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Thursday, May 29 - Wednesday, June 4, 2014 51
‘Excellent pro’ Newey signs new deal with U’s OXFORD United manager Gary Waddock praised Tom Newey as an “excellent pro”, as he announced the defender signed a new one year deal with the club this week. The 31-year-old left-back made 47 appearances for the U’s last season, scoring one goal which came at Oxford’s 2-1 victory against AFC Wimbledon back in February. Newey has now played over 400 senior games in his career, and is looking forward to the upcoming season. “I’m really pleased to have signed,” he said. “It is a good club with ambitions to keep moving forward and I have really
By Adam Flinn adam@taylornewspapers.co.uk
signing, we now have a solid look to the left side of defence where Jon Meades can also play. “We would like to add new faces to the squad as well and are working hard on that. “We know the areas we would like to strengthen and have talked to a number of players who we believe would fit the bill.” Meanwhile former United winger Sean Rigg, who was released by Waddock earlier this month, has now signed a new deal with League Two rivals AFC Wimbledon on a free transfer.
enjoyed my time here. “The fi rst two thirds of the season showed what we can do, and I think there is a real feeling about the club that we want to put things right after the way it ended. “Personally, I want to play in a successful side and signing for Oxford gives me that opportunity next season.” Waddock added: “Tom is a good player and an excellent pro. He knows the game, knows his position and is a great competitor. “With Tom and Jake Wright • Tom Newey
Sport Bites Good result for Pepperell EDDIE Pepperell enjoyed another strong performance at the BMW PGA Championship at Surrey’s Wentworth course last weekend, finishing in a tie for 21st. Rounds of 69, 73, 68 and 73 gave Pepperell a score of five under par, nine shots behind tournament winner Rory McIlroy. It is Pepperell’s best result of the season so far, and is the third tournament where he has made the cut in succession. It also comes a year after he fi nished a career-best tied sixth at Wentworth in 2013.
Oxford RL suffer defeat OXFORD Rugby League were beaten 30-24 by Hemel Stags on Sunday, meaning they have four wins and four losses from their season so far. It means Oxford sit in the middle of the Rugby League Championship 1 standings with 13 points, 10 behind leaders York City Knights. They next make the trip to Hunslet Hawks, who are currently second in the league, on Sunday afternoon.
Women stay last despite first point
Diddy sign four DIDCOT Town captain Luke Carnell has been revealed as the club’s first signing of preseason. The central defender made 48 league and cup appearances last season, scoring eight goals in the process. He was announced by joint manager Ian Concannon last week, alongside fellow manager Jamie Heapy, defender Jack Longford and new signing Luke Abrahart, who joins from Thatcham Town. “Luke Carnell is the cornerstone of what we’re trying to do and he was very keen to stay, and we’re delighted he’s put pen to paper and will be with us for the forthcoming season,” said Concannon. “We’ve also got Luke Abrahart from Thatcham, he’s come on-board so we’re excited about that, as he comes from a good background. “These are four signings which are key for us, and there’s a few more to come.” Meanwhile, it was also announced that former Didcot player Paul McInnery passed away on May 17. His funeral is set to take place at Thatcham Crematorium tomorrow.
Smith aims to beat Rossi in Italy MOTOGP rider Bradley Smith will be hoping for more points at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, taking place at Mugello. Oxford-born Smith was 10th at the French Grand Prix in Le Mans on May 18, and is currently ninth in the world championship standings with 34 points after the fi rst five races. He came ninth at the track last year, but will be hoping to fi nish further up the field in the standings this time round.
“After the disappointment of Jerez and Le Mans, I know that my guys will come with something different and I’m excited to get to Mugello and try it out,” Smith said. “It’s very undulating and so sorting out that weight balance on the bike is crucial. “Look at (Yahama rider) Jorge Lorenzo’s three victories there over the last three years, and we know that Valentino Rossi will be very fast.
“It will be great to have access to their data, and with Valentino Rossi making his 300th grand prix appearance in front of the home fans, the plan must be to chase him as hard as I can.” At the front, Honda rider Marc Marquez will be aiming for his sixth win out of six, after dominating the season so far. • Bradley Smith was 10th in France last time out (Picture courtesy of Tech 3)
Dan’s going for gold in Glasgow A SHOOTER from Didcot has been selected to represent England at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Dan Rivers, 22, will take part in all three Small Bore Rifle events at the Games this July and August. He was fi rst talent-spotted aged 15 by the Great Britain development squad, and competed his fi rst major event at the World Championships in 2010. Dan is currently juggling full time employment as a vehicle
technician with shooting, and has also benefited from funding from the GLL Sport Foundation to help develop his sporting prowess. “I try to train as much as possible after work, whenever possible, while keeping a balance with having a social life,” said Dan. “It can be really difficult at times to fit it all in, so what I lose in quantity I make up in quality by setting goals and giving 100 per cent when I am training.”
Peter Bundley, GLL Sport Foundation chairman, said: “It is crucial that we support the talent and enthusiasm of our young sporting stars. “We can help young athletes bridge the difficult leap from regional to national level as they start to become ready for senior competition.” • Dan Rivers, who will compete for England at the Commonwealth Games this summer
OXFORD United Women picked up their first point of the season on Sunday, after they drew 2-2 with local rivals Reading. It was Lauren Allison who snatched the point for the U’s, thanks to a late header deep into injury time. Reading had scored fi rst just before the half-hour mark through Fran Kirby, as she beat two United defenders before fi ring into the top corner. Kayleigh Hines equalised for Oxford shortly after the break against her old club, unleashing an unstoppable shot which flew in via the post. With 10 minutes remaining, Reading restored their lead as Lauren Buton curled her effort into the goal from the corner of the box. It looked as if Reading would hang on for the win, but Allison grabbed a late goal to spark celebrations from players and supporters alike. Despite the point, Oxford remain at the bottom of the Women’s Super League standings, two points adrift of the next-placed side Durham Women FC. It is Durham who the U’s will be facing next, and they are set to make the lengthy trip up to New Ferens Park on June 29.