Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that "meaningless" tournaments like Duleep and Deodhar trophies should be done away with to improve the domestic cricket structure of the country. Chopra, who is a key member of Ranji Trophy champions Rajasthan, also advocated the need to introduce points for batting and bowling as is the case in England, in place of teams getting three points for securing a first-innings lead in drawn games.
"The domestic calendar needs to be reworked...do away with meaningless tournaments so as to make it less crowded. A couple of tournaments may have to be done away with like Duleep, Deodhar and Syed Mushtaq Ali trophies. They all are not serving any purpose."
"These three tournaments can actually make way for Ranji Trophy to become a slightly longer tournament, Vijay Hazare one-day tournament to become slightly longer. We already have a Twenty20 tournament, IPL, then why (do) we need two domestic T20 tournaments," Chopra told PTI. "The first-innings lead points lead to mediocrity. We need to do away with that. It should not have a huge impact towards the end of the season."
Chopra, who was asked by the BCCI's technical committee chaired by former India captain Sourav Ganguly to send in his suggestions and recommendations to improve the domestic structure, also said that the quality of pitches and playing Ranji Trophy league matches at neutral venues should be considered seriously.
"Though I am not a huge fan of this but I know from where the BCCI is coming. The BCCI has entrusted the state associations to come up with sporting wickets but that hasn't happened. It's the state associations who have not taken the responsibility of producing good surfaces," said the veteran domestic cricketer.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Eight Trophies for MHS Show Choirs
The Mundelein High School show choirs took part in the Main Event Show Choir Invitational in Manteno, IL February 11 and brought home eight trophies to show for it. The Mundelein Lights earned the title of Best Single Gendered Choral Group.
The show choirs will compete this weekend in El Paso, IL and look forward to the Grand River National Show Choir Invitational March 16-18 in LaCrosse, WI. The choirs will all perform March 1 at the Winter Choral Concert at 7 pm in the MHS Auditorium. John Neubauer and Cory Thompson are the vocal directors for the groups.
The trophies from the Manteno Invitational include:
• Charity Moody, Top Female Soloist
• SoundFX, Second Place in Single Gendered Choral Group
• SoundFX Combo, Best Instrumental Ensemble
• Lights, Best Single Gendered Choral Group
• Lights, Best Choreographed Single Gendered Choral Group • Lights, Single Gendered Champions
• Sound, Third Place in Large High School Division
• Sound Crew, Best Stage Crew
The show choirs will compete this weekend in El Paso, IL and look forward to the Grand River National Show Choir Invitational March 16-18 in LaCrosse, WI. The choirs will all perform March 1 at the Winter Choral Concert at 7 pm in the MHS Auditorium. John Neubauer and Cory Thompson are the vocal directors for the groups.
The trophies from the Manteno Invitational include:
• Charity Moody, Top Female Soloist
• SoundFX, Second Place in Single Gendered Choral Group
• SoundFX Combo, Best Instrumental Ensemble
• Lights, Best Single Gendered Choral Group
• Lights, Best Choreographed Single Gendered Choral Group • Lights, Single Gendered Champions
• Sound, Third Place in Large High School Division
• Sound Crew, Best Stage Crew
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Droitwich Dolphins Awards Distributed at Gala
Droitwich Dolphins kicked off their 50th anniversary celebrations by holding their presentation evening. Town mayor Councillor Mike Barratt JP attended to say a few words and awarded a host of trophies to deserving club members.
He was accompanied by special guests Gareth Holliday and John Kelly, both previous chairmen of the club, at Droitwich High School’s theatre. Certificates were awarded for achievements at the club’s Age Group and Championship galas while Holliday, who was chairman from 1992 to 2001, regaled those present with stories of the club’s history, including how it moved from the Lido to Droitwich Leisure Centre.
New head coach Chris Hadley thanked his predecessor Sue Marsh and revealed his plans to take the club forward.
After trophies for the Betty George and Frank Hawkins diddy gala, it was time for the club’s special awards chosen by the coaches.
Teenager Ruth Hadley, aged 13, was given a special mention after a fantastic year.
Hadley represented Dolphins in all galas, set 17 new records and broke her own personal best times on several occasions. She also regained her ladies club title and won 19 trophies.
Rosalien Biddle, club chairman, also presented a special award to Mandy Gerwitz for 30 years of outstanding service to Dolphins.
Awards: Megan Oswell - Zenalan Girls Trophy (junior endeavour and improvement); Callam Turner – Zenalan Boys Trophy; Jessica Biddle – The Harrison Trophy (best newcomer – girls); Fraser Burgess – Hillson Trophy (best newcomer – boys); Aaron Biddle/Anthony Redfern (joint) – Egglesfield Shield (most successful county performance); Rachel Bradley – Wright Girls Trophy (senior improvement, commitment to training and attitude); Sam Cave/Adam McConnell – George Boys Trophy; Tom Dean - Lloyd Trophy (most improved swimmer of the year); Ruth Hadley – Victrix Ludorum (most championship points – ladies); Ben Gallant – Victor Ludorum (most championship points – men).
He was accompanied by special guests Gareth Holliday and John Kelly, both previous chairmen of the club, at Droitwich High School’s theatre. Certificates were awarded for achievements at the club’s Age Group and Championship galas while Holliday, who was chairman from 1992 to 2001, regaled those present with stories of the club’s history, including how it moved from the Lido to Droitwich Leisure Centre.
New head coach Chris Hadley thanked his predecessor Sue Marsh and revealed his plans to take the club forward.
After trophies for the Betty George and Frank Hawkins diddy gala, it was time for the club’s special awards chosen by the coaches.
Teenager Ruth Hadley, aged 13, was given a special mention after a fantastic year.
Hadley represented Dolphins in all galas, set 17 new records and broke her own personal best times on several occasions. She also regained her ladies club title and won 19 trophies.
Rosalien Biddle, club chairman, also presented a special award to Mandy Gerwitz for 30 years of outstanding service to Dolphins.
Awards: Megan Oswell - Zenalan Girls Trophy (junior endeavour and improvement); Callam Turner – Zenalan Boys Trophy; Jessica Biddle – The Harrison Trophy (best newcomer – girls); Fraser Burgess – Hillson Trophy (best newcomer – boys); Aaron Biddle/Anthony Redfern (joint) – Egglesfield Shield (most successful county performance); Rachel Bradley – Wright Girls Trophy (senior improvement, commitment to training and attitude); Sam Cave/Adam McConnell – George Boys Trophy; Tom Dean - Lloyd Trophy (most improved swimmer of the year); Ruth Hadley – Victrix Ludorum (most championship points – ladies); Ben Gallant – Victor Ludorum (most championship points – men).
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
RYA Powerboat Racing Association Presents Awards
On Saturday 04 February, over 350 racers, supporters, friends and family, turned up to celebrate the success of British Powerboat racers from across the sports many disciplines at the RYA Powerboat Racing awards ceremony 2011.
A staggering 52 trophies were presented to the crème-de-la-crème of powerboat racers who last year clinched a whole host of British, European, World and Speed records across the sports many racing classes.
Hosted by world renowned powerboat racer Shelley Jory-Leigh and RYA Powerboat Racing Manager John Puddifoot, the evening proved to be truly inspiring for everyone attending including Geoff Holt from the Disability Powerboating Trust who came along to present the awards.
“I am really honored to be here and to present the trophies to all these worthy winners. There are so many that it took nearly an hour and half to present them all!” commented Geoff.
The awards ceremony is a highlight in the powerboat racing calendar when racers from across the disciplines get together and celebrate their successes. “It’s great to see the sport so healthy and alive” concluded Geoff.
A staggering 52 trophies were presented to the crème-de-la-crème of powerboat racers who last year clinched a whole host of British, European, World and Speed records across the sports many racing classes.
Hosted by world renowned powerboat racer Shelley Jory-Leigh and RYA Powerboat Racing Manager John Puddifoot, the evening proved to be truly inspiring for everyone attending including Geoff Holt from the Disability Powerboating Trust who came along to present the awards.
“I am really honored to be here and to present the trophies to all these worthy winners. There are so many that it took nearly an hour and half to present them all!” commented Geoff.
The awards ceremony is a highlight in the powerboat racing calendar when racers from across the disciplines get together and celebrate their successes. “It’s great to see the sport so healthy and alive” concluded Geoff.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Trophies Awarded at A5 Cycling Club Dinner
The A5 Rangers Cycling Club recently honored its 2011 prizewinners at its annual dinner at the Saracens Head in Towcester. The various trophies and awards were presented by the guest of honor Kevin Ackerman, manager of Towcester Racecourse.
Last year was a good one for the Club. A big increase in membership saw greater competition in the Club’s races throughout the season. Once again the F J Snelson Trophy for the Senior Best Allrounder was won by Dave Lazenby along with the 10, 25 and 50 mile Trophies. He also broke four club records. The 12 hour time trial record now stands at 257 miles. A first full season of racing for Ian Mead resulted in him winning the 30 mile trophy, 10 mile handicap series and 15 mile hilly event along with several runner up awards.
Sue Holliday received the ladies 10 mile award and the 5 mile shield. Liam Barbour took three trophies and a runner up award. Other prize winners included Craig Hamilton, Jane Warner, Ian Ellis, Kyle Kirton, Chris Brown and Joseph Wood.
In addition to the Club’s awards several members received medals for performances in regional and national events. Keith Gelder took top spot in the 75 years and over category of the British Time Trial Championship. In the season long Midland Veteran Time Trial Association series Murray Kirton took second place overall. Juvenile members Alasdair and Rhona Grant and Elizabeth Ruffley received their medals for finishing third, first and first respectively in their age categories in British Cycling’s Central Division cyclo-cross league.
This year’s club run and racing program has just been finalized. It includes several ‘come and try it’ 5 mile time trial races open to the general public. If anyone would like to take part in any of these taster events please ring Mick Holliday on 01327 350498.
Last year was a good one for the Club. A big increase in membership saw greater competition in the Club’s races throughout the season. Once again the F J Snelson Trophy for the Senior Best Allrounder was won by Dave Lazenby along with the 10, 25 and 50 mile Trophies. He also broke four club records. The 12 hour time trial record now stands at 257 miles. A first full season of racing for Ian Mead resulted in him winning the 30 mile trophy, 10 mile handicap series and 15 mile hilly event along with several runner up awards.
Sue Holliday received the ladies 10 mile award and the 5 mile shield. Liam Barbour took three trophies and a runner up award. Other prize winners included Craig Hamilton, Jane Warner, Ian Ellis, Kyle Kirton, Chris Brown and Joseph Wood.
In addition to the Club’s awards several members received medals for performances in regional and national events. Keith Gelder took top spot in the 75 years and over category of the British Time Trial Championship. In the season long Midland Veteran Time Trial Association series Murray Kirton took second place overall. Juvenile members Alasdair and Rhona Grant and Elizabeth Ruffley received their medals for finishing third, first and first respectively in their age categories in British Cycling’s Central Division cyclo-cross league.
This year’s club run and racing program has just been finalized. It includes several ‘come and try it’ 5 mile time trial races open to the general public. If anyone would like to take part in any of these taster events please ring Mick Holliday on 01327 350498.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Rugby’s Abendanon Signs New Deal
Bath have announced a new three-year contract for their England full-back Nick Abendanon.
Abendanon, who made his Test debut against South Africa in 2007, has made more than 150 appearances for Bath and is a current member of the England Saxons squad.
"I am extremely happy to sign another contract at Bath," Abendanon said. "This is where my home is, and I love being involved with a club that has huge ambitions to win trophies both in England and in Europe. "I have real faith in the team we are building here, and I feel that in the coming years we will have trophies to prove it."
Bath rugby director Sir Ian McGeechan added: "Nick is a very important member of the squad, both on and off the field, and his performances in the last two seasons, especially, have been consistently excellent."
Abendanon, who made his Test debut against South Africa in 2007, has made more than 150 appearances for Bath and is a current member of the England Saxons squad.
"I am extremely happy to sign another contract at Bath," Abendanon said. "This is where my home is, and I love being involved with a club that has huge ambitions to win trophies both in England and in Europe. "I have real faith in the team we are building here, and I feel that in the coming years we will have trophies to prove it."
Bath rugby director Sir Ian McGeechan added: "Nick is a very important member of the squad, both on and off the field, and his performances in the last two seasons, especially, have been consistently excellent."
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