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FULL RESULTS FROM WORLD SCOTCH PIE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2012-01-05T09:17:00.001-08:00

NOTE: PHOTO GALLERY ON WWW.SCOTCHPIECLUB.CO.UK
A BUTCHER from Dumfries and Galloway has been crowned World Scotch Pie champion.
John G Renicks beat off tough competition from north and south of the Border to win the title for the first time.
The family firm from 117 Drumlanrig Street, Thornhill, has been a stalwart of the 13-year-old competition.
And the firm have had an anxious wait following the judging in Dunfermline in mid-November before finding out that they have won the big prize.
Iain Renicks helps run the busy shop with his mother Ellen and his brother James.
And the admitted to being shocked to have won the coveted prize after 13 years of trying.
The 44-year-old businessman picked up the wooden pie trophy in Dunfermline and baked 18 pies before selecting four for the judging in November.
But he would not reveal the recipe which has brought him success for the first time after being a runner-up in the first competition.
Mr Renicks dedicated the award to his late father John who started the business 25 years ago.
The part-time local radio presenter and a former chef admitted: “I use Galloway beef in our pies and I added more seasoning this time. I’d worked out that the judges like a little extra spice to the mixture.
“The seasoning was a little stronger than I would normally make for selling in the shop and I selected the best looking four from the batch of 18 to take to the judges.”
Mr Renicks, whose business is a member of the Dumfries and Galloway Savour the Flavour scheme, added: “This win could have a huge impact on a small shop like ours.
“We serve mainly domestic customers in the Nithsdale area and we do have some high-profile private clients.
“We also have a lot of passing trade as we’re on the A76 between Dumfries and Kilmarnock.
“Our job now is to market this win and make sure that people know more about us.
“I do a radio slot every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm and I’ll be doing a Scotch Pie special if the bosses allow.”
He also believes that the win will have an impact on the village and on his trade.
He currently makes around 12 dozen pies and week but expect to be a lot busier.
“We could be one of the smallest businesses entered and this is the crème-de-la-crème of awards.
“It is judged by men and women who have been in the baking and butchery trade, they know the business.
“Being judged by your peers to be the best is phenomenal and there is a huge among of credibility behind this.”
Second was Edenmill Farm Shop from Blanefield, near Stirling and third was Borders bakers, Alex Dalgetty and Sons from Galashiels.
Gold medals went to J B Houston of Dumfries, Ballard Butchers of Castle Douglas, Goodfellow of Dundee, T and R Skinner of Kippen and MacDonald Brothers of Pitlochry.
Silver medals went to MacDougal and Hastie of Inverness, McCafferty Butchers of Forth, R George (Butcher), Lhanbryde and Stuart’s of Buckhaven, Fife.
Bronze medallists were Browning’s the Bakers of Kilmarnock, The Little Bakery, Dumfries, Murdoch Brothers of Forres, Moray, who were World Champions two years ago, A and I Quality Butchers, Culloden and Nevis Bakers, Fort William.

BRIDIES:
Tom Courts of Cowdenbeath came out top in the bridie category with Davidson of Inverurie the runners-up and Ann Davidson (Butchers) of Scone third.
Gold awards went to Nicholl’s Rosebank Bakery, Dundee, D G Lindsay and Son, Perth and Ballard Butchers, Castle Douglas.
Silver awards were won by Grossett’s of Tayside, Dundee, Crombie’s of Edinburgh, Fisher and Donaldson of Cupar, Thomas Auld and Sons of Greenock and R George Butcher, Lhanbryde.
Bronze awards were won by Bruce of the Broch, Fraserburgh, Boghall Butchers of Bathgate, who are two time winners of the World Scotch Pie Championship, Scott Brothers of Dundee, Brownin’s the Bakers, Kilmarnock and William Stephen (Bakers) of Dunfermline.

SAUSAGE ROLLS:
MacDonald Brothers of Pitlochry won the sausage rolls accolade with Kassey’s Kitchen, Cowdenbeath, second.
Gold awards went to Thomas Auld and Sons, Greenock, William Stephen (Bakers) of Dunfermline, A J Learmonth of Jedburgh and Tom Courts of Cowdenbeath.
Silver awards go to Boghall Butchers of Bathgate, Goodfellow of Dundee, W T S Forsyth of Peebles, J G Ross of Inverurie and Tower Bakery, Perth.
Bronze awards were won by J M Bakery of Carnoustie, Ferguson’s of Airdrie, Ann Davidson of Scone, Davidson of Inverurie, PARS Foods of Glasgow and Scott Brothers of Dundee.

HOT SAVOURY:
MacDonald Brothers of Pitlochry won this section with the runner-up coming first time entrant Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakers from Bolton, Lancashire.
Gold awards go to MacDonald Brothers of Pitlochry, G J Sanderson, Coldstream, Trotters’ Family Baker, Seahouses, Northumberland, Boghall Butchers, Bathgate, T and R Skinner of Kippen near Stirling and Irvine’s of Beith, last year’s winner of the World Scotch Pie Championship.
Silver awards go to Hunter’s of Kinross, Bert Fowlie (Butchers) of Strichen, Reid’s Highland Fare, Invergordon, Davidson of Inverurie, Ballard Butchers of Castle Douglas, Trotter’s Family Bakery, Seahouses, T H Carson of Dalbeattie, Mearns T McCaskie of Wemyss Bay, Browning’s the Bakers of Kilmarnock.

COLD SAVOURY:
The winner of this section was Crombie’s of Edinburgh with English entrant, Trotter’s Family Bakers, Seahouses, the runner-up. A silver award went to Murdoch Brothers of Forres and a bronze to The Little Bakery, Dumfries.

VEGETARIAN SAVOURY:
Nevis Bakery of Forth William won this section with MacLean’s Highland Bakery, Forres, a former World Scotch Pie Champion, second and winners of the gold award. Trotter’s Family Bakers, Seahouses, won the silver award and The Little Bakery, Dumfries the bronze.

STEAK PIES:
The winner of this section was Calder Millerfield of Glasgow. The runner-up was Irvine’s of Beith.
Gold awards went to Kassy’s Kitchen of Cowdenbeath, William Stephen (Bakers) of Dunfermline, The Little Bakery of Castle Douglas and MacDougall and Hastie Butchers of Inverness.
Silver awards went to Ferguson’s of Airdrie, T and R Skinner of Kippen, J M Bakery of Carnoustie, D G Lindsay and Son of Perth and James Chapman (Butchers) of Wishaw.
Bronze awards went to Kelly of Cults, near Aberdeen, Browning’s the Baker of Kilmarnock, A J Learmonth of Jedburgh, Stuart’s of Buckhaven and Scott Brothers of Dundee.

FISH PIES:
Boghal Butchers of Bathgate won the section with a medley of seafood pie. The gold award went to Bruce of the Broch, Fraserburgh, with their smoked haddock pie, the silver to Nevis Bakery of Fort William with a cheesy haddock pie and the bronze award to Thomas Auld and Sons of Greenock with a tune bake.

BEST OVERALL SAVOURY PRODUCT and winners of the MacLean Cup were Boghall Butchers of Bathgate with their medley of seafood pie.

TOP TALENT AT INAUGURAL INDOOR CUP

2012-01-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

THE inaugural Richard Docherty Indoor Cup being staged in Edinburgh this weekend has just recruited another world-class name.
Dutch master Taeke Taekema replaces Rodrigo Garza in the Dutch select Team. Taekema, 31, won a silver medal in the Athens Olympics and scored a record 16 goals, including a double-hat-trick in the semi-final against Belgium, in the 2007 EuroHockey Nations Championships.
He was also joint top scorer in the 2010 World Cup and the drag flick specialist plays for Amsterdamsche Hockey and Bandy Club in Amsterdam.
Among the other star names jetting in are Olympic gold medallists and World Cup winners Taco Van Der Honer and Floris Jan Bovelander, plus Phillip Witte, a German Internationalist and a Beijing Olympic gold medallist.
Nick Meijer, a Dutch Internationalist with over 60 caps, Geert Jan Derikx, an Olympic silver medallist, and Max Caldas, a coach to the Dutch women’s team and a double Olympian for Argentina, plus Jimi Lewis, who played for Britain in the 2004 Athens Olympics, will also parade their skills.
Scottish international forward Kenny Bain, who now plays in Holland but was formerly with Scottish champions Kelburne, will make a guest appearance for German stars Grossflottbeker.
Edinburgh-born but Dutch-based Laurence Docherty has helped arrange the tournament in honour of his late brother.
Richard died in June 2010 aged 27 and Laurence, one of Scotland’s best ever players, said: “The Dutch team is purely created in Richard's memory.
“They are not preparing for anything. For most of the guys this is actually the one weekend they get off before the Olympics and they have given it up to come and participate in this.
“Grossflottbeker are using this weekend to bridge the gap of the Christmas break in the German Bundesliga.”
Docherty, who played for Holland in the Beijing Olympics, added: “This is a friendly tournament but the hockey will be of the highest standard.
“You have Inverleith, the Scottish champions, who are a club preparing of EuroHockey Indoor Championships, B Division, which will be held in Edinburgh in Feburary.
“Wales and Scotland are building-up to the EuroHockey Indoor Championship and the Germans have a reputation to uphold within indoor hockey. The Dutch are representing Richard who will want to do his name and legacy proud.
“Realistically, the German and Dutch teams will most likely lead the way. German indoor is the strongest in the world by a long, long way and the talent on show for the Dutch will make them incredibly difficult to beat.”
Docherty added: “The interest for this event has been huge and the quality of players willing to travel to compete shows this.
“We’ve been overwhelmed at the support we’ve had. The fact we only have 100 of the 1,500 tickets left is just incredible. It is very uplifting that the hockey community in Scotland want to remember Richard.”

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR WEEKEND HOCKEY SPECTACULAR

2012-01-02T13:43:00.001-08:00

Tickets are still available at RDIndoorCup@hotmail.co.uk for the qualifying rounds of the inaugural Richard Docherty Cup at Edinburgh’s Napier University on Saturday and Sunday.
Six top teams, including one from Germany and another from Holland, will contest the event on January 7 and 8.
Grossflottbecker THGC from Hamburg and HC RGD, a quality side featuring all-time Dutch greats and put together by Richard’s older brother Laurence, are involved along with Welsh combine Celtic Panthers and Highland Jaguars from Scotland.
Scottish indoor champions Inverleith from Edinburgh and Grove Menzieshill, who were runners-up in Scotland last season, complete the line-up at Edinburgh Napier University’s new Engage Sports Centre.
Free coaching seminars are also scheduled during the weekend which also features a sold-out black tie gala dinner, in conjunction with Diabetes UK Scotland.
The tournament will showcase the talents of players with a combined total of over 1,500 international caps and 40 international medals plus world and Olympic champions.
Among them will be all-time Dutch greats Taco Van Der Honert and Floris Jan Bovelander, triple Spanish Olympian Rodrigo Garza and the German combine will boast a number of the gold medal winning German side from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

COUGARS AND WANDERERS COME OUT ON TOP

2011-12-31T02:45:00.002-08:00

Grove Menzieshill Invitational Indoor Hockey Tournament: men: final: Inverleith 3, Caledonian Cougars 5; women: final: Dundee Wanderers 7, Scotland 6 (after penalties).
GARY Cameron scored late-on to slam the door shut on Scottish Indoor champions Inverleith in the final of the Grove Menzieshill Invitational Indoor hockey tournament (sponsored by Intervention Rentals) at Dundee.
The Grange star’s strike edged Caledonian Cougars 5-3 ahead and there was no way back for the Edinburgh combine.
Cameron is one of the hopefuls looking for selection for the EuroHockey Indoor Championship 11 in Ligano, Italy, from January 13-15.
The decision on the travelling 12 will be made over the New Year weekend and in the tournament Scotland face the hosts, Sweden and Ukraine in their qualifying pool.
Yesterday, Scotland bosses bolstered the Cougars team with several key players but Inverleith held them at 2-2 at the break.
Cougars edged ahead at 4-3 and as the Edinburgh side pushed for a leveller Cameron struck to hand victory to Cougars who beat the Edinburgh side 6-5 in the tournament qualifiers on Thursday night, after holding a 4-0 lead.
Chris Grassick netted a double for Inverleith with Stephen Dick scoring a single while Chris Wilson, Alan Law, Gareth Hall, Michael Ross and Cameron scored for Cougars.
Stuart Neave, Inverleith’s coach, said: “We’re a little disappointed by five games in three days is ideal preparation for us as we look to build for Europe.”
Inverleith represent Scotland at the EuroHockey Indoor Championship, B Division, in Edinburgh’s Napier University from February 17-19.
Neave added: “This tournament has kept the boys sharp over the holiday period and we’ve got people to come back in who were not available for this event.
“We’re still developing as a squad and playing this tournament against quality opposition has benefited us greatly.”
Highland Jaguars, like Cougars made up of players from the Scotland pool, edged hosts Grove Menzieshill 3-2 to come third.
WOMEN: SAM Sangster kept her cool to net the winner as Dundee Wanderers annexed the Grove Menzieshill Invitational Indoor Tournament at Dundee.
Sangster, who has been a key player throughout the three-day event, scored two goals in normal time in a high tempo final against Scotland.
Vikki Bunce, who is part of the Great Britain Olympic squad, was also influential and scored a double in regulation time.
This was Scotland’s last competitive outing until the EuroHockey Indoor Championship II and they bounced back from a 4-2 deficit to lead 5-4 at The Dundee International Sports Centre (DISC).
Wanderers scored a late goal to level at 5-5 and take the tight tussle to penalties.
Gordon Shepherd, Scotland’s coach, said: “We should have won it from 5-4 and we had loads of chances but I’m happy with the performance.”
The squad will now have intensive training sessions before flying to Slagelse, Denmark, for the European event from January 20-22 where they will meet Switzerland, Denmark and France in their qualifying pool.
Glasgow-based but Dundee-born Shepherd said: “We’ve had seven games in three days, winning six of them and drawing the other before losing on penalties.
“We haven’t suffered any injuries and this tournament has been good for us in the build-up to Europe.”

JORGENSEN DOUBLE SHOOTS DOWN STARS

2011-12-31T02:45:00.001-08:00

Elite League: Braehead Clan 5, Dundee CCS Stars 4.
DEFENCEMAN James Jorgensen bagged a glory double as Braehead Clan claimed their 15th win of the season by edging Scottish rivals Dundee CCS Stars 5-4 in Glasgow.
Four of the home side’s goals came on the power play as Dundee hit penalty trouble.
And the turning point was a two goals two third period minutes burst, both when Dundee had a man in the sin bin, which sealed the points in a tight game.
Clan, who produced one of the biggest shocks of the season so far with a 4-1 road win at long-time league pace-setters, Belfast Giants, on Tuesday, had to come from behind.
Mike Bayrack with two assists and skipper Jordan Krestanovich with three were the architects of the turnaround.
Earlier, Stars silenced home fans when they powered to a 2-0 lead with two goals in 46 seconds.
Fife-born Lee Mitchell opened the Tayside team’s account with his fifth of the season after 12 minutes with Great Britain forward Jeff Hutchins and Dan McGeoff involved in the build-up.
And Jarrett Konkle (cor) doubled the advantage with his 12th of the campaign when Brennan Turner provided a pass to score.
Clan were not to be denied and in-form Brock McPherson made it 2-1 in the 24th minute with player/coach Drew Bannister supplying the ammunition.
And Jade Galbraith’s 15th of the season following good work from Bayrack and Krestanovich levelled at 2-2 on the power play at 25min 50sec.
Jorgensen opened his account with Clan’s third four minutes into the final period when Dundee again hit penalty trouble.
Dundee defenceman Alan Mazur assisted by Konkle levelled four minutes later and the sides were deadlocked until the 54th minute.
Campbell counted and then Jorgensen netted his second to make it 5-3 before Fife-born Gary Wishart scored a consolation fourth in the 58th minute with skipper A J MacLean (cor) and Chris Zarb assisting.
Charlie Ward, Stars’ director, said: “I’m gutted for the guys. They’ve worked really hard in training this week and put a lot into this game.
“Let’s hope our luck will turn soon but the guys are giving their all to turn this season around.”

INVERLEITH IN GROVE FINAL

2011-12-30T05:39:00.001-08:00

Grove Menzieshill Invitational Tournament: men: Inverleith 5, Highland Jaguars 2; Inverleith 5, Caledonian Cougars 6; Grove Menzieshill 0, Highland Jaguars 5; Wales 2, Highland Jaguars 3; Caledonian Cougars 8, Wales 2.
Ladies: Dundee Wanderers 8, Scotland under-21 1; USA 8, Wales 7; Scotland Under-21 2, Scotland 3; Grove Menzieshill 0, USA 3; Wales 3, USA under-21 4; USA 4, USA under-21 4 (all at DISC, Dundee).
INVERLEITH have to overturn Caledonian Cougars in today’s (FRI, 4pm) final if they want to add the Grove Menzieshill Invitational Tournament to their honours board.
Razor-sharp Scottish international Chris Grassick took his goal tally to 12 goals in four games but the Scottish indoor champions still slipped to a 6-5 defeat to Cougars, made up of half of the Scotland indoor squad, late last night (THURS) in Dundee.
The Edinburgh-born Surbiton star also scored a double in a 5-2 victory over Highland Jaguars, a side made up of the other half of the Scotland indoor squad who are preparing for the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championship II in Italy from January 13-15.
Stuart Neave, Inverleith’s coach, was disappointed in the narrow defeat and said: “We did things we’ve not been doing and tried to do too much and we found ourselves 4-0 down at one stage in the first-half.
“It was 4-1 at half-time and we got it to 5-5 before Cougars scored (through Michael Ross) just before the hooter.
“That was our first defeat in four games in this event and we had plenty of chances, but the boys are not happy.
“We have to re-focus for Friday and we know we’re playing some of Scotland’s best players so it will be tough.”
Fife-born Stephen Dick, who appeared in the Great Britain side at the Beijing Olympics, also scored a double while Commonwealth Games midfielder Derek Salmond netted Inverleith’s other strike.
In the earlier tie against Jaguars, Grassick netted two with Dick, Salmond and emerging talent Ross Jamieson also scoring.
The margin could have been greater if Fife-born goalkeeper Allan Dick, who plays for Inverleith in the domestic indoor competition and is Stephen Dick’s older brother, not been on form.
Neave added: “We went 2-0 down and I made one or two minor adjustments. Then we went to work.
“Allan (Dick) was outstanding and in all honesty it could have been more had it not been for him.
“This was a good win against a previously unbeaten team. It is a major achievement to make the final .”

CLAN SHOCK LEAGUE PACE-SETTERS ON THE ROAD

2011-12-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

Elite League: Belfast Giants 1, Braehead Clan 4.
FINNISH hot-stop Jaakko Suomalainen was a hero as brave Braehead Clan bounced back from a heavy home defeat to shock Belfast Giants, the long-time Elite League pace-setters.
The Scots, beaten 7-2 on their own ice by title-chasing Belfast on Boxing Day, were heavily outshot but still powered to a 4-0 lead after 49 minutes thanks to their red-hot, 33-year-old, Helsinki-born netminder.
Belfast pulled one back late-on but it was too little too late as Braehead snapped a three game losing streak with a confidence-boosting 4-1 road win.
It was Clan’s 14th win in 28 games but the defeat was only the seventh suffered by the Northern Irish combine in 30 games.
Brock McPherson’s 17th of the season, with player/coach Drew Bannister providing the pass, put Clan 1-0 ahead after 17 minutes.
And the home crowd were stunned when Ryan Campbell made it 2-0 only 1min 5sec into the middle session with a penalty shot.
Braehead moved to a 3-0 lead after 44 minutes when Mike Bayrack slotted home.
And Clan netted their fourth through Bayrack five minutes later to silence home fans.
Belfast collected a consolation goal less than six minutes from time when Craig Peacock netted but this is a massive blow to their hopes of winning the Elite League title.

HAMILTON BOOSTS FIFE/CAPITALS HIT BY LATE SURGE

2011-12-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

Elite League: Fife Flyers 2, Dundee CCS Stars 1; Edinburgh Capitals 3, Cardiff Devils 5.
MIKE Hamilton’s 15th goal of the season provided a major boost for bottom club Fife Flyers but shattered their arch rivals Dundee CCS Stars.
The 28-year-old from British Columbia struck less than three minutes from the end of the opening period.
And the former draft pick for National Hockey League side Atlanta Thrashers teed-up the Kirkcaldy club’s third win of the season in 26 outings.
Fife held out to the end of a tense game and the welcome victory snapped a five-game losing streak and takes Flyers on to ten points, only two behind second-bottom Dundee and Fife have a game in hand.
It started well for the home club when Scottish-born defenceman Willie Nicholson opened the scoring with his first of the season after eight minutes.
But just over two minutes later Dundee defenceman Alan Mazur levelled with his fourth of the campaign on the power play.
Determined Fife edged ahead for the second time when top points gatherer, Hamilton, made it 2-1 in the 18th minute.
At Murrayfield, Cardiff Devils came from behind, firing four goals in eight, sensational third period minutes, to win 5-3.
Earlier, Scott Dobben fired Cardiff Devils ahead after 27 minutes but Dumfries-born Bari McKenzie levelled five minutes later.
And a double from Rene Jarolin in 1min 52sec of the third period as Devils hit penalty trouble, looked to have sealed the game and snapped a five game losing run for the home side.
But Devils hit back with two quick goals. Mark Richardson netted on the power play in the 52nd minute and feisty Brad Voth levelled four minutes later.
And Devils continued to surge forward. They were rewarded when Stuart MacRae (cor) put them ahead with less than two minutes left and left winger Ben Davies’ fifth of the season secured the points and a fifth straight victory with 48 seconds left.

VIKKI ON TRACK FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

2011-12-24T03:59:00.000-08:00

WHILE you are relaxing on Christmas Day spare a thought for Scots Olympic field hockey hopeful Vikki Bunce.
The Tayside-based, mum-of-one will watch three-year-old Oscar open his presents and then don her tracksuit for a gruelling training session on her own.
She has a fitness programme and then a long run to complete before she can shower and relax.
And she has the same tough package to go through on New Year’s Day.
The highly-talented Dundee Wanderers midfielder has just returned from a victorious five-Test whitewash over America in San Diego, California.
And the 28-year-old, who is the only mum in Great Britain’s field hockey squad, is due to jet to Spain for a training camp on January 4.
Then she faces a long-haul flight to Argentina for a Four Nations Tournament against hosts Argentina, Commonwealth silver medallists New Zealand and Korea from January 18-22.
This is Bunce’s third attempt to make the Olympic Games and she was travelling reserve for the qualifying tournament for the Athens Games. Britain failed to qualify.
Then, four years later in Beijing, she made the last 26 before being eliminated.
Bunce said: “Only 22 are travelling to Argentina so I suppose I’m getting closer. It’s always been my dream to play in the Olympics. I used to think about it when I was a wee girl at primary school.”
Bunce actually thought her Olympic hopes had slipped away. Her previous caps came in 2007 in South Africa then came Oscar.
She revealed: “Playing for Great Britain in San Diego was the first time four four years that I’ve played for my country.
“After Oscar was born I went back to playing and was enjoying playing for Wanderers and Scotland. Then I got a phone call from Danny (Kerry, Britain’s head coach) and here I am.
“I played in three of the five games in San Diego and I scored two goals in the final game. We’re all suffering from jet-leg since getting home and I know I have another long flight to Argentina to come, but it will all be worth it if I make the team.
“It’s getting closer every day. Every time you go on the pitch it is another step on the way, but the competition is fierce.
“However, I’ve always wanted to play at this level.”
The bubbly midfielder said: “We’ve been given a tough training schedule over the holidays until we go to Spain in January and that includes hard work-outs on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
“So if you see somebody pounding the streets of Dundee in a white tracksuit on Christmas morning you know who it is.
“And I won’t be indulging at New Year as I know what I’ve got to do.”

STARTS GO DOWN FIGHTING

2011-12-24T03:58:00.000-08:00

Ice Hockey fans were treated to a pulsating 60 minutes of action last night at the Dundee Ice Arena when Dundee CCS Stars took on the Nottingham Panthers in an Elite League fixture, writes Dundee's webmaster.

Things didn’t start to brightly for the home side when Brock Wilson put Panthers ahead when a long range from just inside the blue line found it‘s way past Chris Whitley in the home goal.

Myers doubled the lead for the Nottingham men in the 14th minute and at this point were out-shooting the home side by three to one.

The second period started with the Stars committed to reducing the deficit as their noisy fans got behind them. Their encouragement was rewarded mid way through the period when Brennan Turner scrambled home the puck after great lead up play by player coach Brent Hughes and the industrious Lee Mitchell.

The roof almost lifted from the DIA when centre ice Jarrett Konkle sent a raking slap up high into the net past a despairing Kowalski in the Panthers cage to tie the score at 2-2.

With the Stars in the ascendancy lady luck was to play a cruel blow three minutes later when the Stars defence received the cruellest of luck when several deflection in their defensive zone saw the puck land nicely on the stick of Beauregard who gratefully knocked it past the helpless Whitley in the home net.

Worse was to come when Panthers winger David Clarke gave the visitors back their two-goal advantage after another scramble in front of the Stars net.

At this point the Stars players could have been forgiven for letting their heads go down as they certainly weren’t getting the breaks in what was now an to end enthralling encounter.

The Stars continued to take the game to the Panthers in the third period and were back in the game when Konkle scored his second eight minutes into the period with a neat bit of stick work that left him with room to squeeze home the Stars third counter.

However once again the home fans joy was short lived as the razor sharp offensive unit of the visitors took their lead back to two within two minutes with a slick counter from Robert Lachowicz that momentarily silenced the home crowd.

Stars continued to dig deep and with a minute left on the clock Jarrett Konkle tipped in a Brent Hughes slap shot to take the crowd to their feet once again and they would remain standing for the final minute as the Stars lifted their netminder Chris Whitley for the extra skater. Time after time the Panthers somehow survived as the home men laid siege to the Nottingham goal and with the seconds ticking down only a four deep defensive blockade prevented the Stars securing that well deserved equaliser.

As so often happens when a team has left their net unattended in an attempt to salvage something from the game the puck broke to the ever-alert David Clarke who fired into the Stars empty cage with 1 second left on the clock leaving the Nottingham men with that two goal cushion that they hardly warranted.

A 6-4 defeat was hard to take and with the level of commitment that Bret Hughes’s charges showed in this Christmas Cracker of a game they will go into Monday night’s encounter with Edinburgh Capitals confident that they can start to put much needed points on the table.

Fans are reminded that the Face of for the game on Boxing Day v Edinburgh Capitals is the earlier midweek time of 6.30 pm.

They then head off to Kirkcaldy the following evening to face the Fife Flyers with a 6.00 pm face off.

If these two encounters get anywhere near the excitement level of the Nottingham game the fans are in for a festive Ice Hockey feast.

GB PICK FOUR SCOTS: HARTMANN SECURES FUTURE

2011-12-23T03:52:00.002-08:00

FIELD HOCKEY: Great Britain picked several Scots for two major field hockey tournaments as the build-up for the London Olympics intensifies.
Forward Laura Bartlett and her Reading team-mate Emily Maguire, who plays in defence, are named along with goalkeeper Abi Walker (Canterbury) and midfielder Vikki Bunce (Dundee Wanderers) for a Four Nations Tournament in Cordoba.
They play hosts Argentina, Commonwealth silver medallists New Zealand and Korea from January 18 to 22.
Bartlett, Maguire and Walker are also be in the squad for the FIH Champions Trophy in Rosario, Argentina, from January 28 to February 5 while Bunce returns home.
The announcement of the two squads follows a 5-0 series victory over fellow Olympic qualifiers the USA in San Diego last week.
ICE HOCKEY: Edinburgh Capitals have agreed terms to keep Slovakian forward Richard Hartmann as player coach for the 2012/13 season.
Matthew Tailford, the Elite League club’s general manager, said: "We all have great confidence in what Richard can achieve and I hope the fans of Edinburgh Capitals will back this move by providing strong support for Richard and the team into the rest of the 2011/12 season."

RICHARD DOCHERTY INDOOR TOURNAMENT UPDATE

2011-12-23T03:52:00.001-08:00

THE inaugural Richard Docherty Indoor Cup in Edinburgh has generated considerable interest and time is running out for fans to apply for tickets.
Six top teams, including one from Germany and another from Holland, will contest the event in January.
Grossflottbecker THGC from Hamburg and HC RGD, a quality side featuring all-time Dutch greats and put together by Richard’s older brother Laurence (cor), are involved along with Welsh combine Celtic Panthers and Highland Jaguars from Scotland.
Scottish indoor champions Inverleith from Edinburgh and Grove Menzieshill, who were runners-up in Scotland last season, complete the line-up at Edinburgh Napier University’s new Engage Sports Centre on Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8.
Free coaching seminars are also scheduled during the weekend which also features a black tie gala dinner, in conjunction with Diabetes UK Scotland, which is already sold-out. Scottish Rugby great Scott Hastings is the headline attraction.
The tournament will showcase the talents of players with a combined total of over 1,500 international caps and 40 international medals plus world and Olympic champions.
Among them will be all-time Dutch greats Taco Van Der Honert and Floris Jan Bovelander, triple Spanish Olympian Rodrigo Garza and the German combine will boast a number of the gold medal winning German side from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Highland Jaguars will be made up of the Scotland squad who will be in their final preparations for the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Trophy.
Graham Stuart, the event organiser, said: “To allow as many people as possible access to this event, and the opportunity to see the vast array of current and past world hockey superstars on show, the tournament has been split into a number of two game sessions each day.
“There are a minimum of 250 free tickets available for each session. Individuals are permitted to apply for up to six tickets per session and for as many sessions as they wish, although it must be made clear that priority will be given to applications for specific individual sessions over applications for multiple/numerous sessions.
“Tickets will be allocated on a first come first serve basis so apply quickly to ensure you do not miss out. Applicants will be informed of which tickets they are being allocated via e-mail by Friday, December 30, 2011 at the very latest.
“In addition there will also be, meet-and-greet sessions in-between games where you can ask your favourite player questions as well as getting autographs and photographs.”
Stuart added: “Richard died on June 27, 2010 aged 27. He was a charismatic and talented member of the Scottish hockey community. His memory must never be forgotten and therefore an indoor hockey tournament supporting Diabetes UK Scotland was seen as suitable and fitting way to do that.
“Over the last 18 months Inverleith Hockey Club has worked alongside Richard’s family to create this event and this is a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish hockey community to see some of the world’s greatest players both past and present.”

BANDITS SIGN BARNFIELD

2011-12-23T03:50:00.000-08:00

BERWICK Bandits have completed their line-up by signing Aussie racer Brenton Barnfield.
The 18-year-old travelled to the UK at his own expense last June to ride as an amateur for Berwick’s Northern Junior League team.
He won every race and the rising star from Mildura also rode at several other British tracks to get as much practice time as possible on different circuits.
Berwick now boast the youngest team in their 44-year history with an average age of 22. Skipper Lee Complin is the old man at 27.
John Anderson, Bandits’ director, revealed that Barnfield was originally brought the club’s notice by one-time Bandit Troy Scott.
And Bandits also received help with the signing from Newcastle Diamonds’ racer Mark Lemon, a near-neighbour of the Barnfield family.
Anderson added: “It won’t be easy for him (Branfield), as he’ll have to start out in the main body of the team.
“We’ll take that into consideration and give him every opportunity to learn the cold hard facts of British speedway life in this first of what we hope will be many seasons at this club.”

DETAILS OF GROVE FESTIVE INDOOR TOURNAMENT

2011-12-22T01:06:00.000-08:00

This year the Grove Menzieshill Indoor Tournament (sponsored by Montrose based Intervention Rentals who specialise in supporting the North Sea Oil sector in the local area) will take place at Dundee International Sports Centre on 28th, 29th and 30th December, WRITES KERR THOMSON.

Local interest includes Grove Menzieshill, VWS Wanderers and Inverleith - travelling teams comprise Wales and USA as well as those representing Scotland at U21 and Senior level. (Full match schedule avaiable on this link - http://grovemenzieshill.com/?page_id=919).
Action starts on Wednesday 28th at 9.30am and will continue until the finals on Friday 30th at 4pm followed by a presentation to the winning teams by Directors of main sponsor Intervention Rentals.
Current leaders of the ladies Scottish indoor league VWS Wanderers will face up to the challenge of USA Ladies in the first game of the tournament which will provide them with top level competition prior to the second half of the season and their build up to European action in February.
Mens’ league leaders Grove Menzieshill will be looking to build on their recent league wins and establish themselves as favourites to lift the Scottish title when games resume in January.
This event which is also being supported by Scottish Hockey promises to be action packed and will provide an opportunity for the younger generation of hockey players compete alongside those already well established in the sport.
Entry and parking is free and refreshments available throughout the tournament.

CAPITALS AND CLAN GO DOWN ON ROAD

2011-12-22T01:05:00.000-08:00

Elite League: Hull Stingrays 5, Edinburgh Capitals 1.
JEREME Tendler claimed a glory double as Edinburgh Capitals lost their third straight game.
Three late Hull Stingrays goals between the 54th and 58th minutes ended the contest.
But the welcome win snapped a seven game losing streak for the Humberside team.
And it takes eighth-placed Hull to 18 points, only five behind Edinburgh who are seventh in the ten strong Elite League.
Earlier, Tendler fired Hull ahead, despite one of their players sitting in the sin bin, in the sixth minute.
Capitals levelled ten minutes later through Jiri Hanzal but former Edinburgh hit-man Jason Silverthorn put the home side ahead for the second time three minutes into the second period.
The scoreline stayed the same until Tendler netted No 3 after 54 minute,
Dominic Osman claimed the home side’s fourth three minutes later and player/coach Sylvain Cloutier completed the scoring in the 58th minute.
Elite League: Coventry Blaze 5, Braehead Clan 1.
BRAEHEAD Clan slipped to their 12th defeat in 25 Elite League games when they lost 5-1 at fourth-placed Coventry Blaze.
Jordan Krestanovich netted after two minutes but in-form Blaze powered to their sixth straight win with five unanswered goals.
Sixth-placed Clan were still in the game at 2-1 at the end of the second period but a second game in successive nights on the road took its toll.

SITERA FOR BERWICK

2011-12-18T03:01:00.000-08:00

BERWICK have snapped up Czech Republic star Filip Sitera on loan from Elite League King’s Lynn.
The 23-year-old will race at Premier League level for the first time with the Bandits also confirming that Swedish duo Linus Eklof and Ludvig Lindgren will not be part of their 2012 line-up.
Manager Ian Rae said: “Filip comes to us with a pretty good record so far. I think we’re lucky to attract such a class act, especially on a confirmed average of only 5.15.
“The team will be refreshed from here on in. But with over three months to go until our opening night, I would assure our fans we won’t be stampeded into any panic-buying.”

INDOOR HOCKEY RESULTS: 17.12.2011

2011-12-18T02:59:00.000-08:00

SCOTTISH Indoor League: Division One (men) Clydesdale 7, Western 12; Grove Menzieshill 11, Edinburgh 1; Grange 6, Dundee Wanderers 6; Inverleith 10, Kelburne 2; Edinburgh 5, Clydesdale 5; Western 4, Grove Menzieshill 11; Dundee Wanderers 2, Inverleith 4; Kelburne 4, Grange 8; Clydesdale 5, Inverleith 10; Edinburgh 3, Dundee Wanderers 9 (all at Perth).

TITLE RACE IS OVER: GRANGE

2011-11-16T05:10:00.000-08:00

GRANGE playcaller Colin Clarke conceded that he was in a dogfight with city rivals Inverleith and rejuvenated Western for second place in Division One.
The admission follows defeat by defending champions Kelburne at Peffermill.
And Clarke admitted: “We didn’t play anywhere like the same level we have been, but Kelburne were excellent.
“The result proves there is a still a gulf between us and Kelburne and they will win the league. We’ve playing for second place.”
The victory came only seven days after Kelburne hammered Inverleith 9-1 at Stirling.
And the defending champions have now scored 65 goals and lost six to enjoy an eight-point lead in their bid to win the domestic title for the eighth year running.
Razor-sharp Johnny Christie claimed a double as Division One pace-setters Kelburne coasted to their ninth-straight victory.
Christie is in prime scoring form having scored two against Inverleith to take his tally to 15 and draw level with team-mate Alan Forsyth at the top of the club’s goal-scoring charts.
The 28-year-old construction firm buyer said: “I’m obviously happy with my form and the guys are playing really well. We’re scoring goals and we’re strong at the back with Willie (Marshall) and Ralphie (Mark Ralph) and strong in midfield with Michael (Bremner) playing well. The league is ours to lose.”
Kelburne quickly adjusted to Grange’s more aggressive tactics but set-piece expert Josh Cairns slotted home from their first penalty corner after 11 minutes.
The defending champions dominated but, in a rare breakaway, Grange forced a penalty stroke in 17 minutes only to see Scottish international goalkeeper Mark Fulton save from normally reliable Robert Barr.
That could have changed the game but Michael Bremner’s wonder solo goal after 25 minutes saw to that. The 19-year-old Scottish international picked up the ball in his own third, waltzed past three opposition players before releasing it to Ross McIntyre lying open on his right.
Bremner ghosted to the edge of the D and received a return ball which was dispatched first-time into the bottom left hand corner.
Gareth Hall made it 3-0 two minutes into the second-half via a deflection with Christie’s double coming in the 48th and 33rd minutes.