Harlequins back to winning ways at the Twickenham Stoop
It was an exciting round 20 clash in the Premiership; Harlequins looking to stay in the top four whilst Bath were fighting to keep 6th spot and a place in the European Cup next season.
The weather threatened rain but that did not prevent over 14300 supporters from attending The Stoop; the voices of the Quins’ fans singing out loud and proud.
Bath kicked off proceedings and after play settled there was no doubt this was going to be a tough match.
Both teams were attacking and tackling hard. Bath passed accurately but a strong home side would not allow the visitors out of their 22.
Then Quins' no. 10 Nick Evans kicked long but failed to find touch, allowing Bath to collect and push up to Quins’ 10 metre line.
Infringements caused the first points of the game when the home side were penalised for not rolling away. The visitors opted for the posts and within 6 minutes found themselves on the scoreboard.
Following the restart Bath had good possession but again strong tackling by the home side forced Bath to change tactics. They tried to chip-through, handing possession back to Quins who decided to run with ball in hand.
They travelled up the pitch and sent the ball into touch for a Bath line-out. They retained possession and opted to kick, allowing Brown to collect. Rugby turned into football in an attempt to gain territory however a superb ball into touch by Bath meant Quins had to defend a line-out on their 22.
This they did well. There was a fast pace about Quins' play this week and they chased more high-balls. Their dominance in the scrums was also returning and they earned themselves a penalty resulting in an attacking line-out on Bath’s 22.
Although they kept possession they could only form a slow maul. This was met by a strong defence which gave Bath the scrum, which escalated into a penalty.
Bath however failed to find touch having sent the ball back into the Quins territory but they chased well. An attempted interception by the visitors was knocked-on allowing Quins the scrum. They then started to run their way up the field. Fancy footwork from Care broke through Bath’s defence and play hastened into the visitors’ half.
Bath regrouped and Quins sent the ball up-and-over towards the try line and good chasing pressure forced Bath to take the ball into touch just 5 metres from their try line.
Harlequins retained possession but a strong push by Bath in the maul which followed forced a knock-on. A passage of play then occurred seeing Quins win back the put-in only to be penalised for not hitting straight.
The ball was kicked back to the half-way line and matters worsened as Quins knocked-on. They were again penalised for raising the scrum and after 22 minutes Bath doubled their score to 6 points.
Botica then entered the field of play, replacing Hopper. His impact was noted from the start.
Following a ‘spirited’ period of possession, Quins earned a penalty and decided to get points on the board. Within 5 minutes of Botica entering play he clawed back 3 points for the home side.
Bath opted for a long restart, allowing Quins to collect. They chose to run with ball in hand, breaking through defence and offloading well. Another penalty to Quins and Botica brought them level having been on the pitch just 10 minutes.
Bath and Quins both gave as good as they got; attacking and defending. The visitors were awarded a penalty kick which they put into touch after Care attempted to play the ball whilst it was still in the Bath scrum.
Urgent defending by Quins followed as Bath pushed for the line. Referee Wayne Barnes then stopped play and brought the TMO into action questioning a high tackle. Bath were awarded a penalty and regained the lead in the final play of the first half.
Half Time: Harlequins 6 – 9 Bath Rugby
It was now heavily raining and the thought of balls being knocked-on was accurate.
Harlequins saw an opening and kicked, starting a race for the line. They earned a line-out; formed a maul; and were awarded advantage.
Care broke away from the maul and crossed for a try, converted by Botica within 7 minutes of second-half play. For the first time this match Harlequins took the lead.
Birthday boy Monye then joined the field of play in replace of Smith.
Quins had a scrum inside their own half and when Bath were penalised this turned into a penalty kick and line-out on Bath’s 22. They moved play wide and although the visitor’s regained possession, an attempted kick was blocked and brute force dragged Bath into touch for a Quins’ attacking line-out.
The ball was passed out and in a strange piece of play Easter decided to chip-over allowing an easy ‘mark’ for Bath who then kicked into touch.
Quins retained line-out ball and earned a penalty. The boot of Botica adding another three points with just over a quarter of the game to play.
Danny Care was then rested, with Dickson coming on as his replacement.
Possession changed hands with regular occurrence until Quins earned a line-out. They chose to kick high and chase. Initially this seemed a wasted opportunity until miscommunication by Bath allowed birthday-boy Monye to score. A quick check with the TMO confirmed downward pressure on the ball.
Botica again converted and with 15 minutes still to play Quins had pulled away leaving Bath requiring two converted tries to draw level.
Both teams were still very determined. Quins pushed on with good offloads and looked like scoring again, getting within 5 metres of the try line.
Bath, too, continued to fight and did break the home team’s defence but it was through a forward pass.
It was a hard fought game but Harlequins were back to their winning ways. Full time: Harlequins 23 – 9 Bath Rugbyposted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:10 pm
Friday, 12 April 2013
Wallington Police Raid
Police have raided a car boot sale in their quest to clamp down on counterfeit goods.
After carrying out a search at an address in Wallington, they visited the sale in Bromley where they found a couple selling fake DVDs.
76 items were found to be counterfeit – more were found at the property in Typhoon Way.
Kevin O’Mara was sentenced to three months in jail suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £250.
His wife Sarah was also ordered to pay costs of £250 and do 180 hours unpaid work.
Battersea Dogs & Cats' Home is appealing for more foster homes for its dogs after a 31% increase in animals coming into its care due to family break-ups.
Last year the world famous animal charity saw a dramatic increase in the number of animals being brought in by their owners because of divorce and separation.
Because these animals come from a home environment, they can often find the adjustment to life in kennels particularly stressful, so Battersea tries to place them with foster families until a permanent home comes along.
Battersea takes in around 9,000 dogs and cats a year and places many of its residents in temporary homes.
All foster parents are given on-going training and support.
Streatham MP Online Confusion
It’s still not clear who edited Wikipedia to include comparisons of promising Labour politician Chuka Umunna with President Obama.
The Streatham MP is referred to as the “UK’s Barrack Obama”.
It’s now been revealed that editing to the profile was done by someone using a computer at the law firm where he was previously employed.
Earlier this week it was claimed Mr Umunna may have created his own profile on Wikipedia.
The shadow business secretary has said he finds the comparison annoying. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:52 am
Post natal depression fund raiser held in memory of Carshalton teacher
A man whose sister killed herself after suffering from post natal depression has decided to use the tragedy to raise awareness.
Simon Abbott’s sister Samantha committed suicide in Sutton just a few weeks after giving birth.
He’s now gone on to set up the Samantha Abbott Trust in her memory and has decided to hold a fashion show to raise funds for the charity.
Celebrities including Lily Allen and David and Victoria Beckham have donated items to the cause.
For more information about the launch party for the event later this month go to www.socialmediafashionparty.eventbrite.com
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:00 am
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Council Housing Decline In Hammersmith
The Council House waiting list has been slashed by 90% in Hammersmith & Fulham.
The number of people hoping to get a council property has gone down from 10,000 to just over 1,000.
The reduction’s come about because of new restrictions imposed by the Tory council.
From now on only people with a five year local connection to the borough and a combined salary of less than £40,200 will be allowed onto its housing register.
It’s also prioritising residents who are working or making a significant contribution to the community. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:07 pm
New School Places For Chessington
A school in Chessington is expanding and people are being invited to have their say.
Kingston Council plan to spend nearly two million pounds increasing provision and facilities.
It's part of a borough wide strategy being introduced in September ahead of permanent expansion.
The plans will enable 30 extra children a year to attend. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:05 pm
Croydon Hit And Run Jail Term
A man who killed a woman waiting at a bus stop in Croydon in a hit and run has been jailed for just over five years.
31 year old Veronica Chango-Alvarez died and another man was seriously injured after being hit by a car driven by Nathan Davis last December.
He fled the scene and then dumped his Audi on Streatham High Road. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:27 am
Middlesex look to continue good start
Middlesex will be looking to continue their good start to the County Championship cricket season on day two of their match with Nottinghamshire.
They’ll resume their first innings this morning on 12 without loss – after bowling out the hosts for 278 yesterday.
Joe Denly is one of those looking to make an impression with the bat and he's been speaking to Radio Jackie.
Surrey Elections
A list of candidates for the Surrey County Council elections has been published.
337 candidates across the county will be vying for 81 seats at the beginning of May.
To find out who' standing where visit the Surrey County Council website. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:42 am
Richmond Burglaries
Burglaries in Richmond are on the rise.
According to police the number of break-ins across the borough has increased by 20 per cent in recent months.
Police have started a “super-cocooning” operation which involves putting more officers on the street and going door to door offering crime prevention advice. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:40 am
Cricket Middlesex
Middlesex are playing Nottinghamsire on the first day of the County
Championship cricket season.
One new player for the Panthers this season is fast bowler James
Harris – who was signed from Glamorgan in the winter.
Speaking to Radio Jackie, Harris hopes the move will help his
chances of playing for England.
Tributes pour in for Baroness Thatcher
Former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher has died at the age of 87.
Her children - Mark and Carol - have released a statement saying she passed away peacefully this morning following a stroke.
David Cameron, who is cutting short a visit to Europe, says we have lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton.
Buckingham Palace says the Queen is sad to hear of her death and Her Majesty will be sending a private message of sympathy to the family.
Downing Street has confirmed that Lady Thatcher will receive a Ceremonial funeral with military honours at St Paul's Cathedral.
Flags above Number Ten are at half mast while flowers are being left outside her London home.
Baroness Thatcher led the Conservatives to three consecutive general election victories - the first in 1979.
She left office 11 and a half years later in November 1990.
Michael Howard, who served in her Cabinet and later led the party, has described her as a 'titan' of British politics who "saved our country".
The Deputy Prime Minister, and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg has described her as one of the defining figures in modern British politics.
And London's Mayor Boris Johnson says her memory will live long after the world has forgotten the grey suits of today's politics
When we broke the news to the people of Surbiton, there were mixed reviews about the Iron Lady.
Justice Secretary and MP for Epsom Chris Grayling, has also paid tribute.
Baroness Thatcher served as Prime Minister for more than eleven years, before effectively being forced out - by her own party.
The image of her leaving Downing Street in 1990 with tears in her eyes has become one of the most famous, as she gave THIS powerful speech.
Woking man jailed for 18 years.
A man from Woking has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for child sex offences.
35 year old Alan Thornby from Old Woking was found guilty of 30 offences including rape between 2005 and 2010.
During the course of a previous trial new evidence emerged which resulted in Thornby being subsequently convicted of further offences. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:03 pm
Royal Parks to charge professional dog walkers.
Commercial dog walkers in the Royal Parks are being made to pay £300 for a licence are limited to walking four animals at a time.
The licence system was introduced this month and requires dog walkers to pay for a permit and agreed to the code of conduct.
The new system will cover all the Royal Parks including Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
Professional dog walkers who are aught without a licence could b fined and banned.
Park managers say they'd taken action after complained but opponents say the reform have been sneaked in.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:56 pm
Police try and trace a man in Kingston
Police are concerned for the safety of a missing man in Kingston.
28 years old Sebastian Jacobs who has Downs Syndrome was last seen at lunchtime on Lower Ham road.
There has been a possible sighting of him around Kingston Library.
He is slim and wearing a grey hooded top Nike bottoms
Anyone with any information should call police on 101.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:30 pm
Kingston Council Reported
Kingston Council has been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office after failing to provide information relating to Children’s Safeguarding.
According to Chair of Kingston Labour Laurie South key requests submitted this year have now been delayed beyond the permitted time.
The requests relate to a pay-off of 128-thousand pounds to the former head of the council’s Children’s Services Duncan Clark who resigned last year.
The council’s also being accused of not releasing information relating to what training lead member for Children’s Services Patricia Bamford has undertaken.
A child protection report last July revealed that Kingston Council had fallen catastrophically short of the expected standard of care in Children’s Safeguarding. posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:49 am
Weir-Archer Academy is Launched in Kingston
Coach Jenny Archer with Paralympians David Weir & Jamie Carter
The weekend saw important steps forward for disability sport.
Paralympian David Weir and his coach Jenny Archer launched the Weir-Archer Academy at Kingsmeadow Stadium in Kingston.
This coincided with Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers' Open Disability Meeting as well as the first ever Surrey County Disability Sports Championships.
Radio Jackie's Natalie Osborne spoke with David Weir and Jenny Archer about the Championships; their Academy and training for the London Marathon:
David Weir:
Jenny Archer: posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:00 am
Sunday, 7 April 2013
The Curse of the European Cup: Munster knock Harlequins out of the title chase
A beautiful day at the Stoop in Twickenham was not enough to see Harlequins into the last four of the European Cup.
The home side kicked-off proceedings and within seconds they attacked a line-out just short of the Munster try-line. The visitors, however, threw long, secured the ball and kicked into touch.
Munster then stole Quins’ line-out ball but knocked-on giving a scrum to the home side still within the visitor's 22.
It was fed quickly and a good push from Quins earned them a penalty within 3 minutes. The stadium erupted after being deadly silent – good respect of the kicker from all 15,000 spectators. Quins took the lead through Evans: Harlequins 3 – 0 Munster.
On the restart Munster made a nuisance of themselves; O’Gara opted for the posts after Quins were penalised in the 6th minute. However at this stage of the game the posts were supporting the home side; keeping the ball out.
The visitors regrouped and fast footwork forced strong tackles from the home side, until a knock-on halted Munster’s progress.
Good passing by Quins saw them move back into Munster’s half but it was short-lived after being penalised for holding-on. They were not punished by the visitors on this occasion as Munster knocked-on in the line-out which followed. The resulting scrum allowed Quins to clear.
Yet the home side were penalised again, this time for knocking-on. The visitors chose to play the advantage, sending the ball long for a line-out in the Quins’ 22. This attacking play came to nothing as Quins won the ball and a later mistake by Munster sent the ball dead for a Quins scrum back in Munster’s half.
Strong work in the maul which followed earned Harlequins a kick between the posts in the 14th minute but Evans sent it wide.
It was not long before Munster were back in the Quins’ territory. Munster earned a throw-in just short of the 10 metre line but knocked-on.
Quins decided to play the advantage, running the ball up to Munster’s 22 where they were awarded a penalty after Munster failed to release the tackled player. Evans again went for the posts in the 19th minute. A solid strike doubled Harlequins’ lead.
The restart was kicked long but Care sent it safely into touch. Munster claimed the ball and started a rolling maul. Advantage given, they attempted a drop goal but it was blocked sending play back to the original infringement. Again O’Gara pulled it left of the posts in the 22nd minute.
The visitors again earned themselves a scrum in the Quins’ half, but the home side tackled well not allowing Munster to run. However Quins again found themselves penalised for illegal handling in the ruck. O’Gara secured the first points for Munster in the 25th minute.
A knock-on in the restart by the visitors gave advantage to Quins. The resulting scrum turned into a penalty after Munster pulled round the maul. Evans went for the posts in the 29th minute adding another 3 points.
It was not long before Munster had the opportunity for some more points of their own; Care was penalised for holding on, allowing O’Gara to kick for a line-out on the Quins’ 10 metre line. Munster attempted another drop goal after being awarded advantage; and were brought back for the penalty kick which O’Gara delivered in the 34th minute.
More misery for Quins followed as Monye again knocked-on the restart, handing a scrum to Munster. This turned into a line-out deep in Quins’ territory after they were penalised. This was taken well by Munster who started a maul. O’Gara made the decision to send the ball high but this allowed Monye to catch and call the mark.
This was but brief respite as Munster fought fiercely for the ball, attacking the ruck. Quins were again penalised for holding on. Luckily for the home side, time was against Munster and so the ball was kicked out to end the first half.
Half Time at the Twickenham Stoop: Harlequins 9 – 6 Munster
Munster started the second half with a long kick taken well by Care who sent it back to the half way line. The visitor’s secured line-out ball and started to penetrate Quins’ defence.
O’Gara drew the scores within the 3rd minute of second-half play through a penalty.
On the restart Munster pushed hard for the try-line. Quins got a line-out on their own 22 but Munster stole possession, pushing further up the field. O’Gara took an easy penalty kick in front of the posts and Munster finally lead the game after 46 minutes.
All the pressure was now coming from Munster who it seemed had a good talking to over the half time break. O’Gara lined up another penalty kick and pulled Munster 6 points clear in the 49th minute.
It worsened for Quins as Munster stole the ball from their ruck, proceeding to the Quins’ 22. The home side seemed to have no answer to the onslaught. However just when it looked like Munster were aiming for try, George Lowe made a timely interception, stopping the visitors’ advancement for the time being.
It seemed Quins were starting to push the visitors back. Strength in numbers from Munster, however, brought the ball back up field. O’Gara then sent the ball through the defence and Brown, on trying to allow the ball to go dead, found himself under pressure.
In the 55th minute Munster got another scrum through a knock-on. Knowing an advantage was being played, they kicked overhead to allow a chase for a try. Care, however, saw the danger and guided the ball into the dead zone. Nothing lost for Munster who were brought back for a penalty kick. O’Gara’s boot was now firing true, pulling Munster 9 points clear.
A long restart from Quins earned them a line-out on the Munster’s 10 metre line, but tempers became heated after another refereeing decision went against an attacking home side. Quins were then penalised in the scrum which followed for not hitting straight. At this point Robshaw spoke to the referee for clarification on what they were doing wrong.
Munster retained the ball on the half way line and sent the ball high. Monye again collected and it was the turn of the visitors to be penalised, allowing Evans to clear.
A quick line-out was taken by Quins and Munster were again penalised in the maul that followed. Evans opted for a long line-out in Munster’s 22. There was fast play by the home side but a thumping tackle knocked the ball on. Munster kicked long into touch. Quins won the line-out ball on the half way line and chose to run it deep, earning a penalty in front of the posts. Evans pulled the home side 3 points closer.
Munster on this occasion opted for a short restart which allowed them to chase. However a knock-on gave Quins the put-in at the scrum. It was well fed and out quickly, however play which followed returned possession to the visitors through a forward pass.
A further line-out saw Munster get a maul moving. Despite this Quins worked hard for a scrum, which escalated to a penalty after the visitors collapsed it. The home side opted for a line-out which they won. They chose to run it needing a converted try for any hope of progressing into the semi-final.
Luck was not on their side as Quins found themselves penalised in the ruck and O’Gara kicked for a line-out back in Quins’ territory. The home side thought they had stolen the ball but play was halted for a Munster scrum.
The visitors pushed onwards but Quins earned a scrum on their 22. The ball was sent out to the wing but after a bit of juggling through a loose pass was knocked-on for Munster to claim possession with less than one minute of play left.
Munster knocked Quins out of the European cup; the home side failing to make it past the quarter final stage yet again.
Full Time at the Twickenham Stoop: Harlequins 12 – 18 Munster
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Bear loves to travel, listen to folk music and read. Her favourite part of South West London is the vibrancy of Clapham Common on a weekend - even in the cold winter, you can always spot some dogs or even a bit of quidditch!
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