Knill runs out of time as Gulls prepare to swoop for new manager

One Knill to the job centre. A late Christmas gift to headline writers and pun fans, the sacking of Alan Knill has seen Torquay United become the butt of online jokes across the country, but for Gulls fans this season has been no laughing matter.

Despite keeping the Gulls up last season and overseeing what seemed like a positive recruitment drive in the summer, things just haven’t worked out for Knill at Plainmoor. Two home wins all season is a poor return, and rumoured rows with senior players, constant changes in personnel and formations and a constant revolving door transfer policy saw fans eventually become impatient with the former Bury and Scunthorpe man.

One feels the decision has been made at the right time, despite protestations to the contrary from many of the TQ1 faithful, who felt the decision should have been made much earlier. There have been some improvements in terms of performances and results in the last few weeks, but, ultimately, it was two consecutive Devon Derby defeats within five days that did for Knill. Indeed, following the 2-0 defeat away to Plymouth, Knill sounded like a manager who had nothing left to give, and even his strongest supporters had to admit it. His time was up.

The Gulls are far from cut adrift in 23^rd position and are only a point away from safety.  Now in the January transfer window, the new man will be given the opportunity to make changes to the squad where he sees fit. And with crucial home matches against relegation rivals Northampton, Accrington and Bury to come in the next two months, it was the right time to make a change.

The next appointment is a crucial one and promoting from within may be the answer. Geoff Harrop and Robbie Herrara are currently the men in temporary charge, and though they possess no managerial experience, are people who know the club through working with the youth set up. A positive result against Morecambe tomorrow may go some way to them getting the job – at least until the end of the season.  Fans may see this as the cheap and uninspiring option, however.

Bringing back Martin Ling would surely be a mistake. The former Leyton Orient manager has expressed an interest in returning to Plainmoor, after being sacked by the club in April for footballing reasons. Given the nature of his departure (he accused the club of being ‘unprofessional’ in their treatment of him after taking time off for a stress related illness), it would surely be unwise to go back.

The smart money would appear to be on the bookies favourite Chris Hargreaves to take the role going forward. The former player remains popular with Torquay fans and though he lacks managerial experience would undoubtedly bring passion to the role. Currently working as a first-team coach with Bournemouth, The Gulls appear to be in direct competition with relegation rivals Northampton Town for Hargreaves' signature. With Hargreaves still living in Devon, this may be one of those rare cases where Torquay’s remote location works in the club’s favour. 

The board may decide to go with experience, however, and Paul Sturrock is a name being mentioned in many quarters. The 57 year old has the know-how and the contacts to make an impression, and is currently unemployed after what some would say was an unjust dismissal last season at Southend, so compensation would not be an issue.  He would be this writers choice.

Whoever the new manager is, he will have some quality to work with, and will be charged with inspiring a squad low on confidence – particularly at Plainmoor, where the Gulls have scored a paltry 11 goals all season.  Winger Jordan Chapell has been a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming season, Aaron Downes has led from example from the back and has chipped in with some crucial goals, and there have been flashes of quality in many of Knill’s signings – John Marquis, Damien Mozika and Jak McCourt should be retained if possible alongside the impressive Blackburn Rovers defender Anthony O’Connor, who has already agreed to stay at Plainmoor for the remainder of the season. The curious case of Kevin Nicholson will also need be addressed – discarded from the first team squad by Knill – the experienced left-back may have a role to play in the coming months.

Of course, Torquay United have been here many times before, and relegation escape acts used to be something of a speciality until the club’s luck finally ran out in 2007. They must ensure they don’t make the same mistake twice. The Gulls' league status depends on the board getting this decision right.

Gulls put four past Rochdale as young winger flourishes

Torquay United are beginning to develop a habit of making things difficult for themselves. Solid and dependable last season, this campaign has seen the Gulls perform something of a u-turn and instead of making life hard for their opponents, have decided to make life hard for themselves.

It’s entertaining to watch though, if nothing else, and the Gulls’ last two matches have provided great value for money, and more importantly put points on the board.

Tuesday’s entertaining 2-2 draw with last season’s playoff rivals Cheltenham saw the Robins score first, the Gulls equalize and subsequently take the lead with two quick-fire goals in as many minutes, only for ex-Gull Chris Zebroski to break Torquay hearts with an equalizer just ten minutes from time.

The same theme continued on Saturday. Rochdale were the visitors, relegated from League One last season and now managed by the experienced ex-Accrington boss John Coleman. It was another pulsating game at Plainmoor, which saw the Gulls fall behind to an early goal once again, equalise, take the lead, and go into the half time break with a 2-1 advantage.

And it got better still for United; a brace from Rene Howe increased his tally to three for the season and put Martin Ling’s team 4-1 up with 22 minutes remaining on the clock.

Easy? Not so. On 73 minutes, Dale’s George Donnelly was felled in the box, Rochdale had a penalty, and Aaron Downes, impressive for the Gulls in the heart of defence, was given a red card for a professional foul. It was a potential turning point in the match, and a goal for Rochdale could have certainly changed the match in their favor.

It wasn’t to be. Michael Poke guessed right, the spot-kick was saved, and the Gulls saw the game out, though the final 17 minutes were not without their scares, and United secured their first win of the season. It seems likely that both Cheltenham and Rochdale will be in the promotion mix come the end of the season, along with last season’s Blue Square Premier champions, Fleetwood Town. The Gulls have faced all three in their opening three games, and five points from a possible nine will be seen as a satisfactory return in what has been a tough start to the season.

The real feel good story from Saturday, however, came in the shape of Niall Thompson. Just eighteen years old, a lengthly injury list had forced manager Martin Ling’s hand in starting the young winger who was yet to start a competitive game for United, and a player who was seen as an ‘impact sub’ at the beginning of the season by Ling. 

And didn’t he do well? The youngster showed no fear or trepidation against some experienced opponents, and was confident using his pace and trickery to take players on, always looking for the ball. Not just a one trick pony either, the 18 year old showed craft and vision to release Howe early in the first half with a sumptuous through-ball, only for the forward to fluff his lines.

Nonetheless, it was a confident debut that warranted the man of the match award from the youth product - the first to start a competitive league match for the Gulls since the youth academy re-opened in 2007. More impressive performances like this will vindicate the board’s decision to re-open the academy, and from a fan’s perspective, there’s nothing quite like seeing one of your own come through the ranks.

Careers aren’t built on just one solitary appearance however, and it was telling just hours after the match that club captain Lee Mansell tweeted Thompson with the words ‘the hard work starts now.’ It’s a message that he would do well to take on board from a player with over 360 appearances to his name and the respect of his peers that saw him nominated into the PFA team of the season during the last campaign.

It wasn’t a bad start though.

Paignton do an Okey double

PAIGNTON U10s recorded two victories on the bounce when they took on Okehampton.

The first match was a 10-5 victory for Paignton, with Jamie Davey and Rees Drysdale notching a try each.

A much more open affair followed, which gave Paignton's backs a chance to open their legs and get at the Okehampton defence. Paignton tries were scored by Lewis Duce (3) and one each from James Andrews, Morgan Dowell and Harry Law in a 30-20 victory.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Powerful To gives the advantage to Torquay

TORQUAY U15s were 27-24 victors in a closely fought contest against local rivals Totnes.

Torquay started brightly and opened the scoring through Ronan Yeo, only to be pegged back through Totnes' quick running backs.

As half-time approached Ben Ireland put Torquay ahead once again with a try and conversion, ensuring Torquay went into the break with a healthy 12-5 lead.

However, Totnes scored two tries in succession to take the lead in the second half.

Substitute Tyler To used his power to hand the advantage back to Torquay with two tries, and Adam Dart's run from halfway into the corner increased their advantage.

A consolation try from Totnes was not enough, and Torquay held on for the win.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Blakeman hat-trick caps a fine day for dominant All Whites

NEWTON Abbot U9s recorded two comfortable victories over Exeter U9s at Rackerhayes, starting with a 20-0 success.

Olly Blakeman opened the scoring, and his try was swiftly followed by Harry Langabeer crossing the line.

Alfie Raynor put Newton 15-0 up with a trademark score from distance, and Tom Daly ran from his own line as he added a fourth try in the second half with no reply from Exeter.

Newton once again started brightly in the second game and soon took an early lead through Hugo Longrigg.

Reuben Ash quickly doubled the score for the All Whites, only for Exeter to pull a try back after some lax defending by Newton.

The next two line-outs proved fruitful for Newton, as Langabeer and Harrison Gorny raced clear to score.

And a hat-trick of tries from Blakeman sealed victory for the All Whites, with Riley Hutchinson scoring the day’s final try in a 45-5 victory.

TORQUAY U9s came out on top 25-15 in an entertaining match against Teignmouth U9s.

A breakaway try from Louis Powell gave Torquay the lead after just five minutes, only for Teignmouth to hit back through Robert Seir.

Torquay once again took the lead through a try in the corner from Jake Harker, and added to their total thanks to a double from Josh Lovell.

Teignmouth hit back through Brad Breslan and William Annal, but James Alcock bagged a try to seal the victory for Torquay.

Within minutes Torquay were back in action once again, and it was almost a completely new side that took on the Stonehouse Sharks in the team’s second fixture of the day.

A hat-trick from Lovell was enough to seal a 20-15 victory.

Teignmouth were also successful as they rallied to defeat Stonehouse 25-10, thanks to tries from Ethan Harris, Breslan (2), Ethan Knobile and Jack Carden.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Seven tries for Partridge in Cherries' away double

PAIGNTON U8s enjoyed a successful trip to Okehampton after winning back-to-back games in Mid Devon.

The first game was won 13-12 with five tries from Bradley Green, four from Harry Napier, and two tries apiece from Cameron Partridge and Toby Green.

The second game was another tight affair with Paignton once again winning by just one point in a 14-13 scoreline.

Partridge top-scored with five tries, closely followed by Toby Green with four.

Reece Faux and Bradley Green scored twice each, and Liam Cleaver went over once.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Torquay no pushovers this time in derby clash

TORQUAY Colts showed how they have improved over the season in a rematch with Paignton on the Recreation Ground.

Back in September the Cherries ran up a 62-14 win over the Tics at Queens Park.

Torquay's young side, comprised mostly of U17s, have been learning all the time and were only pipped 17-5 second time around.

Torquay opened the scoring, after five minutes when a well-worked drive by their forwards ended in Jake Byrne scoring in the corner.

It took Paignton 20 minutes, to get their first try of the afternoon, through Myles Ritchie.

Torquay's pack had the edge over Paignton, but the Cherries' game plan, of moving the ball quickly through their backs, put pressure on the home team, who did well to keep it to 5-5 at the break.

In the second half, Paignton made a change in the centre and the strong running of the replacement, Dan Sanders, proved too much.

He scored two tries in 10 minutes with an impressive turn of pace. The second try was converted by Sam Hedges.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Newton let lead slip twice as Saracens claim draw

NEWTON Abbot U11s were left to share the spoils with Exeter Saracens U11s once again after the two sides drew 14-14 for the second time this season.

Josh Flower opened the scoring for the All Whites with a well taken try on 15 minutes. He then converted to put Newton 7-0 up, which is how the score stayed until half-time.

Almost straight from the restart, Exeter scored to level the match, only for a Jake Sokolowski try and Flower conversion to put Newton ahead once again.

With just two minutes remaining Exeter were back on terms thanks to some powerful mauling at the death and a successful conversion, ensuring honours were even in a tight game played in the right spirit by both teams.

TOTNES U11s went down fighting as they lost 19-7 to Dartmouth.

Two early tries and conversions put Dartmouth in control only for Totnes to hit back through Tom Rutley after good support from team-mates Sam Osborn and William Rideout. The kick was converted by William Throgmorton to pull the score back to 14-7 at half-time.

Some dogged defending from Totnes couldn’t prevent their opponents’ third try of the match which came from a line-out won by Dartmouth.

The final passages of play were exciting for all concerned but a determined Totnes couldn’t breach an excellent Dartmouth defence, and the match finished 19-7 to the Darts.

Brixham turn on style to beat tourists Painswick

BRIXHAM U12s made a good impression as they stood in for Paignton to play touring side Painswick from Gloucestershire.

Winning 54-7, Brixham produced some of their best rugby of the season.

Tries were scored by Josh Noakes, Jamie Francis, Callum Smith, Ted Duberley, Connor Howard, Jack Howitt and Noah Wright.

All converted points were kicked by Duberley.

Brixham return to Paignton next week for the annual Trevor Ward Festival before heading off to the Devon Festival the following week at Cullompton.

Two narrow defeats for Paignton at Okehampton

PAIGNTON U7s tasted defeat on their travels as they went down twice away at Okehampton.

The youngsters lost the first game 8-6, with tries coming from Corey Dowden (2) Bobby Wigginton (2), Ethan Chadwick and Kyle Bullock.

The second game was a much closer affair, but it was Okehampton who were once again victorious as they came out on top in a 6-5 scoreline.

Tries in the second game were scored by Oliver Stoneman (2), Dowden (1), Chadwick and man-of-the-match Wigginton.

BRIXHAM U7s lost twice against visiting Salcombe.

The first game was won 45-35, with the second game 20-15 in favour of Salcombe.

Brixham scorers were Marsden Criddle, who scored five tries in the fixture, with Luke Noakes (3), Charlie Mudge and Zach Harris also scoring.

TORQUAY U7s shared the spoils with Stonehouse in two entertaining contests.

The first game ended 35-30 in favour of Torquay. Owen-Lee Provins (4). Lewis Crocker, Callum Crocker, Joe Snape were the try scorers for the Tics, who tagged superbly and defended with great discipline to gain the victory.

A new Torquay side came out to contest the second match which unfortunately went the way of Stonehouse. Victor Yeo (3) and Esme Hall were Torquay’s try scorers in a 45-20 defeat.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Points difference crucial for Totnes four-way win

TOTNES U14s were victorious in a keenly contested four-way competition in Torquay.

The round robin tournament went right down to the wire, with Totnes successful on points difference.

Torquay also took part in the competition, drawing once and losing twice in what was a decent effort.

The first match of the tournament saw Torquay take on Totnes.

The two sides always enjoy close contests, and this was no exception, with both defences on top until the second half where Totnes opened the scoring through a Charlie Morrison try in the corner.

Torquay then hit back through a try of their own to equal the scores at 5-5, which is how the game ended.

Totnes then followed up with a victory against Painswick. Two tries in quick succession were the key to victory, coming from George Rivas after good individual work from full-back Josh Gowdy, and Matt Bowen, who bundled over straight from kick-off.

Totnes' final match of the tournament saw them take on Pulborough, and it was their opponents who took an early lead after a lack of concentration from a tap penalty saw Totnes punished with a try and conversion.

Totnes rallied, and were soon back in the game thanks to Tom Crocker, who went over after good work from the backs.

Jasper Heaver converted to level the scores, and despite some late Totnes pressure, the scores remained level until the final whistle in a result which was enough for Totnes to win the tournament.

NEWTON ABBOT U14s were totally dominant in their 105-7 victory over touring side Wells.

Newton took the lead after just 35 seconds thanks to a Corey Whane try and from there the All Whites never looked back, scoring seven more tries in a ruthless first-half performance.

Wells managed a consolation try early in the second half, but it wasn't long before Newton were once again on the front foot, notching another eight tries as they eased to victory.

Newton scorers were Corey Whane (5), Alex Fogden (4), Ed Brown (4), Alfie Lang (2), Ryan Nock and Jack Wharton.

PAIGNTON U14s suffered mixed fortunes after playing two games in the space of two days.

Up against Painswick from Gloucester on the Saturday, Paignton triumphed 62-0.

In an impressive display, particularly from the forwards who were winning all their own rucks and counter-rucking at every opportunity, tries were scored by Bryn Porter (2), Elliot Kelly (2), Bradley Baker, Jasper Porter, Ricki Workman, Matt Sanders and Harvey Sears.

Rhys Moloney added four conversions and Mike Sandercock popped up with another two in a commanding display.

The following day saw Paignton in action once again, this time up against Okehampton at Clennon Valley.

Okehampton had defeated Exeter Saracens just a week prior to this game.

In a brave effort Paignton came up short 24-5 in a scoreline that didn't give a true reflection of a game which was closely contested throughout, with Paignton's try powered over by No.8 Rhys Bower.

Nevertheless, Paignton can certainly be proud of their efforts in a great weekend of rugby that should bode well for their tour to Cornwall this weekend.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Torbay teams Jolly Judge and Dolphin FC reach county cup finals

JOINT man of the match performances from brothers Mike Wright and Sean Wright inspired Jolly Judge to a 9-1 victory over Koogars FC in their DCFA Sunday Supplementary semi-final, writes Shaun Murphy.

The Judge found themselves 4-0 up after just twenty minutes, thanks to quick-fire doubles from Karl Baker and Jordan Lam.

A sensational finish from Sean Wright put the Judge five goals to the good, and despite an own goal from Kevin Pile at the start of the second half, they saw the game out comfortably, with further goals from Hutchings, Short and Mike Wright.

Meanwhile, Dolphin Inn FC saw off the challenge of Athletico Borough FC 2-0 in the DCFA Sunday Senior Cup semi-final at Liverton's Halford ground. Two goals from Justin Grinsill - including one from the spot after a foul on Shane Shobbrook - were enough to seal the victory.

In Division Two of the Torbay Sunday League, The Sportsmans Arms came from behind to defeat table-topping Spartans FC 7-5.

Trailing 4-1 at half-time, the Sportsmans fought back thanks to a hat-trick from Alex Harding and a double from Keiron Keightley.

Craig Kendall and Dan Fannon also scored for Sportsmans.

Club secretary Darren Taylor said: "After 15 minutes we were on our way to our biggest defeat of the season, we hadn't woken up and I was happy to go into half-time only 4-1 down."

"We changed things round and really went for it second half, the boys were great and should have hit double figures really. Harding and Keightley up front were outstanding, Spartans just couldn't handle them."

Man on a mission

ARGYLE boss Peter Reid has become a man on a scouting mission in recent days, as he looks to improve the club's fortunes.

Without revealing any names, Reid observed four games in as many days in a search for the right players to strengthen his squad at Home Park.

"I watched some good players and I've got one or two irons in the fire," he said. "Hopefully, we can bring one or two loan players in to help us through this difficult time.

"I don't think its rocket science what we're looking for. We're also conceding too many, so there are one or two positions we're looking at."

"It was good to watch a few games. It can be difficult to watch games in Plymouth but they were some interesting games to watch."

(pafc.co.uk)

Role for Rory

Rory Fallon is set to continue his rehabilitation from a hernia operation and take part in Saturday's clash with Huddersfield Town.

The Kiwi striker played 12 minutes for New Zealand a fortnight ago and came on for the last 35 minutes in our defeat at Notts County last weekend.

The recovery process moved to 45 minutes in Tuesday's reserve team loss at Torquay on Tuesday and Argyle manager Peter Reid is keen to use different options against the Terriers.

"Obviously he's been building up his strength and fitness," Reid said. "He had a spell on the pitch with New Zealand and against Notts County last weekend, and he got another 45 minutes under his belt against Torquay on Tuesday, so hopefully, he's fit and raring to go.

"He is available and he'll be a part of it. If he starts or not I don't know, but he'll be involved."

(pafc.co.uk)

Torquay United 3 Argyle 2

Torquay 3 Oastler 35, Yeoman 52, Gritton pen 82

Argyle 2
Sawyer 52, Leonard 75

by Shaun Murphy

Goals from Sam Sawyer and Ryan Leonard were not enough to salvage anything for a youthful Argyle side as they went down 3-2 to Torquay United in the totesport.com Combination at Plainmoor.

Despite being 2-0 down at one stage, Argyle showed great courage to force a way back into the match, only to be let down by an unfortunate penalty decision with eight minutes remaining, which was duly dispatched by ex-Pilgrim Martin Gritton. Joe Oastler and Ashley Yeoma had earlier given the Gulls a double advantage.

The Greens started with an experienced front pairing of Rory Patterson and Rory Fallon in an otherwise youthful looking line-up, which included young Jack Stephens and Curtis Nelson paired together in central defence against the well-travelled Gritton.

In a scrappy opening few minutes it was the home side who managed the first effort on goal. A sharp turn and shot on the edge of the box from Gritton was saved comfortably by Ollie Chenoweth in the Argyle goal.

It was Argyle who nearly opened the scoring after 17 minutes, however. A clever through-ball by Leonard was missed by Rowe-Turner in the home defence and latched on to by Patterson, only for his effort to be saved by the onrushing Danny Potter.

Chenoweth was called into action again minutes later, making a smart save from Lloyd Macklin after Nicky Wroe's pass sent the winger clear on goal. Argyle, meanwhile, were beginning to look dangerous every time they went forward, with the two Rory's starting to link up well in attack.

Another missed interception saw Patterson handed the best chance yet to break the deadlock, but his effort was palmed to safety by Potter. Straight down the other end and a timely block by Stephens from Gritton thwarted the home side as the match began to open up.

The experienced front man wasn't having it all his own way, with Argyle's youthful central defensive pairing giving as good as they had against the ex-Argyle striker.

Despite this, it was the home side who took the lead on 35 minutes when Joe Mason unfortunately sliced a clearance a Wroe corner into the path of Joe Oastler for an easy finish.

To their credit, Argyle reacted in the right manner and Patterson was again unfortunate not to score after finding himself in behind the home defence once again, only to drive the ball wide. The Northern Ireland international was getting himself into some promising positions and could count himself unlucky not to have scored in the opening 45 minutes.

A long range drive from Wayne Carlisle was then spectacularly tipped over by Chenoweth in the final action of a pulsating opening 45 minutes in which the Pilgrims could count themselves unlucky to be behind.

Argyle made a change at the beginning of the second half, switching Sam Sawyer into the heart of the defence in a swap for Fallon, who was clearly suffering the effects of his hernia operation.

Chenoweth was called into action as the game restarted, saving well from Romone Rose as Torquay pressed for a second goal.

With 52 minutes gone it was 2-0 to the home side, Ashley Yeoman connecting to a cutback from Macklin to sidefoot the ball home from 12 yards.

It was harsh on Argyle to find themselves two goals down, and the bench responded by bringing on Matt Rickard for Luke Young in a bid to bolster the attack.

It was almost 3-0 on 60 minutes but the impressive Chenoweth again did well to keep the ball out from close range after a diving header from Macklin following Gritton's knockdown.

Argyle showed great character to get themselves back into the match on 62 minutes. A long throw caused chaos in the home side's penalty area and was flicked on by Sawyer into the net to hand us a lifeline.

Now only a goal behind, Argyle were more than matching their opponents as they started to press forward for an equalizer, though this unfortunately left holes at the back for the home side to exploit. With the next goal crucial for both sides, Macklin and Rose again went close for Torquay.

It wasn't to be, and a breakaway goal from Argyle levelled the match. Mason dispossessed Saul Halpin deep in the Torquay half and ran the full length of the pitch before scuttling a shot goalwards. Potter did well to parry the ball wide but Ryan Leonard was on hand to steer in the equaliser from a difficult angle.

Referee Richard Martin then intervened, with some help from his assistant, to award Torquay a very soft penalty after an innocuous looking challenge by Jake Baker on Oastler. Sympathy was scarce from Gritton, as he stroked home the winner from 12 yards.

The final result was harsh on Argyle, who can take solace from the fact they had more than matched a Torquay side boasting some established names in their line-up.

Torquay United (4-3-3): 16 Danny Potter; 15 Wayne Carlisle, 25 Ed Palmer, 2 Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, 17 Saul Halpin; 14 Lloyd Macklin, 11 Nicky Wroe, 4 Joe Oastler; 9 Romone Rose, 8 Martin Gritton, 24 Ashley Yeoman. Substitues (not used): 7 Joe Parrish, 10 Ray Spear, 12 Scott Taylor.

Booked: Macklin 81

Argyle (4-4-2): 1 Ollie Chenoweth; 2 Ryan Leonard (captain), 4 Jack Stephens, 5 Curtis Nelson, 3 Jamie Richards (16 Connor Clifford 60); 10 Joe Mason, 6 Anton Peterlin, 7 Luke Young (15 Matt Rickard 65), 11 Jake Baker; 8 Rory Patterson, 9 Rory Fallon (17 Sam Sawyer h-t). Substitutes (not used): 12 Jack Ord (gk), 14 Jed Harper-Penman.

Booked: Clifford 72

Referee: Richard Martin

Magnificent seven all win Tora medals

TORQUAY Judokwai members showed plenty of fighting spirit when they travelled to the Tora Judokai tournament in Bristol.

All seven of the Torquay fighters returned with medals, but once again it was the club's female fighters who took top honours.

Toni Malone (9-25kg) is the club's smallest fighter, but that didn't stop her winning all four of her bouts to take her gold medal.

She won all four of her fights with ippon throws.

Lucy Pannell (11-32kg) was also in confident form. She won all three of her bouts to win the gold medal without really being tested.

Pannell defeated team-mate Stacey Malone in the final, who had to settle for a silver medal in her first competition.

Between the two female gold medallists, they have won 10 championship medals this season, and have only failed to get themselves on the medal podium once.

Damon Smith (13-73kg) led the way for the boys in his first competitive appearance.

Not content with winning the gold medal in his weight class, Smith also took the silver medal in the open weight division.

Taking on boys much bigger than himself, he only lost the final by five points.

Making his return to competition for the first time since February, Jacob Ward (11-30kg) came back strongly from a first-round defeat to take a bronze medal.

Jake Slay (10-34kg) also achieved a bronze medal after his semi-final went into golden score time.

In his debut event, Jude Davies (8-30kg) came through to achieve bronze.

Club coach Simon Ward was understandably delighted with his team's efforts.

"Once again our younger fighters dominated this level of competition. All of the fighters were brilliant, producing some quite outstanding throwing techniques.

"I'm really proud of them, especially the new fighters to the team.

"It's such a different environment to club fighting, but to come away from your first event with some victories and even a medal, we can't ask for anything better than that."

A student at Paul Drury's Black Belt Academy in Dawlish has received a coveted black belt in kick-boxing.

Kyle Mitchell, accomplished the rank after a testing which consisted of fitness tests, line work, pad work, sparring, and written theory tests.

Master Drury said: "Kyle is a keen and very dedicated student and we are very proud to have him."

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Primary-aged footballers help raise over £1,000 for charity

STOKE GABRIEL'S 'Football in the Community' scheme have not only been busy with their community programme over the summer, they have also been busy raising money for children's charity CLIC.

Run as part of the 'Football in the Community' programme, local schools took part in raising over £1,000 alongside Stoke Gabriel Football Club.

The schools participated in a sponsored 'penalty shoot out' that saw pupils take great delight in putting the ball past their teachers.

Every child who took part received a certificate and a sticker and was made aware of how CLIC can help children and their families during difficult times. Fifteen prizes were also given to the fifteen children that managed to raise the most money.

"It was a great effort by everybody involved in raising money for such a worthwhile cause", commented Football in the Community Officer Kevin Wills. "I would sincerely like to thank everybody who took some part including all the children that contributed to the total of £1,006. I would also like to thank all the teachers from different schools who were all so supportive."

Stoke Gabriel Football in the Community are holding a 'Football Fun Day' during the Half Term on Wednesday October 27. For further details contact Adam on 07967-124844.

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ACADEMY SOCCER are starting a mini football league at Paignton Community College and Sports College.

The league is open to Under 7s and Under 9s who want to get together for a fun evening of football, as well as introducing players of a young age to a good environment to learn to play.

Each age group will consist of six teams with seven children per side, with each team playing three matches per night. The leagues are set to take place on Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30pm.

For further information contact Dan Harmer on 07791-299907 or Sav Savva on 07811-183271. You can also email academy.soccer@hotmail.co.uk.

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DEVON'S youth team recovered from the setback of losing to Dorset by defeating an Ipplepen XI 6-1 on Monday at Coach Road. A man of the match performance from Sam Farrant (St Blazey) helped Devon to victory, along with a hat-trick from Dale O'Donoghue (Newtown). There were also goals from Ryan Turner (Barnstaple), Ben Burak (Clyst Valley), and Alex Henniker (Elberton Villa) as Devon romped home against an Ipplepen side consisting mainly of 2nd XI players.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Sailing: Three wins give Mason and Giles autumn title

THREE race wins from four outings saw Pete Mason and Dale Giles claim the overall fast handicap class title at Paignton Sailing Club's Autumn Regatta.

Dave Whittle and Hannah Radbourne claimed the overall top spot in the medium handicap, while Carys Roberts was the best of the juniors.

In Saturday's first race, the Fireball of Mason and Giles got the better of Chris Cunningham's RS100 in the fast handicap, with Chris Blackburn's RS600 third.

The medium handicap soon followed, with 12 boats lining up on the start line.

In a close race it was Karl Lloyd and Trish Walker who prevailed in their Albacore, with Steve Ashford and Mike Holmes just behind in a Comet Trio. Third place went to Whittle and Radbourne's Albacore.

In the junior fleet there were six Toppers, which made for competitive racing.

Roberts started with a win, followed by Thomas Stephenson and Paris Thomas.

For race two, the fast handicap got off to another clean start, this time with Blackburn leading the fleet.

However, Mason and Giles managed to close the gap and win the race.

The medium handicap fleet saw five boats competing fiercely for first place, but in the end it was Lloyd and Walker who prevailed.

Whittle and Radbourne were second, with Ashford and Holmes third.

Roberts was once again victorious in the juniors, with Jack and Thomas Stephenson coming in second and third respectively.

A bright Sunday morning greeted race three, and Blackburn stopped Mason and Giles' winning run in the fast handicaps.

Amy Giles and Nigel Williams came home in third place, with only thirty seconds separating the two Fireballs.

Lloyd and Walker were disqualified from the medium handicaps for crossing the start line too early.

This allowed Whittle and Radbourne to take the win, with Ashford and Holmes second, andOllie Wright third.

Roberts continued her junior domination to win from Thomas Stevenson and Paris Thomas.

The final race of the regatta started with two Fireballs in the fast handicap engaging in a tactical upwind battle.

Giles and Williams rounded the windmark first, but it was Mason and Giles who prevailed and confirmed first place overall with their third win.

Giles and Williams took second place, and Blackburn crossed the line in third.

Whittle and Radbourne won their final race to claim first place overall in the medium handicap, with Ashford and Holmes crossing the line in second place. Arthur Phillips managed to claim third place.

And in the juniors Roberts made it four wins out of four to claim first overall, with Paris Thomas and Jack Stephenson rounding off the top three.

In the final fast handicap overall standings, Mason and Giles won from Blackburn in second, and Giles and Williams third.

Ashford and Holmes were medium handicap runners-up from Wright's Laser Radial, while Thomas and Stephenson claimed the minor podium positions in the juniors.

The prize-giving for the Spring and Autumn Regattas will take place on Saturday, October 16, at Paignton Sailing Club.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Fay claims UK expert BMX title

JASON Fay is the new British BMX champion in the men's 17 to 24 expert class.

The 18 year old from Kingsteignton, also the current West Regional champion, won the title at Cheddar Somerset.

Almost 900 riders took part in the event, which began on Sunday with the early morning heats.

In the semi - he just had to go through, another comfortable ride saw Jason through in third place and ready for the final.

Fay continued through to the final, where just eight riders remained.

A strong start by Fay in gate five allowed him to take the high line round the first corner, which set Jason up to pass the early leader and gain more speed for the third straight.

After navigating a tricky last corner safely, Fay held a two-bike length lead to the finish line.

Andrew Fay, the rider's father, was understandably delighted with the result.

Dad said: "Jason did say after the semi-final 'I could do well in this if I get a good start'.

"He got a good start and produced a top-class performance."

Jason is a member of the Decoy BMX club and is sponsored by 'Trax an Jenks' (T& J, BMX racing team) who are a BMX track-building specialist

Also competing in the championship was Jason's brother Oliver Fay. With 46 riders in his age group, the 13 year old finished fifth place overall.
(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)

Newton runners to tackle high peaks

A GROUP of Devon-based runners are hoping to complete one of the UK's most exhausting and rewarding charity challenges next June.

Along with around 60 other teams, the ladies of Newton Abbot are hoping to send more than four teams to climb more than 4200 metres to the summit and back of four of the highest peaks in Scoland, England, Wales and Ireland.

Needing to raise £4,400 per team, the ladies will be coming up with lots of fundraising ideas and events in the coming weeks.

The ladies are all members of the Newton Abbot branch of the Ladies Running Network, who meet at the Rec Trust.

Anyone wishing to know more about the group should contact Marika Dowse on pinkygym@googlemail.com.

(thisissouthdevon.co.uk)