Can Speedworks Motorsport give a home crowd something to cheer?

A Northwich team, Speedworks, has reason to get giddy ahead of the British Touring Car Championship’s visit to Oulton Park.

Their driver, Tom Ingram, has amassed more points than anybody else during the preceding three rounds, and heads defending champion Gordon Shedden in the standings.

No independent outfit has done better than Speedworks, which is owned and run by husband and wife duo Christian and Amy Dick.

Now in their seventh campaign as a contender, they have a car and driver that many feel can challenge for overall championship honours.

A half-hour qualifying session on Saturday will be followed by three sprint races on Sunday at the Little Budworth circuit, where a huge crowd – more than 40,000 spectators are expected – will watch the action unfold.

Northwich Guardian:

Speedworks Motorsport driver Tom Ingram leads his rivals for the British Touring Car Championship title ahead of the Northwich team's home round at Oulton Park this weekend. Picture: Matt Sayle Photography

Northwich on an international tip

Beth Willford-Dutton, a teenage sculler at Northwich Rowing Club, has been selected by Great Britain for this weekend’s European Rowing Junior Championships in Krefeld.

The Sir John Deane’s College student will race a women’s double scull with Lucy Edmunds (York City RC), with the duo returning to Germany a fortnight after competing at the prestigious Munich International Regatta.

It is a latest step on a journey the 18-year-old, who made a winning debut in her country’s colours at the Coupe de la Jeunesse last year, hopes will conclude at the World Junior Championships in August.

“Beth will gain invaluable experience [at the Europeans],” said Rachel Hooper, her coach at Northwich.

“Finding a balance between being a full-time athlete and keeping on top of her studies is incredibly challenging, but her determination to succeed is evident.”

Northwich Guardian:

Northwich Rowing Club's Beth Willford-Dutton is part of a Great Britain women's double scull for this weekend's European Rowing Junior Championships in Germany. Picture: Paul Heaps

Targeting a title as Cheshire’s finest

A HUGE field, including the finest players in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association, will assemble at Owley Wood on Saturday afternoon.

Their aim is to secure one of eight places up for grabs at next month’s Cheshire Senior Merit in Urmston.

Glynn Cookson, who was crowned county champion for a fifth time last year, is among them.

The Wharton Cons star went on to reach the semi-finals of the British Crown Green Bowling Association’s Senior Merit – referred to affectionately by bowlers as the All England Championships – too.

A total of 32 men have put their names forward, including former Merit winners Tom Vickers (Wharton Cons), Steve Morrey (Castle), Jason Cornes (Castle) and John Gurney (Comberbach)

Play starts at 1pm across two greens at the Weaverham venue.

Northwich Guardian:

Glynn Cookson, left, won the Cheshire Senior Merit for a fifth time last season. The Winsford bowler is among a 32-man entry for a qualifier at Owley Wood ahead of the 2017 edition at Urmston next month

Can Rudheath get themselves out of a scrape?

Rudheath Social, who have played in the Cheshire Football League’s top-flight for the past four seasons, risk losing their place.

A 3-2 defeat at home to Rylands in midweek leaves them inside the Premier Division’s drop zone ahead of their final fixture of the campaign against Garswood this afternoon.

They must avoid defeat to trade places with Styal, with whom they are level on points but with an inferior goal-difference.

A team managed by Graham Egerton and Ben Smith have lost five of their past six league games, including a head-to-head with their direct rivals at Lostock Gralam’s Park Stadium earlier this month.

Their guests later, champions as recently as 2014, have already been demoted.

Kick off is at 3pm.

Northwich Guardian:

Rudheath Social, victors in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Challenge Cup final against Middlewich Town last month, must avoid a defeat against already-relegated Garswood to ensure they will play again in the Cheshire League's top flight next season

Which of our cricket clubs needs a stirring Saturday?

Weaverham head to Bollington in the Cheshire County League’s second tier seeking to rise from the bottom of the table.

The Russets have endured a testing opening month, losing three of their four games to date.

In the same section, Davenham could take over top spot if they see off Sale at Butcher’s Stile.

Neighbours Northwich have yet to register a victory either in Division Two, although their position is more solid thanks to three draws.

Stockport are their guests at Moss Farm.

Middlewich, relegated in each of the past two seasons, prop up their rivals in the Cheshire League’s first division.

They seek to change scenario that when they visit Ashton on Mersey.

In Division Two, Kingsley are hoping to celebrate a fifth successive win when they host Poynton.

Northwich Guardian:

Chris Hornby and his Davenham teammates could rise to the Cheshire County League Division One summit if they see off Sale at Butcher's Stile this afternoon. Picture: Paul Heaps