RUGBY results from Saturday, March 17

Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy

Ramsey B 8-33 Southern Nomads

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl

Vagabonds B 109-12 Emerging Nomads

FOOTBALL results from Saturday, March 17

Cu-Plas FA Cup semi-finals

DHSOB 1-3 St George’s (after extra-time)

Union Mills 5-0 Onchan

GH Corlett Woods Cup semi-final

Douglas Royal 2-2 Marown (AET)

Royal win 4-3 on penalties

Canada Life Premier League

Peel 1-2 Laxey

St Mary’s 3-2 Corinthians

Ramsey 2-2 Rushen

St John’s 3-0 RYCOB

Gymns 4-3 Castletown

JCK Division Two

Foxdale 1-1 Ronaldsway

Braddan 3-3 Police

Michael 6-0 Malew

Colby 5-2 Douglas and District

Canada Life Combination One

Laxey 2-3 RYCOB

St George’s 4-2 Rushen

JCK Combination Two

Police 3-1 Pulrose

Malew 1-4 Michael

IT was clearly a day for the mid-handicappers in the latest stableford at King Edward Bay Golf Club, as seven of the top eight finishers played off somewhere between 10 and 12.

However, in the end it was Jamie Tomlinson (11) who edged nearer 10 as his 39 points proved just enough to claim top spot ahead of a bunched chasing pack.

A fine birdie on the difficult par-three 2nd hole gave Saturday’s winner the perfect start, but a nightmare triple-bogey-double hat-trick towards the turn appeared to have put paid to his efforts.

To Tomlinson’s sheer credit, he dusted himself off to come home in just one over gross and 22 points, including a birdie on the 13th, and posted the winning score.

Runner-up Derek Moultrie (12) was left cursing a costly bogey on the 18th after realising a par would have been good enough for the victory. A birdie on the 14th seemed to have set him up nicely for the win following some very steady play but, alas, not this time.

The exact same can be said for Gary Moore (10) whose bogey-bogey finish undid some great play, including birdies on the 4th, 5th and 12th - but in the end the almighty computer deemed his 39 points only third-best.

G. Thwaites’s (10) 38 finished outright fourth while the 37-point efforts of Martin Moore (10) and Danny O’Hair (6) were the best of the rest.

Honourable mentions this week go to club captain Roy Callow (11), Phil Watterson (12), Syd McKnight (9), John McMullan (5) and Mike Harrison (5).

This Saturday is the usual open stableford where the many Irish members of the club will be hoping to make their mark on Paddy’s Day.

It will be interesting to see who of these will rise to the challenge, but with the likes of Frank Craig, Conor Sullivan, John Gilpin, the Lovells, Syd McKnight and Peter Purcell all potentially teeing it up then a winner could well come from this pack.

Sunday sees three-man yellow ball, the startsheet is in the locker room for anyone wanting to play.

A FREE online service has been launched for employers who hold work permits for their staff.

It will enable employers to apply to renew permits online and review the details of any permits they hold or have applied for.

The new service has been launched by the Department of Economic Development following an extensive pilot and employers may now register and gain secure access to their records.

Once ‘inside’ the work permit database, employers can apply to renew or cancel existing work permits and audit those they hold with minimal effort.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK said: ‘This is precisely the kind of service that industry needs government to improve upon and I am pleased that the Department of Economic Development is making this step forward.

‘Employers can now save a great deal of time, as their renewal applications and work permit cancellations no longer need to be posted, and any necessary payment can be made immediately.’

Political member for Skills and Employment Tony Wild MLC added: ‘I am pleased that we are making it easier for employers to comply with this legislation and optimistic that the online service will help ensure the process is as efficient as possible. During January over 90 per cent of permits were processed within 10 days and the department believes we can use this new service to improve on this still further in 2012.’

Employers registering for online services will receive a personal log allowing them to view all work permits currently in place for their organisation.

Previously auditing work permits required HR officers to contact the work permit office to make enquiries regarding details held, but now this can be done automatically, saving time for both the organisation and the work permit office.

Employers can also directly check and update the details of each work permit they hold, apply to renew any work permits due to expire and cancel any permits that are no longer required.

The can also obtain information about which permits are due to expire first, or which permits have been held the longest.

For further details visit {http://www.gov.im/onlineservices|www.gov.im/onlineservices}.

• Questions about why the Isle of Man Employers’ Federation has raised its membership fees were raised in the House of Keys by Onchan MHK David Quirk.

Mr Shimmin replied that the Employers‘ Federation was an independent organisation operated by its members for their own benefit. He said the Federation had made a decision to increase the fees payable by most members from April 1 this year, because of a need to raise adequate income to cover increasing operating and administration costs.

MHKs were told another factor was the impact of the economic downturn on levels of construction which had led to a reduction in the number of active contractors – affecting the Federation’s income.

If, like me, you’ve never heard of a ‘Medford FBBB’, it is half a round of medal scoring and then you deduct your inward stableford points, so the lowest nett score wins.

Although this competition is aptly named, I maintain that the majority of the 106 entrants would have been hard pushed to have guessed the format.

Clearly, the recent move back to Castletown Golf Club is paying dividends for past captain Paul Cox (13) and Stephen Edwards (24) who walked away with the top prize. Their miniscule nett score of eight was compiled with one nett eagle and eight nett birdies on the front nine.

This translated to a fantastic four-under-par 33. From this they deducted 25 stableford points on a bountiful back nine encompassing three nett eagles, three nett birdies, a par and two bothersome bogeys.

Cox pipped Edwards at putting-out so his score counted on 11 holes. However, an efficient and ebullient Edwards contributed four nett eagles and three nett birdies, thanks in part to outrageously receiving two shots on half a dozen holes.

Another former Castletown captain, Peter Robertson (11), partnering Brian Graham (17) matched the winners with a nett 33 on the first half but, frustratingly, fell one short with 24 stableford points, so had to settle for second place on nett nine.

Graham fired four nett birdies, five nett pars and two nett bogeys to Robertson’s seven superb nett birdies including a triumphant two on the 13th.

John Newson (5) and Kenny Chesterton (5) have so few shots to play with that they have to rely on real birdies in order to register a result. So, with three apiece, including two in a row from Chesterton on the 10th and 11th, they deservedly came third on countback.

Newson’s numbers appeared a dozen times and his two on the 13th was undoubtedly a sterling effort. Messrs Gwynn Williams/Dave Bell, Anthony O’Mohony/Dave Litton and Tom Harris/Frankie Doherty were the countback casualties, their nett 11s counting for nothing but pride.

Our cunning committee challenge us to a modified four-man Am-Am this coming weekend.

THE Isle of Man’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is planning a tour of the USA, Europe and the UK to showcase the island’s clean technology credentials, and has issued an open invitation for Manx businesses to send representatives to accompany its officers.

Mooted destinations for the trade delgation include Boston, Oregon and San Francisco in the USA; Edinburgh, Manchester, Lincoln and London in the UK; and Belgium, Germany and Scandinavia.

The aim of the trip, which is scheduled for September to November of this year, is to promote the Isle of Man as a location for establishing clean tech businesses.

In addition, the department say existing Isle of Man businesses can take the chance to promote their products and services and meet potential investors, partners and customers.

Each event will involve a similar format.

It will feature the presence of one or more electric motorbikes that have competed in a zero emissions race in the Isle of Man; presentation on the benefits of the island for clean technology businesses; screenings of a one-hour version of the TT Zero movie Charge, which is narrated by Ewan McGregor; and a panel question and answer session and networking opportunity.

The department would also welcome sponsorship of the events from Isle of Man businesses, who could have their branding featured at the event and on event PR material, as well as being offered time to make a presentation prior to the screening of Charge.

Laurence Skelly, DED member with responsibility for clean technology, explained: ‘The Isle of Man has a unique selling proposition to attract businesses in the clean tech sector, the key benefits being an ideal location to trial technology and to protect and maximise financial benefit from intellectual property.’

He added: ‘I hope businesses will take this valuable opportunity to help generate new business.

‘We have a very competitive proposition.’

Dr Ken Milne, senior manager for energy policy, added: ‘The Department is particularly looking to leverage the value generated by the TT Zero event and TT Zero movie Charge and follows on from a very successful clean tech event we hosted in London recently.’

Businesses interested in participating should contact Ken Milne on 687142 or {mailto:ken.milne@gov.im|ken.milne(at)gov.im}.

When Neil Mackie (10) was signing for his excellent morning round of 43 points in last Saturday’s individual stableford, he would be forgiven for being hopeful about the winner’s ‘cheque’.

But his long experience will also have warned that in a 90 runner field nothing could be taken for granted and when that best-of-the-day seven under was later matched by Neil Smith (16) it took a card play-off to determine the top two placings from which Smith emerged triumphant courtesy of his better back six. In addition to the prize vouchers both will now enjoy a couple of shots off their playing handicaps.

As will third place Andrew Compton (17) who was just a point back of the top two despite failing to register anything at the 3rd hole and he in turn was chased home by two players - Michael Johnson (11) and John Summers (19) - whose 41-point returns went into a card play-off for the fourth and final voucher with Johnson’s 22 points coming home getting him the nod.

Saturday’s excellent overhead conditions were ideal for golf as evidenced by the fact that a quarter of the starters matched or bettered par and 17 twos were carded, each worth £8 in the shop.

The fine weather held for Sunday’s first medal round of the 36-hole Club FBBB Championship with scoring every bit as hot as Saturday.

There was a draw for partners for this one and taking the slenderest of leads into this Sunday’s second round is the pairing of club president Michael Murray (12) and ex-president Jack Shimmin (22) who, despite the three-quarters handicap restriction, still managed an excellent nett 61.

Rab Millar (13) with Michael Siebke (5) and Barry Skillicorn (8), who somehow - don’t ask - was again in tandem with Peter Musson (15), lead the chasers but with just four shots covering the top 12 pairs the championship remains wide open. Lee Savage and partner Stuart Wallace don’t feature in that top 12 but Savage’s hole-in-one at the 1st - one of his stroke holes - produced the unusual sight of a card with a 0 correctly entered as the score for a hole.

But being six shots off the lead they will probably need one or two more like that this Sunday if they are to feature in the prizes.

Saturday has a two-man Texas scramble on the agenda perhaps in preparation for the four-man scramble with an 8.00 shotgun arranged for Sunday, March 25 which will precede a carvery lunch and prize presentation for both the Winter League and the FBBB Championship. The entry list for that is now open.

The Corbridge’s Winter League reached the penultimate round last Sunday at Mount Murray with the first of the semi-finals as Daryl Callister and Tony Collis took on Marcus Avery and Adam McAuley (subbing for Neil Dunwell), while the remainder of the field competed in the plate FBBB.

Avery and McAuley came out on top of the semi after sealing victory on the 17th green to set up a final against either Tim Calladine and Paul Carson or Mike Christian and Andy Kewley who play their match this weekend.

In the FBBB competition Steve Clague and Jonathon Evans triumphed on countback over Andy James and Alex McAuley after both pairings finished with 43 points.

Unfortunately neither team can feature in the plate competition as they won’t complete enough rounds to post a competitive score, however third on the day Andy Horne and Mark Skelding are certainly plate contenders as they moved into second in the league with their score of 42.

John Belcher and Jason Clarke still lead the plate competition but apart from Horne and Skelding, Niall Keenan and Allan Prince, Andy and Matt Nicholson, and Mike Pigott and Colin Anderson could all still overhaul them in the final round in two weeks time.

This weekend sees an open four person Am-Am on Saturday to celebrate St Patrick’s day and an individual club stableford on Sunday.

TOMORROW’S Examiner has a competition to win free driving lessons with instructor Kieran Sharples.

The Examiner, in shops from first thing in the morning, also has an interview with the UK lawyer who has joined the battle to save a residential home in the island.

Sport reports on all the action from this weekend’s FA Cup semi finals.

Business News takes a close look at plans for a major aviation showcase in the island.

And there’s a picture special on a charity ransom day.

Plus all the latest news in the Examiner, out tomorrow morning.

EDUCATION Minister Peter Karran has caused an outcry after suggesting some parents would rather buy cigarettes than pay for pre-school education for their child.

He made the comment as he answered questions in Tynwald on Tuesday about plans to privatise nursery provision. It had been suggested parents would be willing to pay towards keeping the existing service.

To that Mr Karran said: ‘You charge and the problem will be that there will be a number of parents who would prefer to pay it on cigarettes and other things than pay it on pre-school education and they are the very children that we should be protecting.’

He went on to repeat the assertion during a debate later in the sitting, this time replacing the word ‘cigarettes’ with ‘fags’.

Amy Burns, who has spearheaded the fight for the nurseries, posted on the Facebook group dedicated to the campaign: ‘I would like to say Mr Karran, I for one don’t smoke. I would also say 99.9 per cent of parents would go without the air in their lungs for their children. I’m thoroughly disgusted it came from our Minister of Education’s mouth. I spoke to Jersey’s government again this morning, updated them on what was going on, and the horror in the gentlemen’s voice when he heard what our Education Minister said!’

She called for members of the Facebook group to register their disapproval with the Chief Minister and a large number of people responded to her statement with horror.

Campaigners believe the proposed credit system is flawed. It provides that all parents of nursery-age children will receive £350 a year towards their costs, regardless of income, while those who currently would qualify for free school meals would be entitled to a credit of £1,150.

The DEC has estimated that the cost of five half-day sessions per week (which is what is provided free of charge now) is likely to be a minimum of £2,000.

A survey carried out by Mrs Burns was circulated by Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) during the sitting. In five days 728 people responded and the results showed 94 per cent believed education was the most important factor of pre-school provision, while the remaining 6 per cent considered childcare as the most important factor. Again, 94 per cent said they would be happy to contribute financially to keep the current provision going, with 6 per cent saying no.

They were asked how much they would be prepared to contribute – 44 per cent said £7.50, 36 per cent said £5 and 20 per cent said £10. There were 20 people who added they would pay more.

Asked if government had made the right decision, 85 per cent said no, 9 per cent said yes and 6 per cent were unsure.

And 76 per cent said they were not happy for taxes to be used to fund the voucher scheme, while 14 per cent said they were happy with that idea and 10 per cent said there was no choice.

THE destination of the Wi-Manx Men’s Division One title will be decided this weekend when Paragon Valkyrs B face IOMA Group Bacchas Colts in Saturday’s lunchtime fixture at Ramsey Grammar School.

Jonathan Hull’s Valkyrs side know that any result other than a defeat will see them claim the silverware but will be determined to end their season with a win.

Tim Leeming’s Bacchas side will be keen to claim a first victory of the season over the westerners a result which would hand the title to Vikings B.

Wi-Manx Men’s Division Two

IOMA Group Bacchas C can seal the Wi-Manx Men’s Division Two title when they meet Celton Manx Castletown C in the lunchtime fixture at Castle Rushen. The Tromode side have been in impressive form so far this season and will be confident of claiming both victory and the title. Opponents Castletown have struggled in recent weeks and despite their best efforts they shouldn’t prevent a Bacchas win.

Wi-Manx Men’s Plate

Celton Manx Castletown B will be aiming for victory when they meet HQ Harlequins A as they look to progress to the next round of the competition. Antony Cooke’s Castletown side struggled in the league this season so will be hoping for a good cup run. Although they have been defeated twice by this opposition they will be keen to emerge victorious here. Opponents Harlequins will be confident of securing victory and a place in the next round.

Wi-Manx Women’s Premier Division

CM Skye Ramsey A will be hoping to end their season on a high by claiming victory over Paragon Valkyrs B. Ramsey suffered defeat in their last match and will be keen to return to winning ways here. Julie Chesterton’s Ramsey side claimed victory last time they met the westerners and will be aiming to repeat that performance. Michelle Poyzer’s Valkyrs side have improved in recent weeks and will be determined to claim both points on offer here.

Wi-Manx Under-16 Mixed League

Manx Telecom Vikings can secure the Wi-Manx Under-16 Mixed league with victory over Paragon Valkyrs. Dee Gimbert’s Vikings side will be aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at the hands of Castletown. Having already enjoyed a comfortable victory over the westerners earlier in the season Vikings will be confident of securing both points here. Opponents Valkyrs will be looking to end a two-match losing streak.

Saturday’s fixtures

Wi-Manx Men’s Division One

IOMA Group Bacchas Colts

v Paragon Valkyrs B RGS 12.35pm

Karl Flint Gary Merrill

Wi-Manx Men’s Division Two

Celton Manx Castletown C

v IOMA Group Bacchas C CRHS 12.35pm

Mike Taylor Laurence Watterson

Paragon Valkyrs C

v Manx Telecom Vikings C QEII 11.05am

Vic Ferns Nick Wallinger

Wi-Manx Men’s Plate

HQ Harlequins A

v Celton Manx Castletown B NSC 12.35pm

Gary Corkhill Mark Entwisle

Wi-Manx Women’s Premier Division

Paragon Valkyrs B

v CM Skye Ramsey A QEII 12.35pm

Russell Miller Lindsay Riordan

Wi-Manx Under-16 Mixed League

Celton Manx Castletown

v HQ Harlequins CRHS 3.35pm

Stacey Meakin Barry Powell

CM Skye Ramsey

v IOMA Group Bacchas RGS 11.05am

Unappointed Rob McKenzie

Manx Telecom Vikings

v Paragon Valkyrs NSC 11.05am

Helen Cave Hayley Crowe

DOUGLAS B travel to King William’s College on Saturday to take on Southern Nomads in a Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy rematch of the Shield title play-off.

On that occasion Nomads just sneaked the win with the very last kick of the game. Since then, however, Douglas haven’t had a run out and will be at the very least a little rusty. Nomads by contrast have put in two very solid performances against Ramsey B. They are clearly shaping up to add the Manx Trophy to their season’s haul.

Douglas’ first team have a home tie against Sefton this week and that means there should be few fringe players available for their B team. Nomads too have two fixtures this weekend and may opt to bolster their B team who were beaten soundly at Vagabonds last Saturday. Whatever they decide, I expect Nomads to take the win here as they wind up for their Cheshire Plate final on Easter Saturday.

Across the road at Poulsom Park, Castletown take on Emerging Nomads. Town know that a defeat in this game will end what has been a disappointing season for them.

While they have had some personnel problems at Town this season, Dan James assures me that the club will be firing on all cylinders next season and they’re in no way threatened by the resurgence of Western Vikings. Apologies to all at Castletown if I have suggested otherwise!

This could be a tight game. Nomads shipped a huge score last Saturday but I suspect they’ll be up for this one and may well just sneak it.

THERE’S an all-local clash in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two this weekend when Sure-sponsored Vagabonds entertain Ramsey at Ballafletcher on Saturday.

The game is important for both sides but for quite different reasons. For Vagas, a possible top-four finish is at stake and the possibility of climbing above local rivals Douglas in the table. For Ramsey, any points are vital as they struggle to avoid relegation.

The reverse fixture at the Mooragh Park was much tighter than the 32-19 Vagabonds’ winning margin suggests. Ramsey were in this game right until the very end when a penalty try was awarded, a little harshly according to the home supporters. The two also met in last season’s Manx Cup final which Vagas just sneaked.

This game promises to be just as tight and should be a great spectacle for the Cheshire RFU delegation who are visiting the island this weekend for their annual ‘state of the union’ meeting.

Vagas must surely start as favourites given their league position. They should be at full strength for the game with perhaps the only injury worry being number eight Akkie Van Den Berg who has been out for a little while with a knee injury. Kev Birchall will return to the front row to add some solidity and there may be a call up in the backs for either Michael Oates or Andy Pease who were both on fire for the B team last week.

Ramsey too should be at full strength and will be hoping to name the same starting line up which performed so well against Oswestry a fortnight ago. Perhaps the only concern is leading try scorer Ali Trace who is nursing a knock but expected to be fit to play. The battle for one of the three bench spots should be tough. Luke Robertson and Will Wren both staked strong claims last Saturday, as did Rory Nicholson.

Saturday’s Fixtures

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

Vagabonds v Ramsey @ Ballafletcher ko 3pm

Douglas v Sefton @ Port-e-Chee ko tbc

Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy

Southern Nomads v Douglas B

@ King William’s College ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl

Castletown v Emerging Nomads

@ Poulsom Park ko 2.15pm

WHILE the Isle of Man’s FA Inter-League Cup match with Southern Amateur League rightly takes centre-stage this weekend, there is another important game taking place on Saturday lunchtime.

Pulrose travel to Garey Mooar to go head-to-head with in-form Union Mills in the semi-finals of the GH Corlett Woods Cup in the 12.30pm kick-off.

The Millers are enjoying an excellent season thus far and will be strong favourites to progress to the final after their 5-0 demolition of Onchan in the semis of the Cu-Plas FA Cup last weekend.

Kevin Cowin’s Pulrose will certainly be no pushovers, though, and have the ability within their ranks to cause the hosts plenty of problems.

The Millers have a full-strength side to chose from after reporting no injuries from their FA Cup win on Saturday and once again AJ Suckling will be expected to lead the line. The only doubt is left-back Dan Woznica whose partner is due to give birth this week and may be unavailable.

Pully have doubts over Joey Joyce who is carrying an ankle injury and Michael Skillan who pulled his hamstring playing for the combination side on Saturday but everyone else should be fit and raring to go for the club’s biggest game of the season so far.

A NEW electrical substation with modern equipment can be built at the Laxey Manx Electric Railway station, Tynwald has decided.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Tim Crookall asked for £274,000 to pay for a scheme to provide the new substation and replace the existing out-of-date equipment, which dates from the mid-1930s and is used to convert the mains supply to the current used by the Victorian and Edwardian tramcars.

Mr Crookall acknowledged that money was in short supply and any requests must be ‘absolutely necessary, be justifiable and value for money’.

He said the railways did their fair share to support the island’s economy, culture and lifestyle.

The work, said Mr Crookall, was the second phase of four, the first having been work carried out on the adjacent viaduct between the substation and Laxey passenger station. The third and fourth phases, which he admitted were desirable rather than necessary, would involve track- works and then a heritage display and refurbished café area.

The minister said the substation dated back to before the Second World War and its equipment was antiquated.

Subject to the funds being released, preliminary work was due to start, he said, at the end of this month and the updated equipment put in place in May.

Mr Crookall said the work was ‘urgent’ because of the increased risk of breakdown and therefore disruption to services.

He said if the system broke down in the middle of the season the line would have to close down and he would have to come to Tynwald with an emergency motion requesting the money to pay for the work.

The old equipment will be in use until the end of this season while the replacement work is ongoing.

It will then be decommissioned and the new system put in place at the beginning of the 2013 season.

Mr Crookall said the work would be done to the highest health and safety standards.

The 1930s equipment, including the fascinating mercury arc rectifier which converts the current while emitting a bluish glow, would be mothballed until a place for it to be displayed could be found. He suggested it could end up in the planned heritage display, once that was in place.

David Quirk (Onchan) asked whether all the work would be done by local contractors and was told it would. The MER operating season began last Saturday.

The Blog looks ahead to his weekend’s game and reflects on Dan Hattersley’s move to Stockport

TO quote the Jackson 5: ‘Can you feel it?’

I am of course talking about the almost palpable anticipation that has enveloped the majority of the Manx football fraternity ahead of this weekend’s {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-news/d-day-for-footballers-1-4377319|FA Inter-League Cup semi-final with the Southern Amateur League|Saturday’s preview}.

Staggering comebacks in the competition’s last two rounds have captured the imagination meaning the crowd for Saturday afternoon’s match could well top the 1,300-mark of the quarter-final.

After February’s remarkable victory over the Liverpool County League, several of the Men commented the ‘12th man’ effect the partisan home support had had on aiding in their latest Lazarus act.

There’s no doubt there’s buckets of self-belief, determination and a never-say die attitude in the Kevin Manning’s current squad, but will there become a point when they leave themselves too much to claw back?

I can only speak for my nervous and pulmonary systems, but I’d take a straightforward 2-0 victory this weekend....Who am I kidding?! Bring on the 5-6 thriller!

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Hats of to Hattersley

Towards the end of last week you may have noticed a {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-news/hatters-sign-up-hattersley-1-4362193|story|Hatters sign up Hattersley} we ran about former Castletown and junior island striker Dan Hattersley signing professional terms with Conference Premier League side Stockport County.

Dan caught the eye of Stockport manager Jim Gannon thanks to his goalscoring exploits for Lancaster City earning him a deal to the end of the current season.

County have endured a tough time since their relegation from League Two at the end of the last campaign and now lie just two points above the relegation zone and they’ll be hopeful the man that once scored {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-features/combi-two-round-up-town-rack-up-big-score-1-1786197|eight goals in a match for Town combi|Hattersley the combi goal machine} can help shoot them up the table.

The Cowell Cup winner endured a tough debut for the Hatters in last weekend’s heavy loss at play-off chasers Southport. Indeed Dan was sacrificed for replacement goalkeeper Bernard Hirmer after first choice keeper Ian Ormson was sent off.

County face bottom side Bath this weekend in a game that Dan will be looking to replicate the performances that earned him a spot in the {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-news/blog-33-it-s-goodnight-from-me-and-it-s-goodnight-from-him-1-1792576|Manx Football Blog’s 2008-09 alternate Team of the Year!|MFB’s 2008-09 Team of the Year}

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Trailblazing Gibraltar

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-news/manx-footballers-drawn-to-play-gibraltar-in-international-shield-1-4284742|You may have read on this esteemed website|International Shield draw} that the island are travelling to Gibraltar at the end of June to play in the inaugural International Shield. The hosts, who the Men face in the competition’s semi-finals on June 28, {http://fourfourtwo.com/news/restofeurope/97874/default.aspx|this weekend announced they are going to make a bid for full Uefa membership again next year|Four Four Two report}.

This week the Rock, which has a population of just 28,000, received the boost that Uefa would give them some financial and educational support.

Gibraltar last bid for UEFA membership in 2007 but out of the then 52 member associations only the English, Scottish and Welsh FAs voted in favour, while Spain threatened to boycott and withdraw from any competition to which Gibraltar were admitted.

Certainly gives some food for thought and may kick-start the ‘Isle of Man for Uefa’ argument that is kicked round from time to time.

Right I’m off to iron my Julian Ringham replica Isle of Man top in preparation for tomorrow’s game. Don’t forget for those of you unable to make it to the Bowl, the Blog will be providing an all manor of Twitter updates {http://twitter.com/#!/ManxFootyBlog|@manxfootyblog|Blog Twitter HQ}, plus my full match musings will be available in Monday morning’s Examiner. God I’m giddy...

TTFN

MAKE a charity bid for a piece of Manx history, a football shirt signed by the Isle of Man national football team who played in last month’s thriller against Liverpool County Premier League.

The team booked their place in this Saturday’s semi-final of the FA Inter-League Cup in a match which saw them come back from 0-3 down to win 5-3 amid a snowstorm, thunder and lightning, the sending off of a goalkeeper and a couple of pitch invasions.

The shirt is up for auction on www.manxbay.com and all money raised will go to Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, which screens men and women between the ages of 14 and 35 for undetected heart conditions. The need for such screening was highlighted last weekend after the collapse of Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba on the pitch during a match. Muamba suffered a heart attack as a result of an undiagnosed condition and is being treated in a specialist cardiac hospital in London. Intersport’s Charlie Turner, who supplied the shirt, said: ‘It was ManxBay owner Ed Troup’s idea and he approached me to see if we could contribute anything which might raise some money for Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

‘After Muamba at the weekend, scr-eening our sports people has never been so important. Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation is a great local charity and the tireless work of individuals like Paul Healy and the peace of mind they’ve given hundreds of families across the island meant that Ed and I could only think of one charity we’d like the proceeds to go to. The Creative Shop in Strand Street kindly framed the shirt at their own expense and we thank them for their generosity.’

Bidding closes on the shirt on Monday at 9pm. CHF is due to hold its next heart screenings this Saturday and Sunday at the Sefton Hotel. The sessions are fully booked. For information about the charity call 460918 or email {mailto:craigsheartstrong@manx.net|craigsheartstrong(at)manx.net}.

{http://www.manxbay.com/auction_details.php?name=signed-isle-of-man-football-shirt&auction_id=20141|Link to the auction}.

{http://www.craigsheartstrongfoundation.co.uk|www.craigsheartstrongfoundation.co.uk}.

WITH cup season now in full swing, the latest Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week combines players from both Canada Life Premier League and the Cu-Plas FA Cup matches last weekend.

As a result, there is an eclectic mix of players from throughout the top flight, as well as one Division Two star.

Earning the number one jersey in the latest installment of TotW is Ramsey’s Andy Perry. The talented shot-stopper was in fine form during the northerners’ match against Rushen at Ballacloan as the hosts held the Spaniards to a 2-2 draw.

Lining up in a three-man defence is another player who featured in that match, Rushen defender Adam Cregeen. The centre-back produced a typically solid showing for the Croit Lowey side and, injury-permitting, should play some part in this weekend’s island game.

Slotting in alongside him in defence are Peel’s Marc Kelly and DHSOB’s Mark Burman. It is the second week in succession that Kelly has impressed Eric Clague’s ratings panel since returning to the island following his travels, while Burman was one of Old Boys’ stand-out performers during their cup clash with St George’s.

Geordies won that semi-final clash 3-1 after extra-time at Blackberry Lane, with Sam Caine claiming the man of the match honours to earn his place in a midfield quartet. Next to him are two goalscoring midfielders in the shape of St Johns’ Kevin Shimell and Laxey’s Chris Brown.

Shimell was on target during his side’s comfortable 3-0 win at home to relegation-threatened RYCOB, while Brown was the hero for the Miners as he struck a drmatic winner two minutes from time in the Glen Road’s 2-1 victory over Peel.

Also slotting into midfield is Gymns’ Mark Connor who played a starring role in the Tromode side’s impressive 4-3 win over Castletown, a result which puts them within touching distance of Premier League safety for yet another year.

A three-pronged attack spearheads the latest Team of the Week, with no fewer than seven goals between them.

Top scoring was the aforementioned sole JCK Division Two representative, Union Mills attacker AJ Suckling.

The Miller was in ruthless form as he netted a hat-trick during his side’s emphatic 5-0 win over Onchan in the semi-finals of the FA Cup to book a date with Geordies in the Easter Monday final.

Lining up alongside the tall forward are two strikers who are no strangers to TotW, St Mary’s Steven Priestnal and St George’s Calum Morrissey. Both netted braces in their respective matches and both could feature in this weekend’s island game.

Claiming the referee of the week honours is Colin Coole who impressed in the middle during St John’s v RYCOB.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Goalkeeper

Andy Perry (Ramsey)

Defence

Marc Kelly (Peel)

Adam Cregeen (Rushen)

Mark Burman (DHSOB)

Midfield

Sam Caine (St George’s)

Chris Brown (Laxey)

Kevin Shimell (St John’s)

Mark Connor (Gymns)

Attack

Steven Priestnal (St Mary’s)

Max Neale (Corinthians)

AJ Suckling (Union Mills)

Referee

Colin Coole (St John’s v RYCOB)

PUPILS at Fairfield School, in Douglas, have been mucking in at the community farm run by The Children’s Centre.

Every Thursday sees a group of eight children in years five and six (ages nine to 11) accompanied by a member of staff visiting the farm, on the Carnane Estate on the edge of Douglas.

Senior educational support officer Louise Blythe said the visits fitted in with the topic of healthy heroes.

‘The aim of the visits to the farm is for the children to understand where food comes from, such as the vegetables,’ she said.

‘The children are also developing practical life skills and empathy through caring for the animals on the farm.’

So far, the children have learnt about the different animals kept on the farm – the donkey, the pigs, the farm dog and the two cats – and they have learnt how to feed each animal.

They have also discussed the possibility of introducing more animals to Wallberry Farm over time.

The children have also planted flowers, which they took home, and they have also planted some vegetables to grow on the farm, including broad beans and broccoli.

Last week the children took a walk to see if they could spot any lambs on the neighbouring farm.

Pupil Alex Cain said: ‘I liked trying to spot the lambs on the other farm,

‘It was very muddy but we were allowed to play in it because we had wellies on.’

Miss Blythe said: ‘The children are thoroughly enjoying their visits to the farm and are keeping a farm diary at the farm which they fill out at the end of each visit while they have a drink and biscuit.

‘This ensures the other children know what has happened over the previous weeks.’

Katie-Louise Turley was one of the pupils who visited the farm last week.

‘I really like stroking Juan the donkey because I had never done this before,’ she said.

For classmate Geb Gardner, the highlight of his visit was seeing the pigs. He said: ‘I liked feeding the pigs. We threw potatoes, carrots and turnip for them. When we stroked them, it felt like they had hairspray on.’

The community farm was launched last year to create an environment in which children and young people can learn about caring for animals and how to grow crops.

• Order copies of this and other photos at {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/buyaphoto|www.iomtoday.co.im/buyaphoto}.

AUDITIONS for Taylorian Productions’ summer show of Evita will take place next weekend (Friday, March 31, to Monday, April 2).

The production of the famous musical about the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón will be staged in the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas between August 6 and 18.

Audition pieces and full character descriptions are now available from The Copy Shop in Bucks Road, Douglas.

To find out more about the show and to meet the director, John Cumberlidge, head to the Manx Operatic Society rehearsal studios in Finch Road, Douglas, at 7pm on Friday, March 30.

Auditions will then take place in the studios over the weekend. For more information, telephone Matthew James on 462661.