She is currentlv a student in Year 10 at st Leonards in St Andrews and her other sporting interests include lacrosse and hockey.
Both girls are seen as great role models for the younger swimmers and have contributed a great deal to the club in time and service.
As well as training every week and competing regularly in galas] Nicoia helps wiih younger squads in the club.
A third vear pupil at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, she also enjoys hockey, rugby, horseriding, athletics and running and has represented the school in several sports, including swimming.
Vice-captain Megan Cleary has also been a member oi the ciub for more than seven years, but it was only three years ago that she was promoted to the development squad.
Everv week she helps the land training coach, Eric Young, with developing the fitness of the younger swimmers. This will count towards her volunteer work for her Duke of Edinburgh Award.
lf she has any free time when swimming sessions are on, Megan, also helps coach on poolside having taken the poolside helpers course about two years ago organised by Gina Logan.
She is currentlv a student in Year 10 at st Leonards in St Andrews and her other sporting interests include lacrosse and hockey.
Both girls are seen as great role models for the younger swimmers and have contributed a great deal to the club in time and service.
Fusaro named Warriors' top man
CUPAR rugby player Chris Fusaro has been named Glasgow Warriors' Player of the Season.
The flanker beat off strong competition from the shortlisted Ryan Grant, Stuart Hogg and Tom Ryder to get the nod from head coach Sean Lineen and his assistants, Gary Mercer and Shade Munro at a gala dinner held at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow last Friday.
The 22-year-old has been in outstanding form all year, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the Warriors starting XV and earning praise from all quarters for his relentlessly combative and intelligent approach to back-row play.
Fusaro has forged a significant role in 19 of the team's 21 RaboDirect PRO12 matches to date.
He also played in all six of the club's Heineken Cup pool matches earlier in the campaign, and delighted fans and teammates alike by signing a new contract that will keep him at the Warriors until at least the end of May 2014.
The flanker beat off strong competition from the shortlisted Ryan Grant, Stuart Hogg and Tom Ryder to get the nod from head coach Sean Lineen and his assistants, Gary Mercer and Shade Munro at a gala dinner held at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow last Friday.
The 22-year-old has been in outstanding form all year, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the Warriors starting XV and earning praise from all quarters for his relentlessly combative and intelligent approach to back-row play.
Fusaro has forged a significant role in 19 of the team's 21 RaboDirect PRO12 matches to date.
He also played in all six of the club's Heineken Cup pool matches earlier in the campaign, and delighted fans and teammates alike by signing a new contract that will keep him at the Warriors until at least the end of May 2014.
Record breaking swim by Stefan
THE Scottish senior championships for swimmers with a physical or sensory impairment were held at Grangemouth Sports Complex and attracted entries from teams from Fife, Lothian, Tayside, Forth Valley and the West of Scotland.
Stefan Hoggan from Auchtermuchty and Carnegie Swimming Club was the only swimmer at the championships to break a national record when he improved his existing record in the 50m butterfly to 29.50 secs. Stefan is on the verge of clinching his place in the GB team for the London 2012 Paralympics.
Disability Sport Fife had a strong team entered in defence of the national team trophy at the Grangemouth championships.
Arran Ritchie from Kinglassie and Ryan Martin from Glenrothes made a welcome return to the Fife team and competitive swimming after several years absence.
The Fife team won the overall trophy for the fourth year in succession with a total of 77 points, 19 points ahead of West of Scotland in the runners-up spot.
However, West of Scotland had the satisfaction of winning the open relay by less than a second, despite a valiant final leg by Stefan Hoggan. Fife won the restricted relay.
Swimmers competing for the Fife team were as follows:
Stefan Hoggan (Auchtermuchty), Arran Ritchie (Kinglassie), Craig Smith (Glenrothes), Fraser Wilson (Cupar), Ryan Martin (Glenrothes), Darrell Drury (Rosyth), Pauline McConnachie (Glenrothes), Michelle Hill (Strathmiglo), and Katie Muir (Freuchie).
Stefan Hoggan from Auchtermuchty and Carnegie Swimming Club was the only swimmer at the championships to break a national record when he improved his existing record in the 50m butterfly to 29.50 secs. Stefan is on the verge of clinching his place in the GB team for the London 2012 Paralympics.
Disability Sport Fife had a strong team entered in defence of the national team trophy at the Grangemouth championships.
Arran Ritchie from Kinglassie and Ryan Martin from Glenrothes made a welcome return to the Fife team and competitive swimming after several years absence.
The Fife team won the overall trophy for the fourth year in succession with a total of 77 points, 19 points ahead of West of Scotland in the runners-up spot.
However, West of Scotland had the satisfaction of winning the open relay by less than a second, despite a valiant final leg by Stefan Hoggan. Fife won the restricted relay.
Swimmers competing for the Fife team were as follows:
Stefan Hoggan (Auchtermuchty), Arran Ritchie (Kinglassie), Craig Smith (Glenrothes), Fraser Wilson (Cupar), Ryan Martin (Glenrothes), Darrell Drury (Rosyth), Pauline McConnachie (Glenrothes), Michelle Hill (Strathmiglo), and Katie Muir (Freuchie).