Breaking: Man seriously injured after trench collapse in Exeter

January 20, 2015, 5:53 am

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A man has suffered serious injuries after being crushed by a collapsed trench near Exeter. Old Tedburn Road is currently blocked by fire crews and the air ambulance has been called to the scene. Police said a man has suffered serious injuries in the incident involving falling mud near Pocombe Bridge. Emergency services were called at 1:11pm. A fire crew was sent to the scene following reports of a trench collapse. On arrival they found a man clear of the trench who had suffered a heart attack and the air ambulance was called in. The man is being treated at the scene by ambulance crews but the air ambulance has been called.Updates as we have them

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Former Exeter City midfielder Matt Grimes getting used to life at Swansea City

January 20, 2015, 5:57 am

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Former Exeter City midfielder Matt Grimes says he is getting used to life at a Premier League club. The 19-year-old midfielder was sold to Swansea City just over two weeks ago - netting Exeter City a club record fee for a transfer sale of £1.75m. He has yet to feature for the Swansea City first team but, talking to BBC Spotlight, Grimes admitted it would take him time to adjust to football at a higher level. "The intensity in training and the speed and sharpness on the ball is something that it is going to take me a little while to get used to," said Grimes. "But I feel like every day I'm finding my feet more and more so it is all positive." Grimes also took time to praise Exeter City's academy. He joined the club's youth set-up from a very young age and he says that he owes a lot to the coaching set-up at City. "They have nutured me and kept me playing even when I was going through a bit of a wobbly stage at under-13 and under-14s," he said. "They kept me playing and kept teaching me and I kept learning and it has got me to where I am today."

Fire crews cordon off Exeter City Centre lane

January 20, 2015, 6:05 am

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Exeter fire crews were sent to Martin's Lane in the city centre this afternoon, following reports of smoke coming from a shop premises. Crews investigated and found that it was a false alarm with good intent and that there was no fire.

Hundreds expected at YMCA Exeter's Sleep Easy Challenge

January 20, 2015, 6:43 am

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HUNDREDS of people are expected to take part taking part in YMCA Exeter's Sleep Easy Challenge on Saturday, March 14. They will spend the night in Exeter's Guild Hall Shopping centre: Sleeping rough so that others don't have to! Sponsored by Warwick Event Services, Sleep Easy 2015 is hoping to beat the £25,000 raised in 2014 - money that will provide crucial accommodation and support for homeless young people throughout Exeter. Those taking part will be treated to an evening of live music and entertainment, before settling down for the night under the stars. Harry Good, who took part last year, said: "While I enjoyed the adventure with my friends, I found the practicalities of trying to sleep outside on the street staggeringly difficult. I can't imagine having to live like this night after night." As a result of the large demands among students to participate in this event, student fundraising group Exeter RAG are pioneering their own Sleep Easy event on Saturday 7th March on the University's Streatham Campus, also sponsored by Warwick Event Services. For more information or to register your place on this unique challenge, go to: www.sleepeasyexeter.org.uk

Reader's Letter: Cuts hit at heart of Exeter museum

January 20, 2015, 6:51 am

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"HOW ironic to know that the Culture Media and Sport Committee visited Exeter, (MPs told how to help Devon tourism sector, Echo, January 15), and will be speaking to a 'sell out audience' at RAMM (Echo, January 8). Ironic because severe cuts are being made to the museum's budget, so much so that the curatorial team, instrumental in winning the Museum of the Year award in 2012, is to be reduced. One excellent and highly experienced curator is to leave in the near future, and those remaining will be obliged to stand against one another for a reduced number of posts. A more 'general' form of management of collections is the plan, but how will this work when the success of our museum, so loved by the people of Exeter, has been built on the expertise and dedication of these same curators? Do people understand the difference between having an expert at the helm, who knows their subject in detail, and a 'general' curator, who will doubtless be well meaning, but can only refer to a database to manage the collection, or mount exhibitions of the standard to which we have been fortunate enough to enjoy since the re-opening of RAMM? In these difficult times we must understand that financial reductions may need to be made, but it seems that, in this case, the 'cut' is going to the very heart of our museum. How sad to damage one of the jewels in Exeter's crown, one that gives such pleasure to both the people of Exeter and to the many visitors who come from far afield to visit it. Perhaps there is no way to avoid this situation, but at least people should know what they are about to lose."Linda Martinez Exeter

Update: Shock as homeless man found dead on Sidmouth seafront

January 20, 2015, 7:08 am

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One person without a home is one too many – this is the sentiment of the chairman of Sidmouth Town Council who has expressed his sadness at the discovery of a homeless man's body in the town this morning. Police and ambulance paramedics were called to the Port Royal shelter on the seafront after the discovery of the man, who was thought to be in his 50s. The man, who was understood to be homeless, was discovered by an East Devon District Council StreetScene worker at around 7.45am and called 999. Councillor John Hollick, chairman of the town council, said: "It's a shock when anyone dies, no matter what the circumstances. "At this time of year, the weather is not conducive to being outside for any length of time, and it's a great pity this has happened." He added: "Homelessness is not common in Sidmouth and it's one or two on odd occasions. But even one person without a home is one too many." A police spokesperson confirmed that ambulance paramedics pronounced the man deceased at the scene. The man's identity is known to police. The spokesperson confirmed that his death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Exeter Northcott Theatre's new director reveals ambitious new plans

January 20, 2015, 7:44 am

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Bold, brave and ambitious changes are taking shape at Exeter Northcott Theatre since the appointment of its new artistic and executive director Paul Jepson. With 20 years experience as a as a freelancer and director, his vision will see the theatre returning to producing some of its own shows from this Christmas. The shake up at the Northcott will also see a new emphasise on nurturing local talent and giving the theatre a new identity that will set it apart from another, appealing to the different and the many. Paul moved to South West five years ago and lives by the seaside in the South Hams. He set up Windswept Productions with writer Murray Lachlan Young and producer Matthew Linley, and is working on a new project. Paul's impressive CV includes producing and directing for the Manchester Library Theatre, and West End credits include the award-winning Telstar by Nick Moran, subsequently made into a movie. He was formerly appointed as the theatre's new artistic and executive at the beginning of the year, but has been working as the acting artistic and executive director since September. What is your vision for the Northcott? I have a series of plans which are firming up across the next three years. Broadly speaking, what I would like to do is move the theatre towards producing five of its own pieces of work a year. That might take more than three years; It could take four years to get there. This theatre is also here to originate and to identify talent, and support that talent. Then it becomes a wonderful vibrant centre for the city and the university. Our relationship with the university is important. There's an awful lot we can do together, and we've moved quite quickly about how that can happen, such as expanding the programme of events at the university's Great Hall. There is a director back in the building, which there hasn't been for quite some time. That probably has resulted in a certain lack of identity, and that's inevitable if you don't have a director. When can audiences expect to see the first in house production staged? We will work with a locally based company to produce a Christmas show this year for the first time in many years. I will announce more details in three weeks times because we've almost signed the deal with them. It will be the first time we can say, 'You can see it here first'. Next year there will be shows that open here and tour. Whilst there is a lot of good productions on the touring circuit, and a lot of theatres thrive merely on that work and sell it very well, I haven't got a lot of respect for that. It is a lot harder to do than people think , but if you want a place that attracts people, young practitioners and a place with a real buzz about it, you need to make your own stuff. What show will be your biggest risk? There's a show I'm planing to direct in autumn 2016 which has a named actor in it. It's a big famous play by a famous playwright that people would not normally see in a heavily subsidised theatre, and that's why I'm doing it. Because of what it is, it's a risk. Potentially it's something very beneficial to this theatre, as you will see. We will be making stuff that people well want to see and you're going to have to book up otherwise you will have to travel elsewhere to see it. I don't think it's a feeling the theatre has had for quite a long time. Will you be directing all the shows produced by the Northcott? Sometimes we might produce work outright ourselves which I will direct or employ someone else to do. Longer term, I will publish a set of associates, they might be companies, individuals, creative teams, actors ir theatres. I want to build a mixture of relationships. It won't just be collaborations with people near Devon but other cities too. I want to encourage the process of identifying talent. What do you think about criticisms that the Northcott shows lack broad appeal? I think to some extent that has been a problem and will no longer be a problem. We are going to do a very broad range of work. We will get the best commercial touring productions on the circuit that are suitable to this venue. We will continue to collaborate with subsidised theatre companies such as English Touring Theatre. We will also continue to present dance and flagship companies, but also do our own work. We will work with a smaller number of people and do fewer things but which are bigger and bolder, and have shows on for longer here. How well is the Northcott doing financially? We turn over something like about £1m. We get £325,000 from various forms of revenue support, and we've started to raise significant funds. It costs about £11,000 to £12,000 just to open the theatre every week before anything even happens. You can't mess up! We have a very good finance department. In some ways, the department in the theatre is what I'm most proud of because they have to get us through an audit. It makes me very confident about this building and it means you know where you can take a risk. What have been the Northcott's most successful shows recently? George's Marvellous Medicine did about three time better than any Christmas show has done here for several years. We sold 12,000 tickets, but it could have sold about 70,000. It had broad appeal and was on for long enough. That's why we have chosen this year's Christmas show as our first co-producing slot. Another successful show was 1984. We could have sold it for three weeks running. The gala performance, our fundraising show just before Christmas, which had a list of very named actors, raised £20,000 in one night. What influence does the Arts Council England have over the Northcott? They have a lot of involvement. People, particularly in the city, are misnomer about the art council and its unhelpful. The art council doesn't turn up and tell me what to do. I make a case by submitting a business plan saying if I have this money I will do this and that. Frankly that process is helpful and has to be clearly articulated, detailed and robust. You can't run this sort of organisation with a light touch and hope it will be all right anymore. Do you think Exeter needs a new theatre? I'm very new on the scene here so in a way I'm the wrong person to ask. The energy the Northcott can provide to creative life in the city could increase quite considerably and could help the case for building a new theatre. A vibrant Northcott is a win, win, and it will increase the city's commitment to theatre and performance in Exeter. It will only happen if this place is properly working ambitiously and collaboratively with the university and the city. What do you think is one of the theatre's greatest strengths? We are able to attract a very broad range of audience. Providing you're clever about it that becomes an advantage. What other theatre can sell a lot of tickets for George's Marvellous Medicine and also for 1984? We also sell commercial shows which you would expect to see at a number one receiving house. One of our strongest audience groups is families which has been worked at very hard over the last five years. Will the Northcott be taking productions out of the theatre? I want to go back in the city in the summer. I don't think we will do an open air production. I don't want to do a sit down Shakespeare production but some sort of site specific show. I want that to happen, if possible, next summer. I also want to be out in a transit van touring to the most distant places are audience comes from such as Torquay, Totnes and Taunton. We will take theatre to them such as village halls. You've got to be bold, and confident about running a mid- scale theatre otherwise what's the point of them?

Exeter couple who were born on the same day and in the same hospital celebrate wedding anniversary (on the same day!)

January 20, 2015, 7:50 am

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Dave O'Callaghan and Jane Hammond were born side by side on the same day, same year in the same Exeter hospital. And they married 22 years later on the same day - to each other. Dave, who is three hours younger than Jane, didn't actually meet his wife-to-be until they were both 18 but they got together and shared a joint 21st before marrying at Exwick Church the following year. The couple celebrate their 60th birthdays on Monday, January 26, with a 120 family and friends at the Royal British Legion Both Exeter born and bred, Dave has owned and run Gentry, Partner and Basement hairdresser's on Fore Street, for the last 30 years, making the business the second longest standing one on that street. Jane works at Exeter University. The couple, who live in St Thomas, have two daughters, Lyddi, who runs the children's charity shop, Jelly, in Paris Street, and Imogen who is a teacher at West Exe.

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Family of East Devon Royal Engineer who was killed in tractor collision on Wednesday pay tribute to loving father with a "heart of gold"

January 20, 2015, 8:25 am

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THE family of a Royal Engineer from Seaton who tragically died in a recent road accident, have paid tribute to their loved one with the "heart of gold". Richard Daniel Manley died after his car and a tractor collided at Southleigh near Colyton, on Wednesday, January 14. The 43-year-old grew up in Plymouth but has more recently been living in Seaton with his young family. Richard has been described by his family as a loving father, brother and son who was very proud of his time serving in 26 Royal Engineers – an armoured engineer regiment. His family said: "Richard was always willing to help anyone in need and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. "He was a genuinely good guy, with a heart of gold who will be sorely missed by all his family and friends." A police spokesperson, added: "Richard's family have been overwhelmed by messages of support during this difficult time and would like to thank everyone has contacted them. "They would now like some time to come to terms with their loss." Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision, which took place at Broad Down in Southleigh around 11.35am. The incident involved a tractor and a silver coloured Vauxhall Zafira which Mr Manley was driving. The tractor driver was uninjured in the incident. Road closures were in place in the surrounding area for several hours following the incident as officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit carried out their investigations at the scene. Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or was in the area shortly before or after the incident took place. Witnesses, or anyone with any information are urged to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 290 of 14/1/15.

Sports awards: Exeter Racqueteers looking forward to a big year

January 21, 2015, 6:45 am

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Devon Racqueteers' Mike Follett says building on a strong 2014 is his aim for the new year. Mr Follett, who is secretary at the wheelchair badminton club, saw the outfit pick up the Community and/or Team of the Year Award at the 2014 Express & Echo Sports Awards. That was just one in a long line of achievements for the Broadclyst-based club, which included Badminton England Club of the Year, and seeing their players compete at both the world and European Championships. But Mr Follett says the club is not happy simply resting on their laurels as they aim for more international players. "It has been a really good year. Our numbers are still increasing and we are the largest wheelchair badminton club in the country," he said. "We have about 16 members with a number of able-bodied people who help out and six fully-qualified coaches, so we are really flying. "We have been voted Badminton England club of the year, which was a terrific achievement for us. "We have also had two players called up for the England disabilities side to go to the World Championships in Germany – David Follett and Connor Dua-Harper. "Those two also went to Spain in the Europeans, where Connor picked up bronze in the singles and doubles, and David got one in the doubles with Connor. "We are encouraging members to enter all the championships and four nations events that they can – we want to get as many to those as we can. "Ultimately though, we want to get more people playing for England." Mr Follett's son David also won the disabled sports personality of the year award two years running before his run was brought to an end by fellow racqueteer Connor at last year's awards. Connor also collected the Community and/or Team of the Year Award on behalf of Devon Racqueteers at last year's ceremony. Nominations can now be made for this year's awards, which will be held on Thursday, March 5 at Sandy Park. Mike Follett encouraged people to nominate for the forthcoming awards, not least to add a bit more competition for his club. "I have nominated people for the last few years and we have been so fortunate ourselves," he continued. "David won the disabled award two years running and then Connor won it last year. "We have won coaching awards, we won the club award – we were rather thinking we need to give someone else a chance!" To nominate someone for an award, visit exeterexpressan decho.co.uk/sportsawards2015

Trucker cleared of attacking courting couple in Tiverton

January 21, 2015, 6:47 am

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A trucker has been cleared of attacking a courting couple after they told a jury they had very little memory of the incident. Daniel Lord claimed he was acting in self defence after a young woman flew at him 'like a mini-terminator' during the fracas in the centre of Tiverton. The prosecution dropped the case against him after alleged victims Oliver Thom and Keira O'Kelly told the jury at Exeter Crown Court they had both been drinking for several hours before the incident. Lord did not give evidence but his defence council suggested that serious facial cuts and bruising suffered by Mr Thom may have been cause by him falling onto the recently re-laid road surface. The couple alleged they suffered an unprovoked attack after an exchange of words which started when they were kissing and cuddling in the street. Neither could remember any details of the incident in which Lord claimed he defended himself after they reacted angrily to being told to 'get a room' Lord, aged 34, of Knightswood, Cullompton, denied causing actual bodily harm to Mr Thom and assault by battery on Miss O'Kelly in the incident on March 30 last year. He was found not guilty by the jury on the directions of Recorder Mr Kevin de Haan, QC, after Miss Bathsheba Cassel, prosecuting, offered no evidence. Earlier she had told the jury they were dealing with a case of "unprovoked alcohol-fuelled street violence". in Tiverton perpetrated on a young couple who were perfectly innocently making their way home. She withdrew the case after Mr Thom and Miss O'Kelly both said they had very little recall of the incident which happened in the early hours of the morning in Chapel Street, Tiverton after they were walking home from a night out at the Tomato night spot and a friend's home. Lord always insisted he was acting in self defence. He said Miss O'Kelly attacked him and described her in his police interview as 'behaving like a mini terminator'

Wife beater jailed as Exeter Judge clamps down on domestic violence

January 21, 2015, 6:52 am

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A man who attacked his girlfriend during a drunken argument has been jailed after a Judge signalled a clampdown on domestic violence. David Jones had drunk two bottles of rose wine and three litres of strong cider when he launched two different assaults on his partner which left her covered in injuries. He bit her nose, neck and arm and gave her two black eyes in a prolonged attack which only ended when she fled her home and asked a passer by to call the police. Jones, aged 30, from Halifax, Yorkshire, who had been living with the victim at Princes Road East, Torquay, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 16 months by Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court. He told him:"You subjected your victim to a sustained attack in which she was badly beaten and caused her serious injuries. "Issues of domestic violence cause such problems within society and it is something of such prevalence that the courts really have to respond by sending a clear message. "If someone is a repeat offender then the courts will send them into immediate custody." Miss Janice Eagles, prosecuting, said the victim is slightly built and just 5'2'' tall and suffered severe cuts and bruises to her face. The attack happened after they had started drinking while carrying out DIY at her home. An argument started in which he pushed her onto a bed, hit her and bit her nose so hard she thought he would bite it off. She fled the house but returned and the attack resumed until she ran out into the street and asked a passer by to call the police. Miss Eagles said Jones has a record of more than 30 convictions including an assault on a previous partner. Mr Paul Dentith, defending, said Jones is so shocked by his behaviour he wants to receive help from the probation service to tackle his long standing problems of alcohol abuse and aggression. He said:"He is mortified and wants help to make sure he never does anything like this again." He said he plans to move away from Devon to live with his family in Halifax.

Drug user admits dealing after being found with 14 grams of heroin hidden in his trousers

January 21, 2015, 6:59 am

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A drug user has been warned he could face a jail sentence after he was spotted buying a bulk supply of heroin by CCTV cameras in Barnstaple. Mark Daniel was arrested after CCTV operators reported suspicious activity in Newport Road and found with 14 grams of heroin hidden in his trousers. Daniel, aged 35, was warned he could face up to two years in jail after he changed his plea on the first day of his trial at Exeter Crown Court. He admitted possession of heroin with intent to supply at his home in Newport Road, Barnstaple, on November 10, 2013. Recorder Mr Rufus Taylor gave an indication that the sentence would not exceed two years and adjourned the case for a probation pre sentence report. He also ordered an assessment of Daniel's suitability for drug rehabilitation and a report on a medical condition which led to him entering the dock on crutches. He told Daniel:"I will be assisted by a pre sentence report and more medical evidence about your condition. I have indicated that the greatest sentence I would impose is two years custody. "All options remain open including the possibility of suspending a sentence and much will depend on the report. You should not take it as read that you will receive a suspended sentence because what you have admitted is a serious offence." Mr Nigel Wraith, defending, said he will provide more evidence from Daniel's GP when the case returns for sentence in March. Mr Josh Ticehurst, prosecuting, said Daniel was stopped after CCTV operators spotted suspicious activity. A report from a police drugs expert suggested the amount he had bought and the contents of messages recovered from his phone indicated he must be sharing or supplying the drugs.

Tom Gardner could return for Tiverton Town

January 21, 2015, 7:07 am

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Tiverton Town could receive a significant boost this weekend with the news that Tom Gardner is nearing a return to full fitness. The experienced centre-back has been missing since sustaining a thigh injury in a 5-3 Devon St Luke's Bowl quarter-final defeat at Willand Rovers on December 10, while he was playing in goal. The Yellows, who travel to North Leigh on Saturday, have missed his presence in defence, losing three and drawing two of their five games since his setback. And while his return is not yet guaranteed, manager Martyn Rogers is hopeful Gardner will be able to resume his place in the side. "I am hopeful of having Tom Gardner back in the squad for the North Leigh game," he said. "He is not only one of the best defenders in this league but also the league above. His presence and experience are invaluable. "The lads who have stepped in in his place have done well, but we do miss his experience. "It is ironic that the eight games in which we haven't won have coincided with Tom's injury." The trip to the Eynsham Hall Park Sports Ground promises to be a tricky one, with the Oxfordshire side turning in a dominant display in the 4-1 win at Ladysmead at the end of October last year. The Yellows will still be without the services of the suspended Owen Howe and Alex Faux. And the limited size of the squad is making it hard to cope with key players missing. "The trouble is that we do not have a very big squad. We have a small squad but there is nothing we can do about it due to the financial constraints of the club," Rogers conceded. "There is no point moaning about it because we know about it. "We were missing Tom Gardner, Owen Howe and Alex Faux on Saturday – that is three key players. "We can't afford to lose three key players for games, but it is just one of those things." "It will be a difficult game up there," he continued. "North Leigh are one of the best sides we have played this season. "But the eight games that we haven't won have all been very close, perhaps with the exception of Merthyr who really were better than us. "Everyone else we were more than a match for." The most recent setback for Tivvy came on Saturday, when Cinderford Town left Devon with a 2-1 victory. The Yellows took the lead on a heavy Ladysmead pitch after 39 minutes when a well-worked move found Jamie Mudge to fire home from 10 yards. But the visitors adapted better to the stodgy conditions in the second half, and levelled on the hour-mark through Jack Camm. And Ethan Moore slid home a winner 15 minutes from time to leave the Yellows without a win since November 22. "I give Cinderford a lot of credit," said Rogers. "They really stuck to their task and they played well. "They upped their game in the second half and we didn't really match it. "It was one of those games where there wasn't much in it but we have just come out the wrong side. I can't fault the players' efforts though. "They were a couple of sloppy goals. The second one seemed to take an age to go in. I always say you make your luck, and even though we put people in the way they still scored. "They are a hard-working side. There wasn't much in the sides when we went up there and drew and there wasn't much between us on Saturday."

Scott Rogers warns against taking games in hand for granted

January 21, 2015, 7:13 am

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Player-manager Scott Rogers has warned against relying on Willand Rovers' games in hand over the sides above them to snatch the title this season. Rovers have up to six games in hand over sides higher than them in the table heading into their key clash at home to Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday. They trail the Bristol outfit – who have played three games more than them – by six points, but Rogers pointed out that games in hand do not always translate to points in the standings. "The games in hand don't mean a lot until you get the points on the board in my view," Rogers said. "If they (Bristol Manor Farm) beat us on Saturday and go however many points clear of us then they will be in a really strong position and we can't afford for that happen." Rogers went on to say that Saturday's clash at Silver Street is Willand's biggest of the season. Considering almost 1,000 people turned out to watch Rovers' FA Cup fourth round qualifying defeat to Gosport Borough in October, that is some statement. "I think it is our biggest game of the season – even bigger than the Gosport game to be honest," continued Rogers, whose side did not play at the weekend. "They are one of the top teams so I am hoping we can get a result and a decent crowd for it. "If we can either win or draw then I think we will be in with a good chance in the title race. "I think that if we lose we will put ourselves under a lot of pressure to win the title. "I know I am putting a lot of pressure on us but it is important we get a result on Saturday. It is a massive game for the club and for the supporters." It looks like Rogers will have a full squad at his disposal for the crunch clash, with Dean Stamp available again after returning from suspension. It is just as well, as they will need every resource available to take something off a team who have conceded just 18 goals in their 20 league games this season. But rather than be intimidated by their opponents' pedigree, Rogers is instead aiming to copy their blueprint for success. "Bristol Manor Farm are pretty much where we aspire to be at the moment. Their manager has built a really good side and that is what we are trying to do," he continued. "If we can emulate that we will not be too far away from the top."

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Cricket: Bradninch name Danny Hardy as skipper and recruit Luandre van Wyk

January 21, 2015, 7:15 am

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Bradninch have named Danny Hardy as their new first team captain as they look to build a promotion-winning squad for the new season. The Kensham Park outfit were heading for an immediate return to the Premier Division at the halfway stage of the 2014 campaign, but faded away badly. Since then, last season's captain Tom Piper has departed for Torquay. However, as well as naming Hardy as their new skip, Bradninch have signed South African all-rounder Luandre van Wyk, as a senior player-coach, and keeper-batsman Josh Cann, from Feniton. Van Wyk played for Sandford last season, while Cann is a right-handed bat who played at under-16 and under-17 level for Devon last year. New players are still welcome for the first and second teams. Contact either Hardy (07805 312648) or second XI captain Chris Acton (07856 722436) for further information.

Kevin Hill hopes home comforts can help Exmouth Town

January 21, 2015, 7:20 am

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Home advantage means that Exmouth Town will be gunning for maximum points against Newquay on Saturday, according to joint-player manager Kevin Hill. Struggling Newquay are four places off bottom in the South West Peninsula League Premier Division standings while Exmouth are fifth, although they have played as many as eight games more than some of the teams around them. Town drew 0-0 away to third-from-bottom Falmouth Town last time out, but Hill hopes a return to home soil will improve their fortunes. "We are confident – we have to be when we are playing at home. I always fancy us when we play at our place," he said. "As far as I know, everyone should be available for the game except Matt Dawson and Adam Fowler." Looking back on the 0-0 draw on Saturday, Hill had no qualms with the final result, and admitted that Falmouth were good value for their point. "I think 0-0 was the right result to be fair. They hit the bar late in the day and we went close on a couple of occasions too," he said. "We were a bit disappointed to draw but we were down to the bare bones with so many away. "Fair play to Falmouth, they played well and we never really looked like scoring." Elsewhere, Witheridge player-manager Chris Vinnicombe has warned his players that the heavy pitches at this time of year mean that no side can be taken for granted. Withy welcome second-from-bottom Elburton Villa to Edge Down Park on Saturday looking for maximum points following a 2-1 defeat at Torpoint Athletic. "I said to the lads that, at this time of year, the pitches are a great leveller," he said. "It does not matter if you are top of the table or bottom of the table, the pitches level things out. "You have to adapt to the conditions whether they are wet or cold or dry or hard." Vinnicombe should have a full squad to choose from now that Jack Furzer and Jamie Dirrane have served suspensions. "I should have a fully-fit squad, so that will see everybody pushing for places," he continued. "I am also happy to have Jack and Jamie back after serving their suspensions." Vinnicombe admitted that a failure to do 'the horrible bits' of the game cost his side in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Torpoint. Having not played since before Christmas, Withy were off the pace defensively – as shown by the mix-up which led to Gary Hird's ninth-minute opener. They drew level almost immediately as Jordan Charran's cross led to an own goal. But the second half saw Withy slow to clear their lines, allowing Scott Blatchford to score a winner. "With the chances we had, we probably deserved to win the game," said Vinnicombe. "On another day, we could well have scored a few, but on the other side of things you still have to defend well. "We did not play badly considering we have not played for a while, but we did not do the horrible bits you need to do like marking and getting it away. "When they knock it into the box, you can't just hope that someone else will get a tackle in or make a clearance." Meanwhile, Cullompton Rangers manager Dan Kenyon wants to break into the top tier of the table when his side host Camelford on Saturday. Cully, who did not play at the weekend, are looking to close the nine-point gap on seventh-placed Godolphin Atlantic. "Camelford are quite low down and we have to go into these games thinking that we have to win them," he said. "If we want to stay in the pack that we are currently in – and keep chasing the pack in front of us – then we absolutely have to win. "There are three different packs in the league table, and we are in the middle but trying to push into that top pack. "We have got some games coming up that we would like to win but we have a tough end to the season with two games with Parkway and two against St Austell. We played our easy games at the start of the season."Bovey Tracey go to Godolphin Atlantic having not played last weekend.

Hockey: Jen scores winner as Isca bury Firebrands

January 21, 2015, 7:21 am

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WOMEN'S HOCKEY WEST PREMIER 1 Isca A 1 Firebrands A 0 Jen Burry scored just before half-time to give Isca victory against Firebrands. Both teams played a fast passing game, with Isca creating more chances and forcing some fine saves. The pressure paid off when Burry deflected home player-of-the-match Becs Cadwallader's pass. The second half was quite even, with Firebrands forcing Polly Fulcher into a couple of decent blocks.SOUTH DIVISION Exeter University 1 Exe A 3 A Heather Edworthy hat-trick sealed victory for Exe against Exeter University in their first game of 2015. Early pressure gave Exe their first goal as Edworthy converted Helena Nicholls' cross. Exeter University fought back and equalised 20 minutes later, but Exe continued to press and Edworthy scored her second after a ball fired into the D from Bridget Culver. The second half saw Exe miss a couple of chances before Nicholls and Edworthy combined again to seal a deserved win. PETROC 1 Isca D 2 Isca C 2 Isca D showed off their abilities to come back from 2-0 down to draw with Isca C. After surging into a two-goal lead, Isca C were pegged back in impressive fashion by a strike from newcomer Bryony Cleall. JoJo Bayliss equalised, and Imogen Milner also played well. MEN'S HOCKEY SOUTH EAST 1 Isca D 5 Torbay A 2 Isca fought back from an early goal to storm to victory in their first game back. After going behind, two quick counter-attacks finished by Hywel Williams and Will Hopkins gave Isca the lead. Torbay equalised before half-time. However, an excellent second-half hat-trick from James Kelly, including a penalty flick, saw Isca run out comfortable winners.

Jim Webber says knowledge of Exwick Villa was key in appointing new duo

January 21, 2015, 7:24 am

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Exwick Villa chairman Jim Webber says appointing Neil Pointing and Chris Clarke as joint player-managers was an easy decision to make. The duo were given the roles after Danny Burwood and Mike Taylor were relieved of their duties following a poor first half of the campaign. Both have been playing at the club for a number of seasons, meaning they are familiar with the Exeter side. "Both are from the team. They still play and we are going to see how it goes for the next few weeks," said Webber. "If they are happy then, as far as I am concerned, we are not looking for anybody else. "It wasn't a difficult decision to make because both have been playing for the club for several years. "They both know the club, the way it runs and the way we run it. We are a Peninsula League side that does not pay any money to any player or manager or anything – what you see is what you get and what you get is what you see with us." Villa travel to Okehampton Argyle on Saturday looking to recover from a 6-0 defeat to St Martins. Ben Smith scored four for the Saints – who go to Brixham at the weekend – with Ace High and Dan Norman also netting. Okey defeated Plymstock United 4-1, with a Jason Cordice treble and Ross Voaden securing the three points. Looking back on the St Martins defeat, Webber said that the performance was more positive than the result suggested. "We are in a difficult position and Saturday's result wasn't good enough for us," he said. "We had lots of the ball on Saturday, just like we did the week earlier against the university. "We were not disappointed with the overall performance of the players, that is for sure. The managers were disappointed but nobody likes to lose 6-0. "If losing 6-0 doesn't hurt you then you shouldn't be doing your job." Elsewhere, Crediton United player-manager Matt Trenaman feels his side can draw encouragement from their defeat earlier in the season at Alphington when the two sides square off on Saturday. A depleted Kirton outfit lost 3-2 at The Chronicles at the end of August last year. But Trenaman thinks that the tight nature of the defeat, coupled with home advantage, should be enough for his team. "They have done well this year but we went to their place earlier in the season and lost 3-2," he said. "It was one of the first games and we had a lot of players away too so we can take a lot from that game and we will be looking to take points off them. "Our home form has been pretty decent this season and that has propped us up a bit because away from home we need to improve. "It will be tough. They are in the top eight and I think they have got ideas of finishing in the top six." Kirton lost 3-0 at Teignmouth on Saturday, but they gave the league leaders a few scares. It was their first game since a 2-0 win over Plymstock United five days before Christmas. "I can't have too many complaints about the performance," Trenaman continued. "I just think that lack of football maybe told on our part and 3-0 sounds comfortable but at times it was quite close. "We started off quite slowly and looked like a side that hadn't played in four weeks." The Alphas drew 2-2 with Brixham thanks to a double from Nick Murray. The Teigns have a crunch clash with Exeter University on Saturday, with the Students having not played at the weekend. Sidmouth Town go to Galmpton United having lost 7-3 at Appledore, despite Ashley Small (2) and Ricky Pitter scoring.Budleigh Salterton travel to Tavistock after thrashing Axminster Town 5-1. Mark Lever, Aaron Denny, Jack Greenslade, Hugo Demetre and Piers McLaughlin netted for the Robins, with Pete Knox scoring for the Tigers, who visit Totnes & Dartington next.Newton Abbot Spurs visit Plymstock United after a 2-1 home loss to Tavistock, with Tom Sercombe scoring.

Golf round up: Countback victory for Downes Crediton pair

January 21, 2015, 7:36 am

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DOWNES CREDITON KEVIN Wollacott and Jim Kenshole scored 46 points to win the seniors' better ball Stableford. They won on a countback from Robin Tooze and Brian Johnston. In third place with 44 were John Cann and Mike Conder, with Frank Morrell and Roger Wellaway fourth with 42. Barry Austin partnered Andy Frankum to a fourth-placed finish in the sixth event of Devon Professionals' Alliance Winter Series at Bude. Austin finished tied for second in the professional individual event. He currently leads the season's order of merit by three points from Jason Fullard and Christian Vine. Simon Baker and Adrian Cram scored 45 points to win Saturday's better ball Stableford. Just missing out on a countback were Adam Hull and Oliver Greenslade, with third place going to Quin Payne-Cook and Tim Lee. In fourth were Pete Yendell and Jeremy Thornton on 44, and in fifth, also with 44, were Frank Morrell and Josh Hill. The winners of the ladies' section, scoring 39, were Fran Shrubsole and June Mitchell. They beat Betty Willey and Liz Mapson on a countback. TIVERTON Brian Phillips and Ricky Baker moved into the quarter-finals of the men's winter foursomes after beating Simon Young and Colin Taylor in the second round on Saturday. Mark Sangster and Heath Ellis joined them in the last eight by beating Mike Hurley and Mike Holder. The third pair through are Tony Orford and Steve Hill, who knocked out Eric Cole and Steve Hosford. Three of the four outstanding first-round matches have now been completed. Phil Moulding and Alby Cruse beat Gary Taylor and Kim Garnsworthy, Roger Stevens and Kevin Ruscoe saw off Les Jones and Dan Smith, while David Webber and Steve Bazley overcame Steve Carey and Peter Garnsworthy. Ian Wilson carded 37 points to win the January midweek Stableford. He finished two ahead of Nick Konig, Eric Cole and Steve Hosford in Division One. Nick Lear (33) and Shaun White (32) completed the top six. New club captain David Jack scored 36 to win Division Two ahead of John Treasure and John Hughes. They were followed by Will Roberts (33), David Stedman (32) and Scott Robertson (32). Sarah Lockwood posted 36 points to win the ladies' January Stableford on Wednesday. The 33-handicapper pipped Marg Sampson on a countback in the Bronze Division. Jo Lloyd-Davies topped the Silver Division with 34. In the nine-hole competition, Chris Young scored 17 to win by two from Alison Hilton. PADBROOK PARK Having seen off defending champion Ian Carvell in round one, Andy Rooker could not take his run in the winter singles any further. He was beaten by Allan Gill. Results, winter singles second round: S Palmer bt G Parker, K Radbourne bt P Yolland, H Chau bt D Payne, G Purcigo bt S Vile, N Cowley lost to R Price, K Curtis bt J Palmer, G Stevenson bt I White, A Gill bt A Rooker. Third round draw: S Palmer v K Radbourne, H Chau v G Purcigo, R Price v K Curtis, G Stevenson v A Gill Padbrook's seniors have been drawn against Royal North Devon in the first round of the Emerton Court Trophy. The match will be played over two legs in the spring. Padbrook reached the final last season.EXETER G&CC The ladies' monthly Stableford was won by Sharon Thorpe with 49 points. Six players came in with 40, but second place went to Janet Copp and third to Carol Rovira on a countback. Carolyn Beattie, Jane Smale, June Thomsitt and Marion Stanford won the ladies' team event with 86 points. Second were Lyne Beevers, Sue Gannon, Viv Worthington and Tina Fairman with 85. Chris Quantick, Doreen Friedlander, Jan Ash and Georgia Finch were third, also with 85.FINGLE GLEN Andy Rogers and Sandy Urquhart will travel to Morocco next month looking to secure a national title in the grand final of the Morocco Matchplay. Warehouse manager Rogers, 48, a four-handicapper, and one-handicap sports therapist Urquhart, 23, battled their way through local rounds and a regional final at Manor House, Castle Combe, in 2014. They are among 32 golfers bidding for glory in one of four sections from February 8 until 14.OKEHAMPTON Martyn Cox and Richard Johnson scored 52 points to finish as Division One winners of the fourball better ball competition on Saturday. They were closely followed into second place by Chris Hurley and Mark Curtis (51), with Paul Rattenbury and Sam Woollacott coming third (50). In fourth were Kevin Cornwall and Malcolm Hill with 48 points. Division Two was won by Norman Heslop and Roger Halliday with 53 points, with Mike Davis and Alan Grimshaw second on 49 points. Third place was taken by Steve Robinson and Mick Curran with 47 points, while 46 points saw Matt Mills and Richard Goodger finish fourth.