For all you football fans St Bernards will play their last match at Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre’s pitch at Linear Park on Thursday (16 April) – kick off 6.30pm (writes James McGinty).
The pitch will then undergo the installation of a new drainage system which should allow many more matches to take place in the future.
The British Roller Derby Championships are Europe’s largest Roller Derby Tournament, with 72 leagues from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland going head to head over the course of 2015.
Auld Reekie Roller Girls (ARRG) are in the Premier Division of the competition and have already travelled to Cardiff to take on Middlesbrough Milk Rollers in the first round of the tournament. That nail-biting game between two closely-matched teams resulted in a 114-108 win for the Edinburgh women.
Round two of the tournament will be hosted by ARRG at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Saturday 2 May, where Edinburgh’s finest will take on two of the UK’s strongest teams: Manchester’s Rainy City Roller Girls (RCRG), and – in what is guaranteed to be a very exciting game – ARRG face their closest neighbours and deadliest rivals in the Edinburgh v Glasgow Derby Derby!
ARRG are currently ranked number 1 in the UK rankings, but Glasgow are close behind at number 2. Will the mighty ARRG be able to hold on to their top spot, or will the Glaswegians opposition be too strong?
The day will also host games between Birmingham’s Central City Roller Girls (CCR), Middlesbrough Milk Rollers (MMR) and Cardiff’s powerful Tiger Bay Brawlers (TBB): it’s sure to be a day of fiercely-fought battles between the highest-ranking teams in the UK.
This is an incredible chance to see the country’s best teams play at the bargain rate of only £12 for the entire day – come and see why people are getting so excited about the fastest-growing women’s sport in the world!
British Roller Derby Championships: Premier Tier – Round 2
9am – 7pm, Saturday 2 May: Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh
Tickets: Tickets available from: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1353385
Full-day tickets: £12.00
ARRG vs. Glasgow tickets: £5.00
Free for children aged 14 and under.
What is modern roller derby?
Roller derby is an all-female sport that involves teams competing on an oval track in a series of ‘jams’ – two minute periods that see teams of five players each battling to score points.
During each jam, one player on each team is designated as the ‘jammer’ who scores a point for every member of the opposing team she passes.
The sport requires a punishing array of agile and athletic skills, from zig-zag blocking moves to body slams to all-out speed-skating.
To perfect these manoeuvres, skaters commit to several hours of practice every week, paying for gear and practice space out of their own pockets. While it has its roots in sports-entertainment-style exhibition games going back as far as the 1930s, modern roller derby has reinvigorated the game with a grass-roots DIY ethos that puts the passion for athleticism front-and-centre.
The trend finally reached Edinburgh in 2008, when a small group of women founded the Auld Reekie Roller Girls. The Edinburgh league now averages over 100 skaters, and is run purely on the volunteer efforts of its members.
ARRG became full members of the Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) in 2011. ARRG’s All Stars are currently ranked number 1 in Europe and number 60 in the world.
For further info go to www.arrg.co.uk.
Police are reminding football fans that a ‘robust policing operation’ will be in place at this weekend’s derby match to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.
Over 15,000 spectators are expected to attend Easter Road Stadium for Sunday’s Hibs v Hearts clash, and fans are being warned that anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will not be tolerated and the relevant by-law will be enforced.
Police will also assist stewards to carry out searches outside the stadium to prevent illegal or prohibited items being brought into the ground.
Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “Like any derby day, this Sunday promises to be a great atmosphere with thousands within the city coming along to the match or watching it in the city’s pubs.
“The vast majority of supporters demonstrate exemplary behaviour and are a credit to their clubs – however, we will have a number of resources in place to target the minority of individuals whose behaviour can put both themselves and others at risk. This includes officers visiting local pubs and areas where groups gather.
“Officers and stewards will be carrying out searches of fans entering Easter Road and anyone found with illicit or illegal materials will be prohibited from entering and may face further police action.”
‘I’ve been involved in some important signings in my time at Hearts, but this is perhaps the most significant’ – Hearts Director of Football Craig Levein.
Hearts will wear the Save the Children name on their kit for the next three years after agreeing a partnership with the international charity. Announcing the agreement – the first of it’s kind in British football – club owner Ann Budge said the new partnership is a ‘win-win-win’ for everyone involved.
The deal, which was made possible by an anonymous group of ‘big-hearted’ philanthropists, will see a seven-figure sum shared between Hearts and Save the Children. The Gorgie club’s own charity Big Hearts will also receive a donation to support their work in the local community.
Thanking those mystery supporters, Ann Budge said: “Through their enormous generosity they have agreed to provide funds at a level which more than removes the need for a commercial shirt sponsor.”
The Hearts owner told HeartsTV: “It’s been an amazing few weeks. A few days ago we were celebrating what we had achieved on the field, and now we’re celebrating what we’ve achieved – or at least one of the achievements -, off the field.
“It’s not a commercial sponsor that we have on our shirts, but we’ve achieved terms through this agreement that more than equate to that. So we have lost nothing by having no commercial sponsor and gained everything, in my view.
“Its very pleasing to hear that reaction to the partnership has been overwhelmingly positive. I personally can’t see any downside to this; I think it’s a win-win-win for everybody. I’m delighted that the fans are happy.”
Director of Football Craig Levein added: “It’s amazing, isn’t it? I’ve been involved in some important signings in my time at Hearts, but this is perhaps the most significant.
“It’s such a great match, a perfect match as they’re saying. It’s such a good story and pretty much in line with things that are coming out of the club just now, since Ann’s taken over. I’m really proud to be part of it.”
Spanish giants Barcelona have a sponsorship deal with Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) (Unicef) until 2016 but Hearts’ shirt deal with a charity partner is the first of it’s kind in British football. News of the agreement has been warmly welcomed across Scottish football and it’s now likely that, like Hearts adoption of the Living Wage, other clubs will try to follow Hearts lead.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “Heart of Midlothian is to be congratulated on their sporting success this season; and also on this exciting new partnership, which will bring welcome additional funds into the Scottish game as well as to the most worthy of causes.”
A Scottish FA spokesperson added: “We commend Heart of Midlothian for today’s announcement, which demonstrates the strength and value of Scottish football in helping to tackle society’s inequalities, especially among vulnerable groups. Such innovative thinking and partnership also plays a significant part in reinforcing the reputation of the national sport in Scotland.”
I suppose it was inevitable. Drama, tragedy,comedy and farce; the trials and tribulations of the once-mighty Rangers FC have been turned into a stage musical.
Successful producer/director partnership Kelvin Grove and George Square will bring their latest production to the Fringe this August.
‘Rangers – The Musical’ boasts an impressive cast. Comedy wrestler Grado – (‘catchphrase: ‘it’s yersel’!’) – (pictured above) will play lead role William ‘Billy’ Boyne and Glenda Govan, his feisty wee love interest, will be played by feisty wee newcomer Easter House. Billy’s mouthy maw will be played, of course, by Elaine C Smith and Billy ‘Big Yin’ Connolly is to play Billy’s wicked (i.e. Celtic-supporting) stepfather.
It’s understood Tim Healy has been cast as Mike Ashley, Christopher Biggins will play Sir Alex Ferguson and Johnny Vegas will play Ally McCoist. Les Dennis is Craig Whyte, Brian Blessed has been cast as King William of Orange and David Tennant will play a senior HMRC official. Jimmy Nail has been pencilled in to play Rangers latest star striker signing and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini plays his glamorous girlfriend. There are roles too for James Cosmo (the ghost of Bill Struth) and Wee Jimmy Krankie, who will play broadcaster Chick Young.
The cast of Scottish soap River City are also heavily involved in the all-star production. The Shieldinch team are going to be busy: they play a flute band in the first act, fans on a supporters bus in the second – and during the ‘half-time’ interval they’ll be serving pies and bovril and leading the audience in some fine traditional songs from the bygone days of yore!
It’s a dream come true for actor Billy McElhaney (pictured above, right), who plays Jimmy in the popular soap. “I’ve follow, followed the Teddy Bears since I was a laddie so this production is a real pleasure for me. When I read through the script I thought to myself: hullo, hullo … this is the Billy boy’s! I can’t wait for August – rehearsals are going well and it’s great to be working with Grado (catchphrase: ‘gaun yersel’!) again.”
Audiences will be delighted to see the return to the stage of popular 1980s game show host Jim Bowen (above), who has an all-too-brief walk-on part as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
The Bullseye funster quipped: “I must be the only cast member to have been alive when the original Rangers was formed! I don’t have too many lines to remember – well, just one: ‘you get nothing in his game for two in a bed’. The writers cut my other one ‘you can’t beat a bit of bully’ as they don’t want to offend anyone. So it’s not exactly hard work, but the pay is ridiculously generous – perfect for someone of my advancing years. Actually Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller were saying just the same thing the other day!”
Set in trendy west end bistro Bar Linhe, ‘Rangers – The Musical’ tells the story of young shipyard apprentice Billy Boyne. Young Billy, who is played by comic wrestler Grado (catchphrase ‘**** yersel’!). Billy lives for his football – until Glenda comes along. Inevitably, love blossoms and the happy couple save up to get married – but things are going downhill fast at Ibrox Park. Should young Billy keep saving for that dream home in Bearsden – or invest their life savings in shares to save his beloved Rangers?
Songs from the show include ‘Money, Money, Money’, ‘Don’t Walk Away’, ‘It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue’, ‘Fog on the Tyne’ and that rousing, ever- popular showstopper ‘The ‘Tash My Father Wore’.
Speaking from his accountants’ office in the Cayman Islands, Mr Grove (above) said: “The Ibrox story is a tale that simply had to be told, and what better way than through the medium of drama, music and dance? This show has the lot – laughter, tears, great songs, court cases, everything.
“The original plan was to launch the show in London’s West End -we had a couple of prestigious venues lined up, but the bottlers pulled out at the last minute – so we’ve decided to take ‘Rangers’ to Edinburgh. It’s a bit of a gamble, as the snobs, poseurs and luvvies through there are not sure to ‘get’ the Glesca banter – but we’ll perfect it through there before bringing the show back to our dear green place, our spiritual home. And if no one likes us? We don’t care! And yes, of course everyone will get paid …”
Tickets, priced £16.90 (strictly cash only, preferably used notes – no concessions) go on sale soon. Don’t miss it!
‘It’s criminal, so it is’ – The Hun Currant Bun
“It’ll huv ye in stitches!” – The Daily Ranger
‘Mair twists and turns than a Davie Cooper mazy run’ – The Govan Gazette
‘Disappointing’ – The Catholic Herald
TRINITY ACADEMY SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The inaugural Trinity Academy Sports Awards that took place on 25 March can be labelled a resounding success with over 170 pupils and parents turning out to celebrate sporting achievements at Trinity (writes S6 student Ryan Crombie).
Guests enjoyed a captivating evening during which a whole range of sports were recognised, ranging from Tae Kwon Do to Sailing! Those who attended were also treated to musical performances from Hayley Scott and Charlie West throughout the night.
A special thanks has to go to our guest, former boxer Alex Arthur MBE, (above) who was kind enough to present all of the awards to the respective winners and made what was already a great night that bit more special.
Carol Graham, Depute Head Teacher and Allan Spencer, Curriculum Leader for PE were also individually rewarded on the night for their many years of hard work and dedication to Hockey and Rugby respectively.
Congratulations goes to all of the winners for the various awards, the nominees and of course the winner of the Trinity Academy Sports Personality of the Year, Eartha Cummings for her achievements with the U-17 Scotland Football team (pictured top).
Article by Ryan Crombie (S6)
It was smiles all round at Police Scotland’s Fettes HQ earlier today when The Sick Kids Friends Foundation was presented with a cheque for £1175. The sum was raised at an ice hockey match held last month between teams from Police Scotland and UK Firefighters in aid of the Edinburgh charity.
It was a clash to remember for the players of Police Scotland who eventually triumphed at Murrayfield Ice Rink with a hard-fought 8-3 victory.
Detective Sergeant Martin McKay helped organise the event and was delighted with the final total raised. He explained: “Both teams are delighted with the amount of money raised for such a worthy cause and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came down and showed their support.
“But of course, talking from the viewpoint as a proud member of the Police Scotland team, I have to say that I was also delighted with the final score!”
Victoria Watson of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation added: “It has been absolutely fantastic to work with Police Scotland and the UK Firefighters. This was a successful event and all the money raised will go towards helping sick children and their families across Scotland.”
Also attending the cheque presentation were Riley Emmerson and Kyle Flemington of the Edinburgh Capitals – and charity mascot PJ Bear.
Heart s won the Scottish Football Championship title this afternoon without kicking a ball. Rangers victory over nearest challengers Hibs at Easter Road was enough to ensure the Tynecastle men secured the title.
Hearts topped the league after a victory over Rangers on day one and have never been headed in a remarkable season – the Jam Tarts have been relentless and have built up an unassailable 23 point lead at the top of the league with seven matches still remaining.
Hearts have lost only once during a dream campaign: sitting on 78 points, they’ve won 25 and drawn three of the league matches they’ve played so far, with the one blot being a 3-2 home defeat by Falkirk.
They have scored 84 goals along the way – that tally includes ten scored in a remarkable record-breaking 10-0 victory over Cowdenbeath. Worthy champions indeed – Rangers and Hibs will continue to slug it out for runner-up spot until the end of the season, but who remembers who finishes second?
Hearts’ success is down to meticulous planning, preparation and attention to detail both on and off the pitch, as head coach Robbie Neilson acknowledged. He told fans: “It’s a fantastic achievement and a great day for the club. It’s also testament to the support we’ve had from the fans, it’s also due to the hard work from Ann Budge, Craig Levein and all of the players. Everything that we have asked them to do, they have done it and they deserve every minute of it.
“The key factor has been the hard work from the players. They have bought into the changes made to the training regime. They have worked hard and they deserve everything. I couldn’t ask any more of them, every day at training they give everything. Every game they give me everything and to a man they have been fantastic this season.”
Few would have predicted Hearts’ rags-to-riches revival this season – the pundits, the experts to a man (and woman) predicted Rangers would land the title crown. The Scotsman, Express, The Hun Sun and Daily Ranger Record all said the league trophy would head to Ibrox. BBC Scotland’s Sportsound team confidently said the same.
Only one lone voice spoke from the wilderness:
‘No, it’s Hibs rivals Hearts who are poised to complete a remarkable resurrection. The club now has something the other contenders lack – stability – and the management team, knowing that Hearts were almost certain to be relegated at the end of last season, has meticulously planned this seasons’s campaign with that in mind.
The players brought in appear to have one thing in common – for different reasons, each has a point to prove – and there’s a quiet confidence emanating from down Gorgie way. Whisper it, but don’t be surprised if the Jambos go on to lift the title.’
Yes, you’ve guessed it … step forward your community newspaper North Edinburgh News. NEN – finger on the pulse of Scottish football!
Police are reminding fans that a policing operation will be in place at today’s Hibernian v Rangers football match to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.
Over 15,000 spectators are expected at Easter Road for the game, which kicks off at 12.45pm. Anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard.
Police officers will also be assisting stewards in conducting searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in, including explosive or combustible materials.
Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour during the match does not put themselves or others in danger.
Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “This is a significant fixture and we want all supporters to enjoy the day. Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti-social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hibs and Rangers fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place others in danger.
“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium will be refused entry and may face further police action.”
Local businessman Daren Henderson went back to his roots when he presented a £1000 cheque to Spartans Community Football Academy last month. Daren, who owns the Edinburgh Driveway Company, is a Muirhouse laddie, and he handed the cheque over to his old Muirhouse Primary pal – and now Spartans Community youth work manager -Kenny Cameron: the pair were P1s together! (writes Dave Pickering)
Daren explained: “When I watched the Spartand video NEN posted on YouTube (see below) I couldn’t help but listen to the youngsters and think: that was me! I was that young boy with nothing to do but hang around the street corners of Muirhouse and Drylaw.”
Daren immediately decided to support the Spartans Community Football Academy, which provides opportunities for local young people that weren’t so readily available when he and Kenny were growing up.
“The Spartans Community Football Academy is very close to my heart and it was a pleasure to hand over a cheque – this money goes straight into the coffers of the academy and helps take local kids of the streets of North Edinburgh and into much more meaningful activities”, he said. “As an extra, The Edinburgh Driveway Company will be funding go-karting and combat activities as part of Spartans summer programme AND one lucky kid gets to come and work with us for a whole week as part of his/hers work experience to give them that much needed experience of working life.”
Daren’s generosity won’t end here. “This relationship is ongoing and I will continue to support this fantastic organisation – the work they do throughout the whole north Edinburgh community is absolutely second to none.”
Kenny Cameron said: “It was great to see Daren and his support is really appreciated by everyone here at the Academy.”
For more informaton on the Edinburgh Driveway Company visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theedinburghdrivewaycompany
Dave Pickering
