L oca l sport
A passion for Sport Bob Feetham, former Chairman of Stamford AFC and owner of the Rutland Times, takes a look at what’s going on locally in the sporting world
Stamford Indoor Bowls Club
Pictured from the left are (back row), Louise Harris, Jon Bailey, sponsor Ian Lee, Jay TravisJenner, Katie Bailey, Front: Nathan Rigby, Jonathan Chambers, Stephen Harris. Stamford Indoor Bowls Club has made massive progress in many areas of the sport – and one aspect currently attracting widespread attention is the blossoming talent among their junior members. There have been a number of tournament successes, 15-year-old Queen Eleanor School pupils Stephen Harris and Jon Bailey both chalking up notable successes in key events and handling considerable pressure to do so. Stephen won a thrilling junior championship final against Spalding’s Jordan Philpott, also reaching the club’s singles final; while Jon Bailey truly excelled as he beat defending champion Jon Randall in the Northants Federation under-25 tournament. Bob Warters, Stamford IBC’s publicity officer, commented : “The club is thrilled by the
progress and the good impressions the juniors are making among the members and within the local counties. “They are showing a growing maturity and starting to develop as quality performers under pressure, underlined by Jon Bailey and Stephen Harris.” He continued: “The club also has great hopes for Nathan Rigby, Jay Travis Jenner, both members of the championship-winning B team, as well as the improving Jonathan Chambers and our two girl juniors Louise Harris and Katie Bailey.” Impressed by their dedication, sportsmanship and respect for the game, the club’s junior team have been sponsored by local businessman Ian Lee for their smart navy and white kit. • Find out more at www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk
Rutland Cricket League There are 46 teams competing in the Rutland Cricket League this season across seven divisions. Fixtures started last month, running through to October, and include such teams as Long Sutton, St Ives, Rothwell and Eaton Socon. That’s a far cry from 1982 when nine teams founded the competition. They were Barnack, Ketton, Market Deeping, Market Overton, Oundle Town, Stamford, Ufford Park, Uppingham and Brotherhoods, the latter folding in 1985. All credit to the remaining eight who have been an important part of the competition, while also looking to develop their own youth cricket.
Rutland County Golf Club
Rutland County Golf Club is waving goodbye to one of its favourite sons – Ollie Freckingham has just signed professional terms with Leicestershire County Cricket. Leaving after a 15 year association with the Rutland Club, both as employee and member, the 23 year-old Freckingham has spearheaded the A team for eight years, been club champion for six years and holds the course amateur record of 65. He has been a valued green keeper at the club for five years but is naturally looking forward to his new career as a right-arm ‘quickie’. Club manager, Steve Lowe said: “Ollie will be sorely missed by us all – you couldn’t meet a nicer lad. We are all very proud of him at the club and wish him all the best with his cricketing career. We’ll be watching out for him on the telly!”
The Daniels Stadium Approved Stamford AFC’s new ground and sports educational facility moved a massive step nearer when South Kesteven District Council’s Development Control Committee granted detailed planning consent. Innovative Partnership plans, brought together by the football club, Burghley House Preservation Trust/Burghley Estate Leisure Limited and New College Stamford secured permission subject to planning conditions. Stamford AFC director of football Guy Walton said: “The club is committed to the partnership’s vision of an education and sporting facility. This particular project will deliver an innovative solution to the sporting demands of our community”. New College Stamford Principal, Andrew Patience, commented: “We will have a fantastic facility which will greatly benefit the whole town.” David Pennell, Burghley House Preservation Trust, added: “We think this project presents the town with an exciting opportunity.” The club hopes to move into the new stadium for the 2014/15 season..
STAMFORD Living may 2013
43 SPORT.indd 1
43
18/4/13 11:38:13